Latinos - Census 2010

As the Latino population is increasing in the United States, also the Latino leaders are gaining more political power. The Latino community, documented and undocumented citizens need to fully and accurately complete the 2010 census. If all Latinos perform their duties as citizens it will help our communities and our government to fulfill their duties. Is my responsibility to complete the census, and to educate other Latinos about how important the 2010 census is and the difference that we can make.

Apply for a lifetime opportunity

I am so lucky to be doing an internship in Washington, D.C. for the summer of 2009 with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. I am one of the 24 selected students to participate in the best internship that one could ever imagine. CHCI internship pays for housing-board and room, round-trip travel expenses, $2,500 total gross stipend, placed in a Congressional Office, and weekly leadership development sessions. CHCI has offered me a lifetime opportunity. I encourage everyone to apply for this learning and lifetime experience at www.chci.org.

Latinos economical challenges

If you think about the economy, and your demographic group, what do you think is the most critical issue facing it?

The economical crisis in our nation has affected the Latino community. Industries are closing or layoff our people. They are losing their jobs. Their opportunities are ending, as majority of them do not have an education or do not speak English fluently. Documented and undocumented Latino immigrants living in our country today are facing a big economical challenge. Families struggle keeping their families together, as well as their jobs. These families are losing their jobs as they are losing their homes.

What is your challenge?

The Census is Sexy!

CHCI Interns to Educate Citizens on 2010 Census

Community Service

Project Aims to Ensure All Latinos are Counted in 2010

Washington, D.C. – With the importance of the 2010 Census looming, the 24 members of CHCI’s 2009 Congressional Interns

hip Program are conducting a community service project to inform and educate members of the Latino Community on the significance of being counted in 2010. The event, themed “Celebrate: Tu Cuentas,” will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at the Bell Multi-Cultural High School Field from 1-5 p.m. Food and entertainment will be provided.

An accurate count in the 2010 Census is critical for the Latino community to ensure government adequately funds schools, roads, infrastructure, and other initiatives according to the community’s population and needs.

“This project will focus on the importance and urgency of the 2010 Census,” said Cristobal Salinas, Jr. a CHCI intern. “We are especially enthusiastic about educating the Latino community.”

What: “Celebrate: Tu Cuentas”

Community Service Project on 2010 Census

Who: CHCI Interns

Community Leaders

Where: Bell Multi-Cultural High School Field

3276 Hiatt PL NW Washington, DC 20010

When: Sunday, July 26, 2009

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

For more information regarding this event, please visit http://celebratetucuentas.blogspot.com/.

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.

Working at the Hill...

What has been the most challenging moment during your first three weeks of the internship?
One of the most challenging moments during my first three weeks of my internship has been getting adapted to the political life, and how to use the public transportation-the metro (there is no public transportation in Nebraska). In Senator Michael Bennet's (CO) office we have a variety of fun, interesting, and challenging projects.

What has been the coolest moment during the first three weeks of your internship?
During my first three weeks of my internship in D.C. I have had the most amazing experience to live with 23 other brilliant and intelligent Latino students from all over the U.S. Definitely they are the "best of the best" students. Another extraordinary experience has been the opportunity to work in the Senate, being able to explore every building on the Hill, ride the underground Capitol subway system, and ride the elevators with the Senators.
What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?
CHCI has given me one of the most tremendous opportunities I had ever had in life: to live in Washington, D.C., meet some of the most politically powerful people, and work in the Senate. Living in D.C. is a lot of fun; I never know who will I run into. Thursday, June 25, 2009, as I was walking out of the Capitol Hill I ran into John McCain. During orientation week I had to opportunity to hear the inspirational Cecilia Munoz, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to President Obama.

If you had to make up a slogan, ten words or less, that represents your internship experience thus far, what would it be?
CHCI is a buffet of new experiences, challenges, and opportunities.

My first week in Washington, D.C.

I'm originally from Nebraska and now I live near President Obama (The White House). I love Washington, D.C. and would never insult it.
My first week in D.C. has been truly a wonderful experience. It bustles with vibrancy unequaled in any city I've ever been to, and its architecture is beautiful and bold.
The people are friendly, the food is wonderful, and there is never a lack of things to do. Overall D.C. is a great city.Well, I guess my 23 new friends from 16 different states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico make my D.C. experience significant. Last week while in Washington, D.C. I was fortunate for two reasons: 1) Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute gave me the opportunity to experience my journey in D.C. 2) I made 23 new friends.
My roommates are great. Jael is a student at Columbia, Noel attends Georgetown University, and Anthony goes to Idaho State University. I'm excited to see how my summer goes!