Poder Latinx Second Annual National Latina Civic Engagement Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2021
CONTACT:
Jackie Smith | 989 | 576-1996 jsmith@poderlatinx.org
Poder Latinx Second Annual National Latina Civic Engagement Day
NATIONWIDE- For the second year in a row, Poder Latinx will launched National Latina Civic Engagement Day on Monday, November 1 to encourage Latinas across the United States to vote in their municipal elections. This event was inspired by the 2020 election cycle, a general lack of Latinx political representation nationwide, and the knowledge that Latinas are quickly becoming a key voting bloc in the United States. This year, the event will center around how our political well being depends on our participation in local elections.
The following statement is from
“As we learned in 2020, Latinas are increasingly playing an important role in shaping both local and national politics. It is only with extensive participation that we can wield this growing power and make real change in our communities. The lack of Latinx political representation is stark, and it is clearly time to find ways to enhance participation and future representation. National Latina Civic Engagement Day is a chance to educate Latinas about their possible impact to help shape the future of our political systems in this country, while highlighting the links between participation in local elections and benefits that can change lives,” said Yadira Sanchez, co-executive director of Poder Latinx as well as quotes from participating Jefas. “This year, Latinas have a chance to ensure the systems that can help their communities thrive are in place at the local level. The importance of local elections is often overlooked, but it is exceedingly important for Latinas to play a role in the decisions that shape their lives and the future of their communities. We are also seeing the critical implications of our participation on the national front with policies like paid leave being cut from the Build Back Better agenda. We need our voices to be heard on critical issues that disproportionately impact our lives as Latinas every day.
As we celebrate National Latina Civic Engagement Day on November 1, we must recognize that power comes with responsibility. The countless Latinx families impacted by our broken immigration system are a reminder that as we vote in 2021, we look forward to the elections of 2022 and beyond to ensure America becomes the land of dreams, hope, and welcome - for all.”
“National Latina Civic Engagement Day is a critical mobilization effort for our community. While Latinxs are becoming one of the quickest growing voting blocs, Latinas are still wildly underrepresented in elected offices. Increasing our representation in office and securing our political priorities requires our participation in municipal and state elections,” said Ana Marie Argilagos, President & CEO of Hispanics in Philanthropy
“Latinas play a vital role in influencing our home, families and community. El futuro de nuestro país, depende del éxito de nuestra comunidad. Para alcanzar la igualdad tenemos que alzar nuestras voces, involucrarnos, y votar!” said Sindy Benavides, CEO of LULAC.
"I continue to believe that civic engagement is at the heart of building power for the communities we serve and is a year round proposition. I am proud to join National Latina Civic Engagement day as we celebrate the many leaders who demonstrate a relentless commitment to democracy building in the work they do each and every day, “ said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of National Partnership for New Americans.
“Latinas continue to pave the way from the household to the ballot box. Together we are an indomitable force and a catalyst for change let's continue echando pa'lante juntas en la LUCHA!” said Alex Gomez, Co-Executive Director of LUCHA.
“In order for all of us to have the Freedom to Thrive regardless of how much money we have or where we were born, we must be be full participants in our democracy and be the protagonists of change!” said Marielena Hincapie, Executive Director of National Immigration Law Center.
“You don't need a PhD in political science to vote. We have all we need to be powerful and build the kind of community we want,” said Stephanie Valencia, Co-Founder and President of Equislabs.
“With our vote, we speak our minds, our values, and our hopes for our families and our futures. That’s powerful! Show them that power, today and always,” said Liz Alarcon, Executive Director of Pulso.
“The fight to ensure a level playing field for all communities starts with Latinas raising their voices at the ballot box, running for office, and elevating our communities in the fight for justice. Latinas are strong, Latinas are resilient, and Latinas are a force to be reckoned at the ballot box and beyond. Juntas, we can change the world and continue to be a beacon for good. ¡Adelante!” said Catherine Pino and Ingrid Duran, founder of D&P Creative Strategies.
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Visit us on online at www.poderlatinx.org
Poder Latinx’s mission is to build a political wave where Latinx communities, immigrants, and people of color are decision-makers in this country’s democracy.