Washington Notes

Hello Rilpaqueños!! As I read all the press releases ant media information about the census results and the shocking growth of the Latino community, I was reminded of a draft document I prepared back on December 12th, which I was going to present to community leaders and try to develop a working document. Being that that the census projections for 20005 took place in 2001 instead, I want to share the beginning of the draft I started, and see if may be can get together and try to answer some of the questions and develop others. Let me now what you think of the following information. Tomas Alberto Latinos 2005 - 2025 A 25 years Vision with 5 Year Plan, Towards the attainment of Parity and Leadership: Preparation to becoming a Majority Minority What will it be like in 5 years? What does it mean to become the majority minority? What responsibilities come with it? Who's going to lead? Are we ready to lead? What do we need to do to prepare? Who will be/are our allies? Who/what are our detractors? What are the benefits/liabilities? What are our Goals & Objectives? Have we develop master plans? strategic plans? What are our vision statements? Issues: Affordable Housing, Education, Health, Civil Rights, Bilingualism, Neighborhood Enterprise: South Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport, West Warwick, Cranston. Wealth Creation: Copetitive Advantages, Political Empowerment/order, Collaborations, Partnerships, Economic Empowerment, immigration, Employment, Guide Lines Development, Research, Studies, plans, reports, PL, What are our organizational assets? CHisPA, PU, GUA, QIA, CAA, Project Hope, LADO, State Agencies, Federal Agencies. Establishment of leadership, management and policy institutes. Begin the preparation of future executives. Add your questions and ideas

According to Geoffrey Fox in his book Hispanic Nation, the only 2 issues binding the Latino Agenda are: The defense of the working poor's interest requiring the defense of social services, job & housing creation and the making of the Latino presence feel respected through language & culture. Close Up Foundation - Canal Place, Alexandria, VA, Nonprofit, and nonpartisan civic education organization. It's goal to inform, inspire & empower young people to exercise their rights, responsibilities of living in a democracy. Mission - Textbooks & lectures alone are not enough to help students understand the democratic process and make it work. Students need a close up experience in government to have to have an appreciation & respect for it. Trip to, City Halls, City Councils, State House, Congress in DC "Democracy is not a spectator sport - it requires the active participation of citizens" Stephen Janger Close Up training goals: 1. Informed and engaged individuals are the foundation of strong communities and vital democracy. Community-wide participation is essential; no one should be left out. 2. Ignorance, cynicism and apathy are persistent threats to our democratic system of governance. 3. Gaining the knowledge & practicing the skills necessary for civic and community involvement are life-long commitments. 4. One person can make a difference. "Seek first to understand, then be understood" Stephen Covey's Fifth Habit