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Conference

September 20, 2009

The conference dealt with a host of policy issues facing not only the Hispanic community but also the nation as a whole. It was exciting to see the number of prominent Latino talent actively involved in tackling this gamut of concerns. I found it especially encouraging to learn of our community's growing presence in both the private and public sectors. The Latinos Leading Immigration Reform plenary was a highlight of the week for me. Listening to the passion with which Senator Menendez and Representative Gutierrez voiced their frustrations surrounding the progress of immigration reform definitely left a lasting impression. Not only did they both do a good job of streamlining the issue and its implications for our community in their presentations, they made clear the urgent action needed to achieve reform during the Obama administration. The value in attending CHCI's annual conference comes from the exposure to a variety of policy issues as well as the key people involved in said policy's formulation. Not only do you quickly become familiar with the work that needs to be done, but the inroads and progress that has already been made in these different areas on behalf of the Latino community, which is equally important in understanding these issues. The conference reiterated to me the idea that "knowledge is power". Forums like the ones provided by the conference setting allow a variety of people to become literate in areas outside their specialization, making them as a result, more comparable leaders and better representatives for the Latino community.

VIVA the Fellows!

September 20, 2009

The CHCI Public Policy Conference Week was absolutely amazing. I never thought I would be able to meet and network with so many people in just four days. The fact that WE the fellows were the focus of so many of the activities was unbelievable. The conference was a great way to begin the fellowship because it gave me a glimpse of all the issues that are important to the Latino community and made me realize how many more Latino leaders are needed to get things done. I also loved meeting the leaders that are out there right now making sure that our voice is heard. The speakers that inspired me the most were Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez and Senator Bob Menendez. Their passion and commitment with immigration reform inspired me to want to learn more about the issue and assured me that immigration reform will not be ignored. After a week of getting to know how DC works and who are the key players of the game, I feel more confident in myself and what I came here to do. I know realize that it is our duty and a privilege to be the next generation of Latino leaders.

2009 CHCI Public Policy Conference

September 20, 2009

It was so extraordinary to be in a room with cabinet secretaries, congressmen, business leaders, nonprofit executives and federal employees who all want to share their experiences and invite ideas from an audience of average citizens. I felt privileged for the opportunity to meet leaders and be able to personally engage them on important topics.

I was most interested in the issues brought up during the opening plenary, "Latinos Leading in Numbers." Although Latinos are the fastest growing population in the United States and by 2050 one in four Americans will be of Latino descent, we have not always understood the influence of our numbers. It became so clear during the plenary that being counted in this nation can translate into political power such as districting and federal funding at the local level. The census is THE snapshot of our country which determines who is recognized and heard.  This information determines the political course not just for  a short moment, but for an entire ten-year period until the next census. I could feel the urgency as the speakers described the difference that could be made with a decade and billions of dollars in public funds. There are many issues that affect Latinos communities nationwide, but the most basic is being seen as citizens and voices commanding attention.

I would recommend the conference to anyone who wants to ask government leaders questions about issues that affect Latinos in the United States. The CHCI conference provides an amazing opportunity to meet key players who shape our nation's policies in areas of health, energy, education, and immigration. I would tell a potential attendee that they can learn and seek answers. And I would also mention that although change takes time, a potential conference attendee can use the contacts made at the conference as a starting point in influencing the changes they want to see in our country.

The conference week drove home the point that citizens will receive only what they ask of their government. Policy is not only top down it can also be affected from grassroots organization. Our political leaders can debate or introduce legislation, but it is the people who enable change to occur. I heard powerful senators, congressmen, and cabinet secretaries ask the audience to help mobilize our communities to address problems affecting Latinos. During the conference week, I learned how we as a people first have to be counted and recognized as a political force. Next, we have to serve as catalysts for change by taking part in community activism. And with a united group of people we can influence our political leaders to develop better national policies. Policy is only as effective as the debate that formed it. To that end, we have to be engaged in that debate and push for the best ideas. If we as a people ask nothing of our government leaders then we will receive exactly nothing.

CHCI Public Policy Conference

September 20, 2009

The most impressive aspect of CHCI's Public Policy Conference is having the opportunity to engage and interact with prominent Latina/o Leaders and Latina/o Community Partners. Having the opportunity to engage with these leaders is empowering. These leaders have paved the way for the leaders of tomorrow. The most inspiring speech came from Senator Menendez regarding immigration reform. His compassionate speech brings to light the urgency and need for comprehensive immigration reform. In his words, "when they say esa gente, they are talking about you. Tu eres esa gente." His insightful speech passes on a burden to the next generation of Latina/o leaders; the burden to address issues afflicting our community, the burden to act.

For a person attending CHCI's Public Policy Conference, the most valuable element of the conference is its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and the community. Having prominent Latina/o Leaders such as Secretary of Labor Solis or Senator Menendez to community organizers such as Congressman Lujan's constituents demonstrates our diverse background and our commitment to addressing Latina/o issues. From federal officials to members of the community, the conference provides a forum to address the barriers facing our community. The conference has greatly enhanced my knowledge of public policy formation. Issues afflicting the Latina/o community are multifaceted and often times fall across a broad range of jurisdictions: federal agencies, bureaus and peoples.

Highlights of the Week:
Monday: Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's speech. Important that the Secretary is committed to educational opportunities as well as addressing the multiple barriers our community faces in our pursuit of higher education.
Tuesday: Moderating the Education Summit on behalf of Congressman Grijalva.
Wednesday: President Obama's speech at the Gala as well as my meet and greet with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

CHCI's Public Policy Conference was all I expected and more. It was a great honor to partake in such an insightful and empowering event. Having a forum to address problems facing the Latina/o community as well as presenting solutions has provided me with a greater desire to tend to the needs of my community.

An impressive Policy Conference

September 18, 2009

My first CHCI policy conference is complete and what an experience it was! The theme of the conference was "Latinos Leading in a Global Society" and the caliber of the speakers, special guests, and range of topics truly spoke to the power and reality of that statement. Secretaries of the Obama administration, our elected leaders, and national media figures spoke about some of the most critical issues facing our nation from health care, to economic recovery, education, housing, and the Green Economy - and all the speakers made it exceptionally clear that Latinos are a critical component to their success. Chairwoman Velazquez echoed many times "this is our moment, out time is now!" I've heard that shouted many times before; but never before without such concrete and tangible relevancy  Latinos in this country are approaching a criitcal moment, one in which the success of the entire nation rests on our ability to lead and deliver on all facets of American life. We are not a single issue population, Latino dreams are American dreams, our success will lift the entire country, and failure is not an option.

Thanks to the CHCI Staff

September 16, 2009

I was once asked if there was any one cultural value that all Americans share. It took me years to think of a proper response. I have come to believe that Americans value when events or talent comes off as "effortless." Next time you read a newspaper or magazine, you'll notice that "effortless" is used as the highest compliment to someone's abilities. The ironic part is that to make something look effortless, one has to work harder behind the scenes than anyone can imagine. Tonight, I saw both the hard work of the CHCI staff behind the scenes and the effortless result. The Obamas and the Lopezes (a nod to Marc Anthony sending a shot out to his wife JLo) were there tonight, as well as Sotomayor and almost every other Latino politician you've heard of, and many more you haven't heard of (yet!). Yet, EVERYTHING went smoothly! Thank you to the CHCI staff for being so top notch. One more thought-- The most amazing part of the program was when Speaker Pelosi and then President Obama referred to the CHCI fellows as the future of America. CHCI gives us unmatched exposure to public service. I feel so honored to be a part of the CHCI family and to be supported by my community in such an overpowering way-- Even the President was there to cheerlead alongside nuestra gente! Tonight was unforgettable.

Immigration Reform Now

September 16, 2009

It was the end of the day and I was feeling a bit cranky after an early morning that began with a teething baby and a 7am metro ride. I glanced at the program and internally moaned when I saw the plenary title: "Here we go... Yet another conversation about immigration." However, I was in for a surprise! After Cecilia Munoz -- who for so long was the "brain behind NCLR"-- gave us the scoop on the White House timeline for immigration reform, Senator Menendez gave a memorable speech about the importance of comprehensive immigration reform and the need to stop the anti-Latino sentiments that surround the policy debates. He said that he has heard the term "those people" a lot in the past couple of years, and that when people say "esa gente" in order to separate themselves as true citizens and de-humanize those who do not have such status, it's not a derogatory term reserved just for those without legal status in the US. Menendez said that "esa gente" refers also to you and me, my fellow Latino-identified. It took me a whole dissertation to explain the message he just so eloquently imparted. I had goosebumps as I stood to lead the standing ovation. Then, Rep. Gutierrez took the stage and calmly began his crescendo towards demanding equality for the hardworking Americans who are ostracized and thus vulnerable to sexual abuse and worker exploitation. I held back tears as he told personal stories that gave real faces to the 12 million undocumented Americans who need a solution in order to experience the basic freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Afterwards, I caught up with him to tell him I am from his district (Logan Square in Chi-town), and that I campaigned for his first campaign for alderman alongside my dad Matias Rico. He gave me a hug and said he was proud that I was a fellow! The kind of access that CHCI gives us can't be measured. I'm feeling grateful and you can bet that my crankiness disappeared for good this afternoon!