The Need
Every 30 seconds a Latino citizen turns 18, and as of 2020, 32 million Hispanics are registered to vote. During the 2020 election, Latino voter turnout in battleground states was three times greater than in 2016. Latinos represent the largest untapped segment of the population when it comes to civic engagement and political potential. However, there are significant barriers that hinder Latinos’ participation in America’s democratic processes.
The Impact
Latino Advocacy Week will support Latino communities, organizations, families, and individuals becoming advocates for themselves and in their own communities around the issues that impact their daily lives. During this week, various community groups, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community leaders, and elected officials will champion legislation and advocacy efforts that uplift and support Latino communities across the country, leading to a more equitable society. Activities will include workshops such as: advocacy training opportunities, issue-specific workshops, and meetings with elected officials, all of which promote civic engagement in Latino communities across the country, connect Latinos with their elected officials, and provide an opportunity for Latinos to flex their growing electoral power.
Signature Events
Comunidad First: Latino Advocacy Week Kick-Off - Monday, March 14, 202211:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m. PST/2:00 p.m. – 3:15 pm EST Host: Hispanic Access Foundation's Conservation team Advocacy Training- Mi Voz Mi Comunidad- My Voice My Community - Tuesday, March 15, 202211:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m. PST/2:00 p.m. – 3:15 pm EST Description: This Latino Advocacy Week, Vanessa Millán of Con Cultura will debut the newest version of the Latino Advocacy Toolkit, sharing tools and resources on how to become an advocate about issues that our community cares about. This event will cover different ways to advocate, how it can have an impact on legislation, and how to get started - from Civic 101 to how to find your elected officials and contact them. Vanessa authored the original Latino Advocacy Toolkit last year for the inaugural Latino Advocacy Week. This year’s version includes additions in resources for DACA recipients from financial aid to mental health and housing; how youth can engage in civic advocacy; and how to write to elected officials. Join this educational event to learn about the importance of advocacy and how to get involved in your local community. Preserving the Past: Advocating for Cultura - Wednesday, March 16, 202211:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m. PST/2:00 p.m. – 3:15 pm EST Description: Learn about how previous historical monuments preservation came to be through advocacy and examples of current work to make Caster Range a national monument. You'll learn the importance of preservation for future generations.
Moderator: Anastasia Hernandez, Program Associate, Hispanic Access Foundation DREAMing Together: Learning the Past, Advocating for the Future - Thursday, March 17, 202211:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m. PST/2:00 p.m. – 3:15 pm EST Description: Join us for a panel discussion during Latino Advocacy Week on the DREAM Act, and what it means to be undocumented as a DREAMer in this country. The moderated panel will be followed by a Q&A with experts on immigration topics important to Latinos in the United States. During the event, you'll also learn about how to advocate for the undocumented youth in this country.
Moderator: Karina Meza, Director of Communications, Hispanic Access Foundation Letting Communities of Color Lead: Latino Conservation Policy - Friday, March 18, 202211:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST/ 2:00 p.m. – 3:30p.m. EST Description: This Latino Advocacy Week, Hispanic Access Foundation’s Conservation team will debut the 2022 Conservation Policy Toolkit, sharing how land, water, and ocean conservation, together with the climate crisis, impact Latino health, jobs, cultural heritage, disaster preparedness, and recreation, while sharing Latino public opinion views on conservation and climate policy. The findings of the toolkit show a clear need for action from decision-makers protecting the health of our climate, biodiversity, and sources of clean air and water, for the sake of Latino health, jobs, and homes. In this dynamic event, meet the Conservation team and hear why the environment matters to them, and their solutions for a better future that protects nature and climate while creating equity for Latino communities. |