<title>Blog</title> <link>http://mifamiliavota.org/blog</link> en lisa.wess@ellislab.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-17T20:31:37+00:00 <title>Empowering Latinos through citizenship and social inheritance</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/empowering_latinos_through_citizenship_and_social_inheritance/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/empowering_latinos_through_citizenship_and_social_inheritance/#When:20:31:37Z   The Latino vote may ultimately decide who will win the upcoming presidential election. With 50,000 U.S. Latinos turning 18 (legal voting age) each month, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund expects that an estimated 12.2 million Latinos will vote in the upcoming elections. This statistic is greatly shaping the political landscape as we get closer to Election Day. The Latino vote has become a pivotal factor for many political candidates. But Mi Familia Vota Education Fund (MFV EF) understands that though the Latino vote continues to grow with each presidential election, much work needs to be done to fully engage eligible Latinos in the electoral process. In 2008, 19.5 million Latinos were eligible to vote, but half did not cast their ballots, either because they were not registered or simply did not vote.   MFV envisions a future in which the electorate is energized and empowered, and reflective of the growing diversity of the United States. At present time, it's clear that our numbers at the ballot box don’t reflect our growing population figures. That’s why MFV is working arduously to ensure that the size and impact of the Latino vote is larger than it was four years ago. Learn more about Mi Familia Vota Education Fund at http://www.mifamiliavota.org and take action today by becoming a U.S. citizen, registering to vote, and volunteering with our familia! 2012-05-17T20:31:37+00:00 <title>Latino Youth is the New American Reality</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/latino_youth_is_the_new_american_reality/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/latino_youth_is_the_new_american_reality/#When:16:14:33Z     Young Latino voters hold the key in the nation’s electoral future, and to gain their attention, it is essential to engage them where they live, work and play to get them to register and to vote. According to a survey conducted by The Mellman Group and The Tarrance Group, in the new American reality, the bi-cultural and bilingual Latino generation will account for 52 percent of swing votes and serve as “activators” to encourage their friends and family to vote. That’s why Mi Familia Vota Education Fund joined Univision and other non-partisan organizations across the country in their the first-ever bilingual campaign “Ya es hora: Libera tu voz” which seeks to inspire 18-24 year old Hispanics to register and vote in the upcoming elections. We believe that it’s extremely important to tap into this segment because young Latinos are full of energy and dreams. They actively use social media to stay connected to their community, they serve as volunteers, and they want a better future. Just last week, Mi Familia Vota – Arizona began going to school campuses to register eligible students to vote and sign-up for the Permanent Early Voting List. You can follow us on Twitter @MiFamiliaVota or like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with our initiatives.  You can also visit www.liberatuvoz.com for more information on this campaign.   2012-05-14T16:14:33+00:00 <title>The responsibility of Jury Duty</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/the_responsibility_of_jury_duty1/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/the_responsibility_of_jury_duty1/#When:17:03:43Z   We hear a lot about the limitations that undocumented immigrants face in the country, such as unequal access to higher education; no access to legal employment, fear of deportation, in most states, no access to a driver’s license, and the list goes on.  However, we don’t hear much about the civic responsibilities and privileges, like voting and jury duty, that U.S. citizens have, and often take for granted.  Receiving a jury summons in the mail can be daunting for those who do not understand the significance of embracing this responsibility to make a positive change.  We hear about the injustices committed by the judicial system, but we also hear about those refusing to give up some of their own time to take part in this system and make a difference on an individual level. Perhaps you can be the voice who changes the outcome of one trial.  As Latinos, we have to come together and let our voices be heard. Whether it’s by serving on a jury, exercising your right to vote, or running for office, you have to meet your responsibilities as a U.S. Citizen. To increase Latino civic engagement and encourage U.S. citizens to appreciate the privileges they have, visit Mi Familia Vota at http://www.mifamiliavota.org and take action today by becoming a U.S. citizen, registering to vote, and/or volunteering with Mi Familia Vota today!   2012-05-07T17:03:43+00:00 <title>The value of teaching kids to vote</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/the_value_of_teaching_kids_to_vote/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/the_value_of_teaching_kids_to_vote/#When:15:56:16Z   Día del Niño or Children’s Day is widely celebrated among Latinos on April 30th; and as we celebrate this special day, it’s critical that parents remember how beneficial it is to teach kids about the importance of voting at an early age. It’s important for them, their families and the Latino community. Election Day is the perfect time to make democracy come to life in our Latino community, and it all starts with you.   Participating in the election process is a great way to set an example for your children, to help them understand the big picture of being civically engaged.  Through this process, it is imperative to explain to your children that democracy is all around us, and the decisions made by the government affect us every day.   Parents teaching their children the importance of voting provide an effective method to ensure that they become active participants in the democratic process for years to come.  You can take your children to the voting polls for example, in local, state and national races.  Visit us at http://www.mifamiliavota.org to learn more about Mi Familia Vota and the tools we provide to help the Latino community participate in the election process and protect our children’s future. Blogging 2012-04-30T15:56:16+00:00 <title>What Legal Permanent Residents Should Know</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/what_legal_permanent_residents_should_know/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/what_legal_permanent_residents_should_know/#When:18:33:30Z   It is critically important for all Legal Permanent Residents to be aware that they are eligible to apply for naturalization after meeting U.S. residency and other requirements.  While immigrants may adjust to Legal Permanent Resident status, the Department of Homeland Security states they can also receive credit for residence in the United States.  They are required to be legal residents for five years in order to apply for naturalization.  However, spouses of U.S. citizens are eligible to apply in three years.  Data obtained from the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) provides evidence that non-cizens, if naturalized, will become part of the potential electorate pool.  Therefore, non-citizens, either legal immigrants or undocumented residents, can potentially become constituents to the Latino community.  Given that a large number of legal immigrants may be eligible for the naturalization process and that there are efforts, such as those of Mi Familia Vota, to naturalize eligible residents, the influence of civic participation among Hispanics may come sooner than expected.  If you are a Legal Permanent Resident, visit our website at http://www.mifamiliavota.org/citizenship to find out if you are eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship. 2012-04-19T18:33:30+00:00 <title>Electoral Participation Among Senior Latino Citizens</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/electoral_participation_among_senior_latino_citizens/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/electoral_participation_among_senior_latino_citizens/#When:16:34:34Z   The Latino population has become an increasingly important part of the political landscape. Despite the voting barriers among many Latinos, the Latino ethnic group age 55 and older is more likely to vote, according to  Social Policy and the Politics of Hispanic Aging. As a result, this group may be in a position to play a significant role in the electoral power of the Latino community. The Census Bureau predicts that in 2050, the largest growth will be in the nation’s Latino and elderly populations, each of which will represent almost 20 percent of the country’s make-up. As an organization fully committed to Latino civic participation, we encourage you to assist your elderly loved ones to participate in our democratic process by helping them fill out their citizenship application form, if applicable, their voter registration form, and/or driving them to the polls on Election Day. You can find out what are the requirements to apply for the U.S. citizenship at http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship Reference: Torres-Gil, PhD, F, & Kuo, MSW, T  Social Policy and the Politics of Hispanic Aging   2012-04-12T16:34:34+00:00 <title>The Potential of the Latino Electorate</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/the_potential_of_the_latino_electorate/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/the_potential_of_the_latino_electorate/#When:16:43:43Z   Last March, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the Hispanic population grew by 43 percent during the last decade, rising by a whopping 50.5 million. The Census is also predicting that at least some time beyond 2050, the Latino population will be at its peak in terms of numbers. Our influence is spreading thanks to the incredible growth of the Latino population fueled by a desire to preserve and cherish our heritage. We are here to stay. But with that growth also comes more responsibility; the responsibility to become U.S. Citizens (if we’re eligible) and speak out on behalf of those who can’t; the responsibility to register to vote; and to vote in every election in order to ensure that our electorate represents our growing population figures.   We can’t let others speak for us. We urge you to apply for your U.S. citizenship if you meet the requirements, and to become active participants in our democratic process. Visit http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship to find out if you’re eligible to apply for your U.S. Citizenship or http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/voting to know why you should register to voteLast March, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the Hispanic population grew by 43 percent during the last decade, rising by a whopping 50.5 million. The Census is also predicting that at least some time beyond 2050, the Latino population will be at its peak in terms of numbers. Last March, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the Hispanic population grew by 43 percent during the last decade, rising by a whopping 50.5 million. The Census is also predicting that at least some time beyond 2050, the Latino population will be at its peak in terms of numbers. Our influence is spreading thanks to the incredible growth of the Latino population fueled by a desire to preserve and cherish our heritage. We are here to stay. But with that growth also comes more responsibility; the responsibility to become U.S. Citizens (if we’re eligible) and speak out on behalf of those who can’t; the responsibility to register to vote; and to vote in every election in order to ensure that our electorate represents our growing population figures.   We can’t let others speak for us. We urge you to apply for your U.S. citizenship if you meet the requirements, and to become active participants in our democratic process. Visit www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship to find out if you’re eligible to apply for your U.S. Citizenship or www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/voting to know why you should register to vote.     2012-04-04T16:43:43+00:00 <title>¡Haciendo Historia!</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/haciendo_historia/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/haciendo_historia/#When:20:48:41Z This week the Mi Familia Vota Education Fund team gathered to celebrate their achievements and to plan for the year during a Staff Retreat in Houston, Texas. Comprised of Puerto Ricans, Guatemalans, and Mexican-Americans, this group proves that Latinos can work together towards a common goal and build momentum for the Presidential election. Mi Familia Vota understands that in order to fix the participation woes of the Latino community, all our leaders must come together and work hard to turnout the Latino Vote.  We have seen several states enact anti-immigrant legislation, even in states where immigrants are a small percentage of the population.  The fact of the matter is that immigration has become a national issue and a defining one for the Latino community. However, as Latinos we have a problem. Too many of us are not involved in our democratic process and we cannot afford to remain invisible. This is our moment to march from out of the shadows and into the light of our democratic process. A march to the ballot box! If we stay home on Election Day we choose to stay in the shadows, we will continue to be attacked on one side and ignored on the other. We are not living in the best of times. But we ARE living in a time of opportunity. And that opportunity lies on each of our shoulders. This year we all need to vote for our community. We need to stand up and demand dignity and respect. We can not and will no longer be ignored. Learn more about Mi Familia Vota at http://www.mifamiliavota.org and take action today by becoming a citizen, registering to vote, and volunteering with Mi Familia Vota EF! 2012-03-23T20:48:41+00:00 <title>Latinas and Civic Engagement</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/latinas_and_civic_engagement/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/latinas_and_civic_engagement/#When:23:44:55Z   This week, we celebrated International Women's Day. A day in which the world recognizes the value and power that women bring into this life. Latinas are also a growing and increasingly important voice in elections. In fact, the potential on Latinas as a voting bloc has never been greater. The number of eligible Latinas voting has increased by one million since 2008, according to Planned Parenthood Action Fund. When it comes to elections, Latinas are a force to be reckoned with. According to a January report from the Pew Hispanic Center, in Florida there are 2.1 million eligible Latino voters, 1.1 million of whom are women. In addition, a report released in Los Angeles, California by HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) showed that Latina voters with access to the internet are more likely to be informed about new state laws and the legislative process in general than non-connected Latina voters. Other key findings of the poll include: Latina voters trust their community and neighborhood leaders much more than elected officials or media personalities. Latinas of all ages and educational and economic classes tend to look to their communities and neighborhoods for political and civic leadership. Latina voters prioritize funding for education and an overwhelming majority (90%) support measures that mandate that all high schools in California offer the necessary classes to prepare students for college. To read more visit http://www.zerodivide.org/latina_voter_internet_and_new_media_usage The key steps for us to help Latinas make a difference in the upcoming elections are enhanced voter registration, education, and engagement efforts in our communities. Visit http://www.mifamiliavota.org to learn how you can help. This week, we celebrated International Women's Day. A day in which the world recognizes the value and power that women bring into this life. Latinas are also a growing and increasingly important voice in elections. In fact, the potential on Latinas as a voting bloc has never been greater. The number of eligible Latinas voting has increased by one million since 2008, according to Planned Parenthood Action Fund. When it comes to elections, Latinas are a force to be reckoned with. According to a January report from the Pew Hispanic Center, in Florida there are 2.1 million eligible Latino voters, 1.1 million of whom are women.In addition, a report released in Los Angeles, California by HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) showed that Latina voters with access to the internet are more likely to be informed about new state laws and the legislative process in general than non-connected Latina voters. Other key findings of the poll include: Latina voters trust their community and neighborhood leaders much more than elected officials or media personalities. Latinas of all ages and educational and economic classes tend to look to their communities and neighborhoods for political and civic leadership. Latina voters prioritize funding for education and an overwhelming majority (90%) support measures that mandate that all high schools in California offer the necessary classes to prepare students for college. To read more visit http://www.zerodivide.org/latina_voter_internet_and_new_media_usage The key steps for us to help Latinas make a difference in the upcoming elections are enhanced voter registration, education, and engagement efforts in our communities. Visit http://www.mifamiliavota.org to learn how you can help.   2012-03-09T23:44:55+00:00 <title>Latino Voter Gap: A Look at the Numbers</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/latino_voter_gap_a_look_at_the_numbers/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/latino_voter_gap_a_look_at_the_numbers/#When:23:15:48Z   Even though Latinos are increasingly participating in the nation’s democratic process, their representation among the electorate remains below their representation in the general population. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, in 2010, 16.3 percent of the nation’s population was Latino, but Latinos represented only 10.1 percent of eligible voters and fewer than 7 percent of all voters.   This gap is driven by two demographic factors – youth and non-citizenship. More than one third of Latinos are younger than the voting age of 18, a share greater than that of any other group. And an additional 22.4 percent are of voting age, but are not U.S. citizens.  As a result, the share of the Latino population eligible to vote is smaller than it is among any other group. Just 42.7 percent of the nation’s Latino population is eligible to vote, while more than three-in-four (77.7 percent) of whites, two-thirds of blacks(67.2 percent) and more than half of Asians (52.8 percent) are eligible to vote.  Even so, the number of eligible Latino voters will continue to grow in the coming decades as a steady stream of U.S. born Latinos becomes eligible to vote by turning 18 – more than 600,000 did so annually between 2006 and 2010. Latinos should know that becoming a U.S. Citizen opens many doors of life-lasting opportunities in this country.  The sky is the limit! Apply for your U.S. Citizenship today at http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship    Reference: (http://www.pewhispanic.org/2011/04/26/the-latino-electorate-in-2010-more-voters-more-non-voters/) Even though Latinos are increasingly participating in the nation’s democratic process, their representation among the electorate remains below their representation in the general population. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, in 2010, 16.3 percent of the nation’s population was Latino, but Latinos represented only 10.1 percent of eligible voters and fewer than 7 percent of all voters.  This gap is driven by two demographic factors – youth and non-citizenship. More than one third of Latinos are younger than the voting age of 18, a share greater than that of any other group. And an additional 22.4 percent are of voting age, but are not U.S. citizens.  As a result, the share of the Latino population eligible to vote is smaller than it is among any other group. Just 42.7 percent of the nation’s Latino population is eligible to vote, while more than three-in-four (77.7 percent) of whites, two-thirds of blacks(67.2 percent) and more than half of Asians (52.8 percent) are eligible to vote.  Even so, the number of eligible Latino voters will continue to grow in the coming decades as a steady stream of U.S. born Latinos becomes eligible to vote by turning 18 – more than 600,000 did so annually between 2006 and 2010. Latinos should know that becoming a U.S. Citizen opens many doors of life-lasting opportunities in this country.  The sky is the limit! Apply for your U.S. Citizenship today at http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship   Reference: (http://www.pewhispanic.org/2011/04/26/the-latino-electorate-in-2010-more-voters-more-non-voters/)   2012-02-29T23:15:48+00:00