NCLR experienced an exciting year in 2009. We kicked off the year with a celebration like no other of its kind—the 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala—alongside other sister organizations who are committed to improving opportunities for Latinos.

Throughout the year, NCLR celebrated its more than four decades of impact on numerous occasions, including at four special events that are showcased annually—the NCLR Capital Awards, NCLR National Issue Briefing and Advocacy Day, NCLR Annual Conference, and ALMA Awards®.

Other highlights from 2009 include:

• Passage of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2009
• The kickoff of the Alliance for Stabilizing our Communities
• A groundbreaking forum on Latino children: “Investing in our Future: The State of Latino Children and Youth”
• The launch of Senator Bob Menendez’s book, Growing American Roots
• Celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service