In this article, the authors examine emerging directions in their participatory research that point toward coalitional literacy practices as a means of intercultural collaboration. The authors define “coalitional literacies” as critical social practices whereby community members enact language and literacy across cultural boundaries in order to learn from others, be reflective with respect to social location, foster empathy, cultivate affective bonds, and promote inclusion in the service of progressive change. The authors begin by situating their understanding of coalitional literacies in the educational research literature, and then use Critical Discourse Analysis and other analytical approaches to show how their research is an illustrative case of grass-roots coalitional work. They conclude by spotlighting one of their current participatory research projects, which, building from the coalitional energy at the site, investigates families’ educational experiences and works toward a shared vision of social justice.

Campano, G., Ghiso, M. P., Yee, M. & Pantoja, A. (2013). Toward community research and coalitional literacy practices for educational justice. Language Arts, 90(5), 314-326. Full Text.