According to the national census bureau, the Hispanic population in Washington State nearly tripled from 1997 through 2008, from around 230,000 to 650,000.  Between 2000 and 2006 Hispanics accounted for one-half of the national growth and experienced a growth rate (24.3%) three times the growth rate of the national population (6.1%).  As a result, the debate over immigrant reform is at a tipping point. No longer can politicians ignore their responsibility as representatives for such a large portion of the population.  And immigration reform is just the tip of the iceberg.

The high-school dropout rate for Hispanic youth is nearly three times the national average for non-Hispanics and on the State and National level there is lack of political representation.

So it was with these issues at the forefront, that Bellevue College hosted the second Latino Community Fund Summit.  The two-day Summit was billed as “an unprecedented opportunity for Latinos and allies from multiple sectors to get engaged in timely and solutions-oriented training and planning that improves the health and well-being of Washington State's Latino communities.” Those in attendance ranged from students to community leaders from throughout the state, all focused on opening discussion about the issues facing the Latino Community.  Headline speakers focused the Summit towards three themes: Recovering Our History, Reclaiming Our Power, and Renewing Our Movement.  After a networking lunch, the second half of each day was dedicated to open forum groups discussing the issues that were affecting the Latino Community.

Luis Ortega, co-director of ALIANZA, a statewide alliance of Latina/o student leaders, says that, as a student at the University of Washington, he represents the next generation of leaders that will have a role in shaping the future of the Latino Community.  He said that the three major issues affecting the Latino Community are a lack of education, financial opportunity and a lack of political representation. "That is where we are focusing our efforts. ALIANZA has formed committees working on and towards education opportunity conferences, scholarship opportunities, and community workshops to target these major areas of deficiency within the Latino community.”  

And it is on the community level as well as the civic level where change needs to happen.  That’s why ALIANZA and grassroots organizations such as WashingtonCAN (Community Action Network) are so important. Maru Mora-Villalpand, an organizer for WashingtonCAN, facilitated one of the civic academies that focused on Racial Justice and Institutional Racism, where she explained that “Community events such as house parties focused on current legislation can be an environment where an awareness of how Latinos can become actively involved, either through calling their representative or knowing which legislation to vote on, can be fostered.” 

The issues facing the Latino Community are not some distant point resting on the horizon; there are current issues operating among us now.  Ortega and Mora-Villalpand each stressed specific examples where immediate action is necessary.   “Senate Bill HB-1706 and the Dream Act are current action points that will affect Latinos,” noted Ortega.  Mora-Villalpand also stressed that, “Awareness about Secretary Nepolitano’s stance on immigration, and bills such as I-1033, are events that are happening right now that Latinos should be aware of.”

As the number of Latinos grows, so does the importance of establishing networks that will give voice to such an important segment of the population.  That is why events such as the Latino Community Fund Summit are so important.  Leaders such as Luis Ortega and Maru Mora-Vallalpand and so many others are an important part of this future, but it is only through the strength of community that any real change will happen, because, in the end, as Maru Mora-Villalpand said, “Words without action are just complaints.”

For more information and how you can be involved with the above issues (and more) visit: http://www.washingtoncan.org/

< Anterior		Siguiente >