Along the Southern border of Texas, one leader's confrontation helped triple The Border Organization's reach into local elementary schools. When a principal failed to split up a kindergarten class that had 32 children, against district policy, her inaction was challenged by a mother after school.

The principal dismissed her, claiming lack of time. The mom's response: "My floors are unswept, the beds are unmade and my husband is preparing his own meal — you have time to talk."

She then got the superintendent on the phone to remind the principal to hire the added teacher. A new teacher was hired that day, and the superintendent invited The Border Organization to organize house meetings in three schools.