HAMMOND, Ind.—On Saturday, August 5, the Hammond Teachers Federation, in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers and more than 40 organizations in the Lake County area, will host a daylong education conference and community fair to educate, inform and empower the community about the tools, resources and supports available to address the needs of English language learners, immigrant youth and families in Hammond.

The Immigration Education Conference comes on the heels of numerous U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids throughout the Chicagoland area. The conference will consist of several workshops designed for students, parents, teachers, school administrators and elected officials focused on the rights of students and families when encountering law enforcement and ICE, as well as citizenship 101 and professional development workshops.

Attendees will receive back-to-school resources on child literacy and healthcare, and students and families will receive free school supplies and backpacks provided by the AFT and First Book.

WHAT: Immigration Education Conference

WHEN: Saturday, August 5, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

WHO: Mary Cathryn Ricker, executive vice president, American Federation of Teachers

Patrick O’Rourke, president, Hammond Teachers Federation

Carolyn Curiel, executive director, Purdue Institute for Civic Communication

U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (tentative)

Bishop Emeritus Dale Melczek, Catholic Diocese of Gary

Pastor Steve Munsey, Family Christian Center

Walter Watkins, superintendent, School City of Hammond

Representatives from Hammond’s Mayor’s Office

Other community organizations

WHERE: Morton High School

6915 Grand Ave.

Hammond, In 46323

Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten