La Liga: Weekly Newsletter
March 31, 2020

Issue No. 7
LULAC.org

Hello,

We hope you are safe and well. LULAC is here for you and we are excited to share LULAC@Home. Catch up with our recent virtual events, plus the latest from our national programs.

By Diego Tum-Monge

TABLE OF CONTENT
Our Top Story

• COVID-19 Update, One-Page Resources, and LULAC@Home

LULAC In Action

• TONIGHT: Working on Media
• Upcoming: LULAC Relief Campaign
• Recent Virtual Events

Empower Through Access

• National Programs Update
• Ford Driving Dreams
• All of Us Research Program: EMERGE 2020 Recap

In Latino News

• COVID-19 & Elections: Next Elections and Election Security
• News You Should Know
• Press Releases

Highlights At Hand

• Book Highlight: Ricardo Ortiz
• Social Media

COVID-19 Update

The U.S. now leads the world with more than 160,000 confirmed cases. Nearly half of the existing and new cases in the U.S. are in the state of New York. Other states are expanding testing and major cities like Los Angeles are bracing for a surge in the number of cases. See the number of reported cases in your area with this interactive map.

The President has signed a $2 trillion economic bill that includes stimulus checks, unemployment coverage, federal student loan assistance, and more. The New York Times shared answers to frequently asked questions about the relief plan. Here is their Hub for Help with more details on how you may be able to receive assistance with unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, federal student loans, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and phone service bills, and more.

One-Page Resources

LULAC has put together four resources that share health information from the CDC in English AND Spanish. Download and share the copies here:

• Stop the Spread || Detenga La Propagación
• Symptoms || Síntomas
• Getting Tested || Hacerse La Prueba
• I’m Sick || Estoy Enfermo

LULAC@Home

Communities of color are most at risk by COVID-19 due to unemployment, health insurance, and low-income risks. Many people have come to LULAC with questions and concerns about their jobs being lost, food insecurity, and more. Others in our community are entirely unsure of how to get any answers or resources. Information is difficult to find and it is not always reaching the people who need it most.

LULAC has launched the LULAC@Home website to help fill these gaps. Our goal is to compile vital information and resources that are easy to use and language accessible. The webpage offers our communities up-to-date and streamlined information in these clear and organized sections:

• I Need Help - You can find resources to get assistance around financial, unemployment, and food needs. We are here to provide support.
• I Want to Help - Make a difference by donating or volunteering for our community in need.
• Health and Well-Being - Physical, emotional and mental health is important now more than ever. Here are some resources that can help.
• Elder Care - Learn the special measures to care for older adults and family members. We’ve included resources around health, benefits, and more.
• Children, Teens and Families - Find parent and caregiver guides with information explaining COVID-19 to children, anti-bias education, and distance learning.
• Virtual Events and Learning - Here is how you can join conference calls or virtual meetings for updates, partner opportunities, and activities.
• Advocacy - Engage with our list of steps you can take to get involved or stay informed in our national advocacy.
• What Partners Are Doing - Gain from these available resources regarding bilingual information access, internet access, phone service, and employment.
• News - Stay informed with the latest news and updates from LULAC on COVID-19.

We will continue to add and organize more information and resources on our website. Are there resources you want to see that could benefit our communities but are not yet on our website? Send us your suggestions to [email protected].

We wish safety and well-being to you and your family.

Working with Media During COVID-19

TODAY, March 31; 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)

Why is it important to engage the media for your events? How do you put together an effective event for news media? What are reporters looking for and what works best in creating interest?

Join David Cruz, LULAC Communications Director in a community discussion about telling your stories effectively. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and will receive a ready-to-use Media Toolkit.

Please join us from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://lulac.org/r/E/MTcyMjEw/MTkxMzcy/0/0/YmlnamFja2J1bHdhcmtAZ21haWwuY29t/aHR0cHM6Ly9nbG9iYWwuZ290b21lZXRpbmcuY29tL2pvaW4vNTYxMjU4MTY1IyEjIQ/2643/1

You can also dial in using your phone.
+1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 561-258-165

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts.

Upcoming: LULAC’s Relief Campaign

LULAC has received countless questions and concerns from community members across the country. Also, many leaders have reached out to ask how they can help. We’re listening, we see you, and we want to help.

Our members and councils have overcome the challenges and we believe that our communities are empowered when mobilized to provide real solutions in their communities. Stay tuned for our launch of a LULAC Relief Campaign as our communities prepare to grapple with the uncertainties of this spreading crisis.

You can join our national network by forwarding your local support to the LULAC Programs Department at [email protected].

#SupportNurses Twitter Chat
RECAP: Friday, March 27

LULAC participated in a twitter chat to highlight the experiences of Latino nurses in the fight against COVID-19. Click here to go back to read the #SupportNurses twitter chat hosted by Phone2Action in partnership with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). LULAC’s Vanessa Cardenas, Senior Advisor to the CEO, represented LULAC as a virtual panelist for the twitter chat.

This was the takeaway: We rise as a community to support the thousands of DACA and Latino nurses who care for us. Everyone can do their part by getting informed, staying healthy, mitigating the spread of COVID-19, and advocating for the medical support nurses desperately need. Nurses are not alone because we are all here to support them in every way we can.

COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall
RECAP: Friday, March 27

The National Council on Aging hosted a national tele-town hall event to provide information, resources, and guidance on COVID-19. This event focused on galvanizing efforts from national partners for our aging populations. In particular, people with chronic conditions who are most at risk of health complications during this critical time.

Also, important points discussed included misinformation, gaps of communication in aging communities and the true impact of COVID-19 on aging populations. The panelists who participated were:

• Sandy Markwood, CEO, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
• Sindy Benavides, CEO, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC
• Jenna McDavid, National Director, Diverse Elders Coalition
• Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America
• Michael Soto, Executive Director, Equality Arizona

You can submit your virtual event, or follow and share other events through our LULAC calendar!

COVID-19’s Impact on National Programs

Currently, LULAC National in-person program activities are being suspended until further notice. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other national public health officials are providing guidance which LULAC is taking into consideration to protect our communities, members, and staff.

In the meantime, LULAC will be working diligently to prepare the fresh, innovative programs for which it is known, so that we can resume our work with the same level of quality and enthusiasm that has guided our organization for the past 25 years. We thank you for your patience!

For questions or assistance, contact [email protected]

Programming Update: Ford Driving Dreams

LULAC and Ford Fund are putting the health and safety of our students, members, and partners first in response to the school closures and “stay safe, stay home” ordinances while cases of the COVID-19 continue to increase. As a result, all Ford Fund Signature programs scheduled through the end of April 2020 will be postponed, including the evaluation of the Ford Driving Dreams RFP. We will continue to evaluate programs scheduled after this time in a manner consistent with company directives and guidance from health agencies and other experts. We will be updating new applicants and current program participants on any developments.

Again, your safety is our top priority, LULAC and the Ford Fund are working diligently to respond appropriately to the rapidly-changing situation while continuing to serve Latino communities across the nation. The Ford Driving Dreams Alumni Network will receive the opportunity to apply for COVID-19 Response stipends to support Hispanic students during the pandemic and provide relief efforts in their communities.

For questions, contact [email protected].

RECAP: All of US Research Program at EMERGE 2020

On February 25-27, 2020 LULAC hosted its 2020 Emerge Conference at the AT&T Forum for Technology, Entertainment and Policy in Washington, DC. More than 150 students from across the United States and Puerto Rico attended the conference where they also received training in civic engagement, advocacy and professional development.

The All of Us Research Program invited attendees from across the U.S. to participate and help build one of the largest and most diverse health databases of its kind. Students learned about how their biology, lifestyle, and environment affect health. Also, they increased their own awareness on how they can do their part in aiding the development of better treatment and research to prevent and treat disease.

Upcoming Elections
Many states have taken measures to protect citizens from exposure during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are the latest updates and what you should keep an eye on.

14 states postpone primaries amid COVID-19

This includes: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wyoming and Puerto Rico.

Wisconsin Primaries

Wisconsin officials are still holding their primary on Tuesday, April 7 of next week. Governor Tony Evers called for absentee ballots last Friday, but lawmakers say it is nearly impossible to send 3.3 million absentee ballots in time to registered voters.

News and Updates

Coronavirus is newest threat to Latinos' census response, as groups pivot on outreach

Monday, March 30; NBC News reports: “As the coronavirus had taken its toll, local officials, like others around the country, have been forced to pivot from planned in-person events that were crucial to improving census response rates in Latino communities like Dove Springs.”

Here's who doesn't qualify for a coronavirus stimulus check

Monday, March 30; Business Insider shares the various groups that would not qualify for a stimulus check. This includes dependent adults such as college students, as well as people without a Social Security number.

Stimulus checks are coming — here's how to make sure you get yours quickly

Thursday, March 26; NBC News states the qualifications of receiving a stimulus check and what you could do to get one quickly. Simply put: you need to be up to date on your taxes before you can get a check. Find out what that might mean for you and low-income Americans who might not typically file taxes.

Undocumented immigrants working on pandemic's front line fear for health and home

Monday, March 30; Join USA TODAY reporting the stories of DACA recipients “working in the healthcare field in California, Florida, Texas and in the suburbs of New York City, where the coronavirus has hit hardest.”

Mira: ¿Cómo pueden recibir ayuda los inmigrantes indocumentados en tiempos de coronavirus?

Thursday, March 26; CNN reporta: “Líderes de grupos pro-inmigrantes indocumentados están preocupados que el paquete de ayuda del gobierno no incluye ayuda para ellos. Gustavo Valdés habló con el presidente de LULAC [Domingo Garcia].”

The Coronavirus Pandemic Poses Unique Problems for Latinx Communities

Monday, March 23; Zora, a Medium publication, shares: “The nation’s largest minority group [latinos] faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to accessing health care.” Zora points out that this is especially true for our undocumented communities.

LULAC Statements & Press Releases

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Sunday, March 29

LULAC Urges Congress To Step Up And Address People Left Out Of Senate $2 Trillion Stimulus Bill
Thursday, March 26

Latino Discovery Hub
Look here to find new authors, stories, artists, podcasts, and social influencers who helped shape the identities, cultures, and thoughts of your fellow readers.

Ricardo Ortiz’s “Latinx Literature Now”
Los Angeles Review of Books: “Latinidad in the Age of Trump”

Rene Hudson writes in this book review: “Our current political moment may be characterized by fear and disbelief as Latinx futures appear to be foreclosed and negated, but Ortiz presents a theory of latinidad that offers hope by opening up new horizons of study.”

Share your suggestions at [email protected]

Engage with us online.

Use @LULAC and #LULAC for a chance to be in the next issue of La Liga!

That’s it for now. Stay safe and see you again next Tuesday.

WHAT’S NEXT?

• We’ve been updating LULAC@Home thanks to your amazing recommendations. Keep sharing your ideas with us at [email protected]!
• Follow us on Twitter for new updates about virtual events and more.
• La Liga has now been scheduled for every Tuesday at 10 a.m Eastern starting on April 7. Stay tuned for more regular scheduling!
• Look ahead to joining us in Dallas, Texas for LULAC’s Latinos Living Healthy “Feria de Salud” (translated “Health Fair”).

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What do you think of the newsletter? What would you like to see? Email us with your suggestions or questions at [email protected].