INCREASE THE POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND STRENGTH OF LATINOS IN OHIO

WHEREAS, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, the Latino population of the State of Ohio exceeds 217,000 persons, constituting a significant percentage of the population in Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Lorain, Youngstown, Painesville, Defiance and Fremont and with a continued growth of eighty-five percent in total population
projected, relative to a decrease in Ohio’s general population; and
WHEREAS, it shall be necessary that Latinos play an increasingly integral role in the political arena of the communities in which they reside and at the state level, for the benefit and welfare of all by registering to vote, voting in all elections, seeking elected office, collaborating with other civic groups or supporting Latino and non-
Latino candidates that demonstrate a genuine and good faith desire to advance the interests of Latinos; and
WHEREAS, Latinos in Ohio claim national origins from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Central America, South America and other Pan Latino countries signifying a vibrant and energetic infusion of Latino culture while assimilating and contributing to the culture of the United States.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a Latino Civic Organization will be created within the next three years with the purpose of developing a strategy that will implement such civic causes as increasing voter registration and implementing a Get Out The Vote campaign that specifically targets the Latino Community throughout the State of Ohio; actively work with Independent, Republican and Democrat officials to meet Latino civic involvement causes; and actively work with elected officials and candidates to have at least one paid Latino staff person on each city and statewide campaign.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Latino Civic organization will implement a strategy which includes providing candidate training workshops and to host candidate nights for future city and statewide elections, the goal being to elect at least one Latino to the state legislature and/or any elected position at the local level of each community with a significant Latino population.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that more effective relationships and collaborations be developed with non-Latino candidates and elected officials in order to advance the legitimate interests of Ohio Latinos and to assist in accomplishing the items resolved above, through the Grassroots Leadership Development Program of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute and through other programs and workshops available.



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ciat@convencionhispana.org