May 9, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
202-812-4477

LULAC has Long Supported Our LGBT Members in the Efforts to Achieve Equality

Washington, D.C. – The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Latino membership organization in the United States, expressed its support of President Obama’s statement. LULAC has long supported equal rights for LGBT individuals.

“Family unity has been one the greatest strengths of Latino communities in the United States,” stated Margaret Moran, LULAC National President.

According to a 2010 Bendixen & Amandi poll, Latinos are broadly supportive of equality for LGBT people. LULAC has long welcomed LGBT individuals into our membership. In 2006, the first LGBT LULAC Council was established in Dallas, Texas to foster dialogue between Latino and LGBT communities. In fact, 80% of Latinos believe that LGBT individuals often face discrimination.

“We have witnessed firsthand how painful it can be when LGBT partners are denied the rights and benefits of marriage,” stated LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “From hospital visitation rights to spousal benefits, too many of our LGBT members have been treated unfairly and we welcome the President’s efforts to address this.”

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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org

May 5, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
202-812-4477

With $500k in Support from the Walmart Foundation, LULAC Continues to Expand Its Health Initiatives That Address Disparities in the Latino Community

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Maru Montero Dance Company (MMDC) have partnered to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festival, entitled, The National Cinco de Mayo Festival: Salud en Cinco de Mayo!

As part of that celebration, and in support of its health education initiative, Latinos Living Healthy, LULAC will provide critical access to health resources and increase public awareness around healthy eating and the importance of physical activity. This year marks the 20th anniversary of MMDC’s commitment to foster an appreciation of Latino culture with the annual National Cinco de Mayo Festival.

With support from the Walmart Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation, LULAC is continuing its commitment to reach Latinos across the United States through a health initiative designed to educate the Latino community and expand on its community health education component to raise awareness around today's healthy food options. MMDC and LULAC are committed to celebrating the rich traditions of Cinco de Mayo with a festival that includes access to health services, healthy food options, physical activity, and dance performances. Walmart’s support is an extension of their Healthier Foods Initiative, aimed at providing their customers healthier and more affordable food choices.

“We felt that Cinco de Mayo provided an exciting opportunity where we could celebrate the rich traditions of the Latino community with healthy food options and physical activity,” said Brent Wilkes, LULAC national executive director. “The partnership with the Maru Montero Dance Company was based on our common goals of educating Latinos in both cultural awareness and healthy living.”

“We are proud to celebrate 20 years as a Latino dance company and producer of The National Cinco de Mayo Festival, a free, family-oriented celebration of Latino culture. We welcome the contributions of LULAC to promote better health among Latinos, and of our other sponsors, including the Washington, DC, Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs,” remarked Maru Montero, President of MMDC.

“The health festival will provide a unique opportunity for the Latino community to learn more about the affordable food options available at Walmart,” said Andrea Thomas, senior vice president of sustainability at Walmart. “Walmart understands the challenge faced by families trying to choose between healthy foods and food they can afford. Making healthier food options available to our customers and supporting programs that give people the skills and knowledge to make healthier food choices is critical to living healthier lives and the cornerstone for our support of Latinos Living Healthy.”

"In 2009, PepsiCo made a promise. For the next 10 years, we promised to deliver sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for our consumers, our planet, our associates and external partners and the communities we serve,” said Tim Russell, Director of Public Relations at PepsiCo. “Through support from the PepsiCo Foundation, we are proud to continue this promise by investing in LULAC’s National Cinco de Mayo Festival to help promote health education during this important day of celebration.”

It is no random act that the obesity epidemic is predominately among the underserved and minority communities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics are 16% (50.5 million people) of the total U.S. population, the fastest growing and largest minority group with the highest number of children under the age of 18 years. According to the Office of Minority Health, one of the most pressing issues affecting this growing segment of the population is health; disparities in access, quality of service, and burden of chronic and infectious diseases.

At The National Cinco de Mayo Festival: Salud en Cinco de Mayo! the public will have free access to:

• Concert with Luis Enrique;
• Opportunity to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Zumba class with Catalina Mejia, 15, proclaimed to be the youngest Zumba instructor by the Guinness World Records;
• Sport drills managed by the NFL’s Play 60 campaign;
• The Whitman Walker clinic and the Children’s Hospital will be providing free health screenings, such as eye, dental, and physical exams, and HIV testing;
• The Department of Veterans Affairs will provide on-site physical and mental counseling exclusively for veterans, all day;
• Representatives from the White House’s Let’s Move! Initiative; the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Department of the Interior, will be informing the community about the various programs and resources that are available to the Latino community;
• Dance clinics, contests, and cultural performances; and
• Free cooking demonstrations provided by local chefs.

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Office on Women’s Health; Office of Health Reform, and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services;
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Food & Nutrition Services; Let’s Move Faith and Communities, and the Food Safety and Inspection Services;
• U.S. Department of the Interior & the National Park Service: Let’s Move Outside!, Let’s Move Junior Rangers; and
• Representatives from The First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative

April 12, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
202-812-4477

"Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present and Envisioning Our Future"

Houston, Texas – On Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14 the Women’s Commission of the League of United Latin American Citizens will host its annual National Women’s Conference at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston, Texas. This year’s conference entitled, “Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, and Envisioning Our Future,” will focus on bringing awareness around key issues that have the most impact on women’s lives and calling on women from across the country to lead.

“The women’s conference is important to our community because it sheds light on issues that are critical for the success of women with resources and education forums,” stated National LULAC President Margaret Moran. “Now, more than ever, women play an important role in the future of our country yet Latina women are still suffering greater number of disparities than any other sector.”

The conference is bringing a variety of panel experts to lead educational workshops on civic engagement, education, health, human trafficking, and social media. Ivette Mayo, President of Yo Soy Enterprises will motivate attendees, while Justice Eva Guzman of the Texas Supreme Court and political commentator Maria Cardona will key note the luncheon on Saturday. A special performance by Irma Infante, the daughter of Latin legend Pedro Infante is one of the many entertainers featured during the conference. A key workshop entitled, Federal Resources for Women in Business, was also made available to the community. In conjunction with the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, the women’s conference will also feature a wellness presentation and exhibit with live entertainment presented by Salsa y Salud and the Houston Dynamo cheerleaders.

“The National Women’s Commission is proud to bring critical workshops in the areas of education, civic engagement, health care, and business so that we can break down the barriers that prevent women from achieving our full potential,” stated National Vice President for Women, Regla Gonzalez. “The mission of the Women’s Conference continues to be focused on bringing resources and information that raise the national consciousness of women everywhere. Now more than ever, women have been under attack and it is only by ensuring the success of every woman regardless of socio economic background or ethnicity that we will succeed.”

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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the largest and oldest volunteer-based civil rights organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.

March 27, 2012

Contact: Liliana Rañon, lranon@lulac.org
202-833-6130 ext.109 (O)

Dear LULAC members,

To mark the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, LULAC is reinforcing its efforts by encouraging all of our members, in addition to our health advocates, to take action and help with implementation efforts of the President’s health care reform bill.

The law was enacted 2 years ago, on March 23, 2010 – Every day during anniversary week, a specific population that has directly benefited from the ACA was highlighted. More information has been outlined by the White House below. In addition, the Supreme Court is currently holding hearings on the constitutionality of specific provisions of the ACA until Wednesday March 28th. We hope you can participate either by attending one of the press conferences at the steps of the SC or by passing this information on to your networks.

Supreme Court Hearings:
From March 26th through March 28th – the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the constitutionality of the minimum coverage provision, the expansion of Medicaid, the tax anti-injunction act and severability. Every day while the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) is hearing oral arguments, the health care community will hold a press conference on the steps of the SC at 8:30am to highlight the real stories of Americans that have been positively impacted by the ACA. After the press conference, health advocates are welcomed to stay to show their support for the ACA until 12pm.

Major implementations so far
Learn More about Health Reform – visit www.healthcare.gov

• How is the Affordable Care Act helping you? We want to hear your story. Share it here
• Health care reform gives seniors new preventive benefits, prescription drug discounts and more options for long-term care. Learn More
• Small business owners who provide health insurance for their employees can receive tax credits. Learn More
• Young adults can get coverage through their parent's plan until the age of 26. Learn More
• People with pre-existing conditions can get health insurance. Learn More
• Health care reform is helping doctors offer better care to their patients. Learn More
• The Affordable Care Act prohibits health plans from putting a lifetime dollar limit on most benefits you receive, and restricts annual dollar limits. Learn More

March 16, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
(202) 812-4477 (M)
202-833-6130 ext.103 (O)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, during a NCAA Tournament game between Kansas State University and Southern Mississippi University, a Kansas State player was harassed by the Southern Mississippi University band with chants calling for the player to show his green card. The Kansas State guard, Angel Rodriguez, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico a U.S. territory, and thus, is a U.S. citizen. He grew up playing basketball in his hometown of Miami, Florida.

Recently, the Latino community has been the target of discriminatory and incendiary language by politicians who are willing to sacrifice the Latino vote in order to win favor with their base. Candidates at debates have proposed erecting a 30 foot electric fence along the border, as well as, self-deportation. Even more offensive, they have labeled children of undocumented individuals as anchor babies. Anti-immigrant legislation has also been enacted in various states, including Alabama and Mississippi. This brand of politics is not only cynical and mean-spirited; it promotes intolerance and hatred among the general population.

“Racial, anti-immigrant sentiments have become a norm for political contenders who pander to their base for support,” said National LULAC President Margaret Moran. “It is sad, but not surprising to see young people learn intolerance from these politicians. The chanting at yesterday’s NCAA game wasn’t just about university students trying to distract a player from making his shot. Rather, it is but an example of the corrosive effect the hateful anti-immigrant political rhetoric has had on our communities. And unfortunately, it is becoming the type of chant heard regularly by the undocumented and the Latino community everywhere in this country. This must stop and the best way to accomplish that change is at the ballot box. The University of Mississippi band members provided a clear example for those who still need to understand what racism looks like in this country today.”

LULAC also calls on the NCAA to condemn such conduct. “The NCAA should take a clear stand against the racial slurs that took place under their watch,” said LULAC Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “The NCAA must not permit a college basketball game to become a platform for students calling out racist slogans. Angel Rodriguez showed real leadership in guiding his team to victory under such challenging circumstances. The NCAA should do no less.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org

March 7, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
(202) 812-4477 (M)
202-833-6130 ext.103 (O)

Washington, D.C. – Today, in front of the AFL-CIO headquarters, a delegation of Latino leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders boarded a bus routed to Selma, Alabama in order to participate in the reenactment of the historic civil rights marches of 1965. The Latino delegation will march alongside civil rights leaders in Selma and demand for the repeal of Alabama’s anti-Latino legislation, HB 56.

The event known as “Bloody Sunday” was a historic event when 600 protesters were forced back by state troopers and local police with tear gas and clubs as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge over the Alabama River into Montgomery. Due to the police force brutality, over 50 people were hospitalized on March 7, 1965. Since that fateful day, thousands convene to retrace the steps of history by marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to remember the day that a group of unarmed men and women bravely stood their ground against blatant discrimination. Unfortunately, 47 years after “Bloody Sunday” we are still experiencing civil rights violations.

“In 1965, the Selma to Montgomery March made history and changed America; it marked the peak of the civil rights movement. Today many states have launched an all-out coordinated assault on democracy by attacking workers’ rights, voting rights, public education and by promoting anti-immigrant legislation. Almost 50 years after the civil rights movement secured major gains immigrants are still fighting for basic rights and dignity. We will not permit any more policies that marginalize Latinos and their children and drive them out of jobs and communities,” stated Hector Sanchez, LCLAA’s Executive Director.

“Today, 47 years after the passing of monumental legislation, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, immigrant men, women and children are degraded in our laws, and in our minds,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “We can blame ourselves for the dehumanization of the undocumented community because we have allowed terms like “illegal alien” to identify their class. We march with our sister organizations and the African American community to make clear that although the Hispanic community is diverse and disagreements over comprehensive immigration reform and the Dream Act exist, we will not turn our backs and ignore the plight of the undocumented.”

“In an extraordinary show of support from the African-American community, immigration is one of the key focal points of this year’s commemoration of the historic Selma to Montgomery march. The African-American community knows as we do that anti-immigrant laws and voter ID laws are really an all-out assault on civil rights. We are deeply proud to be marching with our African-American brothers and sisters and NCLR is very appreciative of the strong commitment from our sister Latino organizations to this important event,” stated Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO.

“Today, as we set off to recreate this historic event and march for civil rights, we remember the thousands of individuals who have sacrificed everything to gain the right to vote. It is our solemn responsibility to protect this hard-fought right and ensure that every American citizen - regardless of race, ethnicity and income - is able to vote unimpeded and fully participate in our democracy,” stated Jose Calderon, Interim President of the Hispanic Federation.

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) is the leading national organization for Latino(a) workers , that educates, empowers and increases opportunities for this diverse, dynamic and growing community. LCLAA was born in 1972 out of the need to inform Latinos about workers’ rights, raise national awareness regarding the issues that affect their well-being and increase their influence in the political process. LCLAA advocates and mobilizes our 52 chapters across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to strive for justice, economic equality, social dignity and a higher quality of life for Latinos and all working families.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is a volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

The mission of the Hispanic Federation is to empower and advance the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Federation provides grants and services to a broad network of Latino non-profit agencies serving the most vulnerable members of the Hispanic community and advocates nationally with respect to the vital issues of education, health, immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement and the environment.

7 de marzo de 2012

Para más información: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
(202) 812-4477 (M)
202-833-6130 ext.103 (O)

Washington, D.C. – Hoy, en la sede del AFL-CIO, una delegación de líderes latinos, políticos, y líderes comunitarios abordaron un autobús con rumbo a Selma, Alabama para rememorar las marchas históricas de derechos civiles del año 1965. La delegación latina marchara junto a los líderes de derechos civiles en Selma para exigir la revocación de la ley anti-latina, HB 56.

El evento conocido como "Domingo sangriento" fue un evento histórico cuando 600 manifestantes fueron obligados a retroceder por policías estatales y locales quienes los agredieron con golpes y gases lacrimógenos cuando intentaban cruzar el puente Edmund Pettus sobre el río en Montgomery, Alabama. Debido a la brutalidad policiaca, más de 50 personas fueron hospitalizadas el día 7 de marzo del 1965. Desde aquel día, miles han congregado para rememorar los pasos del día en que un grupo valiente de hombres y mujeres se enfrentaron a la discriminación. Desafortunadamente, 47 años después, seguimos viviendo la violación de derechos civiles.

“En el año1965, la marcha de Selma a Montgomery hizo historia y cambio a nuestra nación; marco la cumbre del movimiento de los derechos civiles. Hoy, muchos Estados han lanzado un asalto coordinado sobre la democracia, atacando a los derechos de los trabajadores, el derecho al voto, la educación pública y atreves de la promoción de leyes anti-inmigrantes. Casi 50 años después de que el movimiento de derechos civiles garantizo mayores ganancias para los inmigrantes, todavía están luchando por la dignidad y los derechos fundamentales. No permitiremos mas leyes que marginalicen a los Latinos y a sus hijos y los lleven a abandonar sus trabajos y sus comunidades,” dijo Hector Sanchez, Director Ejecutivo de LCLAA.

“Hoy, 47 años después de la aprobación de legislación monumental, el Civil Rights Act del 1964, los hombres, mujeres y niños inmigrantes, son degradados en nuestras leyes y en nuestras mentes", dijo el Presidente Nacional de LULAC Margaret Moran. "Nos podemos culpar nosotros mismos de la deshumanización de la comunidad indocumentada porque hemos permitido que términos como “extranjero ilegal" se utilicen para identificarlos. Estamos aquí hoy con nuestra organizaciones hermanas para dejar claro que aunque la comunidad hispana es diversa y existen desacuerdos sobre la reforma migratoria integral y el Dream Act, no le daremos la espalda ni desconoceremos la situación de los indocumentados."

"En una extraordinaria muestra de apoyo de parte de la comunidad afroamericana, la inmigración será uno de los puntos clave de la coordinación este año en la conmemoración de la histórica marcha de Selma a Montgomery. La comunidad afroamericana esta consciente, como lo estamos nosotros, que estas leyes antiinmigrantes y las leyes de identificación del votante son un asalto total sobre los derechos civiles. Nos sentimos profundamente orgullosos de estar marchando con nuestros hermanos afroamericanos y NCLR está muy agradecida por el firme compromiso de nuestras organizaciones hermanas latinas a este importante evento, "dijo Janet Murguía, Presidenta de NCLR y CEO.

"Hoy, mientras que partimos hacia Alabama para recrear este acontecimiento histórico y la marcha por los derechos civiles, recordamos las miles de personas que han sacrificado todo por ganar el derecho a votar. Es nuestra responsabilidad solemne de proteger este derecho y garantizar que todo ciudadano estadounidense – independiente de la raza, etnicidad e ingresos – tenga la posibilidad de votar sin obstáculos y de participar plenamente en nuestra democracia", dijo Jose Calderon, Presidente interino del Hispanic Federation.

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El Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) es la organización primordial nacional para los trabajadores latinos que educa, capacita, y aumenta las oportunidades para esta comunidad creciente, diversa y dinámica. LCLAA nació en el año 1972 de la necesidad de informar a los latinos sobre los derechos laborales, aumentar el conocimiento nacional sobre los temas que afecta el bienestar y su influencia sobre el proceso político. LCLAA promueve y moviliza a nuestros 52 capítulos atreves de los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico con el fin de obtener la justicia, ecuanimidad económica, dignidad social, y un mejor calidad de vida para los latinos y todas las familias trabajadoras.

El League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) es una organización voluntaria que faculta a los hispanoamericanos y genera fuertes comunidades latinas. Con sede en Washington, DC, 900 consejos atreves de los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico, los programas y servicios de LULAC se dirigen a satisfacer las necesidades críticas de hoy y del futuro. Para obtener más información, visite: www.lulac.org.

El NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza) es la organización nacional más grande de apoyo y defensa de los derechos civiles de los hispanos en los Estados Unidos y trabaja para mejorar sus oportunidades. Para más información sobre el NCLR, por favor visite www.nclr.org o síganos en Facebook y Twitter.

The mission of the Hispanic Federation is to empower and advance the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Federation provides grants and services to a broad network of Latino non-profit agencies serving the most vulnerable members of the Hispanic community and advocates nationally with respect to the vital issues of education, health, immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement and the environment.

La misión del Hispanic Federation (Federación Hispana) es capacitar y ayudar a avanzar a la comunidad hispana. El Hispanic Federation ofrece becas y servicios a una amplia red de agencias latinas sin fines de lucro al servicio de los miembros más vulnerables de la comunidad hispana y abogamos al nivel nacional en temas vitales tales como la educación, salud, inmigración, capacitación económico, participación ciudadana y el medio ambiente.

March 1, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org, (202) 812-4477

San Antonio, TX – The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Latino membership organization expressed disappointment over some aspects of the interim maps that were released by a three judge panel in the Western District of Texas.

“Despite clear and convincing evidence and testimony by numerous expert witnesses over many months; the court drawn maps released yesterday do not go far enough to protect the voting rights of the three million Latinos living in Texas,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “It’s clear that the intent of the Legislature was to disenfranchise Latino voters across the state by denying us the opportunity to elect the candidates of our choice. Because of the Voting Rights Act, we were able to intervene and fight for fair representation.”

The U.S. 2010 Census made it clear that the demographic population shift in Texas was a direct result of the over 80 percent minority growth with the overwhelming majority being Latinos. The Texas Legislature used racial bias and discriminatory practices in drawing the original redistricting maps. While the interim map does provide for two new majority-minority districts in Texas, certain aspects of the map compromise key majority-minority districts in the state. With the creation of Congressional District 35, the Latino community was provided with an opportunity to elect a candidate of our choice. However, the interim maps continue to divide communities across the Southside of Bexar County into four (4) congressional districts, and Travis County is divided into five (5) congressional districts.

“Obviously the interim maps need more work! We hope that the D.C. Court will deny Texas preclearance,” stated Ms. Moran. “LULAC will continue to fight for a redistricting map that fully reflects the growth of the Texas Latino population.”

Section Five of the Voting Rights Act requires that legislative-drawn maps be pre-cleared by the Department of Justice before they are put into effect. The interim state maps must still be pre-cleared, before they can go into effect and be used in the 2012 election.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is a volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.

February 23, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
(202) 812-4477 (M)
202-833-6130 ext.103 (O)

Washington, D.C. – Today, The Hispanic Federation, the Labor Council for Latin America Advancement (LCLAA), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) announced their partnership in an unprecedented non-partisan effort to increase voter registration and mobilize the Latino vote. The campaign’s goal is to register 200,000 voters and mobilize at least 100,000 Latinos to polls in the November 2012 elections. The combined group effort will be known as Latinos for Democracy which is part of Movimiento Hispano that also includes curtailing voter suppression, educating voters about key Latino issues and facilitating Latino immigrants to become citizens.

The effort will call upon the extensive resources and contacts of these three leading organizations including: LCLAA’s network of 2.1 million Latino Trade union members organized into 51 chapters in 23 states; LULAC’s network of approximately 135,000 grassroots volunteer members organized into 900 councils, 55 community technology centers and 14 LULAC National Educational Service Centers in 37 states; and finally, the Hispanic Federation’s brick and mortar presence of 100 community-based organizations. Their ability to work closely with community leaders provides these organizations with the strategic advantage of understanding the needs and concerns of the Latino community.

The initiative will be focused on targeted counties within key election states and prioritized according to Latino demographic growth and the number of Latino citizens of voting age. The voter registration and mobilization effort will also focus on counties where the Latino vote can make a difference and areas where there is a significant density of union activity. The states where the effort will be ongoing include:

Hispanic Federation - CT, FL, NJ, NY, PA
LCLAA - AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, NJ, NM, NY, PA, TX, VA
LULAC - AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NM, NV, NY, OH, PA, TX, UT, VA, WI

The strategies that make Latinos for Democracy: Movimiento Hispano a unique endeavor between the nation’s leading civil rights and labor groups include the following:

Digital Voter Registration Website – In order to guide citizens on how to engage online, the website contains numerous links to voter and civic information. Most importantly, Movimiento Hispano’s Election Impact Tool allows visitors to register online 24 hours per day/7 days a week using any of the 50-state voter registration forms. www.Movimientohispano.org

Motivational Public Education Campaign – There will be a multi-media bi-lingual communication component consisting of a public education campaign on television, radio and print focused on encouraging Latinos and others to register and vote.

“On the Ground” VR and GOTV Training - The campaign will develop local, state and regional training programs to give organizers and volunteers specialized training in voter registration and GOTV techniques, volunteer recruitment and media management.

Latino GOTV - There will be voter education training sessions targeting Latino eligible voters who are either registered or non-registered in order to educate community members about the electoral process and the various ways they can engage in civic activities.

Voter Registration – LFD voter registration efforts will recruit volunteers to register people to vote at key sites, and operate a bilingual Registration and Information Hotline to allow callers to ask questions concerning voting, voting rights and obtain voter registration forms.

Issue-Based Forums – On a local and national level, issues based forums will incorporate the importance of voting with extremely important policy issues affecting Latinos, such as education, immigration, health, civil rights, economic stimulus and labor rights.

Voter Protection Monitoring/Voter Suppression Advocacy – During GOTV and the education efforts, LFD will work to reduce barriers for Latino voters, enforce voter protection laws and fight against voter suppression and voter ID issues affecting Latinos. LFD will also train volunteers to provide voter protection monitoring at the polls. LFD’s voter protection campaign will ensure that all votes are counted.

“The thrust of Movimiento Hispano is to do just what its name indicates: create a movement of Latinos that are connected, engaged and voting on the issues that are important to them, their families and their community,” stated Jose Calderon, Interim President of the Hispanic Federation. “Whether it’s political empowerment, educational attainment, unemployment, health care coverage or environmental quality, Latinos are facing challenges on every front. But every election cycle is an opportunity for Latinos to make their voices heard and demand that our community’s needs are met. From the door step to the ballot box, LCLAA will be on the ground, protecting, promoting and expanding the participation of Latinos in the electoral process,” said Hector E. Sanchez, Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.

“Our shared vision of ensuring that all Latinos maximize their role in representative government combined with our established records of representing Latino interests made this partnership a seamless collaboration,” said Brent Wilkes LULAC National Executive Director. “In order to increase Latino civic engagement and have a successful voter registration initiative we also recognize the unique needs of our community with a focus on working families.”

Movimiento Hispano (Hispanic Movement) is a project of Latinos for Democracy (LFD) aimed at increasing Latino civic engagement and voter turnout. LFD is a coalition comprised of the Hispanic Federation (HF), The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).