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.

Buzzfeed launched Pero Like

Just yesterday I presented on how to reach the Latino audience. So how do you? The answer is not that easy because it depends on a LOT of factors.

It's been no secret that Buzzfeed has invested a lot in hiring Latino employees and even Latino content. Just recently they launched a YouTube and Facebook content driven site called Pero Like. The platform will have “content that resonates with English-speaking Latinxs,” according to tweets announcing the project from staffers Alex Alvarez and Norberto Briceño. What did you notice there...Latinxs?

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.

A quick update from Navaja

So where have I been?

It's been months since I have written a post and years since I've regularly updated the blog. Probably not the best strategy. Since 2008 I've enjoyed accepting pitches and just regularly writing about anything of interest. Yes it is difficult maintaining a blog and finding new ideas so I welcome anything you think would be great to discuss!

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?

Tide "Washes Away Labels" with NCLR

I love it when major corporations join forces with social serving agencies. This is why I was happy to see when Tide teamed up with NCLR for the #WashAwayLabels campaign. Sure it's about selling the product but the message is clear...get rid of stereotypes.

2015’s States Where Hispanics Are Most Assimilated

According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates as of July 1, 2013, there are roughly 54 million Hispanics living in the United States, representing approximately 17% of the U.S. total population, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority.

During every political season, Latinos seem to become more and more important. In fact, marketing to Latinos seems to be ore and more on everyone's mind. But then again some people have trouble marketing to Latinos because there are sub-groups. Is it the English dominant Latinos...or is it the parents that immigrated here?

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."

Jorge Ramos fights back against Donald Trump

I'm a reporter. My job is to ask questions. What's "totally out of line" is to eject a reporter from a press conference for asking questions

— JORGE RAMOS (@jorgeramosnews) August 26, 2015

Sure it's been a while since I've been posting. And sure the things I post are mostly personal and have an opinion. But maybe it's about time I start writing again (I've heard that before).

Univision pulling the plug on Don Francisco's Sábado Gigante

Photograph: Lynne Sladky/AP

So September 19, 2015 will be the final broadcast of Sábado Gigante on Univision. Doesn't that suck! After 53 years of musical performances, crazy game shows and special guests, we have to say goodbye to Don Francisco (Mario Kreutzberger).

According to the press release, "Don Francisco will continue contributing to the Univision Network with new projects and by hosting entertainment specials and campaigns such as “TeletónUSA,” which is held every year on behalf of disabled children. He will also take part in Univision’s ongoing efforts to look for and develop new on-air talent and professionals." This is good right? The show was highly rated after all.

The LA Times also reported that, "though the show is beloved by generations of Latinos, however, ratings have dropped sharply in recent years among the young adults prized by advertisers." The show, owned by Don Francisco, would have to have cut a deal and I don't think that would go over well.

There are many memories of Sábado Gigante. It was a staple to the Latino community just like the Price is Right is to Americans. El Chacal will be missed!

Coca Cola creates web sites with emojis

A billboard on the highway has to capture your attention in an instant. The less words the better. Only an image? That could work as well. What if it was just a website? Better yet...an emoji?! Well that's exactly what Coca Cola has created.

International Star Kate Del Castillo signed my tweet

Just a few weeks ago I came across a promoted Tweet from @KateDelCastillo (internationally acclaimed film & television actor) who has some of us may know starred in Telemundo's hit novela, "La Reina del Sur." I thought to myself, well this is a nifty #SignMyTweet campaign brought to you by Xfinity Latino.

Your Miss Universe is Colombian

So it's been a few days since Paulina Vega (Miss Colombia) was crowned Miss Universe in Doral-Miami, Florida. Well deserved you think? Like many pageants and competitions, the crowning moment usually leads to "so and so was robbed" across all social media.

A Latino mayoral candidate in Philadelphia?

Things are getting interesting in the upcoming mayoral race in Philadelphia. Of the four officially declared Democratic candidates, 50% are Latino. And when we mix race relations to high political elections, everyone is bound to add their two cents about what "they" can do for the community. But it isn't only about race right?

Coca-Cola and #HazAlguienFeliz

Instead of creating something new, it's always important to integrate new campaigns with your traditional campaigns. Of course this isn't for every corporation but Coca-Cola is doing it right. 

The State of Hispanic Business

The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) has released "The State of Hispanic Business" for the Greater Philadelphia region. "The report provides business and consumer insights about Latinos, the region's fastest growing and increasingly influential market segment," said Varsovia Fernandez, President and CEO of the GPHCC.

The report highlights various business factors around the region including advertising the the Latino consumer, buying power, increase of Latino-owned businesses, and social media.

So why the report?

American Hispanics by the Numbers

As of 2013 Latino buying power stands at an impressive $1.2 trillion, with women driving the purchases. Right now, with 53 million Latinos in the U.S., one in six Americans is Latino. In three short decades, it will be closer to one in three. These are all facts.

But where else do we get our facts? The media? Television shows? These are all biased mediums that don't really showcase the passion and statistics. This is where a forthcoming book comes into play...Latino Stats: American Hispanics by the Numbers.

Horrible news from Univision and Google

In a world of ever changing technology and landscapes, you start to wonder what business moves will be made in the next few years. Here are a few that were mistakes.

Okay so the first news from Google isn't horrible but it's ridiculous if you ask me. Google recently told the world they are launching a new web domain ".soy" that is intended for members of the Hispanic community. Really...(dot) soy.

Side note: I'd like to point out that I'm allergic to soy.

Anyways. I'm a firm believer that we should not have anything separate. By "we" I mean Latinos. By constantly segregating ourselves and not being inclusive, there are no steps moving forward. However, there are exceptions. Ad campaigns geared towards Latino audiences, Latino museums, and even foods (duh) are just some of the things that make Latinos unique. But with Latinos over-indexing online, why do we need a separate website? Sad to say, there already some partners on board with the (dot) soy.

Only time will tell if it's successful. Again this is a huge business move in order to improve profits. Egh.

Out and Proud: The Gran Varones Project

Labels. These are meant to categorize anything from foods to people. As humans, we like to label ourselves Latino, Black, African American, Transgender, Gay, Straight, Blond, etc. Some come with baggage but others would argue they don't come with baggage but with opportunities.

But what is it like to live and work in a community that isn't what we thought it would be? Launched in April 2014, Louis "Louie" Ortiz created "The Gran Varònes" project which "shines a light on what being “out” and “proud” means to us, our families, and our communities." The photos have been highlighted using social media platforms like Facebook, Instgram and videos. You can watch the video interviews on Vimeo.

Some quotes from the participants include the following:

• "I would love to be more in touch with the Latino gay community as much as I am with the black community because I feel that's where the strongest connection is."
• "People need to believe in themselves. A lot of gay Latinos hold themselves back from pursuing a dream or becoming something because they don't want to be judged. And I am not about that."
• "To some degree, i feel a disconnect as gay latino amongst other gay latinos. i don't always feel I have a place amongst them."

After reading most of the comments made by the participants, it really does make me angry but happy. Identity is something we all struggle. Just because we're Latino (or anything else) doesn't necessarily mean we have to have all Latino friends. It also doesn't mean we have to eat rice and beans...although I do love rice and beans. We let society attempt to stick us in a box on one path but when we go off track, somethings wrong with us. That's why I'm glad to see The Gran Varònes project highlight these Philly leaders. And no a leader doesn't mean they have to be a CEO of a company; just being highlighted and telling their own story makes them a leader in their own right. 

News You Can Use: #RespectTheÑ, Social Innovators, and more!

As Latinos, we come in all shapes and sizes. But if it's one thing we have in common, it's social media. Read more about social media innovators and the unfortunate misspelling of someone who has passed away.

• Time to #RespectTheÑ Again: English-Language Media Can’t Handle Ñ in Peña’s Death -- How did I miss this? 
• 6 Brands That Succeed At Understanding Hispanic Marketing - I completely agree with this list. 
• Elianne Ramos named recipient of Social Media Innovator Award by Maryland governor - So honored to have met Elianne a few years ago. She is an asset to our community. 
• Hispanicize New York-Tri State Group Launches as Unique Platform to Unite Latino Influencers in Blogging, Marketing, Journalism, Tech and Entertainment - Guess I know where I'll be at real soon :)