“Latinos are a growing segment of the U.S. population, and an increasingly active one,” said Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “However, there are significant barriers that hinder Latinos’ participation in America’s democratic processes–language, knowledge, accessibility. Latino Advocacy Week helps break down those barriers, and build familiarity among Latinos to advocate for themselves, their families, and their community.”
Latinos’ voting power is only increasing. As of 2020, 32 million people registered to vote and identified as “Hispanic”. During the 2020 election, Latino voter turnout in the battleground states was three times greater than in 2016, and Hispanic turnout broke records in Georgia’s runoff election in January 2021. However, Latinos only make up 1% of elected officials, while comprising 18% of the U.S. population.
“Latinos represent the largest untapped segment of the population when it comes to civic engagement and political potential,” said Shanna Edberg, Hispanic Access Foundation’s Director of Conservation Programs. “Imagine what Latinos could help accomplish for the well-being of their communities if they had 18x the number of elected officials representing us.”
Latino Advocacy Week’s signature events will be 100 percent virtual and free to attend. Activities will include advocacy training opportunities, issue specific workshops, meetings with elected officials, etc. Below is a list of this year’s line up of signature events during Latino Advocacy Week:
Monday, March 14, 2022: Comunidad First: Latino Advocacy Week Kick-Off
Tuesday, March 15, 2022: Advocacy Training- Mi Voz Mi Comunidad- My Voice My Community
Wednesday, March 16, 2022: Preserving the Past: Advocating for Cultura
Thursday, March 17, 2022: DREAMing Together: Learning the Past, Advocating for the Future
Friday, March 18, 2022: Letting Communities of Color Lead: Latino Conservation Policy
All attendees of the signature events will have the opportunity to receive a free swag package, courtesy of Hispanic Access. Join us in celebrating online by following #LatinoAdvocacyWeek on social media and visit www.LatinoAdvocacyWeek.com for more information.