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Spring 2016 Newsletter

Exemplifying Latino Leadership
Advocating for a better Illinois

Dear Friends:

Here at the Forum, we often talk about what leadership looks like. César Chávez would have been 89 years old this week. He served as a model for many of us that champion equity and social change. He believed in the dignity and rights every human deserves, specifically through his lived experience as a farmworker.

In honor of his birthday, I’ve been reflecting on his legacy, and the one we all leave behind. What can we learn about César’s leadership? He led within a community context, fearlessly and collaboratively. Humble, he understood he couldn’t move mountains alone, he required the shared leadership of the people. He was Latino leadership exemplified.

I see this same style of shared leadership in the parents that trek hours to our state capitol to advocate for their children's future. I’m proud that this year marks the seventh Early Childhood Education Advocacy Day. It grows in participation and impact each year.  

Our shared leadership is alive through our Promotores de Inmigración that help others navigate the complexities of immigration reform; in ourPromotores de Vivienda Justa that volunteer to help Chicagoans understand their fair housing rights; and in the hundreds of Latino-serving leaders that urge their legislators to invest in human services each year on Latino Unity Day. Everywhere I look, Latinos are participating in the civic life of our communities: collectively, fearlessly, using their voices to advocate for a better Illinois.

Given our state government’s failure to pass a FY16 state budget—a basic and essential duty—your leadership is needed more than ever.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Illinois now holds the record for the longest budgetary impasse in recent memory.  This unnecessary crisis is devastating opportunities for children and families, destabilizing the Illinois economy and raising the state’s debt. 

Our leaders have choices.  They can continue turning their backs on working families, college students and seniors or they can make the hard but necessary choice to generate new revenue, pass a FY16 budget and begin stabilizing Illinois government.  The Forum will continue advocating for investments in programs that promote opportunity and upward mobility and the resources necessary to support them.  I hope that you will consider joining us for our upcoming advocacy days.  Please read below for details. 

In an unprecedented era of fiscal crisis, it’s become increasingly urgent we usher in unity across our communities. I’m pleased to announce Year Seven of the newly redesigned Leadership Academy. The Forum has made a strategic decision to widen the Academy’s scope and is committed to creating a diverse network of community leaders of color who are actively involved in social change and policy impact.  More details below.

The breadth of our impact is only made possible through the collaboration and shared leadership of our Acuerdo members, the Illinois Latino Agenda, our talented board, staff and generous supporters.

I would like to congratulate Martin Torres as he transitions from senior policy analyst to his new role as Associate Director. I'm also thrilled to welcome Karen Garibay-Mulattieri, who joins us as the Forum’s Education Manager. We also want to extend a warm thank you to Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Savannah Clement, who have transitioned into the next phases of their careers. Though no longer on staff, their contributions will remain a part of the Forum’s legacy.
 
As always, none of our work is possible without you. We thank you for your continued support of our mission and our shared future.
 
¡Adelante!

Sylvia Puente

Executive Director

PHOTO: Olga Lopez

 

Immigration Initiatives

Here are the latest immigration updates from the Forum.

DACA/DAPA: The court case that has stalled the President’s executive actions to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA+) and launch the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program (DAPA) will be heard by the Supreme Court later this month. Oral arguments are set to begin April 18. Though the executive orders were issued in November 2014, the case has been in legal limbo since February 2015 when a Texas Circuit Court judge placed an injunction on them, preventing their implementation.

The case has only grown in notoriety with the recent unexpected death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, which was followed by a Senate political impasse to consider the President’s Supreme Court nominee.   Only eight Supreme Court Justices will hear the case, as opposed to nine. The potential for a split four-to-four vote on this case would mean the injunction would remain, and in turn, end any hope for implementation of DACA+ and DAPA before the end of the Obama presidency.

It is important to note that the original DACA program, implemented in 2012, is still in effect. Need help determining if you or someone you know may be eligible for DACA 2012? The Forum has compiled a DACA resource packet, and strongly urges those who may be eligible for administrative relief to also seek qualified, accredited legal assessment.

DACA Workshops: If you live in suburban Cook or DuPage County, and are interested in learning how to engage your schools in a DACA workshop for students, parents and school administrators please contact Julián Lazalde.

Expanding Financial Aid: Join the Forum, the University of Illinois and student organizations from campuses across the state by supporting Senate Bill 2196, sponsored by State Senator Iris Martinez. This legislation would allow 4-year public universities in Illinois to provide financial aid to undocumented students. To support, click here.

Immigrants do pay taxes: With their contributions in the billions, a new report out this month shows undocumented immigrants pay a significant amount of local and state taxes, debunking many xenophobic myths. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy’s (ITEP) report, “Undocumented Immigrants’ State & Local Tax Contributions,” provides detailed information from all 50 states.

The infographic below offers an overview of ITEP's findings: 

Families across the state, including immigrant families, continue to feel the pain as the division in Springfield on the state budget widens. The Forum will continue to work with community stakeholders, policymakers and elected officials to find a solution to the budget impasse that includes new forms of sustainable revenue.

If you’re eligible, become a U.S. citizen: Coinciding with this year’s election season, the New American Democracy Campaign is holding workshops across the Chicagoland region to help eligible people apply for their U.S. citizenship.  If you or someone you know is an eligible legal permanent resident, click here for more details.

Housing Initiatives

City Council Testimony: The Forum provided testimony to the Chicago City Council’s Housing Committee in support of the Keeping the Promise Ordinance earlier this quarter.

As supporters of the proposed ordinance, the Forum believes it would increase access for Latinos to CHA programs and resources, and would make CHA more transparent and accountable. On February 17, Housing Manager Savannah Clement provided testimony publicly endorsing the passing of ordinance. Read the testimony here.

Promotores de Vivienda Justa: The Forum extends a heartfelt thank you to this winter quarter’s students from DePaul University who participated in the Promotores de Vivienda Justa (Fair Housing Ambassadors) program and reached more than 140 people. Promotores partnered with Forum staff to conduct workshops, provide information at various community venues and connect the Spanish-speaking community to housing resources. Participants included Carrie O’Brien, Camilo Salgado, and Katia Silva. To participate in the Promotores de Vivienda Justa program contact Gypsy Gavia.

Honoring MLK: The Forum—a leading voice in housing issues in the Chicago Metropolitan region—paid tribute to the life and important work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., especially in the fair housing arena, in a recent blog post.  The Forum's Housing Manager Savannah Clement sat down with Communications Associate Emily Vasquez to reflect on the many ways Dr. King's legacy still inspires fair housing advocates almost 50 years later. Read more here.

A Housing Acuerdo member, BPNC continues to expand its financial proficiency programs to empower the community by strengthening relationships with financial institutions and community organizations that will bring affordable and safe financial resources to the families in need.

Operation H.E.L.P. Updates: The Forum was pleased to join Brighton Park Neighborhood Council’s (BPNC) Financial Education Resource Fair, February 13 at Kelly High School. The fair was sponsored by The Office of the City Treasurer and included more than 13 banks and financial institutions. Families had their income taxes prepared, were offered various financial resources, and participated in the home-buying workshop. A total of 120 people attended the fair, validating the demand of home buying services and financial literacy.  

Education Initiatives

Abriendo Puertas:  Congratulations to Metropolitan Family Services Child Parent Centers and their 10 Parent Resource Teachers for completing the Forum’s Abriendo Puertas Facilitator Institute, February 17 to 19. Abriendo Puertas is the nation’s first evidence-based, popular education, parent leadership training program developed in Spanish by and for Latino parents with children 0-5 years of age. 

The participants spend three days learning about the parent engagement curriculum and how to implement it using the Popular Education methodology.

ECE Day: Now more than ever your support for early learning services is needed to restore the state's investment in early childhood education. Families and communities are hurting and vital programs such as early intervention; home visiting; child care assistance; and preschool are at risk. Save the date and join the Forum April 20, for its 7th annual ECE Advocacy Day. For more information and to register click here.

Understanding Common Core: The Forum has reached more than 1,500 immigrant parents since October through workshops that discuss the implications of recently heightened academic standards and their aligned assessment system. Commonly known as Common Core, the workshops have been conducted by the Forum’s senior policy analyst Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro. Thanks to a collaboration with Erikson Institute’s Early Math Collaborative, Rebecca has also provided parents a deeper look into the new mathematical standards and how  parents can build math knowledge with young learners. She recently discussed her work with WGN’s Lourdes Duarte on the show Adelante.

ED team notes:

  • The Forum is pleased to welcome Karen Garibay-Mulattieri as its Education Manager. She brings more than 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator. She's worked with students from many countries and cultures, from the standpoint that creating welcoming environments with culturally relevant curriculum is important in ensuring student success. She has also advocated for dual language education beginning with early childhood, additive bilingual education, cross cultural studies and the State Seal of Biliteracy. Read her full bio here. The Forum also extends a warm thank you to Cristina Pacione-Zayas, who served as the Forum's Education Director for three years and now joins Erikson Institute as its Director of Policy.
  • Emphasizing the importance of kindergarten transitions and readiness, the Forum’s Early Childhood Education Policy Analyst Christine Nicpon presented to more than 100 educators at the 35th Annual Illinois Statewide Conference for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Educators hosted by theIllinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, March 3.
  • Congratulations to the Forum’s Senior Policy Analyst Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro for her appointment to theIllinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education. The Council works to advise the State Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education on issues related to the educational needs of English language learners. The council is comprised of 17 members including the Chairperson. Members hold office for a term of three years and are appointed by the State Superintendent.
  • Rebecca also provided an in-depth workshop to school teachers and administrators about the growing English Learner population in Illinois at the Superintendents Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity held on January 28 in the south suburbs.
  • Missed the January 20 ECE Acuerdo meeting? Held at Concordia Place, members met with Diego Giraldo, Sam Aignor-Treworgy, Chris Rosean to discuss changes and receive feedback from the Acuerdo  to inform a more responsive early childhood education enrollment system. Contact Christine Nicpon for more information.

Leadership Initiatives

Budget crisis: As debate ensues regarding the next fiscal cycle, the Forum is profoundly disappointed the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly have failed to reach agreement on the FY16 budget nine months into the fiscal year.  The Forum also issued a formal reaction to Governor Rauner’s State of the State address. Click here to read the statement.

On February 27, The Forum stood with members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus at Chicago State University to voice concerns about the MAP grant cuts recently announced. Advocates and students called on government officials to reinstate the grant that many low-income students depend on to fund their education. To watch clips from the rally, follow the Forum on Periscope. 

Electoral Participation: Leading up to the March 15 Primary election, the Forum launched a blog series to help voters navigate the election season. The series mapped out early voting locations, same-day voter registration, and included a guest blog by Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois member, Juan Morado Jr., who helped explain the judicial candidates and other electoral issues. In case you missed it, you can read the series here.

Multicultural Leadership Academy: The Forum is pleased to announce Year Seven of the newly redesigned Multicultural Nonprofit Leadership Academy. The Academy will provide a series of leadership workshops, mentoring and coaching for individuals actively involved in social justice and sponsored by nonprofit organizations committed to social change and/or policy impact, serving communities of colorthroughoutIllinois. Applicants may be employees, board members or volunteers at their sponsoring organization. A distinguishing factor of the Multicultural Nonprofit Leadership Academy will be to acknowledge the significant leadership attributes inherent in cultural DNA. Applications for the new Academy will be available in early April. Please check the Forum’s website for updated information or contact Jessi Pérez for further information.

Alumni Reunion: Mark your calendars and be sure to join the Forum for an evening of drinks, conversation and networking with fellow alumni of the Leadership Academy, Wednesday, April 27. 

Formerly known as The Illinois Latino Nonprofit Leadership Academy, the Academy is an intensive nine-month program consisting of leadership workshops, on-site consulting, mentoring, and coaching for individuals throughout Illinois to build personal and organizational leadership skills. The evening will also feature a panel discussion about diversity—speakers to be announced soon. Exciting changes have been underway and the call for applications is nearing. Bring a guest that is interested in learning more. Wednesday, April 27. Space is limited, RSVP today

Since 2009, the Academy has trained 151 leaders working in 45 organizations across Illinois. Participants have gone on to achieve higher leadership roles within their organization, while many alumni gain recognition on the local, national and international level. For more information email academy@latinopolicyforum.org.

To see highlights and headlines, visit bit.ly/ForumHeadlines.

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