National Latino Congreso Convenes Friday

Maximizing Latino Voting Power, Defeating Anti-Immigrant Efforts
Lead Topics on First Day of National Latino Congreso

United Strategy to be Developed During Five-Day Gathering

The 2nd Annual National Latino Congreso, a national gathering of Latino leaders from throughout the country to develop a united agenda, will kick off its meetings by discussing ways in which to maximize Latino voting power, effective mobilization efforts for the 2008 national elections, and efforts to defeat anti-immigrant efforts nationwide. More than 1,500 delegates and observers from throughout the United States and Latin America are expected to gather in downtown Los Angeles on October 5-9, 2007 to attend the historic policy-development convention.

"The National Latino Congreso is a unique forum set up to address key issues through proactive dialogue sessions which we believe will lead us to be a stronger, more politically united community," stated Antonio Gonzalez, President of Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP), one of a dozen national conveners. "The 2008 elections will provide Latinos with the opportunity to play a critical role in deciding who wins the primaries and, in some states, who ultimately wins certain battleground states outright in the general election. The 2004 elections demonstrated Latinos made a difference at the polls, are increasing in voter registration numbers, and cannot be ignored."

Entitled "Maximizing Latino Voter Power in 2008 and Beyond: Nexuses between Federal Elections, Immigration Reform, and State/Local Elections/Issues", Day 1 of the National Congreso will be the first opportunity for participants to put forward ideas on community-based Latino mobilization efforts. At the same time, participants will also discuss the inherent challenges involved in mobilizing a culturally and politically diverse electorate.

"As a diverse community, Latinos have to face the fact that in order to develop successful strategies to defeat anti-immigrant forces intent on fostering a climate of fear and deception, we need to have honest discussions among ourselves on how best to deal with these unfortunate anti-immigrant voices," stated Oscar Chacón, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC) another national convener.

Recent voting data suggests that Latinos are increasingly becoming involved in the civic process. In states like New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California, Florida, New York, Nevada, Illinois, and Colorado, for example, Latino voter registration and votes cast is significantly above the national average, with Arizona making the most significant gains.

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com