The Detroit Latino Agenda 2012 is the result of a cooperative effort between

individuals, organizations and stakeholders from various sectors of the Latino community of Detroit and across the state, who have spent the past year working to develop a common agenda based on self-determination as a theory of change, to solve several critical issues in the local Latino community. This document constitutes an important step into a new dimension for a community that is already well-organized on other levels. It is a living document, as we recognize the importance of including community members voices and support, since it is for them that this work is being done. This work builds upon the original strategic plan created under the leadership of the Center for Chicano Boricua Studies, Wayne State University, in 1990. The aim was to support the efforts of the then-existing Latino organizations by providing a clear vision for community change in seven issue areas. The Consortium of Hispanic Agencies (CHA), a number of Latinoled organizations, took on the charge of re-convening the Latino community for the first time in 2 decades in August 2011, and over the past year has supported the ongoing community conversations aimed at reconstructing a strategic framework for community change the Detroit Latino Agenda document. The group has coalesced under the name ADELANTE! Advancing the Detroit Latino Agenda, and organized around nine committees consisting of organizations, community residents, local businesses, corporate and educational partners and other stakeholders within and outside of the Latino community. The overarching purpose of ADELANTE! is to address the systemic and structural barriers affecting our communitys equitable access to resources and opportunities that allow for sustainable economic and political power, selfdetermination, and racial and social justice, ADELANTE! is also the vehicle through which we will implement this framework for advocacy and action; facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences and learning so they can be shared with stakeholders and supporters to enable transformative civic, social, and economic change within our Metro Detroit Latino community; and build strategic alliances with all communities of color while creating the space for healing. This body will also be charged with the coordination of the strategic deployment of human and capital resources to address these priority issues of concern. This group has determined that it is important to have a plan that coordinates the activities of the numerous and diverse organizations and groups in the community so that the work of each of the many parts is amplified, coordinated and strengthened for the benefit of the whole community. We also recognize that many problems require the input of several groups. For example, one cannot solve the problems of the schools or adequate health services without economic development; another cannot address economic development without a healthy, educated population that lives in safe neighborhoods and has achieved a sufficient degree of political empowerment. Therefore, the process of cross-pollination and sharing of ideas across all groups is critical to creating an effective system of change. We believe that the act of naming ourselves is a step toward empowerment. The Detroit Latinos are people whose heritage is Mexican, Caribbean, Central and South American. Thus, we have chosen to replace Hispanic with Latino/a throughout this text in recognition of our multicultural and multiracial indigenous, African and European roots, which have managed to flourish and become an integral part of Latino art and culture. The term signifies identification with the rich cultural and artistic traditions of our brothers and sisters in both Latino US and Latin America. That is, the roots of our community and our cultural expression are transnational in scope. 1

INTRODUCTION

V E R A RC H I N G

G OA L S O F

ADELANTE!

Sustainability: A sustainable community is one that is economically, environmentally, and socially

healthy. It overcomes challenges through intentionally including all voices and integrating solutions rather than through fragmented strategies to meet these goals. It is a process that takes a long-term strategic perspectiveone that's focuses on both the past and present experiences of the community at large. Its ultimate outcome it so achieve a sustainable community that manages its human, natural, and financial resources to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are equitably available for future generations. It ultimately seeks the following: A better quality of life for the whole community without compromising the wellbeing of other communities and members within a community. A healthier, racially and socially just environment. An effective governance process supported by meaningful and broad -based citizen participation. And ultimately a stronger economic security that elevates its citizenry.

Building Bridges Across Communities of Color: As wealth rises across many

communities throughout the nation, so does the number of disenfranchised. The gaps between the haves and the have-nots are wider and the lack of resources for the work we do diminishes. The structural and systemic barriers of the past are ever so powerful in our present thus creating more competition among each other. Building bridges is defined as an intentional approach to developing strategies alliances that creates the space for all communities to sing in ONE VOICE- that equity and prosperity matters only if we work together. It is a process that allows our diverse communities to unite and address the socioeconomic disparities, institutional racism, and inequity of services experienced by our families, children, and communities; and to collectively act to obtain self-determination, equity and sustainability as its ultimate goals. Cultural understanding, respect for diversity and racial healing, trust, mutual support, and transparency are among a few of the effective tools for a successful collaborative process across communities of color.

Racial Equity: Racial equity means that all people have the human right to have full participation
and access to the benefits and institutions of society including quality. In reality, the ideal of racial equality, however defined, has not always been practiced, nor has it been fully achieved anywhere in the world. The belief in racial equity has historically had to counter deeply rooted beliefs in racial inequality as well as the concrete political, legal, and customary practices of racial discrimination and oppression. Thus in order to achieve this goal, communities must be inclusive and intentional in communicating to each other of the external and internal barriers that prevents our collective thinking to understand each other and to begin a clearer path for advocacy and steps to influence and change policies that do not support community building and racial understanding, respect, economic and political power.

Self-Determination: Is the ability to control our own process by utilizing a set of attitudes and
abilities that lead not only the individual and the community through a transformational process of both the self and the collective to achieve the outcome of a self-sustaining community. It is a process that allows for the community to believe and act not upon on the concepts of victimization but rather on the concepts that each and every member is a change-maker. It is a space to transform our communities through the act of informing, educating, unifying, organizing, participating, mobilizing and activating our collective thoughts, actions, and beliefs in collective efficacy. 2

We believe that equal access to quality of life that promotes success, human and environmental health, economic sustainability, and a critically educated community is paramount to advancing an engaged collective community. We embrace the diversity of Latino identity, history, culture and thought. We also act on the strong belief that the movement to ensure equity and racial healing will succeed only if it is respectful of the multiple layers of diversity of all communities, including the richness and diversity of the Latino community. We advocate for a free, quality public education for every child, regardless of nation or language of origin or immigration status. We act with high standards, urgency, and a long-term view as we plan strategically, and establish policies to improve the educational conditions for our children and youth in our community. We maximize our collective impact by inspiring, challenging and supporting each other in embracing the complex linkages of culture, language, history, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and multiculturalism. We commit ourselves to confronting the numerous issues which endanger our youth and families and threaten the whole social fabric of the community, with courage and determination. We believe that young people can and should benefit from participation in and support from intergenerational and cross-cultural interaction. We believe that Latino cultural values that are central to our people loyalty, attachment to family, collectivism, respect, and warmth in interpersonal relationships - have strengths that can be of great value for the resilience of our people, and should be retained, reinforced and celebrated. We believe that in order to increase opportunities for people of color, particularly Latino youth, to be successful, active, self-determined and productive members of society, racism needs to be addressed as a primary force affecting and limiting their life chances. We advocate for the creation of a welcoming environment that is sensitive and embracing to all immigrants, and provides a comprehensive support system for all families, with reliable resources.

OUR CORE VALUES

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community. communities.

RTS , MEDIA , AND

C ULTURE
MISSION

Promote a greater appreciation of Latino arts and culture and the economic well-being of Latino artists, cultural workers, art groups and cultural organizations through the use of multimedia and traditional art forms, as well as the constructive critique of mass media portrayals.

BACKGROUND
The established guardians of our culture have for too long responded to agendas set by others, which narrowly define culture and have largely ignored the need of artists and cultural workers to present their art and earn a decent living. Culture is more than fine arts, it is also the visible and invisible aspects of a people's society and means of expression such as spoken and written language, religion, drawings, songs, stories, bodily adornment and style of movement, foods, altars and games that represents our folklore created and performed by professionals and non-professionals. Latino artists preserve key elements of our culture. They define and transform it in a language understandable to the community. The crisis in the arts during the 90s brought on by the economic recession and the budget cuts of then Gov. John Engler endanger the individual artists and workers, as well as the small arts, culture and media centers even more than the great private and public institutions of culture in our society. Currently we face other issues such as budget cuts in the public schools and public libraries that affect arts being presented to our children and our communities. We must, therefore, unite, organize and empower ourselves to preserve both our broadly-defined culture and the individuals and groups that create it.

GOALS
1. Educate the metropolitan Detroit area regarding the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the Latino 2. Increase appreciation, advocacy and support of Latino culture and the arts in Latino and non-Latino 3. Advocate for greater stability and improved quality of life for Latino cultural workers, artists, arts
administrators and arts organizations.

4. Utilize more fully the resources of the universities, colleges and other educational and cultural institutions
to advance the goals of the Agenda.

5. Advocate for better representation of Latinos through all facets of communication.

C
MISSION

IVIC

E NGAGEMENT

Deepen the civic engagement capacity of the Latino community in Detroit.

BACKGROUND
Civic and community participation are the hallmarks of U.S. democracy. The political incorporation of Latinos, new immigrants as well as non-immigrants, is essential for their full participation in the nations democratic structures. The population growth of Latinos and their increasing participation in the political process will continue to impact national, statewide, and local elections. Latinos are currently the second largest ethnic group in the United States. By the year 2050, Latinos are expected to become the largest ethnic group. Influencing public policy decision-making will require active and vigorous participation in the political process. Latinos must continue to intensify their level of civic and political participation to advocate and defend their community interest. As a community, the act of registering to vote and voting is paramount, and we must include our young Latino eligible voters in the civic and political engagement processes. As a result of redistricting, the Latino vote was cracked into 2 separate districts, just as Latino voters have become the fastest-growing demographic in the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan over the past 10 years, thus depriving Latino voters in Southwest Detroit of the ability to act in a politically cohesive manner. Latino organizations have a unique ability to encourage their members, constituencies and communities to participate in civic activities, including issue advocacy, voter registration and voter mobilization through collective action.

GOALS
1. Increase the voter participation rates of the Latino community in Detroit through voter registration,
education and mobilization.

2. Build the capacity of the Latino community in Detroit to effectively advocate on issues that are impacting
our community by: Monitoring state legislation that impacts the Latino community; and Providing advocacy trainings to community organizations and leaders.

3. Develop civic leaders in the Latino community and provide leadership development opportunities.

DUCATION

MISSION

Ensure a comprehensive, multifaceted, and cohesive system of support that empowers the community to leverage local, state and federal resources to address and eliminate systemic barriers to learning, such as inequity of resource distribution, policies, and institutional racism.

BACKGROUND
Detroit school children face many challenges with the rapidly changing educational system and great uncertainty of their educational future. Latino youth over the age of 23 represent 46% of those without a high school diploma. In recent years there have been a number of multi-sector initiatives to address the challenges faced by Detroit schools and improve educational outcomes, including localized and citywide administrative and policy efforts. Considerable research identifies parent involvement as a key element in academic achievement, including their involvement in school decision making and advocacy. When parents are involved in full partnerships, student achievement for economically disadvantaged children not only improves, it can reach levels that are standard for middle-class children (Michigan State University 2004). Student engagement has also been identified as a key element in students decision to stay in school. As gatekeepers in our community it is our responsibility to design and create a comprehensive, multifaceted educational accountability system that ensures that any school system that enters our community, regardless of governance structure (DPS, EAA, charter, private), provides quality education as defined by our community.

GOALS
1. Create a cradle to college pipeline that ensures a process toward self-determination through quality
bilingual education opportunities that provide learners with skills for the 21st century.

2. Utilize more fully the resources of universities, colleges, and other educational and cultural institutions to
advance the educational goals outlined in the Latino Agenda.

3. Provide community engagement opportunities to Metro-Detroit Latinos and other stakeholders on

educational, cultural, and political issues as outlined in the Latino Agenda.

4. Identify and support qualified Latino individuals and other community representatives and ensure a
pipeline of community participation that promotes a strategic Statewide Latino Education Agenda that values all levels of the educational system.

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GOALS

CONOMIC

&

C OMMUNIT Y D EVELOPMENT

MISSION
Promote economic growth and job creation through entrepreneurial development and workforce readiness as a foundation to build our community.

BACKGROUND
Of the 11,000 Latino-owned businesses in Michigan, only 2% have employees. This statistic underscores the need for Latino entrepreneurial development. We need to create Latino-owned businesses that have the size and scale to create jobs and to make substantial contributions leading to economic prosperity for the community. The economic viability of Latino communities depends on the growth and sustainability of Latino-owned commercial enterprises that deliver quality goods and services to neighborhood residents and beyond. In addition, residents need to derive income through entrepreneurship and employment. To be successful, business owners must master the elements of enterprise and resource management, have ready access to operating capital, insure their business against risk, and comply with government regulations. Optimally, these neighborhood businesses have a ripple effectthey become primary sources of employment, create vendor opportunities for other Latino businesses, and become a source of funds for community-based organizations. By definition, business owners are leaders, risk-takers, and carry the responsibility to engage with civic institutions and community associations to effectively deploy resources that address issues of concern.

1. Recruit and engage prospective Latino business owners in entrepreneurial training programs and
support their ongoing development in Southwest Detroit.

2. Collaborate with the ADELANTE! Employment Committee to establish a functioning jobs pipeline that

seamlessly connects Latinos with employers in Southeast Michigan. Identify employers with available job opportunities for Latinos and Latinas Develop a roadmap of resources with the capacity to substantially increase the job readiness of prospective Latino workers Familiarize Latino youth with the workplace and provide them with the technical and social skills that make them desirable employees and community-based civic institutions. Implement culturally and linguistically relevant emerging leader programs that develop leadership skills to all segments of the Latino community Identify opportunities for placement of program graduates in civic and community leadership roles

3. Build leadership capacity among Hispanics for the purpose of effectively engaging with both mainstream

4. Identify gaps in business practices and resources for capacity building of local businesses. 7

EALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL

J USTICE

MISSION
Improve the physical, spiritual, environmental & mental health of the Detroit area Latino community through effective community-driven practices, interventions and policies that recognizes and honors the interconnectedness with all our relations

BACKGROUND
The Detroit Latino community suffers from disproportionately high levels of asthma, cardio vascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Much of this is related to environmental conditions that contribute to these diseases. Our community has one of the highest levels of air pollution in the country as the result of living in close proximity to several sources of pollutants - industry such auto manufacturers, oil refineries and steel mills; high levels of diesel fuel exhaust from trucks traveling on freeways that run through our community on the way to the busiest international northern border crossing in the country; public works such as water treatment plants; and trade winds that carry air pollution from coal burning plants in other states. Seven out of ten Latinos live in areas that violate federal air quality standards, and with poverty comes more susceptibility to illnesses overall. Social determinants of illness means institutional racism contributes to a lack of access to resources, greater sickness, more missed work or schooldays, and quicker death. We seek to identify these trends and root out these health disparities; provide preventative and prescriptive care for our community and policies to end pollution and improve quality of life. We advocate for policies that require that any development planned for our community should take into account the cumulative effects of these myriad environmental impacts on the health of our children and families. We also believe that jobs should not come at the expense of our health, and any proposed projects should be developed in ways that balance both.

GOALS
1. Seek to enhance a healthy community for Latinos in Metro Detroit through access to clean air, water, land, food and health care 2. Identify political, economic, social and intellectual capital to advance greater quality of life. 3. Design and implement culturally relevant health and environmental programs for Latinos. GOAL 4. Gain greater representation of Latinos in the environment and health movements.
FOUR:

MISSION

I
GOALS

MMIGRATION

Create a welcoming environment that embraces immigrants; build accountability and transparency within institutions serving and employing the immigrant community; and aim to create and foster political engagement

BACKGROUND
The Detroit Latino community exists in a fragile circumstance as it sits directly on the busiest Northern border crossing between the US and Canada. This brings an isolated, disadvantaged population into constant, difficult contact with immigration officials. Over 44, 000 non -criminal deportations have taken place nationally since 2009. US Immigration policies divide our families and create an atmosphere of fear in our community. Immigration rights relate to all other key issues. Legal versus illegal status affects areas such as insurance (i.e. health insurance, home ownership among other issues are based on illegal or legal status), eligibility for higher education admission, and government assistance programs. Ultimately, it is also connected to human rights issues. It is because of an overwhelming community response and the leadership and the Dreamers both locally and nationally that we have been able to exert influence for a change in the Presidents administrative power to change and provide a path for legalization and access to education and employment to over 1 million dream eligible students in the US. . Immigration has a completely legislative solution. Immigration reform can be addressed and influenced through political organizing and advocacy. How much the community is willing to compromise is an issue. Some components that are not legislative must be addressed at an administrative level. Latinos and other immigrants including collaboration with the African American community must raise their voices to the level of the U.S. Presidents office.

1. Create a welcoming environment that is sensitive and embracing to all immigrants, and provide a

comprehensive support system with reliable resources that impact the status of our immigrant families in relationship to health, education, home ownership, and other related issues. institutions serving, advocating for, and employing the immigrant community.

2. Design a comprehensive and multifaceted system that ensures accountability and transparency among 3. Foster and Promote Civic Engagement in the immigrant community

ABOR ,

E MPLOYMENT AND C AREER P IPELINES

MISSION

Plan and implement supportive services with efficiency to assist and advance Latino businesses and a healthy workforce; seek to sustain economic viability and community resilience when under economic strain with training and skills development.

BACKGROUND
The Latino workforce contributes $48 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits, yet earn less than their non-Latino counterparts. Information and education programs, especially in the areas of labor rights, financing and marketing, are critical for promoting a strong Latino community. Entrepreneurship and creativity are paramount to our community, and accomplishments in these areas should be a source of pride. Latinos need to obtain/provide the basic needs of life for themselves and their families, as well as their communities. Policy makers must be aware of and ensure that aid is provided for persons to reinvent and retrain themselves as workers who can meet future industries and employers needs and be able to compete in this diverse economy. Latino representation at the policymaking and implementation tables is important to influencing federal, state and local policy makers and unfair labor practices within corporate America. Growing representation is also paramount within the union environments. Resources required to accomplish change includes leadership training and development, stronger networking, advocacy and community participation in community development conversations, which must be intentionally promoted.

GOALS
1. Develop a pipeline for recruitment of Latinos into family-sustaining jobs and careers. 2. Provide the tools to allow community residents to become self-sufficient , such as employer-sponsored
training for workforce development agency staff on their hiring process and skills requirements in order to increase participants access.

3. Create a robust and comprehensive system that establishes a complementary working relationship among
employers, workforce development agencies, non-profits, and institutions of higher education in order to recruit, train, and provide job opportunities. This would include the development of a list of Latino and partner organizations that can be a resource for identifying qualified workers for employers, locally and statewide.

4. Research and develop statistical data that describes the employment status of Latinos locally and throughout
the state in order to determine the needs and progress of employment and training in the workforce. This includes the ability to work closer with employers to ensure that EEOC requirements include the Latino community in their diversity plan.

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S
GOALS

EXUAL

O RIENTATION AND G ENDER I DENTIT Y E QUIT Y

MISSION
Work in solidarity with a collective Latino leadership across movements that would include the advancement and respect of LGBT rights and equality, toward the elimination of discrimination and disparities across generations through education, advocacy, and civic engagement activities.

BACKGROUND
Michigans lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has organized a great deal over the past 20-years, however, until recently, there was a noticeable absence from the Latino LGBT community. Prior to 2006, no funding existed for Michigans Latino LGBT community. Resources were limited to HIV prevention, education, and treatment funds, which mostly targeted men who sleep with men (MSM). In 2000, two groups formed: La Comunidad through the Michigan AIDS Coalition (formerly Midwest AIDS Prevention Project), and Hermanos de Corazon through the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. Data collected by these groups, as well as at a subsequent convening in October 2006, determined that there were broader needs amongst Latinos. While HIV prevention/education/treatment services were needed, the Latino LGBT community needed to organize themselves beyond those services, which only impacted gay men and extend a reach to the Latina lesbians and Latino transgender population. In 2008,these efforts led to the formation of Detroit Latin@z (the @ sign representing both the masculine/feminine form of Latino), and its founding board members, which included 12 individuals who identified as being Latino lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or straight ally. They set their mission: to cultivate the voice, presence, and leadership of the Latino/a LGBT community in Michigan, and empower action towards full human rights and equality. Subsequently Detroit Latin@z, has joined the collective Latino leadership as an integral member of ADELANTE!, where, for the first time in its history, the Latino community has formally acknowledged and included Latino/a LGBT rights.

1. Strengthen the reach and resources of Gay/Straight Alliances in Detroit charter and public schools, including a comprehensive anti-bullying task-force. 2. Build awareness and support against anti-LGBT violence and discrimination across generations, relating intersections across movements.

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Y
as:

OUTH

MISSION BACKGROUND

Improve the well-being of Latino youth, who represent the future of the community.

Latino youth are a rapidly growing group in the United States. In 2010, Latinos made up 23% of youth ages 1017 in the U.S; and it is projected that by 2035 one in three children will be Latino. At no other time in our people's history has our youth experienced the psychological and physical threats to their well-being and to their future development that they face today. Special care must therefore be taken to ensure that they grow up to be healthy and productive individuals with loving families in a nurturing community. Young persons need to be trained as future leaders of our community through programs that focus on cultural awareness and enrichment as a cornerstone. With less than fifty percent of high school students in the city of Detroit completing their secondary education in a region and world that is increasingly more competitive, the importance of quality education grows more imperative by the day, at the same time that our educational system is undergoing tremendous change. As the number of Latino youth continues to grow, more are likely to come into contact with the juvenile justice system. Poor data collection methods hide their presence in the system; but available data show that Latinos have disproportionately high contact with the system at all points. Evidence also suggests that Latino youth are harmed by policies and practices at the state and local levels, such as treating youth as adults in criminal court. Moreover, studies show that Latinos would benefit from greater access to community -based preventive services and alternatives to detention. Programs serving our youth must recognize and build on the talent, strength, creativity, and resiliency of Latino families, children, and youth. Many studies show that a strong family relationship encourages Latino youth to stay away from high-risk behavior, and parental involvement has been shown to help keep Latino youths off the path of delinquency.

GOALS
1. Advocate and lobby for policy changes and funding patterns that will address youth's pressing needs such
School drop-out rates; Rising suicide rates; Domestic and gang-related violence; Rising incarceration rates; Pervasive unemployment and poverty.

2. Address the special needs of our youth by providing positive support in their homes, community and
schools.

3. Provide youth with leadership development, academic enrichment, and character building to create both
skills and opportunities for young Latino leaders.

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