Mas de 150 Latinos de todas partes de Colorado se reunieron el 15 de marzo en Denver para representar sus comunidades y discutir temas como la educacion de nuestros jovenes, las maneras en que debemos resolver nuestros problemas economicos y donde tenemos que ir para participar en nuestras juntas politicas el 16 de marzo.
Conocimos a los legisladores latinos que han logrado ser elegidos en Colorado y algunos que han empezado sus carreras oficiales para nuestras elecciones en noviembre -- y tambien el lider del Partido Democrata en la Camara de Representantes de Colorado (Terrance Carroll). Tambien nos conocimos, uno al otro, y compartimos nuestra confianza que "SI PODEMOS" en 2010.
A los que van a Washington DC este jueves (el 18 de marzo), buena suerte, hermanos/as! A los que se quedan en Colorado, "Vamonos Adelante!"
Muchisimas gracias a las organizaciones que se reunieron para covenir el Dia Latina/o de Promocion Politica: CO Immigrant Rights Coalition, Latina Initiative, y Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR).
More than 150 Latinos from all parts of Colorado got together on March 15 in Denver to represent their communities and talk about concerns regarding the education of our youth, the ways in which we need to resolve our economic challenges and where we need to be to particiapte in our caucuses on March 16.
We got to know the Latino legislators who have been elected to office in Colorado and others who have started their races to Election Day in November as well as Colorado's Speaker of the House (Democrat Terrance Carroll). We also got to know each other, one on one, and shared our faith that WE CAN DO IT in 2010.
To those who go to Washington DC this Thursday (March 18), good luck brothers and sisters! To those who stay in Colorado, "Let's Roll!"
Many thanks to Colorado Latina/o Advocacy Day organizers: CO Immigrant Rights Coalition, Latina Initiative, and Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Parent-Hood is where the heart is...still ticking!
There's so much to say about this topic, from the new TV show, produced by Ron Howard, to what Denver's Archbishop Chaput had to say about the future of two young students (both from the same family) attending Sacred Heart of Jesus School--or rather, their parents.
If you've read Push--or have seen the movie that is based on this novel by Sapphire ("Precious")--you probably know that Mo'nique won an Oscar for her portrayal of an African-American mother. Maybe you've also read Stones for Schools (2009), Greg Mortenson's book on building girls' schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan with parental support to ensure that young women can support themselves and their future families.
Did you perhaps also hear about a 1995 poll of nearly 14,000 U.S. women (conducted by author Georgia Witkin, PhD) which showed that many of these women still believe that:
1. Women are weaker than men (and are "not suited to be senators or to serve in the military").
2. Women can't be "good" employers.
3. Women will postpone or leave a career to commit to a personal relationship and/or have children "never to return."
4. Men have higher self-esteem than women.
5. Women are intuitive and less logical than men.
Fifteen years later, I wonder how many women still feel the same. I wonder how many men and women really "parent" themselves--not just their children, spouses, friends and their own parents. By taking on different kinds of responsibilities both at home and away, I wonder how many parents actually try to "underwhelm" themselves on a conscious level--and don't feel guilty about not doing more.
Lately I am trying to do more self-parenting--having your hours at work cut in half in a week's time can definitely make you re-think how you prioritize your life! Tomorrow I'm back at the office for meetings, phone calls, emails and at the end of the day I may take in a stage audition for TVM (see my latest FB news feed for details)...or fill out some forms that'll help me plan out my will and testament so that later this week (when I meet with a lawyer friend) to get organized in that respect, I get some family input. I haven't seen Johnny Depp's version of "Alice in Wonderland" yet, but should I find myself slipping down a rabbit hole any time soon, I think I'll be ready to face the Cheshire Cat, the Red Queen or even The-One-That-Led-Alice down that path in the first place with his ever-present timepiece, ticking away...
Tomorrow is Hump Day--see you soon enough on the other side! (Write and let me know if you leave your watch at home! Or better yet, on Sunday let me know if you're choosing to stay on "fall back" time just a little longer!)
If you've read Push--or have seen the movie that is based on this novel by Sapphire ("Precious")--you probably know that Mo'nique won an Oscar for her portrayal of an African-American mother. Maybe you've also read Stones for Schools (2009), Greg Mortenson's book on building girls' schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan with parental support to ensure that young women can support themselves and their future families.
Did you perhaps also hear about a 1995 poll of nearly 14,000 U.S. women (conducted by author Georgia Witkin, PhD) which showed that many of these women still believe that:
1. Women are weaker than men (and are "not suited to be senators or to serve in the military").
2. Women can't be "good" employers.
3. Women will postpone or leave a career to commit to a personal relationship and/or have children "never to return."
4. Men have higher self-esteem than women.
5. Women are intuitive and less logical than men.
Fifteen years later, I wonder how many women still feel the same. I wonder how many men and women really "parent" themselves--not just their children, spouses, friends and their own parents. By taking on different kinds of responsibilities both at home and away, I wonder how many parents actually try to "underwhelm" themselves on a conscious level--and don't feel guilty about not doing more.
Lately I am trying to do more self-parenting--having your hours at work cut in half in a week's time can definitely make you re-think how you prioritize your life! Tomorrow I'm back at the office for meetings, phone calls, emails and at the end of the day I may take in a stage audition for TVM (see my latest FB news feed for details)...or fill out some forms that'll help me plan out my will and testament so that later this week (when I meet with a lawyer friend) to get organized in that respect, I get some family input. I haven't seen Johnny Depp's version of "Alice in Wonderland" yet, but should I find myself slipping down a rabbit hole any time soon, I think I'll be ready to face the Cheshire Cat, the Red Queen or even The-One-That-Led-Alice down that path in the first place with his ever-present timepiece, ticking away...
Tomorrow is Hump Day--see you soon enough on the other side! (Write and let me know if you leave your watch at home! Or better yet, on Sunday let me know if you're choosing to stay on "fall back" time just a little longer!)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Pay Day Lending Bill Round 1
If you have time this afternoon at Mile High, make your way to the Capitol and watch the proceedings surrounding the first reading of a House bill addressing Pay-Day Lending. A hot topic to follow during the recession, but this is also an opportunity to see what happens on the Hill!
I'll be there at noon with other CO Progressive Coalition folks so I hope to see you!
I'll be there at noon with other CO Progressive Coalition folks so I hope to see you!
Sustainable Global Leadership Alliance 2010
Yesterday my mother and I spent the afternoon at The Mercury Cafe with a group of great folks who are kicking off their Denver/Boulder launch of the Sustainable Global Leadership Alliance. We saw their documentary of students ages 15-25 who participated in the 2005 India-Nepal trip with SGLA and were moved by the discussion afterwards with SGLA alumni. The "learning" I took away from this event is that "becoming sustainable" is a process that starts within and can be nurtured from without. This summer I plan on joining the SGLA during their second weekend gathering (prior to the July trip) as a community leader to talk a bit about my experiences in Jewish communal work and travels abroad serving others. My mom might come along as well to talk about her work in Peru---be sure to stay posted!
If you have high school/college-age students and want to give them a gift this summer, get in touch with Michelle Wheat (michelle@sgla.org or 303-800-6802) for info on the 2010 Boulder/Denver India-Nepal Summer Program. Weekend sessions in June prior to the July 8-29, 2010 trip and following this experience in August are all part of the SGLA program.
If you live outside Colorado, check out the website (http://www.sgla.org/) for a regional office that may be closer to you to apply.
Si Ud. tiene hijos en secundaria o quienes estan asistiendo universidad y quieren regalarles una experiencia este verano, pongase en contacto con Michelle Wheat (michelle@sgla.org o 303-800-6802) para obtener mas informacion sobre 2010 Boulder/Denver India-Nepal Summer Program. Eventos los fines de semana en junio antes del viaje el 8-29 de julio 2010 y siguiendo el viaje en agosto tambien son parte del programa SGLA.
Si Ud. vive fuera de Colorado, comuniquese con otras oficinas regionales de la SGLA por medio de su pagina Web (http://www.sgla.org).
If you have high school/college-age students and want to give them a gift this summer, get in touch with Michelle Wheat (michelle@sgla.org or 303-800-6802) for info on the 2010 Boulder/Denver India-Nepal Summer Program. Weekend sessions in June prior to the July 8-29, 2010 trip and following this experience in August are all part of the SGLA program.
If you live outside Colorado, check out the website (http://www.sgla.org/) for a regional office that may be closer to you to apply.
Si Ud. tiene hijos en secundaria o quienes estan asistiendo universidad y quieren regalarles una experiencia este verano, pongase en contacto con Michelle Wheat (michelle@sgla.org o 303-800-6802) para obtener mas informacion sobre 2010 Boulder/Denver India-Nepal Summer Program. Eventos los fines de semana en junio antes del viaje el 8-29 de julio 2010 y siguiendo el viaje en agosto tambien son parte del programa SGLA.
Si Ud. vive fuera de Colorado, comuniquese con otras oficinas regionales de la SGLA por medio de su pagina Web (http://www.sgla.org).
International Women's Day
Have a place to go to celebrate March 8 yet? If not, reading Goldie Taylor's September 2008 article might get you up and going: A Woman's Worth -- be sure to drop me a line to let me know what YOU think!
No matter what you feel about President Obama or Sarah Palin, male or female, or even International Day, you ought to check out Women's History Month events, especially this week.
In Denver, if you've already seen "Precious" and/or read the book it's based on (Push) you might enjoy meeting author Sapphire thanks to Metro State's Women's History events this month. Be at Tivoli Turnhalle on the Auraria Campus March 9 at 1 PM for a great discussion.
See you there!
No matter what you feel about President Obama or Sarah Palin, male or female, or even International Day, you ought to check out Women's History Month events, especially this week.
In Denver, if you've already seen "Precious" and/or read the book it's based on (Push) you might enjoy meeting author Sapphire thanks to Metro State's Women's History events this month. Be at Tivoli Turnhalle on the Auraria Campus March 9 at 1 PM for a great discussion.
See you there!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Caucus Talk today in Barnum
Ever get a chance to caucus to make sure your candidate gets on the primary ballot? My first CO caucus will be on March 16, but today I met with an HD 4 (state district) group and we talked about issues that hit close to home because they are universal: self-sufficiency during recession, business development and jobs, and education --oh, and the Tabor Amendment. (Not universal, but it feels likes it's been in CO forever!)
Tomorrow it's Denver Speakers Corner at Panera's on 13th and Grant in Denver; if you're just getting up around 4PM after the Dems' Jefferson-Jackson dinner I hope to see you there! Bring your own soap box or just a poem you want to share--I'll have something appropo for Intl. Women's Day on Monday!
One item to share: http://www.lamanoamiga.org/, a Spanish-language resource guide packed with articles on every topic under the sun. (If I get lucky I'll publish a thing or two on helping kids with special needs there before the year is out.) It's free and deserves sharing so sign up and pass it along!
Tomorrow it's Denver Speakers Corner at Panera's on 13th and Grant in Denver; if you're just getting up around 4PM after the Dems' Jefferson-Jackson dinner I hope to see you there! Bring your own soap box or just a poem you want to share--I'll have something appropo for Intl. Women's Day on Monday!
One item to share: http://www.lamanoamiga.org/, a Spanish-language resource guide packed with articles on every topic under the sun. (If I get lucky I'll publish a thing or two on helping kids with special needs there before the year is out.) It's free and deserves sharing so sign up and pass it along!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Just a Bit of Powerful Trivia
Ever read a journal titled Poder Enterprise? Not for Trekkies, but still an adventure if you're into developing a quick Hispanic snapshot for yourself to ponder. For those seeking a few talking points for the watercooler conversation tomorrow check out the following found in the Poder October 09 issue (if you want more insights from current issues check out http://www.poder360.com/):
34% is the proportion of Hispanics in the U.S. who don't have health insurance.
270 is the number of Wal-Mart stores that opened in Mexico in 2009.
60% is what ex-President of Honduras upped the minimum wage to last December.
$35 million is the cost of renovating and expanding El Museo Del Barrio in New York.
ALSO...
Did you know that one of the top 100 Hispanic entrepreneurs in 2009 is M. Charito Kruvant?
She is head of Creative Associates International, Inc. (based in Washington, DC), a private NGO that assisted with the development of underprivileged areas to the tune of $65.34 million last year. Check out this company at http://www.caii-dc.com/.
Back in Colorado, however, feel free to check out what's happening with the Higher Education Access Alliance if you have an interest in allowing all Colorado high school graduates the opportunity to pay the same tuition rate (regardless of immigration status) when attending the Colorado college or university of their choice: http://www.heaacolorado.org/ . If you'd like to see some info on this subject in Spanish, drop me a line!
Has leido una revista entitulado Poder Enterprise? Si sigues las aventuras de Star Trek, esta publicacion no te animara mucho, pero para discutir algunos temas manana entre colegas o companeros de trabajo, considera estos datos de la edicion de octubre 2009 (http://www.poder360.com/):
34% de Hispanos viviendo en los EEUU no tienen seguro de salud.
270 nuevos Wal-Marts abrieron sus puertas en Mejico en 2009.
60% es lo que ex-Presidente de Honduras alzo del pago minimo alli en diciembre 2009.
$35 millon es lo que costo para renovar El Museo del Barrio en Nueva York.
TAMBIEN...
Sabias que uno de los 100 empresarios quienes tuvieron mas exito en 2009 es M. Charito Kruvant? Ella es jefa de Creative Associates International, Inc. (en Washington DC), una organizacion privada que apoya el desarollo de lugares desfavorecidos. En 2009, CAII contribuyo $65.34 millon; para mas informacion sobre esta organizacion, buscala por la Red en http://www.caii-dc.com/.
Si estas en Colorado y te interesa saber lo que esta pasando segun tasas de matricula para estudiantes quienes han terminado su bachillerato y quieren continuar sus estudios en Colorado (sin preocuparse sobre su situacion residencial), informese por medio de la organizacion Higher Education Access Alliance (http://www.heaacolorado.org/). Si deseas informacion sobre este tema en espanol/castellano, escribeme!
34% is the proportion of Hispanics in the U.S. who don't have health insurance.
270 is the number of Wal-Mart stores that opened in Mexico in 2009.
60% is what ex-President of Honduras upped the minimum wage to last December.
$35 million is the cost of renovating and expanding El Museo Del Barrio in New York.
ALSO...
Did you know that one of the top 100 Hispanic entrepreneurs in 2009 is M. Charito Kruvant?
She is head of Creative Associates International, Inc. (based in Washington, DC), a private NGO that assisted with the development of underprivileged areas to the tune of $65.34 million last year. Check out this company at http://www.caii-dc.com/.
Back in Colorado, however, feel free to check out what's happening with the Higher Education Access Alliance if you have an interest in allowing all Colorado high school graduates the opportunity to pay the same tuition rate (regardless of immigration status) when attending the Colorado college or university of their choice: http://www.heaacolorado.org/ . If you'd like to see some info on this subject in Spanish, drop me a line!
Has leido una revista entitulado Poder Enterprise? Si sigues las aventuras de Star Trek, esta publicacion no te animara mucho, pero para discutir algunos temas manana entre colegas o companeros de trabajo, considera estos datos de la edicion de octubre 2009 (http://www.poder360.com/):
34% de Hispanos viviendo en los EEUU no tienen seguro de salud.
270 nuevos Wal-Marts abrieron sus puertas en Mejico en 2009.
60% es lo que ex-Presidente de Honduras alzo del pago minimo alli en diciembre 2009.
$35 millon es lo que costo para renovar El Museo del Barrio en Nueva York.
TAMBIEN...
Sabias que uno de los 100 empresarios quienes tuvieron mas exito en 2009 es M. Charito Kruvant? Ella es jefa de Creative Associates International, Inc. (en Washington DC), una organizacion privada que apoya el desarollo de lugares desfavorecidos. En 2009, CAII contribuyo $65.34 millon; para mas informacion sobre esta organizacion, buscala por la Red en http://www.caii-dc.com/.
Si estas en Colorado y te interesa saber lo que esta pasando segun tasas de matricula para estudiantes quienes han terminado su bachillerato y quieren continuar sus estudios en Colorado (sin preocuparse sobre su situacion residencial), informese por medio de la organizacion Higher Education Access Alliance (http://www.heaacolorado.org/). Si deseas informacion sobre este tema en espanol/castellano, escribeme!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
No More Deaths Denver
Last night I made it tothe GEO facility in Aurora where detained immigrants are being housed for a vigil hosted by No More Deaths Denver, the American Friends Service Committee and St. Andrews United Methodist Church.
In a bilingual ceremony, nearly 100 people sang and chanted to detainees inside the facility seeking DIGNIDAD PARA TODOS, DERECHOS HUMANOS PARA TODOS, Y EL DEBIDO PROCESO PARA TODOS--dignity for all, human rights for all, and due process for all.
A commitment was made by those present to particiapte in an ongoing vigil at Peoria and 30th Avenue for a year at 6PM every first Monday of the month. Participants should dress warmly and bring flashlights and/or candles; banners and signs supporting Family Unity (addressing the reunification of parents and other family members--who have been detained--with their children) are welcome.
On the eve of March 1, this event was held in conjunction with a similar event in Tucson, Arizona. On March 2 Central United Methodist Church members of Phoenix will hold a vigil at 7:30 PM and will continue to do so for a year. Other communities of faith are also organizaing around this issue and can be contacted via www.action@nomoredeaths.org. Locally you can reach Heidi parish at 720-206-5733 for more information (or by email at heidiparish@hotmail.com).
In a bilingual ceremony, nearly 100 people sang and chanted to detainees inside the facility seeking DIGNIDAD PARA TODOS, DERECHOS HUMANOS PARA TODOS, Y EL DEBIDO PROCESO PARA TODOS--dignity for all, human rights for all, and due process for all.
A commitment was made by those present to particiapte in an ongoing vigil at Peoria and 30th Avenue for a year at 6PM every first Monday of the month. Participants should dress warmly and bring flashlights and/or candles; banners and signs supporting Family Unity (addressing the reunification of parents and other family members--who have been detained--with their children) are welcome.
On the eve of March 1, this event was held in conjunction with a similar event in Tucson, Arizona. On March 2 Central United Methodist Church members of Phoenix will hold a vigil at 7:30 PM and will continue to do so for a year. Other communities of faith are also organizaing around this issue and can be contacted via www.action@nomoredeaths.org. Locally you can reach Heidi parish at 720-206-5733 for more information (or by email at heidiparish@hotmail.com).
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