Acting with Intent: How Our Daily Choices Can Uplift the Latino Community

a community laughing together

Sometimes, we’re so busy with our day to day we forget each of us has the power to weave conscious actions into our routines, reflecting the love and pride we carry for our roots. It's not about large gestures or monumental events; it's in the subtle, daily choices we make and the ways we express ourselves. It's in how we show up for our community and ourselves.

Here are some mindful actions to weave into our daily routine that can create ripples of positive change:


Don't Just Scroll: Celebrate Latine Brilliance

two women looking at a smartphone

Photo by Antonius Ferret: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-smiling-while-looking-at-the-smartphone-5253857/

You know that friend who bakes the mouthwatering pan de muerto every fall, or the one lighting up the bar with her singing every week? Don't just be a silent fan. Share their posts on social media! We're always ready to reshare the latest meme, yet often hesitate to boost our friends who are hustling hard and could truly benefit from our support. When we amplify Latine voices, particularly those who may not have a broad platform, we're not just opening doors for them—we're putting a spotlight on the abundant talent within our community.

Speak Spanglish Proudly

2 women standing beside railings during daytimePhoto by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

We've all been there—searching for the perfect word in English, only to find that the most fitting term or phrase is en Español. Or maybe you've stumbled upon those moments when the perfect comeback is a blend of both. That's the beauty of Spanglish. It's more than just a hybrid language—it's a testament to our adaptability and the bridge we've built between cultures.

Embracing Spanglish isn’t just about convenience; it’s about celebrating our dual identity, merging our past with our present. And the best part? It gives us a chance to welcome those unfamiliar with Spanish into our rich world of expressions and idioms. Every "estoy full" after a meal or "parquea aquí" when finding a parking spot is a nod to our multifaceted heritage. So, the next time you mix it up, wear your Spanglish with pride. After all, it's a language that captures the essence of who we are—unapologetically multicultural and brilliantly versatile.

Shop Local

blue and white store signagePhoto by Robinson Greig on Unsplash

Here's a thought: The next time you're on the hunt for adobo, craving authentic handmade tamales, or in search of that standout piece of jewelry, why not turn to a Latino-owned business? Not only are you more likely to find products and services infused with genuine love, culture, and tradition, but every dollar you spend there helps strengthen our economic foothold.

Today, 62.5 million Latinos make up a whopping 19% of the U.S. population. And when it comes to our entrepreneurial spirit, it's unmatched. The nearly 5 million Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. pour a staggering $800 billion into the nation's economy each year, as reported by Congress's Joint Economic Committee. By shopping local and supporting these businesses, you're not just indulging in a personal treat or gift; you're contributing to a larger narrative of Latino success, resilience, and empowerment. Let's continue building our community's legacy, one purchase at a time.

Mental Health Check-ins

woman sitting on benchPhoto by Mauro Lima on Unsplash

Within our community, there's often a stigma around discussing mental health. Every time we gather around the dinner table, celebrate birthdays, or even in those long phone calls catching up with a dear friend, we have opportunities to change this narrative. Instead of sticking to surface-level pleasantries, dare to ask, “How are you really feeling today?” Share your own moments of vulnerability. Talk about that therapy session that made you see things in a new light or that meditation technique you're trying out. The beauty lies in realizing that our mental well-being is just as crucial as our physical health, and discussing it should be as natural as chatting about a recent doctor’s visit.

As we foster an environment where mental health discussions become everyday conversations, we break down age-old barriers. It’s not about having all the answers but creating a safe space for authenticity and support. And when we explore therapy options or share resources, we're not just seeking help but paving a path for others to find their own way to healing. Remember, our community thrives not when we silence our struggles, but when we uplift and support one another through them.

Reconnect with Traditions

a traditional dia de muertos ofrendaPhoto by Roger Ce on Unsplash

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose touch with the traditions that shaped us. Setting up an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos isn't just about colorful skulls and candles; it's a profound way to remember and honor those who came before us. Sharing stories of our past, understanding the origins of our customs, or even learning old family recipes, are all ways of honoring our roots.

More importantly, when we involve the younger generations, we're gifting them a legacy, instilling in them pride for where they come from, and ensuring that these traditions will be carried on. So, in between our busy schedules and modern routines, let's take moments to pause and reconnect.

Engage in Community Initiatives

women and girl volunteeringPhoto by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

Joining or supporting community organizations can be as immersive as facilitating a workshop based on a talent or hobby of yours or as straightforward as volunteering at a local event, helping organize activities that celebrate our shared culture and heritage. Every moment spent engaging with community initiatives creates a ripple effect.

Maybe you have a knack for storytelling. Why not offer to read at a local school or library? Or perhaps you're well-versed in professional skills like resume-building or interview techniques. Consider running a workshop for young adults entering the workforce. Even attending local cultural events helps bolster community spirit, showing organizers and participants alike that their efforts are valued and appreciated. So, the next time you hear about a local event or an opportunity to get involved, take a leap!

Educate & Advocate

a woman sitting on a couch talking to a manPhoto by Sweet Life on Unsplash

Discussing the intricacies of immigration reform isn't just a debate topic; for many of us, it's the story of our parents, grandparents, or even our own journey. Advocating for bilingual education is not just about learning two languages; it's about preserving our heritage and ensuring our children are equipped to thrive in a multicultural world. And casting our vote? It's more than a civic duty. It's our voice, our representation, our chance to shape a future that reflects and respects our values.

The political climate is like the weather—unpredictable and ever-changing. Just as we dress appropriately to face the day's forecast, we need to stay informed to navigate these uncertain terrains. It's not only about the national headlines; local policies can shape our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. Being informed means delving deeper, seeking out reputable sources, attending community meetings, and asking questions.

And finally, the most essential tip?

Celebrate every win, big or small.

Did your niece just graduate? Did your comadre open up her own salon? Or maybe you perfected that family tres leches recipe? Celebrate! Every milestone, whether it’s in business, education, or personal achievements, uplifts our community. So, next time there's a win, let the cheers ring loud and proud!

hands holding up yellow protest signs that say Hands Off Our Bodies
Photo Credit: Gayatri Malhotra via Unsplash

Originally published in Common Dreams. Reprinted with permission.

The Latino electorate will prove decisive in securing reproductive freedom and abortion access through ballot measures around the country, particularly in states where Latinos are a significant portion of the electorate.

In November, abortion rights measures will appear on ballots across ten states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and New York, where Latinos make up a significant portion of the electorate. For decades, pundits and politicians have recycled long-held misconceptions about Latino voters and abortion access, citing our conservative and religious beliefs.

Anti-abortion extremists have long fueled these misconceptions through misinformation and disinformation campaigns targeting Latino communities with egregious lies and inflammatory rhetoric about abortion. Yet, polling, focus groups, and direct interactions with Latino communities have debunked these outdated tropes.

The Latino electorate will prove decisive in securing reproductive freedom and abortion access through ballot measures around the country, particularly in states where Latinos are a significant portion of the electorate.

For Latinos, the freedom to decide, a pillar of our American democracy, is critical. Meanwhile, Latinos are being hit directly with anti-abortion efforts that take away that freedom such as the six-week abortion ban put into effect by the Florida Supreme Court and the 1864 abortion ban upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court. In the wake of the Dobbs decision, people of color and Latinas have felt the impact of a lack of abortion access, an element of basic healthcare.

A 2023 report by the National Partnership for Women and Families estimated that nearly 6.5 million Latinas, or 42% of all Latinas of reproductive age in the country, live in a state that either had or was likely to ban abortion. Ironically, it will be abortion access and anti-choice efforts to restrict freedom of choice that will mobilize Latino voters this election.

In a poll conducted by three national reproductive justice organizations, 87% of Latinas named abortion and women’s rights as one of their top priorities as they head to the polls. Another battleground poll conducted by Somos PAC and BSP Research found that 61% of Latino registered voters expressed a more positive/favorable view of Kamala Harris after hearing that she will protect abortion rights, versus only 19% of Latinos who said they had a more negative view of Harris after hearing that.

In key states to secure the White House and both chambers, Latinos make up large chunks of the electorate: Arizona (25%), Colorado (15%), Florida (20%), Nevada (20%), and New York (12%). In the face of unprecedented attacks on basic healthcare access and targeted attempts by extremists to mislead and divide our community on this issue, this November Latinos will be key deciders on abortion access across the country.

Mari Urbina, Managing Director of Indivisible, Battleground Arizona Lead and former Harry Reid advisor.

Héctor Sánchez Barba is president and CEO of Mi Familia Vota (MFV).

This Viral Video Game Is Changing the Face of Voter Outreach

In 2024, voting campaigns have evolved greatly, to say the least. Creativity is now the name of the game and tongue-in-cheek humor is expertly leveraged to drive action. One example of that is Bop the Bigot, a revival of a viral game created in 2016 by Bazta Arpaio, an Arizona activist group, as part of a campaign to unseat Maricopa County’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Arpaio lost his re-election to Paul Penzone that year.

The game has now been updated for the current election cycle and relaunched by On Point Studios, with new features added to enable players to find out what’s on their ballot, confirm voter status, and register to vote.

Much like its former 2016 version, the game allows users to take out their political frustrations by virtually “bopping” GOP candidates in the head. It’s very similar to whack-a-mole, except the mole is replaced by former President Donald Trump, Ohio’s Senator J. D. Vance, and Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, which is spearheading Project 2025.

cartoon renditions of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance around a Bop the Bigot logoPromotional image provided by On Point Studios.

B. Loewe, Director of On Point Studios, came up with the concept for this game when working as the Communications Director at Bazta Arpaio in 2016, and is the executive producer of this revamped version. In the first version of the game, Bop the Bigot players used a chancla (flip flop) to “bop” the characters, tapping into Latino culture by leaning on the childhood experience of being set right by a flying chancla from a fed-up mother or grandmother.

This year, the chancla is replaced by a more current element, a green coconut, referencing Kamala Harris’ coconut tree meme. There are also side characters like “the couch,” cat ladies, and more coconuts. All references to jokes about Vice-Presidential candidate Vance, or insults Vance has made about women on the campaign trail.

Another new addition is that Harris’ laugh is immortalized as the game-over sound effect, an unexpected detail that adds even more humor and levity to the game.

cartoon renditions of Donald Trump, Kevin Roberts, and J.D. Vance around a Bop the Bigot logoPromotional image provided by On Point Studios.

Bop the Bigot, which is playable on desktop and mobile, is intended not just as a way to vent political frustrations, but also as a tool for activism and securing voter engagement.

For example, the game supports the work of Mexican Neidi Dominguez Zamorano, Founding Executive Director of the non-profit organization Organized Power in Numbers by using the “game over” screen to prompt players to donate to it and support their efforts.

Organized Power in Numbers is focused on empowering workers in the South and Southwest of the U.S. through collective action and comprehensive campaigns. Their mission is to create a large-scale movement that challenges the status quo and advocates for workers' rights, and racial and economic justice.

Currently, Dominguez Zamorano is leading worker outreach to 2 million working-class voters in the South and Southwest through doorknocking, texting, and calls with the help of local groups in North Carolina, Arizona, New Mexico, and more.

“We have been blown away by the enthusiastic reception for the video game. We knew we wanted to be part of its creative approach because our movement needs more fun and laughter. We need more ways to connect with nuestra gente so we can feel joy among all the absurdity we witness every day,” Dominguez Zamorano shared with Luz Media via email.

“Our people are gente trabajadora and we deserve to feel uplifted even in our toughest moments. We are deeply involved in the South and Southwest so we know what’s at stake in this election and we’re happy this can be a resource to mobilize, raise spirits, and get out the vote," she concluded.

Dominguez Zamorano is a committed activist for immigrants and workers' rights, known for her strategist skills and expertise. She played a key role in the campaign to win DACA and has also held roles in major campaigns, including as Deputy National States Director for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign. In addition to her work with Organized Power in Numbers, Dominguez Zamorano is serving as a Senior Advisor to Mijente’s Fuera Trump Initiative.

Grassroots efforts like these have taken on new life in 2024, with Bop the Bigot adding to the larger, ongoing fight against political apathy and disinformation. Just as it did during the 2016 race, the video game uses humor to soften the serious task at hand—getting people to the polls.

"We want the game to be a fun and comical outlet for anyone who’s been insulted, frustrated, or harmed by Trump in the past and everyone who is ready to move forward as a country after election day," explained Loewe in a press release. "The proposals in Project 2025 and the beliefs of Trump and Vance aren’t just weird, they’re truly harmful. We wanted to give people a humorous and peaceful way to smack down their racism and sexism. We hope it makes people laugh and also feel empowered and motivated to get to the polls on or before election day."

With a mix of satire, sharp political critique, and nostalgia, the game is a call to action. The upcoming election, which is getting closer by the minute, has sparked fierce activism and creative yet grounded initiatives like these aim to ensure voters are engaged, especially young Latinos and disenfranchised groups.