National Latino Leaders and Children’s Advocates Gather to Discuss the “Status of Latino Children in the United States”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Elianne Ramos

Board Member, NLCI

646-932-7752

eramos@elianneramos.com

National Latino Leaders and Children’s Advocates Gather to Discuss the “Status of Latino Children in the U.S.”

As chief advocates of Latino children’s rights, the National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI) continues to work with lawmakers to secure Congressional Resolution and Presidential Proclamation to recognize April 30^th as El Día de los Niños.

Washington, DC— April 26, 2016 — The National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI), an organization whose mission is to advocate for the well-being of Latino children, is convening a gathering of national Latino leaders and children’s advocates to discuss the “Status of Latinos in the U.S.”

The gathering is being held as a part of NLCI’s annual El Día de los Niños celebration. New Jersey Senator Bob Menéndez, who is being recognized for his advocacy on behalf of Latino children and their families will deliver remarks. Additionally, a panel of issue experts will provide current data and trends on the well-being of Latino children, and engage Latino leaders and children’s advocates on the importance of investing in this rapidly growing population.  Panelists include Dr. Mark Lopez from the Pew Center; Yoli Flores from The Ann E. Casey Foundation; Arturo Vargas from the National Association of Latino Elected Officials; Wendy Cervantes from First Focus, and Dr. Mary Lou de Leon Siantz from UC Davis. 

Sponsored by the Scholastic Corporation, Hilton Worldwide, and Latino Magazine, the event will be held at the Hotel Monaco, 700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC.  Seating begins at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 2:00 pm.  To attend, please RSVP by April 15th to Rita.Jaramillo@nlci.org. For additional information about the event, you may contact Olga Aros, NLCI Board Chair at 202-425-3491 or via email at Olga.Aros@nlci.org.

In 1999, NLCI launched a national campaign to establish El Día de los Niños in the U.S., to draw attention to the importance of children in our nation and their role in society. Today, NLCI serves as the national steward organization for El Día de los Niños and works with Congress to pass annual resolutions to memorialize this day.  In addition to Congressional support, several state governors and mayors have passed similar resolutions and proclamations.   

“Over the last 17 years, we have seen a ground swell of support growing for recognition of this day and we are excited to be working with national Latino and children’s organizations, non-profits, and other stakeholders to assess the viability of a Presidential proclamation,” said Olga Aros, NLCI Chair.  

Today in more than 130 cities across America, schools, churches, libraries, non-profit organizations, local government agencies and other entities celebrate this day. Some of the larger cities include Chicago,

El Paso, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio and many more. Most recently, the State of New Mexico issued a state memorial recognizing this day.

“NLCI’s constancy of purpose in celebrating El Día de los Niños, is to draw attention to Latino children’s unique issues,” said NLCI Board Chair Olga Aros. “Young Latinos will become the workers, voters, taxpayers, and consumers that will strengthen and shape our nation. How public policy impacts their economic, social and political future requires our attention now,” she concluded.

Both the National Hispanic State Legislators Caucus, a group of lawmakers who advocate on behalf of Latinos across the United States, and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 40 national Hispanic organizations, have also joined NLCI’s efforts to recognize this day. Héctor Sánchez, Chair of NHLA, said, “Children are a central part of our community and culture.  Currently, one in every four public school students is Latino. “As the youngest and fastest growing community in the U.S., ensuring that all Latino children have the opportunity to succeed and thrive is vital for the prosperity of our great nation,” he added.

About NLCI

The National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI) is dedicated to focusing the nation’s attention on the contributions and challenges of young Latinos by advocating for their success and well being through partnerships and programs. Learn more about the NLCI and its mission, and its efforts to secure a Presidential proclamation for El Día de los Niños visit the website at http://nlci.org/   

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