The Summit’s objective is to celebrate important achievements in various Latino communities across America by addressing gaps in representation, knowledge, and access to key opportunities and to amplify the Department of Commerce and whole-of-government resources on business, workforce development, entrepreneurship, data and innovation, and climate resilience work.

“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 builds familiarity among Latinos to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

As we approach an election year, it’s important to note that 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 Veronica Delgado, Hispanic Access Foundation’s Government Affairs Manager. “Imagine what Latinos could help accomplish for the well-being of their communities if they had more access to resources and opportunities.”

During this week, various community groups, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community leaders, and elected officials will champion legislation, capacity building, and advocacy efforts to uplift and support Latinos across the nation. In addition to the summit, activities will include advocacy trainings, issue-specific briefings, panel discussions, meetings with elected officials, etc. Below is the current list of this year’s lineup of signature events during Latino Advocacy Week (with more information to come):

Hispanic Access Foundation's Latino Advocacy Week Fly-In

• Monday, May 20th - Day 1: Fly-In during daytime and have Dinner together.
• Tuesday, May 21st - Day 2: All day National Latino Advocacy Summit and LAW Private Reception to end the day
• Wednesday, May 22nd - Day 3: Farm Bill Briefing and Capitol Hill Meetings
• Thursday, May 23rd - Day 4: Meetings at the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the White House

Who: Hispanic Access Foundation network members representing 11+ states and Puerto Rico, and 230 churches

The goal:
Seat at the Table & Center of the Conversation – Provide our Latino communities from urban, rural, and suburban communities with the opportunity to engage face-to-face with program leaders from across the federal government to share their most pressing concerns and needs.

Tuesday, May 22, 2024 - National Latino Advocacy Summit
10:00am - 4:00pm EST
Location: Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20230
Description: The Department of Commerce Office of Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships, in partnership with Hispanic Access, will host an in-person National Latino Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., aimed at empowering the Latino community and building the capacity and familiarity among Latinos to advocate for themselves, their families, and their community.

The goal of the summit is to:

• Seat at the Table & Center of the Conversation — Provide our Latino communities in urban, rural, and suburban areas with the opportunity to engage face-to-face with program leaders from across the federal government to share their community's most pressing concerns and needs.
• Celebrate, Empower, & Include – The Latino Advocacy Summit aims to educate, connect, and celebrate opportunities for Latino communities nationwide. Together, Hispanic Access and Commerce bureaus, alongside federal agencies, will showcase various programs, resources, technical assistance, training, and more tailored for our communities.
• Foster Impactful Partnerships – Provide tangible opportunities for Latino organizations to actively engage in important Administration initiatives in their communities, including policy implementation and program efforts that are top priorities for their communities, the Commerce Department, and across the federal government.

Registration is currently open here. Once cap is reached, registration page will close.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Farm Bill Briefing
9:00am - 10:00am EST
Location: House Committee on Agriculture hearing room, 1302 Longworth
Remarks by:

• Rep. Andrea Salinas (D)
• Rep. David G. Valadao (R)
• Speakers: Hilda Berganza, Climate Manager
• Pastor Sam Garza, Hispanic Leadership Network Alum
• Ana Jimenez, Conservation Networks Manager

Thursday, May 23, 2024 - Congressional Meetings
Planning for 20+ Meetings covering: Financial Literacy, Workforce Development, Health, and Mental Health

Training for Network Members Includes – Advocacy videos, chats with congressional staffers, expert government affairs professionals, role-acting for the meetings we will have, and policy-specific discussions.