ARTICLE DATE:  15 SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARCHIVE DATE:  18 DECEMBER 2008

Ohio Latino Affairs begins statewide "Road Show" on Education Issues

COLUMBUS - Ohio Latino Affairs Commission, in partnership with numerous state agencies, universities, and community colleges, is beginning a series of town hall meetings this autumn focused on education issues.  Starting with the Columbus meeting in October 8th, the calendar includes sessions in Youngstown, Cleveland, Lorain, Dayton and Cincinnati in October, as well as Toledo and Fremont in November.

“Our track record of work on education issues has a long history, and our recent initiatives started in 2001.” said Ezra C. Escudero, Director of Ohio Latino Affairs.  "Nearly each year since, including our town hall meetings in 2001, our Education Report in 2002, our statewide partnership with the 'Close The Gap Campaign' in 2004, our national level alliance with the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators in 2005, and culminating in our first statewide roundtable meeting in 2006, we have focused in on this critical issue which affects all Ohioans."

The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission has among its statutory mandates a specific call to advise policy makers and officials including the Governor, the General Assembly, and Directors of the state’s departments and agencies on issues affecting Ohio’s Latino population.

During the mini-conferences, expectations include:

• Conduct a conversation with local Latino leaders and community representatives on the status of issues affecting Latinos’ education in the area. The conversations are designed to address the pressing issues on education, provide the Office of Latino Affairs with up to date information that can be used to advice policy makers and others in order to build greater awareness and understanding of the issues faced in the area of education. 
• Re-visit identified solutions and consider possible new alternatives to improving the state of Latino education in each community.  This includes identifying local partnerships and resources to increase the spirit of collaboration among the different groups (community leaders, parents, educators, administrators, policy makers, etc.) 
• Continue building the distributed leadership model initiated during the Soluciones Conference. Strengthening the distributed leadership model will help each community to ensure that plans and solutions are built around the particular needs of each community.

For additional information, including registration for the meetings, please call the Office of Ohio Latino Affairs at 614-466-8333.

Partner agencies and institutions include:

• Office of the Governor
• Ohio Board of Regents
• Ohio Department of Education
• Columbus State Community College
• The University of Toledo
• Terra Community College
• Youngstown State University
• Cuyahoga Community College
• Lorain County Community College
• Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
• Sinclair Community College

The OLAnet Reports Database & Library has a new Community Issues Brief with resources on and about education, as well as the work of Ohio Latino Affairs over the years.

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ARTICLE DATE:  29 JULY 2008 ~ ARCHIVE DATE:  19 AUGUST 2008

Ohio Latino Affairs Commission announces mini grant awards to further education opportunities, English-language learning across Ohio

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission will be visiting five different cities next month to announce the award of eight grants to Latino serving organizations across Ohio. The grants are designed to build the capacity of community organizations to better assist Hispanic Ohioans, especially in the areas of education and integration of American norms and customs.

After conducting workshops in eight cities across Ohio and providing over 70 organizations and 100 individuals training opportunities through the Capacity Building Initiative, the Office of Latino Affairs completed the second stage of this important initiative with the adjudication of $80,000 in community grants. 

The recipients of the 2008 Grassroots Initiative Mini-Grants are:

Central State University for $10,000 to support the Hispanic Student Support Services Program.  This venture will expose, encourage and educate Hispanic high school students and their families about the importance of higher education, and the process for applying and staying in college. (Wiilberforce)
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East End Community Center for $ 9,448.00 to support the Latino Youth Initiative Program. This project will provide a space for Latino youth to explore their culturally enriched identity and how to make meaning of their presence within the larger American Society. (Dayton)
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Youngstown State University for $10,000 for a B2B Program: A Bridge to Building Capacity for Hispanics in Computer Science. The program will offer educational path foundations for Hispanic Ohioans to succeed in higher education through the exploration of the computer science field.  (Youngstown)
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Casa Amiga at Tecumseh, YMCA for $10,000 in support of a Bilingual Information and Referral Center. The program’s emphasis is cultural awareness, inclusion, and integration of Hispanic Ohioans to the Clark County area, with emphasis on the important role they play as residents and contributors to the well-being of the community. (New Carlisle)
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Terra State Community College for $10,000 to increase outreach efforts to reach Latino youth and increase their participation in higher education.  The program involves grassroots efforts and collaboration among communities to attract, retain and graduate Hispanic Ohioans in the communities served by the College. (Fremont)
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Servicio a la Familia [Family Service] for $10,000 to increase the capacity of the Family Counseling program serving the Latino population of SW Ohio. The plan will aid citizens to improve their quality of life and integration to the community. (Cincinnati)
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Hispanic Business Association for $10,000 to create and implement procedures to make required certifications available to Hispanic businesses. This plan is  part of the   Cleveland and  Northeast Ohio economic development program promoted by the Hispanic Business Association, which seeks to enhance economic development through strategic partnerships, technical assistance, and business educational training opportunities. (Cleveland)
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The Salvation Army, Hispanic Soccer League for $9638.00 to implement an indoor soccer league for Hispanic males, ages 14 years to adult.  The program will offer youth and spectators a place to meet, learn about each other in a safe environment. (Cincinnati)
“We have worked hard to ensure the selected programs align as closely as possible to Governor Strickland’s priorities in the areas of education, workforce and economic development, community participation and integration of all Ohioans into the fabric of our state. These programs   will open the door for greater cooperation and partnerships between grassroots organizations, communities, educational institutions and community stakeholders,” stated Ezra Escudero, Executive Director of Latino Affairs.

The selection process for the awards was accomplished in cooperation with community foundations from different regions. Expert evaluators reviewed close to thirty grant proposals outlining programs in education, workforce development, job creation, business growth, services, and community capacity building.  Awardee organizations will be publicly acknowledged in their respective communities during a public event, which will be attended by Members of the Office of Latino Affairs and its Commissioners, government officials and community leaders.

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ARTICLE DATE:  30 JUNE 2008 ~ ARCHIVE DATE:  29 JULY 2008

Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Launches New System for Policy Makers and Community Leaders

COLUMBUS - At the end of a very successful state fiscal year, and after a very busy spring legislative session, the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission is announcing the launch of its new web-based OLAnet Reports Database & Library.  The new system will give community leaders one-stop access to policy issues information, including analyses and links to resources.  Additionally, the web page will offer an unprecedented new glimpse at Hispanic Ohioans, including demographic information from a number of sources, and reports about the life and times of Latino communities across Ohio.

“We are working diligently to expand the volume of resources available to community leaders and elected officials,” said Florentina Staigers, Policy Liaison and Program Director of the commission’s Public Policy Center.  “Our ultimate goal is to be a nationally-recognized policy research center for the benefit of all Ohioans, with a specific focus on policy for and about Latinos.  Our new OLAnet Reports Database & Library is the first step towards that objective.”

The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission has among its statutory mandates a specific call to advise policy makers and officials including the Governor, the General Assembly, and Directors of the state’s departments and agencies on issues affecting Ohio’s Latino population.

“So many challenging and multi-faceted issues are coming to the attention of state government – especially those dealing with Latinos and other new Americans.  Our agency has a unique responsibility to provide well-researched, unbiased information about these concerns and giving counsel to executive and legislative government leaders as they deliberate policies and actions,” said commission director Ezra C. Escudero.

“Think of this tool as a first step.  We anticipate that the database will grow quickly.  Think of it, also, as an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn more about our fellow Ohioans with origins from across the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina and everywhere in between,” said Program Director Staigers.  “We hope that organizations and officials will contact us to request studies and research to gain a greater understanding about Hispanic Ohioans.”

The OLAnet Reports Database & Library will be updated and expanded regularly, as additional information is incorporated to the system, and as requests for information increase.

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ARCHIVE DATE:  6 MAY 2008 

Ohio Latino Affairs Legislative Visit Day
Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Register your "Place at The Table" today!

Columbus – The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission is hosting a statewide Latino Legislative Visit Day on May 6, 2008, on Capitol Square in Columbus.  This full day event will bring Latino leaders from across the state together with Ohio legislators to discuss important public policy issues, and dialogue about needs and opportunities faced by Hispanic Ohioans.  The registration deadline is Monday, April 28, 2008, and community members may register by calling the Office of Latino Affairs at 614-466-8333.

The May 6th visit will include a welcome meeting with a brief overview on legislative advocacy, special guests who will provide a legislative update from the General Assembly, and specific meetings with local State Representatives and State Senators to discuss particular issues of mutual interest.  The day will end with a debriefing led by Ohio Latino Affairs Commission. 

The Legislative Visit Day is a part of the Grassroots Capacity Building Initiative of the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission.  Additional information may be found on the Grassroots Web Page.

“The Latino Legislative Visit Day is a great way to help Hispanics become involved in the legislative process.  As a growing community, we need to actively participate in the proceedings of state government, and educate stakeholders regarding the many positive contributions and potential that Latinos have to offer. This exchange of information is vital to inspire effective policy solutions that foster understanding and collaboration,” said Richard Romero, Chairman of Ohio Latino Affairs. 

During the last two months, the state's Office of Latino Affairs has visited eight major cities around the state, offering training on Legislative Advocacy to Latino leaders and organizations in preparation for the May 6th visit, as a part of the Grassroots Capacity Building Initiative.

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ARCHIVE DATE:  22 APRIL 2008 

Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala
Friday, April 18, 2008

Purchase your gala tickets today!

COLUMBUS - On Friday, April 18th, the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission will host its annual Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Columbus.  The deadline for buying tickets is Friday, April 11th.

Additional history and background about the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards can be found here.

“Over the years, more than one hundred amazing individuals have been recognized for their efforts to serve and strive to make a better Ohio for all,” stated Ezra C. Escudero, Director of Ohio Latino Affairs.

The Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award has been a part of Ohio Latino Affairs for nearly 30 years, tracing back its history to the Distinguished Service Awards of the Commission in the early 1980's.  Each spring, commissioners award the "DHO" to Latinos in Ohio for their exemplary service, and the "Nuestra Familia" award to non-Ohioans or non-Latinos who have in some way made a beneficial impact to the Hispanic community in Ohio. 

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ARCHIVE DATE:  8 APRIL 2008 

Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Launches
Grassroots Capacity Building Initiative

COLUMBUS - Through the Grassroots Capacity Building Initiative, the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, OCHLA, is launching a series of workshops during the months of March and April across the state of Ohio.  The program seeks to build the capacity of Latino leadership and community organizations through training in grant writing, leadership, board governance, and legislative advocacy.

In turn, stronger organizations with greater capacity can better serve the community through English classes, workforce development programs, and other services to help integrate Hispanic Ohioans and New Americans.

The Grant Writing Training program will equip participants to identify projects with grant funding appeal, learn how to locate and select potential grant funders, and understand how to organize and produce an effective grant proposal.

Participants will also learn how to effectively engage in Legislative Advocacy by recognizing the areas of responsibility within the House and Senate. At the end of the workshop, they will be prepared to identify and select appropriate officials with whom to speak, participants will also learn to evaluate the best approach of engagement– written correspondence, telephone calls and/or visits. 

“Building the capacity of grassroots organizations is critical so they may better serve the growing needs of Hispanic Ohioans and support their integration into society. We support OCHLA’s efforts to partner with local groups and welcome this kind of training for the community,” commented Rosa Caskey, Ohio Director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

For additional information about training workshops for organizations, please follow this link to the Grassroots Capacity Building Initiative webpage.

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ARCHIVE DATE:  8 APRIL 2008

Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala
on Friday, April 18, 2008

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA) will be presenting two different awards:  Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan, which recognize individuals, and Nuestra Familia which acknowledge organizations for performing service of exceptional benefit to Latino Ohioans.   

Awardees will be recognized during the Annual Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala on Friday, April 18, 2008, at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Columbus.  This gathering is attended by Latino community leaders, legislators, and representatives of state government, including the Office of the Governor.

Recent past recipients have been former OSU wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, publisher George Perez from The Spanish Journal Newspaper, and Chairwoman Donna Alvarado of the Ohio Board of Regents.  CAPA in Columbus and Midwest Latino from Cincinnati are two of the organizations honored as well.

Additional history and background about the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards can be found here.

“Over one hundred amazing individuals have been recognized for their efforts to serve and strive to make a better Ohio for all,” stated Ezra Escudero, Director of the Commission.

The Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award has been a part of Ohio Latino Affairs for nearly 30 years, tracing back its history to the Distinguished Service Awards of the Commission in the early 1980's.  Each spring, commissioners award the "DHO" to Latinos in Ohio for their exemplary service, and the "Nuestra Familia" award to non-Ohioans or non-Latinos who have in some way made a beneficial impact to the Hispanic community in Ohio.

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ARCHIVE DATE:  8 APRIL 2008

OLAnet technology tools at the service of Latinos across Ohio

COLUMBUS - In an effort to gather and disseminate information, stimulate public awareness and enhance the outreach of the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA), the Commission has announced the launch of OLAnet.  OLAnet is a web-based technology resource that will enable everyone across the state to find, distribute, and communicate information of interest to Latino and varied audiences in each community.

"OLAnet will bring together resources, information and knowledge from across Ohio.  We believe this tool comes at a critical time for Hispanic Ohioans and Latino community organizations, to take advantage of technology to close gaps and open our communication channels across Ohio," expressed Ezra C. Escudero, OCHLA's Executive Director.

To facilitate training, OCHLA staff will conduct two sessions in each of eight cities statewide.  Those cities include Cincinnati, Dayton, Lorain, Cleveland, Youngstown, Toledo, Bowling Green, and Columbus, all during the months of November and December.

 

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