1. Staying Safe While Serving: Guidance for Recruitment

Thank you for the extraordinary dedication and compassion you bring to your work with migrant families. The recruitment role can be both rewarding and challenging— especially in times of uncertainty and heightened risk.

Whether navigating concerns related to immigration enforcement or environmental hazards like wildfires, work in the field may feel more complex and emotionally demanding. Please know that your efforts are deeply valued, and your safety and well-being are a top priority.

Please consider the following individual and program-level safety recommendations: 

Personal Safety Tips for Recruiters 

• Know your own status and rights. Be aware of your immigration status and any potential vulnerabilities. If you have questions, consider consulting with a trusted legal resource.
• Carry identification. Keep your passport or other relevant documentation with you when in the field.
• Stay connected. Let someone know where you’re going before you head out. Use location-sharing features on your phone with trusted family members, friends, or colleagues.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe or uncertain, prioritize your safety and leave the area.

Environmental Safety: Wildfire Awareness 

• Check air quality and fire alerts. Before heading out, monitor local air quality and wildfire conditions using trusted sources like AirNow.gov or local emergency alerts.
• Have a go-bag ready. Keep basic supplies in your vehicle, including water, masks, a flashlight, and a phone charger.
• Know your exits. Be aware of multiple routes in and out of rural areas in case of sudden fire activity.
• Avoid high-risk areas. If wildfire danger is elevated, consider postponing field visits or switching to remote outreach.

Program-Level Recommendations

• Develop a response plan. Each program should have a clear plan in place for how to respond to immigration enforcement activities. This includes:
  • Protocols for incidents at or near summer school sites, bus stops, or employment locations such as farms.
  • Communication strategies to inform staff and families quickly and safely.
  • Coordination with local legal aid organizations or advocacy groups for support and guidance.
• Consider virtual or phone-based recruitment options. While in-person recruitment is preferred and recommended, local programs are encouraged to make accommodations as needed to ensure staff safety and well-being. Coordinators are encouraged to work with recruiters to evaluate safety concerns and make decisions on when phone or virtual recruitment is needed.

ODE and OMESC are here to support you. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance developing a safety plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ODE grant manager or OMESC staff. Your courage and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of the families we serve.

Additional Resources:

• Red Cards 
• Know Your Rights (families)
• Oregon Department of Forestry
• Oregon Department of Justice Sanctuary Promise Guidance

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3. August 2026 ELPA Informational Webinar Scheduled

The August 2026 English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Informational Webinar has been scheduled and is available for registration. This optional webinar provides an overview of updates regarding ELPA testing and related policy. The webinar will be held over Zoom. Register at the following links:

• Thursday, 8/21 at 3:00 PM
• Friday, 8/22 at 10:00 AM

Although much of the information in this webinar is repeated from the May session, there will be new information on Early Proficient, Honoring Student Proficiency renewal, and switching to the ELPA Summative fixed form.

Information shared in this webinar will also be made available asynchronously. Webinar slides and a compiled Q&A will be posted after the second session. The morning and afternoon sessions are identical; there is no need to register for both. An asynchronous set of ELPA Screener Informational Slides is also available on the Assessment Training Materials page, in the Optional Training Materials expandable.

Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions about the Seal of Biliteracy.

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1. H-2A and H-2B Listings Updated Nationwide!

The latest H-2A and H-2B worker listings are now live, featuring updated work orders and housing locations for every state. New listings are highlighted in yellow at the top for easy reference. Each state’s IDRC Agriculture Portal also provides details on processors, farm labor contractors, GAP audits, subsidy recipients, and more. Please note that maps require the password: IDRC.

Find both resources here:

• View H-2A/H-2B Listings
• Visit the Ag Portal

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 3. Free Mental Health and Legal Services for Migrants

Acción Migrante is a free, online platform created by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) to support migrants in both the United States and Mexico. The platform offers mental health care and legal guidance from UNAM specialists, with services available virtually including phone sessions and WhatsApp messaging for emotional support. The initiative is backed by UNAM’s U.S. campuses, its Tijuana legal research station, and Mexico’s network of 53 U.S. consulates. Click here to learn more.

Note: Please be aware that firewalls may occasionally prevent the page from loading. If this occurs, try refreshing the page a few times or using a different browser.

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5. IDRC 2024-2025 Heat Safety Bags Request Form 

As temperatures rise across the country, the IDRC team is offering complimentary heat safety bags to support farmworker families this summer. Bags are available on a first come, first served basis, and those interested are encouraged to submit a request while supplies last. Access the 2024-2025 Heat Safety Bags Request Form here.

Contact Jessica Castañeda, IDRC Coordinator, with questions. 

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2. FERPA Training Dates Announced: In-Person Sessions with ODE & PTAC

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will be hosting in-person FERPA training starting August 2025 for all districts, ESDs and ODE staff. Registration is required.

• Day 1: August 13, 2025 — Salem, Oregon | Sassy Onion, 1230 State Street

This is the best day for ODE staff to attend due to the venue’s size and location. All staff who work with or access student records are encouraged to participate. View flyer for details and click here to register.

• Day 2: August 14, 2025 — Salem, Oregon | Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry, 626 High St NE

This day includes the DCC meeting from 9:00–10:30 AM, followed by FERPA training. As the smallest venue, data stewards presenting are encouraged to register, but space will be prioritized for district participants. Anyone presenting or attending DCC should also register for the full training to receive all FERPA, data privacy, retention, and security updates. Those only attending the DCC meeting may register for that portion separately. View flyer for details and click here to register.

• Day 3: August 15, 2025 — North Bend, Oregon | The Mill Casino (Ko-Kwel Casino Resort)

This training will be held on the Southern Oregon Coast for regional districts. ODE staff in the area or able to travel are welcome to join. A large turnout from local districts is expected. Hosted on a Friday at the Mill Casino (Ko-Kwel Resort & Casino), it’s also a great opportunity to kick off a weekend on the coast. Coos Bay and North Bend School Districts are partnering with ODE for this full-day training. View flyer for details and click here to register.

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If you have content or stories you’d like featured in our newsletter, we want to hear from you! Whether it’s an article, event, or an inspiring story, your contributions add depth to our discussions. Please send your submissions and ideas to Estephany Membreno, Administrative Specialist, and you may see your content in an upcoming publication.

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For questions or assistance, the Multilingual and Migrant (MME) team is available to support you. Please contact us via email for further information.

Explore the Multilingual and Migrant Education team webpage to discover more about our initiatives, impact and resources.