The Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program is the core of our organization. A fluent speaker, the Master, usually an Elder, partners with a younger tribal member committed to learning the language, the Apprentice. We train teams in language immersion methods so that they can learn much like children learn their first language – simply through hearing and practicing it in real-life situations in their own homes and communities. Some teams receive digital recording equipment to document their speakers and create teaching materials.
Over 70 teams have graduated. Over 30 teams are now training. We had an excellent turnout of young speakers at our training session at the Marin Headlands in November 2007. For the first 15 years, foundations and some tribal organizations supported the teams.
Now we are calling on you.
Membership funds will support Master-Apprentice teams.
Please join the Advocates in supporting this successful program to provide training and a network of support to the next generation. We have remained true to our mission of language survival in California and have helped many outside our state launch their own cultural revitalization.
All donors receive
  • the Advocates newsletter,
  • 10% discount on our products, and
  • acknowledgement as a member on our web site, in the newsletter,
    and in other reports.
$100+
  • basic benefits plus
  • the Advocates manual “How to Keep Your Language Alive”.
$250+
  • All of the above and
  • Advocates T-shirt and mug.
$500+
  • All of the above plus
  • the Advocates new book “First Families”.
$1,000+
  • All of the above and
  • an invitation for two to an Advocates language learning session.
$2,000+
  • All of the above and
  • an invitation for two to our Language is Life Conference,
    April 4th-6th, 2008.
$5,000+
“Adopt a Team”
  • All of the above plus
  • a photo of the language team you choose to sponsor,
  • and a year-end report from your language team.




is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.