LAN

The Latino Action Network is a grassroots organization composed of individuals and organizations that are committed to engaging in collective action at the local, state and national levels in order to advance the equitable inclusion of the diverse Latino communities in all aspects of United States society.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Job Posting: New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice Seeks Outreach Coordinator

The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice is seeking candidates for the position of Outreach Coordinator. Please see the announcement below for details. The application deadline is this Friday, November 4th. 

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Outreach Coordinator, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice

About Organization:

The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) is a statewide membership-based coalition that creates and achieves policies in New Jersey that support immigrants in becoming economically, politically and socially rooted within the state. NJAIJ will use the power and strength of its member organizations to ensure that New Jersey’s immigrant communities are leaders in the development of policies that impact their lives and the lives of all New Jersey residents. NJAIJ and its members will work to ensure that New Jersey provides access to services, support family unity, and develop policies and strategies for immigrants to fully participate in civic life. The human, civil and labor rights of New Jersey’s immigrants, both documented and those seeking status, will be protected.

Description 

Reporting to the Program Coordinator and collaborating with the Executive Committee, the Outreach Coordinator will advance the mission of NJAIJ, by providing members with support and resources to continue advocating for immigrant rights across the state. The Outreach Coordinator will coordinate organizational trainings for Alliance members on focus areas that provide them with capacity building resources. Additionally, the Outreach Coordinator will also provide support to geographic regions in New Jersey where immigrant rights advocacy and organizing capacity are lacking. The Outreach Coordinator will also support community events around the issues outlined by our membership throughout the year. 

The Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for assisting with and implementing strategies to advance NJAIJ policy, by coordinating a state-wide effort to both provide high quality, uniform resources to immigrants, create a clearinghouse of best practices and advocacy strategies, and also ensure member organizations and their communities are plugged in to community organizing and civic engagement activities across the state. 

The Outreach Project Coordinator will be committed to building our members’ capacity while continuing the coordination and collaboration among partners, which will move the issue of immigration forward and help NJAIJ to achieve policy victories that are guided by immigrant leaders and community partners. 

The Outreach Project Coordinator will be expected to travel to other parts of the state and to work evenings and weekends. This position is ideal for candidates who have organizing background and are looking to expand their advocacy expertize, or those with advocacy expertize who wish to expand their organizing experience.   

Responsibilities

The Outreach Coordinator will have ongoing responsibility for the following specific activities:

 

  • Build a network of community organizations and partners to expand resources for the Alliance membership;
  • Manage and support members who participate in capacity building by providing resources, training, and mentorship;
  • Train and support NJAIJ members in the areas of community organizing, advocacy, know-your-rights, citizenship/voter registration, deportation and law enforcement, labor policies, education, healthcare, legal services, administrative relief, start your own organization, day laborer organizing, and other areas of need per alliance membership requests; 
  • Create toolkits for member organizations to participate in the NJAIJ advocacy campaigns; 
  • Gather and share best practices and advocacy resources;
  • Train volunteers and community partners on best practices for community outreach through train the trainers;
  • Organize information sessions and clinics, with support and partnership of NJAIJ members, in areas with fewer resources with the support and participation of community partners;
  • Provide support and anchor the work of all the organizations around the Alliance work;
  • Support in drafting content for NJAIJ website, fact sheets, reports, training materials, and other resources;
  • Work closely with Program Coordinator to complement the activities of the Alliance’s Policy and Advocacy campaign. 

Qualifications and Experience

The Outreach Coordinator should have the following experience and qualifications:

 

  • At least one year of experience in organizing, immigration advocacy, project management, or legal, preferably on issues that fall within the NJAIJ’s priorities;
  • Experience working with immigrant communities;
  • Some knowledge of capacity building and/or organizational support around advocacy issues;
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing the NJAIJ’s values, mission, and goals, with knowledge and understanding of the range of immigration issues;
  • Experience working in/with coalitions preferred;
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse staff, coalitions and community groups, motivate volunteers, and work across the political spectrum;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking skills;
  • Ability to work independently and keep organized in a fast-paced environment, manage several projects simultaneously, and adjust strategy to frequently changing demands;
  • Demonstrated understanding of how to use social media;
  • Willingness to work sometimes irregular hours, including evenings and weekends;
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain orderly records;
  • Proficiency with MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Documents;
  • Valid driver’s license preferred but not required;
  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is the minimum required educational credential;
  • Fluency in English and Spanish is desired.

Benefits package includes health benefits, travel reimbursements, vacation, and holidays. Position secure for one year, longer term contingent on funding. 

How to apply:

To apply for the position, please submit a substantive cover letter and current resume by November 4, 2016 to Johanna Calle, jcalle@njimmigrantjustice.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Hiring Policy

NJAIJ/NEO Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected status.

http://www.njimmigrantjustice.org/jobs


Johanna Calle
Program Coordinator
New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice
Email: jcalle@njimmigrantjustice.org
Phone (o): 973-474-9850
Phone (c): 201-580-3060
Fax: 973-643-8924
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
NJimmigrantjustice.org


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Latino Action Network Joins Legal Challenge of PARCC Graduation Requirement that Eliminates Alternatives for English Language Learners

The Latino Action Network recently joined with the Education Law Center, the New Jersey ACLU and other advocacy groups to sue the State of New Jersey over the changes the State Board of Education made to graduation requirements which, among other things, eliminates Spanish language alternatives to the PARCC test for English Language Learners (ELL's). 


Please watch the brief segment on our lawsuit below that ran on NJTV this evening. 


Best regards,


Christian Estevez, President

Latino Action Network



http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/groups-legally-challenge-parcc-graduation-requirement/


Groups Legally Challenge PARCC Graduation Requirement

By Briana Vannozzi
Correspondent

Last February, parents in Paterson received an unwelcome graduation announcement: 700 students wouldn’t be eligible for a diploma come June.

“It was because they hadn’t passed the PARCC, they hadn’t passed any of the other alternate assessments and we started raising the issue in Paterson,” said Paterson Education Fund Executive Director Rosie Grant.

Grant and several other civil rights and advocacy groups have joined a legal challenge against PARCC, claiming the state’s new high school graduation requirements, which include passing the controversial standardized test, violate state law.

“These new rules contradict the law about high school graduation that was put in place by the Legislature and gives important rights to students,” said Education Law Center Staff Attorney Jessica Levin.

That law, passed in 1979, requires an 11th grade English and math test. PARCC is administered in the 10th. It also requires retesting opportunities.

“If they had been fully in effect last year, tens of thousands of students in the class of 2016 wouldn’t have passed. About half the class 50,000 to 60,000 didn’t pass PARCC, putting them at risk of not receiving a high school diploma so there’s also very serious policy issues,” Levin said.

The Education Law Center joined with the ACLU to file the suit on behalf of the advocacy groups.

“Another major problem with the rules is that they use fee-based substitute competency tests as an alternative to the PARCC exam and these tests will limit access for low income students in New Jersey,” Levin said.

“We fear that our kids will be at a disadvantage. They’re already at risk. We’re in an area that’s concentrated poverty and they can’t afford the alternate assessments,” Grant said.

Fee-based tests like the SAT and ACT can be used as a “substitute competency test” but only until 2020. The groups argue it restricts low-income, minority students. Many are English language learners.

“New Jersey has one of the highest graduation rates in the U.S.: 89 percent of students graduate. When you get to Hispanic students, it goes down to 82 percent and when you get down to English language learners — those whose English is not their first language — it goes down to 74 percent so the number drops and it’s that group of people in the 72 to 74 percent that are most vulnerable and the most impacted by this change,” said Latino Action Network President Christian Estevez.

And Estevez says PARCC limits test taking in other languages.

“Our concern is that this English only approach that the state is taking is going to basically throw thousands of Latino students and other English language learners out of the education pipeline,” he said.

The state Department of Education says it doesn’t comment on pending legal cases. Members have said they expect PARCC scores to improve with each year, arguing it’s a better measure of college readiness and skill, especially as the number of students in need of remedial work before beginning college courses continues to grow.



Monday, October 24, 2016

Latino Action Network Endorses James Kostoplis for Burlington County Sheriff

 


Latino Action Network Endorses
James Kostoplis for Burlington County Sheriff 


For Immediate Release: October 24, 2016
Christian Estevez, Chair, LAN-PAC – 973-418-7012
Javier Robles – LAN-PAC Member – 732-887-8722


Burlington County – The Latino Action Network Political Action Committee [LAN-PAC] today endorsed James Kostoplis for Burlington County Sheriff.

The LAN-PAC was established to promote candidates at the local, state and national levels that are committed to advancing the equitable inclusion of the diverse Latino communities in all aspects of United States society.

“James Kostoplis has a stellar lifetime career of service and accomplishment in New Jersey law enforcement. For over 35 years he has worked tirelessly on public safety & diversity in law enforcement,” said Christian Estevez, Chairman of the LAN-PAC. “We know that James will serve the residents of Burlington County with distinction & honor.” Concluded Estevez.

From early on in his career to date James Kostoplis has served in many capacities as a Sherriff’s Officer in Bergen County, Safe Neighborhood Units, Fugitive Units, Detective Bureau Commander, and Police Academy Instructor. Currently he is employed as Special Deputy Marshal with the US Marshal’s Service as a Court Security Supervisor & Instructor. 

“I know that James is the kind of new leader we need to keep moving Burlington County forward as he is clearly passionate about public safety, community and diversity in law enforcement,” stated Javier Robles, a member of the LAN-PAC. “He is currently the most decorated Officer in Mercer County and has been so for several years in a row, he added.” Concluded Robles.

Candidate Kostoplis said he was honored by the LAN endorsement. “The Latino Action Network has always stood for civil rights and inclusion and I am proud to have their endorsement.” Kostoplis continued, “On the County level I want to build on the existing initiatives and create new ones on my own. As Sheriff, I will provide residents of the Burlington County with the service they expect and deserve from the Sherriff’s Office.” Concluded Kostoplis.

The LAN-PAC was established in 2012 to promote candidates working on behalf of the issues of greatest importance to the Latino community on the national, state and local levels.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Latino Action Network Endorses Wilda Diaz for Another Term as Perth Amboy Mayor

 

Latino Action Network Endorses

Wilda Diaz for Another Term as 

Perth Amboy Mayor

 

LAN backs running-mates on the Stronger Together Team;

Councilman Fernando Irizarry and Community Activist Jelmin Caba 

 

For Immediate Release: October 18, 2016

Christian Estevez, Chair, LAN-PAC – 973-418-7012

Javier Robles – LAN-PAC Member – 732-887-8722

 

Perth Amboy  The Latino Action Network Political Action Committee [LAN-PAC] today endorsed the Stronger Together team in Perth Amboy led by Mayor Wilda Diaz and her City Council running-mates Incumbent Fernando Irizarry and Community Activist Jelmin Caba.

 

“Mayor Diaz’s record of inclusiveness in Perth Amboy is impressive,” said Christian Estevez, Chairman of LAN-PAC. “We were particularly impressed with her municipal identification program that has sought to make immigrants part of the fabric of the city. Over 1,000 residents have already enrolled in the program.”

 

Estevez also noted that Mayor Diaz has encouraged community policing and public education with regards to code enforcement. “She has demonstrated an ability to work with the diverse communities in the city rather than use coercion as has been the case in other communities.”

 

In recommending the endorsement, members of the LAN Steering Committee also considered her strong record of diversity in recruiting members for the police and fire departments, her record in stabilizing taxes, and her successful redevelopment efforts in the city.

 

LAN-PAC also strongly backs Irizarry and Caba who have proven themselves to be independent and positive voices for change in the community. 

 

“The mayor needs allies on the City Council which has become a hindrance to good government in the city,” said Javier Robles, LAN-PAC member. “Councilman Irizarry has proven himself to be a steadying influence and Caba will inject much needed energy into the governing body.”

 

The LAN-PAC was established in 2012 to promote candidates working on behalf of the issues of greatest importance to the Latino community on the national, state and local levels.

 

 

Mayor Wilda Diaz

Press Statement

 

“The Latino Action Network has been a champion of civil rights and political empowerment for Latinos, and other under-represented groups, across New Jersey and so I am honored to receive their support,” said Mayor Wilda Diaz. “I will continue to promote equal opportunities for Latinos and all the residents of Perth Amboy. The municipal identification programs aims to build bridges between all segments of our community and I am pleased that LAN acknowledged the success of the program.” 


 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Latino Action Network Releases Online Voter Registration Tool

The deadline to register to vote in New Jersey is Tuesday, October 18th. The Latino Action Network has partnered with Rock the Vote to make voter registration fast and easy. Use the form below to register. It only takes a few minutes!!!

Who should register:

Anyone who is not registered; has moved to a new address; or has not voted in several years should register to vote at their current address.

Please forward this link to anyone you know who needs to register to vote.

¡Su Voto es Su Voz!

Pa'lante,

Christian Estévez, President
Latino Action Network

 

Monday, October 10, 2016

Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey 26th Annual Convention and Awards Luncheon

 

Please join the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in celebrating their 26th Annual Convention and Awards Luncheon this Friday, October 14th.

Visit the link below to register or learn more about this event:


https://www.facebook.com/events/182570458823649/?ti=ia