At a vibrant community meeting held recently, representatives from various Latino organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area came together to discuss strategies and strengthen collaboration among them. Moderated by Manuel Ortiz of Social Focus, the gathering took place at Casa Circulo Cultural, a center dedicated to Latino culture and community.
That Sunday, August 25, 2024, quiet music was heard, among the coffee, Mimosas and eggs with bacon and sweet bread were served.
A Call for Latinx Unity and Power
Manuel Ortiz began the discussion by reflecting on the perception of solidarity within the Latino community. “There is a perception that Latinos do not support each other, but that is not necessarily true,” said Ortiz. “We need to sit down and discuss how we can collaborate among our organizations to change this narrative and strengthen our community.”
The meeting focused on the need for collaboration and solidarity among Latino organizations, especially in a context where resources are limited.
Less than 11% of philanthropic aid reaches Latino communities in the United States and Latin America. Although our communities have grown exponentially, this proportion has not changed in decades.
“It’s not about competing for the 1% of philanthropy that goes to Latino organizations,” Ortiz argued, “but about demanding a higher percentage that reflects our contributions in taxes, culture, and much more.”
Latinos in the United States helped drive the national economy with a total economic output, or gross domestic product, of $3.2 trillion. And, notably, Latina women’s contribution to the U.S. economy amounted to $1.3 trillion in 2021, according to a new study by UCLA researchers and their colleagues.
“The 2023 U.S. Latino GDP Report not only underscores the undisputed economic power of the U.S. Latino community, but also predicts the future trajectory of our nation,” said Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow.
Future Initiatives and Collaborations
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The meeting La Tertulia in Casa Circulo Cultural It served as a starting point for a series of future meetings that will seek to strengthen collaboration between organizations present in the Bay Area. The importance of networking and outreach to respond quickly to community needs was highlighted.
Among the meeting's conclusions, the participants agreed to focus their efforts on the upcoming elections, using simple and accessible language to attract a greater number of Latino voters. In addition, the creation of simple recorded commercials to be widely distributed was proposed.
A Diversity of Voices
The discussion included key figures such as Vicky Ávila and Karla Peralta, community promoters; Yurina Guzmán from Luna Latinos Unidos; Aurelio Huizar, Program Manager of El Concilio of San Mateo County; Teresa Pérez, Beatriz Orozco, and Laura Rubio from the Renaissance Entrepreneur Center; Connie Guerrero from the League of Women Voters; Veronica Escamez and Sofi Ortiz from Casa Círculo Cultural; Anna Lee Mraz from Peninsula 360 Press; and Andrea Avilés, a student committed to the cause.
Each of the attendees had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share the stories and missions of their organizations, promoting an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation. This qualitative approach, focused on personal stories and experiences, was highlighted as a powerful tool to evaluate and measure the impact of community initiatives.
Looking to the Future
The central objective of the discussion was to establish a collective agenda for the Latino community, focused on collaboration, solidarity and a fair distribution of philanthropic resources. In the words of one of the attendees, “We need to project the strength of the Latino community and seek more resources for all these organizations.”
The event concluded with a call to action: invite more people to the next meeting and continue building a strong network of support and collaboration. With a growing awareness of the need for unity and a strategic focus on the upcoming elections, this gathering promises to be the start of a significant movement in the Latino community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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