Democracia’s ‘GO VERDE’: Front and Center

Democracia President and CEO, Jorge Mursuli, had the

honor of delivering this year’s Keynote address to a con-

ference of hundreds of leaders in the environmental

movement. His overarching message; “Latinos are a

powerful ally for the green movement.”

It’s no secret that the environmental movement has en-

joyed few wins in recent years. Democracia’s presence

at this year’s event is of huge significance when consid-

ering the political clout Hispanics are garnering across

the country. Though seemingly natural allies, few efforts,

if any, have been made to engage the nations Hispanic

population despite overwhelming indications that green

issues are important to Hispanic families.

A recent study asked 1,000 voting age Hispanics whether

they were willing to take political action to help improve

our environment? Of the 1,000 polled, 34% said they

would support a candidate who [supported the environ-

mental movement] and 12 % stated they would be willing

to attend meetings or a rally. Cont. on Page 2

April 2011 DEMOCRACIA

IN THIS ISSUE:

Democracia at LCV & LCVEF Conference

An American Latina Hero: Diana Lopez

Hispanics repre-

sent majority of

US Growth

Latinos and Social Security, Tu Futuro

Cuenta!

Every month Democracia honors

someone who is making a tremendous

impact through their work—whether its

as an artist, a teacher, organizer or a

scientist. This month’s hero is no dif-

ferent. Diana Lopez is a leader in the

environmental movement and has the

wins to prove it. Diana is on the front-

lines defending her community against

environmental injustices. She, along

with fellow students and community ac-

tivists, succeeded in defeating a pro-

posal which would have put as many

as three diesel holding tanks within feet

of a nearby school.

Diana spear headed a project called “Roots of Change” which turned a local dilapidated bar

into a thriving community garden. The garden is not only a source of fresh produce for the

surrounding community; it is also a community learning center of sorts. Because of her

work, local children now have a place to go to learn and get involved in their community fos-

tering the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.

It is Democracia’s distinct honor to name Diana Lopez as this month’s “Latina Hero.”

An American Latina Hero: Diana Lopez

These results are just a small indicator

of the willingness of Hispanics to get en-

gaged in the environmental movement.

Democracia, and it’s green brand “Go

Verde” are looking at ways to better en-

gage the Hispanic electorate on green,

energy and conservation issues. Check

out our site for the latest:

www.goverdeahora.org

Democracia Front and Center:

Continued 27%

19%

8%12%

34%

Support a Candidate

Attend a Meeting or Rally

Join an Environmental Group

Write or Call Congress

No Action

Are you willing to take political action to

help improve our environment?

Source: Sierra Club National Survey of Hispanic Voters on Envi-

ronmental Issues, Bendixen & Associates, 2008

Census Indicates Large Growth in Minority

Population with Hispanics Representing

Majority of US Growth

Census numbers are confirming what many have been predicting; America’s population

is shifting. Hispanics represented the largest growing segment in the US over the past

decade and there is no indication of this trend slowing down. Currently, 1 in every 6

Americans is Hispanic. More importantly, youth and young-adults represent the largest

portion of the growth in the Hispanic population over the past decade. Census numbers

indicate only a 3% growth amongst youth in America but minority youth saw a drastic

increase of 22%.

If there is one lesson we can glean from the Census is the country’s population is shift-

ing toward a more diverse and youthful population. How will this impact this country’s

politics? Democracia is intent on turning that population growth into strength at the bal-

lot box. An informed, engaged Latino electorate stands to make a tremendous impact

on races and ballot measures across the country, particularly today’s emerging youth

segment. Want to be part of taking Latino political power to the next level? Get in-

volved: www.mydemocracia.org

27%

19%

8%12%

34%

Support a Candidate

Attend a Meeting or Rally

Join an Environmental Group

Write or Call Congress

No Action

Latinos and Social Security,

Tu Futuro Cuenta!

Leading Latino Groups to Hold Town Hall to Strengthen Social Security in Philadelphia

Join Democracia U.S.A., Congreso de Latinos Unidos, The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and Latinos for a Secure Retirement (LSR) along with elected officials, community leaders, and members of the community to discuss the future of Social Security, proposed changes to the system, and how you can make a difference in ensur-ing that Social Security remains a top priority in Washington.

Congreso de Latinos Unidos

2800 N. American Street

Philadelphia, PA 19133

To RSVP for the event

contact Fernando Treviño, Northeast Regional Director,

Democracia U.S.A. at: 856-667-9192 or Email

FTreviño@mydemocracia.org

Tuesday, May 3rd

Lunch, 12:00 p.m. EST

Town Hall, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. EST