CHCI
History
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) was organized in 1976 by five
Hispanic Congressmen Herman Badillo (NY), Baltasar Corrada (PR), E. "Kika"
de la Garza (TX), Henry B. Gonzalez (TX) and Edward Roybal (CA), to
monitor legislative and government activity that affects Hispanics.
The Caucus was originally formed to serve as a legislative
organization through which legislative action, as well as executive and
judicial actions, could be monitored to ensure the needs of Hispanics
were being met. The goal was to work in conjunction with other groups,
both inside and outside Congress, to strengthen Federal commitment to
Hispanic’s and heighten the community's awareness of the operation and
function of the American political system.
In 1978, three members of CHC, Congressman Edward Roybal, Congressman
E. "Kika" de la Garza and Congressman Baltasar Corrada established a
501(c) (3) non profit organization to serve as an educational institute
whose programs would serve the national Hispanic community.
In October 1981, the House Committee on House Administration drafted
new regulations stipulating fundraising activities were to be move off
all government premises. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
decided to maintain a legislative support organization on Capitol Hill,
the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and moved the non-profit, fund
raising organization, today known as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus,
Inc. to a new residence.
In 1985 CHCI’s Board of Directors was expanded to include influential
Hispanic business persons from the private sector and community leaders
from across the country who, in conjunction with the Hispanic Members of
Congress, bring to the Institute policy-related knowledge and experience
at the local, state, and national levels. This vast set of resources,
coupled with the expertise of the Institute's staff bring about programs
designed to afford leadership development training for talented young
Hispanics, as well as the opportunity to enter a wider range of
professional areas.
Timeline
1977
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus holds a small dinner at the Washington
Hilton Hotel as a fundraiser to benefit Hispanic youth. This event
eventually becomes the most prestigious event for Hispanic Heritage
Month – CHCI’s Annual Gala.
1978
Three members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressman Edward
Roybal, Congressman E. Kika de la Garza and Congressman Baltasar Corrada,
determine there is a great need for more Hispanics in public service. In
response to this, they form a non partisan 501 (c)(3) educational
organization and name it the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute,
Inc.
1980
CHCI holds legislative seminars throughout the year on issues important
to the Hispanic community.
1981
CHCI brings four graduate students to Washington, DC as the first class
of its Graduate Fellowship Program.
1983
Due to its rapid ascension as a national organization, CHCI moves away
from Capitol Hill to 504 C Street, NE.
1985
The CHCI Board of Directors is expanded to include influential Hispanic
business and community leaders from around the country.
CHCI begins bestowing its Medallions of Excellence for Community
Service and Leadership to deserving Hispanic leaders at its annual gala.
1986
The CHCI Fellowship Program is expanded to include recent college
graduates.
The CHCI Summer Internship Program begins providing Hispanic
undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to learn first-hand
about the policy-making process.
1991
CHCI releases the first edition of its popular National Directory of
Hispanic Organizations.
1992
CHCI adds the Edward Roybal Health component to its Fellowship program
to help increase the number of Hispanics in the health field.
1993
CHCI’s legislative seminars are expanded and become CHCI’s Issues
Conference. The conference continues to provide Hispanics with a forum
to discuss issues affecting their communities.
1996
CHCI launches www.chci.org as an
online one-stop resource center for Hispanics.
CHCI holds its First Annual Fiesta de Golf Tournament to raise funds
for its leadership development programs.
1998
CHCI forms the Alumni Association to give former programs’ participants
a forum in which to remain active with the Institute.
1999
The CHCI Issues Conference is reformatted into a summit series. This not
only helps to focus attention on the most important issues of the time
but also helps to attain the highest level of participation. Summit
topics range from education and immigration to telecommunications and
business/economic development.
CHCI Board of Directors hosts regional activities at participating
corporation’s headquarters to network and dialogue about issues of joint
concern.
CHCI’s Annual Gala breaks the $1 million mark.
2000
CHCI’s first Issues Conference Public Policy Recommendations are
published to provide Congress with a better understanding of the
specific needs, concerns and interests of the Hispanic community.
CHCI adds a corporate component to its Fellowship program to help
increase the number of Hispanics in corporate America.
CHCI’s Annual Gala is moved from the Washington Hilton to the MCI
Center to accommodate growth. The event breaks the $2 million mark.
2001
CHCI starts its Scholarship Awards Program to assist underprivileged
Hispanic youth attain higher education.
CHCI launches a youth component to its Web site, providing Hispanic
youth with a forum to receive mentoring and attain current higher
education and career information.
2002
CHCI celebrates its 25th anniversary as the nation’s leading Hispanic
educational organization.
CHCI introduces the First Annual Reyes of Comedy Night as part of its
week of events for Hispanic Heritage Month.
2003
CHCI moves into its new 8,000 square foot headquarters at 911 2nd
Street, NE.
2005
CHCI’s Public Policy Fellowship Program celebrates its 25th anniversary.
|
