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- 6 - NALEO is committed to emphasizing the need for a Hispanic perspective and presence on the nation's media policy-making levels and for increasing the cooperation among Hispanic organizations on their media responses and postures. The Hispanic community and its organizations must wage an active national campaign to inform, to counter,• - and to work with the media on issues and stories of importance to Hispanics. DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK NALEO, from its inception, has sought to establish an active communications network between its members and all Hispanic elected and appointed officials and others in- terested in the Hispanic community. As NALEO develops -- and with a greater utiliza- tion of newsletters, "NALEO Updates," "NALEO Calls for Action" and targeted computerized correspondence --.NALEO intends'to develop the areas of mutual interest and concern that now exist within the entire Hispanic community. Actively cooperating with other Hispanic organizations, NALEO will serve as a critical link between Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Mexican Americans, and other Latin Americans.in the Hispanic community..< This network will facilitate the establishment of a key NALEO objective: the provision of an effective link between the Hispanic population and the public and private sectors of the country. > ~. .. . This Update is'intended to give NALEO members an overview of some of our organization's activities and viewpoints. We encourage you to write or call if you have any questions or comments regarding NALEO -- and please, complete and return the questionnaire. A membership'application form'is also included in this Update,.and we urge you to enroll-a`new member'in NALEO. By increasing our numbers, we make it possible to better"serve our community.' NALEO's vital work.can only continue with your personal , participation. On March 15, 1981, in'Washington,' D. C., NALEO will host a "Salute to National Hispanic Leadership':" We encourage members and friends to make reservations early, since we believe this event will be a sell-out. Any NALEO member who wishes to purchase.tickets for the "Saiute" may call the NALEO office at (202) 546-2536. -----------=-------------------------° -------------------------------------- ------ IN SUPPORT OF A UNITED NATIONAL HISPANIC ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION, I MAKE -fNE-FOLLONlING PLEDGE Last Name First .. Middle Home Address Home Phone Business Address Business Phone City „ State Zip Position/Title Agency/Employer Founding Membership (Availab,le.until March, 1981,'only): $50/year Full Membership: $25Jyear ; _„- Associate''(non-voting) $15/year Corporate Spqnsor: $500 .., Golden Circle Member: $1,000 -. Leadership Gift Giver: $5;000 or more • Washington, p. C. 20002 . Make Checks Payable to NALEO, 430 Sixth St.; N.E.

-s- CENSUS WATCH. Last year NALEO launched a program called "Census Watch" in order to focus national attention on the 1980 Census effort in the Hispanic community and on the critical need for an accurate count. This was only the beginning of NALEO's interest in the collection and use of the data received. After the completion of the actual count, NALEO will monitor, on a continuing basis, the use of Census statistics in_the distribu- tion of public and private funds and resouces at the national, state and local levels. We are also vitally concerned with the apportionment of congressional and other- legislative seats and political subdivisions in Hispanic communities. .:- ". : ..~. . . Because of the very significant and far-reaching effects of the 1980 census over the -. next decade, it is important that Hispanics`not lose sight of the use or possible misuse of statistical information developed by the Census Bureau. NALEO will keep its members and other community and government leaders informed as'to the ongoing functions of the Census Bureau and how these'activities impact on Hispanics.--': .' s--' - MEDIA "' ITS PORTRAYAL OF HISPANICS, The Hispanic community must develop a more positive and formal relationship with 3" both the television, radio and print medias in order to significantly impact upon their portrayal of Hispanics. As part of its efforts to effect the media,'NALEO will emphasize the contributions of Hispanics in government, business, education and their communities and will work in alliance with other organizations to present Hispanic viewpoints and newsworthy material to the media in an organized and united manner. . : .._. . . . . ..., ." . .........:. . .: . .- ~.. r.,.._... . . . ~.., c:. " ~. ~ :.. ' Unfortunately, in major,population and political centers such as New York, Miami,.,. Los Angeles, Houston,and Chicago, the media continues to accentuate the negative abou~ ,the Hispanic community and to neglect.the positive contributions'of its citi- zens.. Lack of information and understanding have commonly been reasons given for distorted and biased reporting. However, the absence of malicious intent has not minimized the considerable,damage done to the Hispanic community,by these unfair,,.:., representations.' . __ . . .,.1 , . . . . . ' ." . ., ,, NALEO believes that 'it'is especially important that the media be provided with"; Hispanic-originated materials and that all media sources be encouraged to expand Hispanic representation in their policy-making processes. The incomplete and in-- sensitive media coverage is`in great part a reflectionof the fact that Hispanics have virtually no policy voice in the nation's media institutions.,, Out of more than 9,000 national broadcasting properties, only 32 radio and 4 television stations`can claim 50% or greater ownership_by Hispanics. Several 1978 and 1979 studies revealed that no Hispanics served on the boards of the nation's 25 largest newspaper groups and as of 1980, only one board member and a handful of editorial writers were Hispanics. `.. The capital press corps remains devoid of Hispanic correspondents and of Hispanic perspectives. Only the emergence this year of the Washington-based "Hispanic Link" news service, with its 3-a-week column syndication offering the views of Hispanic writers and leaders, has given our community an opportunity to speak out nationally on issues of concern. The Hispanic community is under attack from many directions, O and the media is being manipulated to lead a national campaign against Hispanics ~ based on ignorance and prejudice. "Straight news" stories and editorials appear. ~_ daily which, by use of distortion and fear tactics,are conditioning readers to N reject Hispanic Americans as inferior and dangerous to the equanimity and progress ~ - of the nation. ~-:,E.! ~ r

- 2 - Having joined forces with other Hispanic and civil rights groups,`NALEO intends to ..' alert its membership of critical hearing dates, key congressional spokespersons and actions that can be taken by each member to demonstrate support for the Voting Rights Act. NALEO will immediately initiate a public education and information campaign to inform our members of the various provisions of the Act and how they have impacted and benefited the Hispanic population. Briefly, this 1965 Act is credited with the steady and significant increase in voter participation and representation by Hispanics. In 1975, when the Act was renewed for the second time, the scope of its voting rights provisions were expanded to`protect Mexican'Americans and Native Americans in Texas, Arizona, Alaska and in certain counties in California and New'Mexico. ' In 1975 extension.also brought bilingual elections to almost 1200 counties throughout the country." Despite these gains; however, there re- main many communities with large'minority populations and no minority representation on important decision-making bodies such as the school boards and the city council. . .,.... (ufJii .. . .. 9,, . ._ . , 3. . . R; . _ . . .,. ._. .. The Voting Rights Act has been"shown to be an effective, and in many ways critical,= device'to begin to'insure equal participation by all segments of society. "NALEO will be very involved in its renewal. • REAPPORTIONMENT -- NALEO firmly believes that reapportionment must be a target for action by the Hispanic community. The 1980's must be'the'time'when Hispanics parti- c.ipate.fully in the,reapportionment process,.and understand the political,,social ., and;economic benefits that can be,derived from a fair redistricting plan. . r.. Reapportionment, its timetables and, mechanics, will"be one of the issues addressed in NALEO's May-June, 1981, leadership meeting on voting activities..:The objective of that meeting will be:,,,(1) to develop strategies for dealing with the reapportionment, process in key states; (2) to develop a Hispanic position that increases the community!s poli- tical strength; and (3) to develop materials which will inform Hispanics of the importance . > of the reapportionment process. Hispanics-must prepare for and"demand reapportionment`plans which equitably reflect their population in proportion to the total population. 'Contrary to popular myth,`the low political visibility'of Hispanics cannot be attributed merely'to lack of politicaL•' 'sophistication or apathy;`restrictive election laws and discriminatory legislative attitudes have contributed to the minimal political participation of Hispanics." Both in the.1960's.and 1970's, Hispanics organized efforts to challenge and eliminate obsolete legal provisions which limited their role in the American political system. Similar ' efforts must again be undertaken in the-1980's.-- But this time, with an increased under- standing of the reapportionment process and a unity among Hispanics, the outcome may be far more beneficial for our communities. t VOTER REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION -- One of NALEO's continuing concerns will be to fully.support all efforts that promote and encourage the participation of Hispanics in the electoral process. Working on a national advocacy level, NALEO will promote state,' regional and local voter registration drives, voter education initiatives and "get out the vote" campaigns. We believe that if the "decade of the Hispanic" is to result in significant benefits for the Hispanic community, voter-oriented programs must be coopera- tivelv developed and conscientiously executed by all organizations"interested in the Hispanic voter. In order to facilitate this process, NALEO intends to bring together the key repre- sentatives of voter-oriented groups in a leadership meeting tentatively scheduled.for May-June, 1981. • As a united group, these_Hispanic leaders can develop a national strategy for_expanded Hispanic participation.in elections, civic activities and national .~._policy,issues, and provide.for,the monitoring of,the implementation of these"strategies. f'Sr)i {.- .-` .:'.Jl .'.'1I!~ .L~.L pffj" lG iV'..'Ji~I;.~ C t 3.~...

C - 3 - NALEO will not only promote voter registration drives, but will simultaneously , ; support educational efforts which communicate the importance of voting, of parti- ,. cipating in other civic activities and of understanding the issues and candidates and their potential impacts on the Hispanic community. Among NALEO's specific initiatives will be the promotion of programs which result - in the naturalization of Hispanic resident aliens. It has-been established that ; naturalized citizens exercise their voting rights to a greater extent than other -, citizens; thus, NALEO's efforts directed toward this segment of the Hispanic popu- lation can have beneficial effects on the community's voting record. : _ . . . . . N .. _ . .. .. . . . . ~ . _ ., i As mentioned above, voter registration and education, "get out the vote" campaigns, reapportionment and efforts to naturalize Hispanic United States resident aliens are among the principal concerns of NALEO in 1981. As an organization comprised of elected and appointed officials and the,people who support them, united to,present =' a nonpartisan Hispanic voice, NALEO believes in the electoral process and recognizes that all communities depend on the participation of'their citizens for their'vitality. NALEO,in`conjunction with other.Hispanic organizations,is committed to increasing the system,'s political.responsiveness to the Hispanic community. To achieve these ' objectives, NALEO will sponsor a national'conference which will seek to develop : strategies and positions on "Hispanic,Civic Participation and Citizenship'in the Decade of the 80's and Beyond." ~ ~ FATSl ATTllA6._;.~. . "... ., . . ... .. _,.,L ..,. .. Since virtually all major legislative initiatives affect Hispanics.in`this country, , NALEO will monitor the legislative process and keep members informed as to critical issues which may develop. It is imperative that the community.remain.as aware of what is happening in the nation's capital as possible, since it is only through., united efforts that we can combat adverse legislation or promote positive initiatives. For example, the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy is expected to „ report its findings to Congress and the President in Narch, 1981.;'The Commission's conclusions and its recommendations on immigration reform will focus primarily on' undocumented residents and as-such will impact:significantly on Hispanic communities. : Another legislative initiative meriting NALEO's concern would be the reintroduction , of the Fair Housing Act and its importance in protecting the housing rights of.Hispanic Americans. :In the event that a Fair Housing initiative is introduced in this session ; _of Congress, NALEO, in conjunction with civi3.rights.and community groups,.will,under-., take steps to work for its passage. We also intend to monitor the rule-making and implementation processes of federal departments and commissions.'. The federal bureaucracy's use of these procedures can have tremendous impact on the interpretation of new or amended legislation as well., as on the implementation of court-ordered changes. i,, BILINGUAL EDUCATION. It is NALEO's position that federal efforts must be continued. which support bilingual' educational,programs"specifically targeted to teach English to children who have limited English-speaking ability.' Of the estimated 3.5 million students with limited proficiency in English, more than 75% are Spanish-speaking Hispanics and the overwhelming"majority' are native-born Americans. These programs are not a luxury for the Hispanic community -- they are a necessity to insure that our limited English-speaking children;receive full - value from their educational experiences and are provided with.the,skills required for future employment.and civic participation. adi =t;,,!: ,,riDu ,°s pr,,, i-,r, ...0,.: .F^.:'L3J., f .-u; pCpi,SJY" 4CF ._ t S i'j lbl9~'}. I

C National Association Of Latino Elected And Appointed Officials NALEO UPDATE ... and the people who support them February, 1981,, As,.we enter a new year and commence working with President Reagan and his t. Administration, we felt it was appropriate and useful to identify major areas of , concern to Hispanics across the country. NALEO's time and resources during 1981 will be.devoted to addressing these issues and to presenting a Hispanic perspective on other current events. NALEO's objective is to educate and inform our membership, as well as corporate and government policymakers,of the Hispanic community's view- points and actions on significant issues. We have briefly described,these concerns in the attached pages and have enclosed a questionnaire for your use. We hope that NALEO members will complete and return the questionnaire so that our organization can continue its efforts to represent the best interests of its members,and the Hispanic, community in general.' PRIORITY CONCERNS . . Over the coming~years; budgetary decisions'are,going to become increasingly contro- are,_equitably spent., Who gets what, when and how? These are the basic questions'that governmental budgets answer. Yet no area of government is as little known as the budgetary process. Hidden behind such phrases as "fiscal outlays," "projected deficits," "current obligations," " and 6- and 9-digit,figures are the answers to the basic questions'of how our nation ' allocates your tax dollars, -- tax dollars that'fund health, transportation,'education, economic development,`labor,'energy, and other;important programs that`are relevant ' ,, , to`Hispaniccommunities. ~ NALEO's mission in establishing an advocacy presence in Washington, D. C., is full ,; involvement in the federal budgetary process. NALEO believes that budgetary issues have to receive more attention from.the Hispanic community. Too often, we have been satisfied with symbolic politics that promise much and deliver little. The Hispanic community is estimated to pay a minimum of $14 billion annually in federal income -: taxes.-`;As taxpayers,'it is our,,right, if not our duty, to,see that federal.tax dollars NALEO AND THE FEDERAL BUDGET. r versial. Domestic'programs will have a tougher time receiving adequate budg=ts.-' Consider_`that : Bilingual education received $190 million per year.--, yet this budget served ;. only 10% of the estimated clientele; • Department of Labor programs cost an average of $10,000'per individual re- ceivmg training' Thus, a $1 million labor grant will service only 1,000 individuals and we have 8,000,000 unemployed. ~'. Budgetary decisions are political decisions. NALEO will be taking a close look at_;Q; the federal budgets sumitted by the Carter and Reagan Administrations. NALEO :1 stands ready to resist any budgetary decisions that adversely affect our.community. ~ It is NALEO's goal that the Hispanic community be a full and active participant in .e~ the budgetary proces,s. CQ NALEO AND HISPANIC'VOTING RIGHTS, &VOTING RIGHTS ACT -- The VotingRights Act'(VRA) -- which has been 'called the " most"effective civil rights legislation ever passed --: is'expected to encounter con- siderable Congressional scrutiny this`year.'-Because'this`Act is crucial in guaranteeing the Hispanic community's voting rights, NALEO is committed to working aggressively ' toward the extension of the VRA, which expires on August 6, 1982.

We are perhaps the only western country that does not have mandatory second and third language training for their citizens. In the world as it is today, to be . bilingual is a great asset. Because of the close relations and interactions with the countries of Central and South America, to be able to speak fluently in English and Spanish can only assist the U. S. in its relations with these countries: It is important that this nation understand that our struggle for bilingual education is not one which encourages development of monolingual Spanish-speaking individuals. The program is intended to provide a transition from monolingual Spanish-speaking children to bilingual English-speaking individuals: . ~ , ,. ., . .. . . The promise and potential of our`children need to be fulfilled. NALEO considers the failure of the educational system in meeting the needs of the Hispanic community _- and other minority communities --'a national disgrace.' NALFO supports bilingual I education and other educational programs that serve and cnhance our community. - ECOh10MIe DEVELOPMENT. ; ,;, The`vitality"and continued growth of the Hispanic business community is of.utmost he allowedan'onnortunitv to participate, in an advisory-capacity,in the overall• importance to NALEO. While working hard to insure Hispanics' representation in the political process and their access,to educational, housing, employment, health and other programs, NALEO is equally concerned with the continued establishment and suc- cess of the Hispanic business sector. The supportive'and critical role of business in the Hispanic community makes it imperative that a concerted effort be made to communicate the representative needs, concerns and goals of Hispanic business persons to the Hispanic community, government policymakers, and corporate executives. To ~ accomplish its objectives relating to Hispanic economic development, NALEO will sponsor a national conference which will seek to develop.strategies and positions on Hispanic business in the decade of the 80's and beyond. FEDERAL EMPLOVMENT AND POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS, The Hispanic community must present a strong statement during the coming year on the importance of making Hispanic appointments to key policy and managerial positions in the federal government and on'increasing the number of Hispanic federal career employees. NALEO believes that Hispanics should be included among the ranks of high- pointees, including positions such as deputy and undersecretaries, level federal ap assistant and deputy assistant secretaries; White House staff, agency office directors and federal commission and advisory council members. Hispanics should systematically be'considered for policy-making positions in areas vital to our communities and should on process. e t se : .? l c i Hispanic involvement in the federal career service must also be the focus of NALEO's;lri efforts this year. Although Hispanics are expected to represent 8-10% of the N country's population in the 1980's, less than 4% of all federal employees are . ?' Hispanics. Hispanics have traditionally been underrepresented as a group in the ~ total federal employment arena and inflexible civil service regulations will not make it easier to increase those figures without directed and positive action on behalf of Hispanics. Compounding the situation of minimal representation is the fact that the majority of the Hispanic federal employees are associated with the Department of Defense and are concentrated in the lower-grade levels. Less than 1% of all.the levels of higher-grade positions are held by Hispanics, and in some highly relevant human services agencies, Hispanic policymakers are non-existent. ' . . . . . .,,. .. .. ... . . . . ... . . . .. .. ., r.. ,. . „ NALEO, in conjunction with other Hispanic organizations, will continue to aggressively support Hispanic appointments to federal and presidential commissions, such as the,::.;, critical Federal Communications Commission, as well as Hispanic representation on ;r"=`. existing and future advisory councils. The impact of a Hispanic perspective on the , federal policymaking level cannot be overemphasized and it is extremly important that NALEO's concern be voiced frequently and strongly through its membership.