TO:
THE COMMISSION ON HISPANIC AFFAIRS
FROM: MIGUEL A. SALINAS, ADVOCATE,
VOLUNTEER & HISTORIAN
APRIL 21, 2010
As a former migrant and resident of
Oregon since 1954, I have seen our state evolve into a demographically diverse
state. The future of our most recent
newcomers to the Beaver State depends on their work and involvement in the most
important facets of our society. The two
institutions that have the least interaction with immigrant families from a
leadership perspective are Education and City Government. Population data should convince everyone that
we need to move forward with a different model of involvement. We need to bridge the leadership gap as soon
as possible. The programs that the
local, state and federal programs provide have to include more Latinos in the
development, implementation and evaluation of the array of services that are
provided by school districts and local government. Spanish
surname people must join the leadership in operating schools and city government.
At the present time the # of Latinos in leadership does not complement the
population diversity in numerous communities across our state. To help introduce disenfranchised communities
into roles of leadership, I propose that we promote a Sub-board and Sub-Council
in those communities where the migrant/immigrant population exceeds 35%. This % is based on the notion that Spanish
Surname families are multiplying at an unprecedented rate. Presently 1 our 5 students come from a
migrant or immigrant family; mostly from Mexican roots.
RATIONALE FOR SUB-LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
Presently school board and
city-council people are elected officials.
Migrant/immigrant people who are interested in participating in the
process are not citizens and/or lack some of the fundamental skills to fully
participate in critical leadership roles.
Appointing a Sub-board or council would provide a model for introducing
people to leadership roles and provide an opportunity for a quasi-leadership
role. In this setting,
localities/institutions can groom future leaders who can ran for office when
they feel they are ready. Meanwhile, two
substantial needs are addressed: one,
local elected officials create a network of participation from the minority
community; two, the new residents can receive training on how boards/councils
conduct business and are better able to provide input.
School boards and city councils are the most important institutions in
any community. Oregon communities are
evolving demographically at a pace that merits a new model for involvement and
inclusion.
Therefore, I recommend that the
Commission on Hispanic Affairs begin the process to draft and submit
“Resolutions” that can be introduced at the next Legislative Session. 4.20.2010 From my archives.
LINKS
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NOTE It takes people in different
roles, careers, professions, agencies and persuasion to attend to the basic
needs of "LA HISPANIDAD DE OREGON."
We also don't need a government agency to legitimize what we have done
or should be doing. In fact I contend
that the less Government recognition the better.
THE GREATEST BAROMETER OF SUCCESS is when there is less government
sharing in our SUCCESS!
I
don't wish to be hypocritical…but this is my motto. A motto similar to the one "I want to
work myself out of a job"… This usually means that we have ARRIVED! Por esto
es de que conAMISTAD! soyMiguel 1.4.2016
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