WHEREAS:

The recent 2000 U.S. Census reveals there has been tremendous growth in the Hispanic community, with those of Hispanic or Latino heritage now numbering 35.3 million or 12.5 percent of the U.S. population, not including the 3.8 million Hispanics in Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME senior leadership and the Wurf Fund at Harvard sponsored three seminars in the fall and winter of 2001-2002 to study various aspects of the Latino community, including demographics, institutions and organizations, and voting participation; and

WHEREAS:

Almost 40 percent of the Hispanic population in the United States is foreign-born and issues regarding immigration policy reform are important priorities for the Latino community; and

WHEREAS:

The Latino membership of AFSCME is growing as AFSCME continues to organize workers in Puerto Rico, California, New Mexico and other key parts of the country and in industries such as home health care and other key service sectors; and

WHEREAS:

There is a need to recognize, promote and develop Hispanic leadership within the union at all levels, including locals, regional councils and at the international level; and

WHEREAS:

The growing Latino electorate is exerting ever-increasing influence on electoral politics at local, state and national levels.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will create and implement a program of leadership training and development directed to promoting Latino leadership and to address Latino members' issues of importance; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will identify ways to strengthen and promote a positive relationship among organized labor, Latino trade unionists and the Latino community, including increasing its participation in and commitment to the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will develop and promote an agenda that addresses issues of importance to Latinos beginning with the issue of immigration policy reform; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME, as part of its strategy for political change, will work hand in hand with the Latino community and other progressive forces on the November 2002 elections; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will continue to develop organizing strategies and objectives that have as a key priority the organizing of more Hispanic workers; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will create and deepen relationships with Latino organizations at the local, state and national level, to help educate and mobilize Hispanic voters to participate in the political process to support issues and candidates that further AFSCME's policy agenda.

SUBMITTED BY:

Steve Griego, President and Delegate
Robert Sanchez, Vice President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 624, Council 18
New Mexico