LIFT-New York Parent Member Blanca Mateo graciously facilitated our first member-led workshop this week. Blanca guided a bilingual group of parents attendees in a “Taller de Manualidades,” or “Do It Yourself” crafting workshop.
After sharing personal visions and experiences around creativity, our parents designed and decorated household items using recycled materials. With salsa romántica (salsa music) playing in the background, parents discussed other money-saving workshops that they wanted to hold. The parents agreed that they would like to learn how to measure and sew clothing (corte confección) in a future workshop, and a few signed up for an entrepreneurship training that LIFT-New York hopes to hold later this season.
Talleres (or workshops) in Spanish speaking communities have historically been a way to work collectively, build a bond, and provide a platform for women’s voices to be elevated. LIFT believes that strong social connections are key to unlocking the full potential of families and achieving economic mobility. We’re proud to be able to provide Blanca with a platform to teach her skills to other parents, and to bring Bronx families together!