Overview

The Emerging Latino Communities (ELC) Initiative is a multifaceted organization development program which seeks to establish organizational infrastructure in communities that have recently seen a dramatic increase in their Latino population. ELC focuses on strengthening organizations committed to organizing in new and emerging Latino communities, advancing models that can be adapted by groups in other regions, and facilitating the creation/expansion of community networks. Geographic target areas are the Southeast, Northwest, and Midwest, although exceptions are made.

ELC works closely with NCLR’s Field Advocacy Project and Latino Empowerment and Advocacy Project (LEAP). Through the interconnected work of these programs, ELC seeks to help community groups become active participants in shaping their own destinies by partnering with groups to increase Latino voices and engagement. In particular, ELC focuses on community organizing as a means to increase Latino community-based organizations’ (CBOs) ability to: a) respond to current inequalities; b) build a movement that incorporates grassroots participation into lasting systemic change; and c) participate in national networks and advocacy efforts.

Through the ELC program, Latino CBOs develop tools necessary to become effective grassroots organizers and advocates. These organizations will become effective by participating in trainings focused on organizing and advocacy development, as well as operational development. ELC participants learn to develop their board of directors, various organization committees, fundraising strategies and plans, and strategic planning for the future. It is the goal of ELC to produce long-lasting Latino CBOs where none have existed before.