7 PACs that Support Latina Candidates
As campaign season approaches, you might hear buzz around endorsements and donations from political action committees (PACs). But what exactly is a PAC, and should it be on your radar for your campaign aspirations? In simple terms, a PAC stands for Political Action Committee, an entity formed to pool funds from individuals in support of candidates or causes. A PAC can be critical to the success of a campaign, especially for first-time candidates or candidates who may not have access to a large political network. PACs provide financial backing, resources, and advocacy that can grant Latina candidates access to essential donors, volunteers, and mentors crucial for a successful campaign journey. For these reasons, we want to encourage aspiring Latina candidates to research PACs that align with their own campaign goals and values. To kickstart your exploration of which PACs to connect with and apply to, we’ve compiled a list of 7 PACs dedicated to uplifting Latina candidates. Discover the list below, and explore each PAC’s website to learn more about their endorsement process and requirements. PODER PAC: PODER PAC is a political action committee founded by and for Latinas to elect pro-choice Latinas to Congress. PODER provides resources and support to Latina candidates running for federal offices who have demonstrated a commitment to the Latino community. Latino Victory Fund: The Latino Victory Fund is committed to increasing Latino representation in government to be commensurate with Latino population growth. To that end, the Latino Victory Fund supports progressive Latinx candidates at every office level to build a more reflective government. Higher Heights for America PAC: Higher Heights for America PAC is a political action committee providing Black women with a political home exclusively dedicated to harnessing their power. They aim to advance progressive policies and expand…
Celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 33rd Anniversary
As we commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is essential to recognize the significant impact this landmark legislation has had on the lives of millions of Americans. Enacted on July 26, 1990, the ADA has opened doors and broken down barriers for people with disabilities. It has also been a driving force for inclusivity and equal opportunities within diverse communities. Among the communities that have benefited significantly from this legislation is the Latinx community. Below, we will explore how the ADA has positively impacted people with disabilities by promoting social, economic, and educational empowerment in numerous ways. 1. Increased Accessibility One of the primary achievements of the ADA has been the transformation of public spaces through ramps, elevators, wider doorways, and accessible restrooms to increase accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities. This means that individuals with disabilities can now access public places more easily, making participating in various social, cultural, and economic activities simpler. Whether attending community events, visiting government institutions, or engaging in employment opportunities, the ADA’s accessibility measures have enhanced the quality of life for all people with disabilities. 2. Employment Opportunities The ADA has been a catalyst for improving employment prospects for people with disabilities, including those within the Latinx community. This legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability in all aspects of employment, ensuring that individuals are judged on their skills and qualifications rather than their disabilities. Consequently, this has enabled folks with disabilities to have more opportunities to enter the workforce, contribute to their communities, and achieve financial independence. The ADA also encourages employers to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that employees with disabilities can thrive in their roles, promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. 3. Language Access and Cultural Competence Language barriers can be a challenge for Latinx…
Lone Star Parity Project: State of Texas Women 2023
Lone Star Parity Project (LSPP) was established in 2017 to answer a simple question: How many women+ run for all levels of office in Texas? Answering this question proved to be more difficult than expected. At the LSPP, women+ is defined as any person who identifies as a woman. This definition is inclusive and not limited to transitioning, transgender, questioning, non-binary, gender fluid, and gender non-conforming persons. This expanded definition is represented by the plus sign.”. Over the past six years, LSPP has conducted research and discovered new trends in Texas that were largely going undetected. For example, in Texas, Republican women+ win at a higher percentage than their Democratic counterparts. However, Democratic women+ are closer to parity than Republican women+. LSPP also discovered that in Texas women+ win at higher rates than their male counterparts. Yet, even with all of this data, it is still difficult to know exactly how many women+ run for all levels of office in Texas. LSPP now presents its third report, State of the Texas Woman 2023. State of Texas Women 2023: For the first time in Texas history, LSPP are ecstatic to share that Texas is near parity! Meaning Texas is closer than ever to equal representation for men and women+. In LSPP’s report, you’ll find new facts and stats outlining where Texas has made gains and where more progress is possible. The report looks at parity across counties, offices, and party affiliation. State of the Texas Woman 2023 Some key findings: In 2022, 2,133 women+ filed to run for office in Texas. Of those 1,264 women+ won elected office. While rural counties are more likely to be at parity than exurban or urban areas, only 3.4 million people out of 29.1 million Texans live in a parity county. …
Vote for Latinas Represent
Latinas Represent has been nominated for GAIN Power’s “Powerful IDEA Awards” for our work throughout 2022 to train and recruit Latinas to run for office. GAIN Power created the Powerful IDEA (Impact on Democracy, Elections, Advocacy) Awards to recognize the most impactful organizations, people, technology, communications, and other resources that power progressive politics, advocacy, and democracy. The Powerful IDEA Awards aim to elevate and shine a spotlight on organizations, workers, and programs that focus on engaging and promoting democracy through running for office, organizing, elections, civic engagement, participatory events, and public communications. We are honored to be nominated, but we need your votes to get us to the finish line! Follow these quick and easy steps to cast your vote for Latinas Represent on GAIN Power’s platform before voting closes on May 15th. Vote using this link. 1. Create an account on GAIN Power’s platform. 2. Use ‘search list’ to search for Latinas Represent. 3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Latinas Represent’s profile. 4. Click on the heart at the top of the page to cast your vote. 5. Share with your amigas! Thank you for voting and supporting Latinas Represent! If you have any questions about the nomination or are interested in partnership or mentorship opportunities, please fill out our interest form at the bottom of this page.
10 Latina Environmental Justice Champions Who Inspire Us
If there’s one thing about Latinos, it’s that we are going to reduce, reuse, and recycle all day everyday. How many of us have opened up a tub of butter only to find frijoles in it? Or have a plastic bag filled with other plastic bags that we use to line our trash bins? How many of us have had to run to grab our vestidos from the clothesline because it started raining unexpectedly? Trust me, many of us have been there. These experiences bring us together as a community and also highlight how we, as Latinos, are naturally inclined to be eco-friendly. Although we, as a community, may be doing our small parts to take care of our planet, Latinos still face disproportionate amounts of environmental racism and injustice. As climate change continues to bring about more intense natural disasters, it is Latinos who are often at the receiving end of these devastating and deadly catastrophes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Latinos in the U.S. are more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to experience heat waves, powerful hurricanes, sea level rise, and floods. That is why it is more important than ever for Latinos to be involved in public policy discussions that address climate change, reduce harmful emissions, and find clean energy alternatives. According to a 2017 Yale survey, Latinos are more engaged with the topic of climate change, and more concerned about its effects, than other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. If we continue to increase that interest and commitment to addressing climate change, there is no doubt that we can preserve our planet for generations to come. We honor and celebrate the work of individuals working to protect and heal the environment with actions big and small. Below we gathered a list of 10 Latina…
The Power of Us: A Latino Policy Resource for the 118th Congress
“The Power of Us: A Latino Policy Resource for the 118th Congress” is a resource for policymakers and advocates to better understand the critical policies that, if enacted, would meaningfully improve the lives of our nation’s 62 million Latinos. It serves as a critical reference tool for those who aim to become familiar with UnidosUS policy experts and their expertise, Latino-centered policy research, and legislation that would advance equity and inclusion for the Hispanic community. Reading the publication, you learn culturally relevant programs that UnidosUS works on with its nearly 300 Affiliates across the country, including the Esperanza Hope For All campaign that has helped millions of Latinos get vaccinated, and collaborative efforts that helped lift 1.4 million Latino children out of poverty through the expanded fully refundable Child Tax Credit in 2021. The resource describes UnidosUS’s advocacy in key states where the Latino population is high and growing, including Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. These states are focal points for the Latino community and can be incubators for innovative policy and program solutions. It also highlights victories in voter engagement, including registering nearly one million Hispanic voters, including more than 42,000 in the recent midterm elections. In addition, it includes recent public opinion research on Latino voter perspectives, including a midterms national poll, eight state-based polls, and an election eve poll, which have informed the media and policymakers about our community’s priorities. Finally, the resource highlights the policy work led by UnidosUS teams of experts across critical areas: economic empowerment, civil rights, education, health, immigration, and housing. Throughout this document, you will find links to UnidosUS’s latest publications, analyses, and blogs, which provide many of the policy solutions that will be needed to improve the lives and prospects of Latino workers, families, and their children. About UnidosUS UnidosUS is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization…
Intern Highlight: Roselie Agulto
Sept 4, 2021 Name: Roselie Agulto University: Portland State University Major: Public Health Expected Graduation Date: August 2021 Hometown: Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Why did you choose your major? I chose to study public health because I knew that I wanted to pursue a career where I could impact the lives of many in my community. Living in the Islands where resources are scarce, it’s difficult to stay healthy and have all your needs met. Disease and short life expectancies are disproportionate burdens across the Pacific Islands and that is something that I am passionate about changing in the future. Through public health, I know that I could do just that, by implementing programs and pushing for policies that will encourage healthier behaviors and lifestyles. Why is it important to have more women’s representation in politics? It is important to have more women’s representation in politics because women bring unique experiences, skills and knowledge to the table. Women have been historically underrepresented in many areas, including politics, which have resulted in discriminatory and inequitable laws and policies that harm them. It is necessary that more women are represented in politics in order to reform and revise laws so that we can create a more inclusive and equitable society. I believe more women in political leadership roles are also essential because they place greater priority on women’s rights and create pathways towards gender equality. Have you learned something during your internship with Latinas Represent that you didn’t know before? The most surprising thing I learned was that women face a lot of challenges when running for office. Some barriers include women having to leave their full-time jobs to commit to campaigning; not being able to afford unpaid internships; lack of empowerment; family and caregiving responsibilities, etc. Organizations like…
Intern Spotlight: Karina González Rosales
Jun 15, 2021 Name: Karina González Rosales University: University of California, San Diego Major: Sociology: Law & Society & Human Rights Minor Expected Graduation Date: June 2021 Hometown: San Diego, California Why did you choose your major? Sociology was the perfect major for me because it gave me the tools to not only analyze society and its various systems and structures, but also the role that the legal system plays within society. I acknowledge that as a woman of color, many spaces within our society were intended to keep people like myself out—including higher education. That is why studying these intersecting social relationships and their origins fascinates me. Why is the issue of Latina representation in politics (and beyond) important to you? While Latinos make up about 18% of the U.S. population, less than 5% of those in Congress identify as Latino. Representation is crucial to the well-being of our democracy and communities. Latinas are strong, fearless women and our unique skills and experiences are needed now more than ever not just in politics, but in every sector. Seeing women of color in politics empowers other young women and girls and shows them that their voices matter. Most importantly, it also encourages other Latinas to become politically engaged at all levels—especially locally. Have you learned something during your internship with Latinas Represent that you didn’t know before? One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time at LatinasRepresent is how much support is out there for women—especially women of color—who decide to either run for public office or get involved in their communities in one way or another. There are so many organizations full of experts and resources who are more than ready to help in any way. Politics can be a challenging environment but having a team…
Intern Spotlight: Kenia Perea
Jun 15, 2021 Name: Kenia Perea University: University of California, Irvine Major: Sociology and Social Policy & Public Service Expected Graduation Date: June 2021 Hometown: Chula Vista, CA Why did you choose your major? As a first-generation Latina immigrant and college student, I have firsthand experience with systems of oppression in both the justice and education systems. In college, I wanted to examine and understand how these institutional systems came to be and how they impact the lives of marginalized communities, which is why I chose to major in Sociology. As I began to learn about theories and societal structures, I wanted to find a way in which I could apply my theoretical understanding of issues that impact immigrant and Latino communities, which is why I decided to add social policy and public service as my other major. Why is the issue of Latina representation in politics (and beyond) important to you? Greater Latina representation in politics creates a vehicle for our voices to be heard and leads to political change via the creation of laws and policies that have the wellbeing of our communities in mind. In addition, I believe that greater Latina representation will encourage more Latinas from all walks of life to become more politically active, whether that be running for office, organizing politically, creating non-profit organizations, or encouraging their community to go and vote. Have you learned something during your internship with Latinas Represent that you didn’t know before? Coming into my internship with Latinas Represent, I was under the impression that all state legislators earned similar base salaries for their roles in their respective state legislatures. I was shocked to learn about the significant degree of variance in legislator salaries among the 50 states, ranging from $100,000 a year to $100 a year or simply…
Intern Spotlight: Stephanie Arely Zacatares
Apr 30, 2021 Name: Stephanie Arely Zacatares University: University of California, Santa Barbara Major: Sociology Expected Graduation Date: June 2021 Hometown: Long Beach, California Why did you choose your major? As a first-generation, transfer student, I did not have any tools to succeed when I first started college. I began my journey as a biology major in hopes of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I struggled with my grades for many semesters because I did not find the material interesting. Then in 2017, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was terminated for El Salvador, which meant that my dad was at risk of deportation. I began to engage with my community and organize with the National TPS Alliance, which led me to aspire to work in public policy or law. I decided to center my career aspirations towards advocating for immigrant families like my own and switched my major to Sociology. Since then, I’ve earned associate degrees in Political Science, Social Behavior Science, and Sociology. Currently, I am finishing my Bachelors in Sociology with aspirations of attending law school. Why is it important to increase Latina representation in politics? Latina representation in politics is vital for our community. Increasing Latina representation is also critical for building a foundation for future Latinas seeking to explore career opportunities. I am the first woman in my family with aspirations to attend law school. Growing up, I did not have role models that were working professionals. Like many women in my community, I was taught to aspire to be a wife and mother. Although these roles are essential, I also want to have a career. Latinas only make up about 2% of working attorneys, a statistic I hope to help increase. I believe it is important to motivate more women in our communities to…