latino roundtable
TRANSCRIPT
FIRST LATINO ROUNDTATBLE BREAKFAST
Westin Hotel
Friday May 19th, 2000
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
FIRST LATINO ROUNDTATBLE BREAKFAST
Westin Hotel
Friday May 19th, 2000
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Sponsored by: Progreso Latino, CHisPA & The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Agenda
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM REGISTRATION
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS
Goals and Objectives
Organizational Structure
8:45 AM – 10:00 AM OPEN DISCUSSION
Time line
Next Steps
ADJOURN
The Latino RoundtableOur ChallengeNo group has a larger stake in the path our community chooses as we begin the new millennium than Latinos. Latinos comprise more than 10 percent of this state, including almost 51 percent of the school age population. It is the youngest and fastest growing minority in the state. Soon after the turn of the century, Latinos will represent the largest minority group in the United States, and within 50 years 20 percent of the entire population will be Latinos. As citizens with a substantial role and stake in the future of this state and nation, we, Latino Americans look forward with hope and promise to a community that truly reflects the "American dream."
Conversely, we can become a united and even greater community, a community that values all of its citizens, where communities and families are strong and prosper, where we encourage and build on our rich diversity. We can be an even more prosperous community, where we bring together the enormous productive potential of all of our people, where all have an equal opportunity to contribute to our economy and to our future-to have a decent job, a good education, to be healthy-and to thrive through our enterprise and hard work. We can become a community where every child can have a full and productive life. It is our choice.
About The Latino RoundtableThe Latino Roundtable will be a coalition of RI Latino community Leaders that represent the diverse Latino cultures in the state. Roundtable members understand how changes in the world and national economies will affect the Latino community in Rhode Island, and how the public and private sectors can work together to provide support as we look to improve our community.
The Roundtable's central purpose will be to pursue the development of public policy that will help Latinos compete in the state economy and provide a high quality of life for the state's citizens. The Roundtable will achieve this purpose by defining strategic goals and objectives, and communicating these objectives to government officials and the public at large.
What We Will Do
The Latino Roundtable will identify and define key long-term issues facing Rhode Island in its search for steady and significant improvement of the Latino community.
The Latino Roundtable will create legislative and gubernatorial support for certain indispensable elements of our community progress. We will be advocates for points of view. We will be a force for actual shifts in public policy towards those indispensable elements needed for growth.
The Roundtable will seek to change many of the anti-Latino attitudes among open-minded leaders for public policies that promote long-term growth of our community.
Mission
The overall improvement of the Rhode Island Latino climate through the direct involvement of Latino leaders in order to identify and influence public policy outcomes.
Approach
Careful selection and prioritization of issues (both short and long term) coupled with commitment of talents and resources to deliver desired outcomes.
Interact and work in partnership with Rhode Island's government leaders.
Coalesce support among a broad-based coalition of organizations to work in concert promoting a proactive agenda on issues where there is a consensus on how to achieve change.
Increased awareness about the need for action on key public policy issues.
Commit to both a vision for and technical understanding of the issues, recognizing that substantive involvement in the public policy arena takes time and that essential broad-based support for reform cannot be accomplished overnight.
Process
An issue-oriented task force structure that directs research, supervises preparation of position papers, recommends policy and advocates change to factors affecting Rhode Island's Latinos well being.
Outcomes
Legislative and corporate reforms bringing decisive, constructive change that places Rhode Island Latinos in a leadership position statewide.
Latinos speaking with one voice and working in concert on issues, thus creating a powerful force for an improved quality of life for Rhode Island's Latino community.
Rhode Island Latino Roundtable will be identified as coalition with one voice that influences public policy with key opinion leaders.
PRESS RELEASE
May 5, 2000
Contact: Tomás A. Avila (401) 467-0111(401) 467-2507E-Mail: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
First Latino Roundtable Breakfast
Providence-The Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy (CHisPA), Progreso Latino and the Governors Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs will be holding their inaugural Latino Roundtable breakfast Friday May 19th, 2000 at the Westin Hotel 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM. The breakfast is being organized to bring together a coalition of RI Latino community Leaders that represent the diverse Latino cultures in the state. The Roundtable members understand how changes in the world and national economies will affect the Latino community in Rhode Island, and how the public and private sectors can work together to provide support as we look to improve our community.
No group has a larger stake in the path our state chooses as we begin the new millennium than Latinos. Latinos comprise more than 10 percent of this state, including almost 51 percent of the school age population. It is the youngest and fastest growing minority in the state. Soon after the turn of the century, Latinos will represent the largest minority group in the United States, and within 50 years 20 percent of the entire population will be Latinos. As citizens with a substantial role and stake in the future of this state and nation, we Latino Americans look forward with hope and promise to a community that truly reflects the "American dream."
According to Patricia Martinez, Executive Director of Progreso Latino, the oldest and largest Latino organization, “We can be a more prosperous community, where we bring together the enormous productive potential of all of our people, where all have an equal opportunity to contribute to our economy and to our future-to have a decent job, a good education, to be healthy-and to thrive through our enterprise and hard work.”
The Roundtable's central purpose will be to pursue the development of public policy that will help Latinos compete in the state economy and provide a high quality of life for the state's citizens. The Roundtable will achieve this purpose by defining strategic goals and objectives, and communicating these objectives to government officials and the public at large.
For more information about the breakfast, call CHisPA 401-467-0111, Progreso Latino 401-728-5920.
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Calendar of EventsJune 1-30 Colectiva del “Chicano Movement” Sol City GalleryJune 23rd CHisPA's CLDI Graduation Providence LibraryJune 24th Central Falls Fiesta del Pueblo James ParkJune 25th RILPAC Summer Cookout, 61 Tappan StreetJune 25th Colombians TPS Rally Pawtucket City HallJune 27th Redesign the Providence H.S. Brown UniversityJune 29th Democracy Fellows Training J & W UniversityJune 30th CHisPA's Tropical Night 421 Elmwood AvenueJuly 8th Coronación Reinado Dominicano Portuguese ClubJuly 23rd Colombian American FestivalAugust 12th Virgen de Urkupiña Festival St. Patrick ChurchAugust 13th 13th Annual Dominican Festival, Roger Williams ParkAugust 20th Providence Puerto Rican ParadeAugust 26th RILPAC 80th Women Suffrage, RI FoundationSeptember 15th Hispanic Heritage Month BeginsSeptember 16th Latino Festival @ WaterFire Steeple StreetSeptember 23rd Fiesta de Las AmericasOctober 6-8 DANR Conference New York October 15th Hispanic Heritage Month Ends
Independence DayJuly 4 U.S. July5 Venezuela July 09 Argentina July 20 Colombia July 28 Peru August 06 Bolivia August 08 Ecuador August, 25 Uruguay September 7 Brazil September 15 Central American September 16 Mexico's September 18 Chile
PARTICIPANTS
NAME ORGANIZATION EmailCHisPA
Tomás A. Avila 421 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907
Pedro BaezQuisqueya En Acción807 Broad StreetProvidence, RI 02907
Alido BalderaProyecto Esperanza400 Dexter StreetCentral Falls, RI 02863
Betty BernalCHisPA421 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907
Silvia BernalNice & Neat Cleaning Service30 Vernon StreetProvidence, RI 02903
Ana CabreraProvidence En Español1849 Smith StreetNorth providence, RI 02911
Jorge Cardenas Marriott Attended
Norelys ConsuegraSenator Jack Reed201 Hillside Rd. Ste. 200Cranston, RI 02920
Victor Hugo CuencaProvidence En Español1849 Smith StreetNorth Providence, RI 02911
Gonzalo Cuervo District 20 Candidate194 Calla St.Providence, RI 02905
Jackie DacostaCongressman Patrick Kennedy249 Roosevelt Ave., Ste. 200Pawtucket, RI 02860
Melba DepeñaQuisqueya En Acción807 Broad StreetProvidence, RI 02907
Ernesto FigueroaCHisPA421 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907
Andy GalliAngel Taveras for CongressP.O. Box 9366Providence, RI 02940-9366
William KinsellaSenator Chaffee's Office10 Dorrance St., Suite 221Providence, RI 02903
José GónzalezLADO421 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907
Senator's Chaffee
Leonor M. Guerrero 10 Dorrance St., Suite 221Providence, RI 02903
William KinsellaSenator Chaffee's Office10 Dorrance St., Suite 221Providence, RI 02903
Carlos LopezProyecto Esperanza400 Dexter StreetCentral Falls, RI 02863
Marta Martinez
Governor's Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs23 Spring Garden StreetCranston, RI 02888
Patricia MartinezProgreso Latino626 Broad StreetCentral Falls, RI 02863
Gil Antonio MejiaPresencia Newspaper198 Eight StreetProvidence, RI 02806
Nelson Mejia MET High School Attended
Tony MendezPoder 11101226 Mineral Spring Ave.North Providence, RI 02904
Pablo MijaresWSBE Channel 36 TV50 Park Lane Providence, RI 02907-3124
Luisa MurilloCHisPA421 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907
Olga NogueraGuatelmatecos Unidos421 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907
Onoguera@dhs
Luis PeraltaProgreso Latino626 Broad StreetCentral Falls, RI 02853
Lydia Perez Puertoriqueños UnidosP.O. Box 8168Warwick, RI 02888
Vidal Perez Brown University [email protected]
Johana PetrarcaPoder 11101226 Mineral Spring Ave.North Providence, RI 02904
Janet PichardoRIEDCWest Exchange StreetProvidence, RI 0293
Senate 10 Candidate
Juan M. Pichardo 229 Atlantic AvenueProvidence, RI 02907
Beatriz RestrepoPoyecto Esperanza400 Dexter StreetCentral Falls, RI 02863
Javier RicoFederal Hill House Asso.9 Cortland StreetProvidence, RI 02909
Martin M. Rivera Initiative for Human Dev.
Sarita RiveraCHisPA CLDI19 Derby St. Apt.4Pawtucket, RI 02860
Delia Rodriguez-MasjoanTangoUSA807 Broad Street # 134Providence, RI 02907
Gilbert RodriguezCHisPA CLDI19 Derby St. Apt.4Pawtucket, RI 02860
Ralph RodriguezCHisPA421 Elmwood Ave.Providence, RI 02907
Elvys RuizQuisqueya En Acción807 Broad StreetProvidence, RI 02907
Brenda SerranoParents Network400 Warwick Ave Suite 12 Warwick RI 02888
Olga SilvaProyecto Esperanza400 Dexter StreetCentral Falls, RI 02863
Olga ShirzadiCity of ProvidenceProvidence City HallProvidence, RI 02903
Maria Luisa Vallejo Dept. of Health Attended
Elba VargasBell Atlantic300 Metro Center Blvd.Warwick, RI
Leticia VelazquezAmerican Express Financial175 Hillside RoadGarden CityCranston, RI 02920
Westin Hotel
Friday June 16th, 2000
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Sponsored by: Progreso Latino, CHisPA & The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Agenda
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM REGISTRATION
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM OPENING Welcome Introductions Announcements
PRESENTATION
8:45 AM – 8:55 AM Mat Brown, Democracy Compact 9:00 AM – 9:25 AM Brenda Serrano, RIPIN9:30 AM – 9:50 AM Q & A/Wrap Up
10:00 AM ADJOURN
Next Meeting Friday July 28th, 2000
Register
Patricia MartinezMarta MartinezTomás Alberto AvilaMargarita GuedesVidal PerezYolanda PerezLuisa MurilloJuan M. PichardoJanet M. PichardoOlga ShirzadiErick CahowJohana PetrarcaTony Mendez Victor Hugo CuencaRicardo PatiñoVictor CapellanMelba DepeñaOlga NogueraBrenda SerranoMilagros AcevedoElizabeth PresleyErnesto FigueroaDelia Rodriguez Masjoan
Latino Community Issues
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EducationAside from the intrinsic value of knowledge, education is often viewed as the strongest route to economic well-being. Our competitive global marketplace relies on education as the means to uncharted opportunities. One constantly finds a need for adapting to an evolving information-based society. For Latinos, a significant segment of America’s labor force in the 21st century, structural, economic, and social obstacles may thwart the hope of a quality education. Our dedication to improving Latino educational opportunities shall focus on the examination of barriers to academic achievement
ImmigrationRecent federal legislation has raised financial roadblocks to the reunification of families. Regulations explaining recent legislation has yet to be promulgated creating confusion and room for abuse. Immigrant families are often confused about entitlements for -which they may or may not be, eligible (e.g. education and health care versus public assistance) This confusion may lead families to not access necessary services. Further, families may fail to register the American born children of undocumented parents with negative consequences for these children. The recent "anti-terrorism act" has, in some cases, been misapplied to persons with minor offense histories. Also, individuals may be advised to admit to (committed 'or not) crimes unaware of the potential negative impact to their immigration status.
HealthHispanics suffer a greater incidence of some highly preventable diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast and cervical cancer, than other U.S. groups. Moreover, Hispanics are less likely to have access to health insurance, adequate preventive medical care, or public health education materials. Latino's health programs work to develop culturally-relevant, bilingual health education and promotional materials for those in the Hispanic community not being reached by national, mainstream health education efforts, as well
as to provide assistance in the form of model programs, consultation, and training to Hispanic community-based organizations and mainstream health agencies.
Economic EmpowermentIn several areas related to economic well-being, Hispanics have demonstrated stability and even some upward mobility. For instance, Hispanic men are the most likely group of workers to be in a job or looking for one. However, a substantial segment of Latinos faces serious economic challenges. Nearly three in ten Hispanics and two in five Hispanic children are poor. (Most Latinos in poverty are part of "working poor" families - those that have at least one full-time worker, yet earn wages below the official poverty level; often, they receive no health insurance or other important benefits.)
Redistricting/Down SizingAs the 21st century begins, and we welcome a new millennium and the 2000 census is conducted, battle lines are already forming on how the RI political map will be redrawn in 2002. This battle is brewing in the General Assembly over how to conduct legislative reapportionment, the
politically explosive issue of drawing a new political map to reflect Rhode Island's population changes over the decade of the 90's as well as in community organization.
Adding ammunition to this battle is the schedule down sizing of the Legislature from 150-members body to 113 approved by the voters in 1994 by a margin of 51.8%. This schedule downsizing is fuelling a lot of concern, from a variety quarters, over the impending size reduction for the Rhode Island General Assembly.
Census 2000After the last national headcount, Census Bureau officials admitted they had undercounted minorities much more than the broader population, and that Hispanics had fared worse than most other groups. At a national level, 4.4 percent Blacks and 5.2 Hispanics were overlooked compared to 1.6 percent of the total population. Hispanics and bureau officials agreed that the government should begin its outreach efforts to all communities earlier than it had in the past. That effort will include a media campaign and all local community groups would be encouraged to participate. However, other issues provoked debate, and many remain skeptical about the Census Bureau's estimates of those who were overlooked in the last census.
Economic DevelopmentEconomic growth and employment creations are crucial variables in any urban revitalization strategy. Jobs -- their quality, availability and location - and access to economic opportunity are critical building blocks on which a city, its people and its businesses depend. It is necessary to understand the nature of both the local workforce and the occupations that local and regional industries will employ so that effective strategies may be developed to ensure that Providence
residents will be able to access and compete for available jobs. In light of the major demographic changes our state is experiencing and the explosive growth of Latino businesses across this nation and in Rhode Island, and as we approach the next millennium, our aim is to
assist in facilitating a systematic, gateway approach, to economic development in the Latino community and all other sectors that interact with it.
Civil RightsDiscrimination in employment, housing, and other aspects of daily life severely limits the economic and social opportunities available to Hispanic Americans. Latinos shall conduct policy analysis and advocacy activities in the civil rights arena in order to promote and protect equality of opportunity in education, employment, housing, public services, and public accommodations for all Americans.
Leadership DevelopmentThe development of Latino leaders is essential to achieving full Latino participation in the nation's social and economic mainstream. Leaders play a critical role in organizing communities for self-determination, advocating for community improvement, and representing the interests of the communities they lead. We believe that leadership is already present in each community, but generally undeveloped to its full potential. Our leadership development efforts, therefore, shall seek to help community-based organizations identify and support leaders who have commitment
to their communities and to develop their knowledge, skills, and experience in order that they can work effectively within and outside the Hispanic community to improve its resources, services, and opportunities.
CitizenshipNaturalization is the critical last step that new Americans take in order to participate fully in the civic life of the United States. Latinos shall conduct policy analysis and advocacy activities in order to ensure that the naturalization process is accessible and efficient, with minimal backlogs and waiting periods. In addition, Latino's Citizenship Projects shall provide resources and technical assistance to their communities in the various stages of the U.S. citizenship application process.
Media AdvocacyThe manner in which Hispanic Americans are perceived by other Americans and the community, own self-image is extensively influenced by media portrayals of Latinos. Latinos shall conduct research to document media images of Latinos, and challenges unfair or inaccurate portrayals which influence others opinions and views.
Political and Civic EngagementAs the political climate reshapes, the Latino population is showing a renewed commitment to demonstrating its political strength. The remarkable growth of the population and the significance of the Latino electorate has undergone intense scrutiny and become the subject of fiery debate across the nation. Policymakers and the public alike have voiced their need for a better understanding of the Latino community and the significance and actuality of the Latino vote. We shall seek to fill this void by conducting in-depth analyses of Latino voting trends in an effort to bring clarity to Latino perceptions and experiences in the electoral process. Work of this nature enables us to give voice to the Latino community and allows elected officials and civic leaders the opportunity to focus their efforts on those issues that most concern their constituencies.
Social IntegrationThe Latino community is a complex, diverse body that often cannot be defined in traditional terms. Knowing this, we shall strive to take innovative approaches to research that will address a wide range of topics including affirmative action, crime and welfare policies and examine their potential impacts on the social environment, subcultures and dynamics of the Latino population. While attempting to address the challenges presented by the social incorporation of Latinos into American society, we shall also bear in mind the important role of immigration in the Latino community.
Reference
Avila, Alberto, Tomás Community Leadership Development Initiative Structure & Vision, Providence, RI January 1, 1998
Avila, Alberto, Tomás Community Latino Economic Empowerment in the Next Millennium, Providence, RI November 8, 1997
Avila, Alberto, Tomás, NCLR 1999 Annual Conference; Launching a New Millennium Summary, Providence, RI August, 1999
Avila, Alberto, Tomás, The 2nd Annual Harvard University Latino Law and Public Policy Conference, "Access To Opportunity" Summary, April 1999
Avila, Alberto, Tomás, 2nd Annual Dominican American Roundtable Summary, June 1999
Avila, Alberto, Tomás, 6th Annual Latinos in the New Millennium Conference: Report, November 1999
Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy - Latinos at A Cross Road: Millennial Economic Empowerment Forum, Providence, RI March 22, 1999.
Gounaris, Marilyn, Martinez, Marta, Cruz Francisco - Under One Roof: The Juanita Sanchez Multi-Services Center, Providence RI May 22, 1993
Michaelson, Rita C. Report on the Hispanic, Portuguese and Cape Verdean Populations in Rhode Island, Providence, RI, September, 1986
National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, 1996 Policy Summary, Washington, DC October 15, 1996
Plan Providence The - Improving Access to Jobs and Economic Opportunity: The Development of a Jobs Policy for Providence A Policy Concept Paper, February 1, 1998
Rodriguez, Ralph, Governor's Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs Action Forum Report, Providence RI, November 13, 1997
Rodriguez, Ralph, Governor's Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs Nuestro Futuro/Our Future: Meeting The Needs of Rhode Island Hispanics Community; A policy Summary, Providence RI, April 4, 1997
Williams, Anastasia; Moving The Hispanic Community Forward: Report of Anastasia Williams Economic Development Task Force, Providence, RI March 1993.