Advocacy Among Diverse Communities

Photo via @VotoLatino

I had the opportunity to attend an event titled "Advocacy Among Diverse Communities" presented by Change.org and the Grassroots Professional Network. This was a great opportunity to hear how minority based organizations work on advocacy campaigns and how they are integrated into the bigger picture/mission.

Myths and Realities of Engaging the U.S. Latino Audience

Tomorrow afternoon I get to speak at the Washington Nonprofit Conference. The session titled "Myths and Realities of Engaging the U.S. Latino Audience" is about just that: why it's important for nonprofits to engage with U.S. Latinos and horrible myths. Remember...a bad translation can really mess up your entire campaign.

We are #MoreThanALabel

Hispanic Heritage Month may be officially over, but that doesn't mean we can't keep celebrating accomplishments across the United States (or fighting the fight). Then again...why are we still fighting this fight?

GALAEI moves to Philadelphia's Latino neighborhood

GALAEI, a queer Latin@ social justice organization serving the Philadelphia community since 1989 was founded to respond to the lack of support and resources for our community during the HIV epidemic. Their programs include transgender services, youth programs, and sexual health and HIV prevention.

For years (since their founding) their office was located in Center City, miles away from the community they serve. But in April...they moved back into the community. The organization was very eager to get back into the community and unlike most agencies, no appointment is needed, no impersonal office building. Executive director Elicia Gonzalez told the Philadelphia Daily News she wanted GALAEI to be "...working for and in the community."

Sigma Lambda Beta's Penn State president victim of racism

pic.twitter.com/XSgKX9p2jp

— PennStateBetas (@PennStateBetas) December 10, 2014

It's known that I'm in a predominately Latino fraternity that was founded at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. I pledged  Spring 2004 and have even written about it during my graduate studies at Saint Joseph's University. Since then I've pushed to be a better Latino male in the world we live in since in fact it's a crazy world.

Then this happened to Penn State's chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Yep, the organization's President was approached by a group of white male student's who proceeded to pour water on him and tell him to, and I quote, "go back to your country." It's one thing to pour water but to follow up with "go back to your country" is terrible.

Where is the National Museum of the American Latino?

It's been almost three years since the national campaign for the National Museum of the American Latino was launched. Since then countless other campaigns, contests, supporters, and donations have been made in order to bring this idea to fruition.

According to an article in the Orange County Register, "It literally takes an act of Congress to establish another museum on the Mall, alongside famous sites like the National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery, National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History. Organizers say the museum would show the impact of Latino culture on American life throughout U.S. history, with exhibitions of fine art, artifacts, documents and oral histories."

Spanish In Colombia

Well this is something interesting I just came across on Facebook. From what I've found, Spanish in Colombia is a new educational tourism push to study español in Colombia. Sponsored and paid for by the Colombian government, the web site gives information about the programs and courses in Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) offered by Colombian universities as well as relevant content for ELE teacher training. I've always said the best way to learn a language is to dig deep and get dirty. Speaking Spanish or another language with your friends helps but living and studying in another country would benefit you in more ways than you can think of.

Although I have no proof, many of my friends have agreed that Colombians speak the best Spanish in the world. And from what it looks like in their social sphere, they are targeting North Americans as well as other international countries. I applaud the motherland for including education and travel into this great campaign.

For more information visit http://spanishincolombia.gov.co/. 

My continued journey through life

A colleague of mine in Philadelphia, +Jessica Lawlor, recently published a blog post about her reflections from the real world. It had me thinking as well about how far we've come from college. I graduated from Temple University in January 2007 and have since accomplished many things; but there's still a lot to do. I have been blessed to have great family and friends that support me and vice versa.

So what has happened in the past six years:

• Honored as one of the "Most Influential Latinos in the Delaware Valley" from Impacto Latin Newspaper and the Multicultural Affairs Congress.
• Awarded the "Hispanic Professional of the Year" by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Accepted into the Writing Studies Program at Saint Joseph's University. I'll be done with my master's program May 2014!
• Maintained four amazing jobs in communications/marketing/social media. 
• Moved back to the state of New Jersey...never thought I would but I'm here to #DOAC!
• Because of the move, I had to purchase a brand new car (my first one). 

And this is just the beginning. I've done a few speaking engagements to high school students and other groups and if there's one thing I always say, it's to just keep on doing their thing. Never take no for an answer because there's nothing you can't do. 

I did also however think about how many students are going straight into a Master's program as soon as they graduate from undergrad. The job market is super competitive but keep your heads high...it's important. With more resources, networking and a support group, you are bound to find what you're looking for. It may take a while, but just keep trying. 

Sigma Lambda Upsilon awards educational scholarships

If there's one thing I enjoy reading about, it's seeing Latino organizations help support Latino youth advance their education. On Saturday, April 20th the Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. (SLU) will be awarding Priscilla Flores and Ashley Torres $500 at the Dia de la Mujer Latina banquet. The award and banquet marks the return of SLU's AVANCE Scholarship Fund. Flores is a student from Northeast High School and Torres is a student at Central High School.

“Our intent was also to honor and celebrate those members of the Penn and Philadelphia community that had shown a commitment to the advancement of Latinos/as, through their mentorship and support of our chapter.," - said Elizabeth Papavasiliou, Penn College of Arts & Sciences ‘95, Gamma Chapter President ‘93-‘94. "I am so proud of the undergraduate Hermanas who have resurrected this special event.”

The Dia de la Mujer Latina banquet will be held at the Biomedical Research Building at the University of Pennsylvania (14th Floor Lounge, 421 Curie Blvd.) There is a suggested donation of $10. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Aida Giachello, an educator and writer specializing in Latino minority health. Dr. Giachello has been recognized as TIME Magazine's "Top 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America."  For more information please visit http://gammachaptersenoritas.tumblr.com/dia or contact Sasha Lagombra, Chapter President at: (646)-413-3202, gamma@sigmalambdaupsilon.org.

Buying a brick helps Shakira build a new school

Sometimes giving to a charity really is difficult unless we are really committed. Our money probably ends up in some giant pool of money and then what? However, I was always a fan of Shakira's Barefoot Foundation. I've never donated but it definitely intrigued me. You can help the Barefoot Foundation build a new school for vulnerable children in Cartagena, Colombia by giving just a few dollars to ‘buy a brick.’

There are also two social components integrated with the community giving. Once you "buy a brick" you'll then be able to see your face on the online mosaic as the school takes shape (pictured above). And in a world of sharing, everyone who gives and then Tweets their personal sharing link will be entered into a contest to win a video chat with Shakira and other prizes.

To donate and enter, visit Facebook.com/Shakira.

Dressing up as a stereotype...again

As you can see from the photo above, it looks like a Penn State University sorority has taken upon itself to have its members dress up in traditional Mexican clothes and act like them. Right. Ridiculous is what this is. Jezebel.com reported that Onward State, Director of Greek Life, Dr. Roy Baker, Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Carlos Wiley, and the leadership of Chi Omega met to discuss potential punishments for the sorority last night. Suspension is rumored by not confirmed. The question to ask is why this is still happening. Penn State has several minority Greek-lettered organizations (Black, Latino, Asian, etc.) and for this to happen is disgraceful.

Some people are asking what's the big deal? Really? I'm guessing they weren't aware of Ohio University's STARS' campaign huh?

Event: Congreso's ribbon cutting ceremony

Pretty much self-explanatory, this new building is a tremendous opportunity for our community. Congreso de Latinos Unidos' third building will house the Pan American Academy Charter School as well as the Harcum College. The college offers associate degree programs in Law and Justice, Human Services, Leadership and Early Childhood Education.

That's right...we attend college!

If someone ever asks, "Do Hispanics even attend college," your answer should be a giant, "WEPA! Of course we do." According to a Pew study, for the first time, Hispanic students are the largest minority group on college campuses across the country -- making up 16.5 percent of American college students. Education is so important right now especially during the Arizona controversy. And although the graduation rate is not at the same level as our "other" counterparts, the enrollment is getting there. In 2010, 112,000 Hispanics received an associate degree and 140,000 Hispanics were awarded a bachelor’s degree—both new highs.

So what's keeping us from getting those numbers up even higher? There are numerous factors including retention from the school itself and financial aid. It's so important we tell high school students that (although it's expensive) it is possible. There are numerous loans, grants and scholarships that can get us through 4-years of college. The next step? Graduate school. I'm sure the number of Hispanics enrolled in graduate school are super low, but as we gain in numbers, that will also go up.

Wilmer Valderrama to star in Voto Latino's PSA

This past weekend, Wilmer Valderrama was joined by an all-star cast for a PSA he directed for Voto Latino, a non-partisan civic engagement organization renowned for engaging youth through media, technology and celebrity voices to promote positive change. Voto Latino’s 2012 PSA entitled “The Enforcers” transforms their own image into that of a covert agency whose sole mission is to register people to vote. Vota Latino has always been at the front of the line when it comes to registering people to vote. Their campaigns are elusive and have always engaged the younger Latino demographic...and it's working!

The PSA is not out yet but you can sign-up online to be the first to preview. 

Local scholarship winner hopes to become role model

Earlier today, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented Geraldo Oyola, 18, of Eastern North Philadelphia, Dr. José E Lebron Scholarship. The Lebron Scholarship Fund is housed within GPHCC’s Professional Mentoring Network (PMN) program and awards the expenditure of a two-year tuition program at the Community College of Philadelphia. This is a tremendous opportunity for any incoming college student. With the education gap at a low (among Latinos) any help to achieve higher education is a plus for me. Oyola has also been heavily involved with Congreso de Latinos Unidos as well. “My community needs a role model [and] I want to be that role model,” he wrote in his submission essay to GPHCC. “This scholarship won’t just help me, but it will open the doors for others to receive my help.” I hope other high school students will look up to Oyola and realize a high education is just another goal in all our lives.

Congreso organizing our youth

Earlier today I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to Congreso de Latinos Unidos' work-ready program students. The program gets high school students ready for the working world in a variety of ways. This year the program has two components; the students have to do a community garden as well as a newsletter about the same garden. Students will be interviewing people from the community and professionals in the gardening field.

I usually get a little nervous when giving a speech, especially with teenagers. You know sometimes the attention span of our youth can be a little low. However, when I do give presentations I like it to be informal and a conversation. If I do all the talking, then we won't learn anything. There were about 25 students and although I did see some "why is he talking" faces I was happier to see the one or two students ask questions. And they were really interested! You know as long as those two people got something out of what I talked about, I know I did something right. My basic message: Anything is possible and don't let the 'haters' tell you NO.

Poetry: En Mi Pais

So I love my parents. They are what give me inspiration throughout the day, at work, life situations and now at graduate school. I'm currently taking a Travel Writing course at St. Joseph's University. One of our assignments in class was to free-write a piece describing our relationship with a parent along with a landscape. I found it difficult at first but then found my inspiration through something my dad does all the time. And what better way to portray it than through poetry. Enjoy.
___________________________

En Mi Pais

En mi pais you would never have your windows
open. Neither day nor night is safe for anyone.

En mi pais I-95 doesn't exist. Traveling to any
part of the country means holding on to dear life.

En mi pais the buses pack too
many people clenching their bags. Even the cars.

En mi pais climbing up the mountains of el cocuy means the total
opposite of the Appalachians. Be prepared for the extreme.

En mi pais I wouldn't let my niece walk down
any street, alley, highway or across the street.

En mi pais the policia are around every corner
carefully watching all suspects. It could be you.

But dad, when was the last time you were
in your pais?

En mi pais you don't talk back.

Ronald McDonald House Charities HACER winners

When I was in high school I wish I had a better understanding of scholarships. Sure I was awarded some through the school and little book scholarships, but a $5000 award would have been better. Just received word that the Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of the Philadelphia Region is proud to announce the 15 local Latino high school seniors who will each receive a 2012 RMHC/Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) college scholarship. I had the pleasure serving on the selection committee a few weeks ago.


The students will be recognized at a special awards celebration on Wednesday, May 30th from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Down Town Club in Philadelphia. Winners includes students from the Philadelphia region, New Jersey and Delaware. The evening will feature live music and dance performances. In addition, Kenneth Trujillo, Owner, El Zol Philly and Azteca Philly, will deliver a keynote address to the students. More than $20,000 will be awarded during the reception.

Our education is important to us

Immigration is clearly a big issue in Philadelphia. It wasn't too long ago when two undocumented University of Pennsylvania students marched in hopes to take a stronger stance on this issue. But these issues don't speak to just undocumented people, there's a lot more than meets the eyes. A few days ago, students testified at a City Council education-committee hearing on Philadelphia School District budget issues. Why? Because of the lack of bi-lingual counselors.

A Philly.com article stated, "LAST OCTOBER, Eva Serrano was called and asked to head straight to her fourth-grade son's school. She was frantic, but when she arrived, no one could communicate with her because she speaks little English." And this happens everywhere. In our hospitals, schools, law firms, restaurants, etc. Sure there's a budget crisis in the school district, but how are you going to cut 18 ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) jobs? These jobs are so essential not just to place people in those positions, but to support a child's education. Someone earlier today said, "I'm learning more Spanish. It should definitely be mandatory to learn Spanish." Enough said.

Councilwoman Maria Q. Sanchez said at the hearing, "Quiero darle las gracias a las madres presentes por su activismo y su lucha. Además a JUNTOS por el trabajo que realizan en la comunidad. Estoy muy contenta de que alguien más alce la voz para defender los derechos de los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés y sus familias ya que yo siempre lo hago y ya sueno como disco rayado. Los invito a seguir viniendo a las audiencias ya que en los proximos meses se tomaran desciones drasticas y vamos a necesitar luchar mucho". Erika Almiron, Executive Director at Juntos, is doing a tremendous job and plans on doing more for our community.  Are you ready to do your part?

Continuing my studies at St. Joseph's University

About a week ago I was accepted into the St. Joseph's University (SJU) Master's of Arts in Writing Studies program. Wow right!? This is a tremendous opportunity and a big step in my life as I continue to grow. Of course there are many reasons why I decided to continue my education as well as even pick SJU out of all schools. Continuing your education is as natural to me as eating every day. As a Latino I have to face the facts that not everyone is the same. Not everyone is given the same chances as myself nor anyone else. We choose our own fate and decide the best route.

So why continue my studies? A USA Today story quoted, "Census figures show that only 13% of Hispanics have a college degree or higher, compared with 30% among Americans overall." That needs to change ASAP. And sure the idea about going to college is difficult since it involves borrowing money, but it's still important. That percentage gets smaller as you bring up graduate school. My family (especially parents and Tia Fela) really pushed getting that education...and it did stick with me. I also need to become a better writer; it's what I love. In an Al Dia interview I told the reporters I remembered when I was in elementary school I would write short comics. Is it about money? Never. Although a master's degree does increase your chances of getting a bigger salary, I find that SJU will provide other opportunities.

So why SJU? The school has everything I need to become a better writer overall. Although my concentration is journalism, I need a variety of styles in my life. Sure it can come crashing down on me but these days you need to be a multifaceted worker. Whether grant writing, magazine style, online, fictional or even poetry, my style needs to be able to adapt to all.  SJU will open so many doors that I am not aware of as well. Remember...don't put me in a box :). Here's to 3 (maybe 4) more years of the school life!