There are several ways to grow your base: whether you're running a campaign for a local political post (a lot of this right now) or expanding your network. Some Food For Thought: Be visible. If possible (sometimes it's physically or financially impossible), be visible in the area where you’re trying to expand. Assistant City Attorney Aaron Felton who's running for Polk County District Attorney, did just that when he traveled from Salem to Independence for the Fiesta Mexicana to increase campaign awareness and meet potential voters. If you’re trying to expand your banks products from behind a desk, there will be challenges. Prior to merging with Point West Credit Union, the Hacienda Community Credit Union, a Portland-OR based credit union prided itself with a fully bilingual/ bicultural staff and understanding the needs of the local Latina/o community. They made inroads with the Latina/o community because they had bilingual talent and provided that face-to-face … [Read more...]

Vote.Last week I voted and mailed my ballot. Over the weekend, I helped family members and friends vote as well. In our democracy voting is our voice. At BilingualHire, we encourage everyone to cast their vote and make their voices heard not just in the U.S. Presidential Elections, but also for important State and Local offices and legislative measures. Less than eight days left, Vote early. Name that OppressionA few weeks ago, I sat down with Dr. Kari Mize, a Professor at Western Oregon University. Below is a summary of her thoughts on Oregon's Measure 58. At BilingualHire we're in the business of connecting employers with bilingual [Spanish+ English] talent. We believe Measure 58 cuts the aspirations of thousands of students who are non-English native speakers and undercuts our small business. We help younger and older bilingual professionals advance their careers. What we want to be certain, and the organizations we help grow is that these professionals are bilingual in Spanish and … [Read more...]

Oregon has a particular challenge that if left unresolved will push Oregon further behind other states.Our most pressing challenge: increasing the high school graduation rate. Why is this important? The more our students graduate, the more they attend a university (and the university supports them), and the more the Oregon community supports them in their path towards success, the more these future leaders will ensure Oregon's prosper. At a briefing yesterday in Salem, Oregon University System Chancellor George P. Pernsteiner reported on the state of higher education in Oregon and the challenges facing the Latino community. The renewed Commission on Hispanic Affairs (disclaimer- I serve as Vice Chairman) will be at the forefront of this equality issue.Problem: Not enough students graduating. With the largest growth population coming from the Latino community its imperative (for Oregon's sake) this group is successful in graduating high school, and attending (and yes graduating) … [Read more...]