Latino Community Development position eliminated at WSU

Following is an appeal, on behalf of José L. García-Pabón, Ph. D. of Washington State University. Please share this information with others who might also be concerned.

Dear friends and colleagues,

I’m writing this note to you to make you aware that my department, Community and Rural Sociology, at Washington State University will be eliminated as part of the University budget cuts. The elimination of CRS, and consequently the elimination of my position as Latino Community Development specialist is very disturbing to me and my family, but beyond that it will likely have an impact on the Latino community, since once this position is gone, it will likely be permanently gone. That is, nobody at the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources and at WSU Extension will be working with the community and building a WSU Latino program. If I am gone:

1) I won’t be able to continue conducting the trainings and institutes on strategies to better serve the Latino community that are helping WSU Extension educators and many service providers to increase their work with and services to Latinos.

2) I won’t be able to partner with WSU Extension in Franklin and other counties to support and develop programs targeting Latino families (such as the Pathways literacy program in Pasco).

3) I won’t be able to provide information and assistance to Latinos in rural areas and small towns, in particular those involved in agriculture.

4) I won’t be able to partner with nonprofit and community organizations to help them provide more and better services to the Latino community or contribute to Latino-related boards and steering committees (such as the TC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce).

5) I won’t be able to partner with other researchers (WSU and other universities) to conduct culturally appropriate research with the Latino community to better understand the community, its trends, its needs and issues in order to develop effective outreach programs.

6) I won’t be able to help decrease the misunderstandings and stereotypes about Latinos, since I have given many presentations about who we are, what we do, what our contributions are, how diverse Latinos are, etc.

7) I won’t be able to educate WSU students, through guest lectures and campus presentations about issues impacting our community but also about the Latino contribution to economic development.

8) The diversity of WSU and its efforts to reflect the demographics of our state will be reduced.

You can send your reactions or letters back to me or my departmental chair, Ray
Jussaume (rajussaume@wsu.edu) about this situation as soon as you can, due to the short window for comments. Please feel free to forward/share this situation with others.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Jose

José L. García-Pabón, Ph. D.
Latino Community Development Specialist
and
Assistant Professor in Community and Rural Sociology
Washington State University
509-372-7389

New Language Acess Requirements

This important info comes from Debi Kadis and our friends at Syntes Language Group:

Hot off the press!

The federal government just sent a significant message about the pivotal role of language access in economic recovery as federal agencies get ready to distribute funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an important reminder that all recipients of federal money, including private companies, must comply with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which includes providing "language access for limited English proficient persons."

So, what does this mean for you and your organization? Here is some information to consider.

How do you determine what needs to be translated? The documents that should take priority and are considered vital are those that are required by law or are critical to obtaining services/products and benefits. Such documents include: applications, consent & complaint forms, and notices of rights and disciplinary action.

What about translation of website content? Website content also needs to be translated if it meets these same criteria. However, even if the content is on the web, the translated print material still needs to be made available as well.

How does this apply to interpreting? The obligation to provide meaningful opportunities to individuals with limited English proficiency is not restricted to written translations. Oral communication is often an essential component in imparting vital information to recipients. Foreign language interpreting may be required for such communication as proceedings, meetings, and consultations that involve the exchange of legal or other critical information.

What about enforcement and public pressure? Given this intensified focus on language access, increased media attention, public pressure, and legal enforcement will likely follow. What are the broader implications here? In addition to language access being tied to funding and legal issues, the broader underlying message is that language is a path to global competiveness, which extends to a greater recognition of domestic linguistic minorities.

Indeed, current research indicates that the US Hispanic market remains underserved by more than 40 percent. In addition, in a slow economy, many of the stronger US firms look abroad for opportunites and often get more of their revenue from outside of the United States. How can you get more information? To read more about language access as it relates to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/recovery. For more general information, visit LEP.gov, a government website designed to promote “a positive and cooperative understanding of the importance of language access.”

Strategies to Increase Latino/a Participation in Outreach Programs

The Latino community is the largest minority group in the Northwest and will continue growing rapidly in Washington and other states in our region. Agencies and institutions are increasingly challenged to reach out and work with Latino audiences.

Dr. José L. García-Pabón, Assistant Professor and Latino Community Development Specialist at Washington State University (my alma mater!) will conduct a highly interactive workshop that provides participants with various tools, skills and strategies to recruit and retain Latinos in their programs. Presentations, panel discussions, hands-on exercises, and other activities will keep you actively engaged and learning in a respectful and casual environment.

This workshop is offered in conjunction with the "15th Annual Northwest Parenting and Family Education Conference" March 25-27 in Lynnwood, WA. Only 15 seats are available for non-conference participants.

WHEN: March 25, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036

COST: $75

REGISTRATION


For more information, please contact:
Dr. José García-Pabón
509-372-7389
garciajl@wsu.edu

Little Lunch --> BIG IMPACT

We work with local organizations from time to time when they're looking to reach out to the Latino community.

One of our favorite organizations is Big Brothers Big Sisters, and they're getting set for their fundraiser: Little Lunch.

WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 11:30 am

WHERE: Sheraton Seattle Hotel

WHY: They need your help in their effort transform schools, communities--essentially transforming the way kids grow up in the Puget Sound region through their mentorship programs.

And starting last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters has placed a special emphasis on recruiting Latino "Bigs" to help support the Latino growth we've seen among children locally.

Be a part of this amazing effort! Click here to register for the luncheon.