The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs was created in 1977 with seventeen mandates proscribed in sections 121.32 and 121.33 of the Ohio Revised Code.  These mandates fall into one of three categories:

• TO ADVISE the Governor, the Ohio General Assembly, and state government agencies on all matters affecting Hispanic Ohioans, by issuing reports, proposing programs, commenting on legislation, and conducting policy-related research.
  
  
• TO CONNECT the diverse Latino communities across the State of Ohio by serving as a hub of information for and about Hispanic Ohioans by hosting meetings, conducting surveys, promoting collaboration, encouraging communication, and endeavoring to assure access to decision-making bodies.
  
  
• TO BUILD the capacity of Latino community organizations, especially those of, for, and by Hispanic Ohioans, by applying for and accepting grants in partnership with organizations, subcontracting programs to local groups, and conducting education programs to enhance and strengthen community organization staff and leadership.
  
  

Knowing the scope of the Commission and its mandates is critical.

First, it clarifies the role of the Commission so that the people of Ohio can know what to expect from the Commission, and how they can focus the initiatives of community leadership.  It also gives elected officials the assurance of having a trusted, reliable, and objective source of guidance on public policy matters affecting Hispanic Ohioans.

Second, it directs the energy and resources of the Commission in a way that allows for the production of measurable results.  It is possible to quantify the number of reports, the number of phone calls, the number of Ohioans served, the number of training programs, and the amount of grant dollars invested in the community.  It is also possible to qualify the quality of research, the effectiveness of programs, and the results of community investment.

Finally, it gives the people of Ohio and community organizations a sense of confidence that the Commission is not going to expand its scope without an act of the General Assembly.  These mandates are codified in state law.  Grassroots community leaders can develop and implement strategy with the information and resources of the Commission and at the same time know that leadership rests with them - not with a government agency.  Growth in programs and community investment belongs with private sector community organizations - not with a government agency.  The Commission has a specific role that implicitly mandates strengthening grassroots private sector community organizations and with the advice and counsel of grassroots leaders.

The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs has three mandates:  to advise, connect, and build.

Therefore, the Commission has three programs:

1. Public Policy Center (advise)
2. Latino Community Network (connect)
   
3. Organizations Development Center (build)