When you add passion and purpose, a lot can happen in just one month.

Since 1996, the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has sought to dismantle barriers to ensure people of all ethnic backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community.  
10 facts for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Week was started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, and was expanded to become National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21. Below are 10 facts from the Pew Research Center.
  1. The U.S. Hispanic population now stands at 57 million, making Hispanics the nation's second-fastest growing racial or ethnic group after Asians.
  2. A record 27.3 million Latinos are eligible to vote in 2016, up from 23.3 million in 2012.
  3. People of Mexican origin account for about two-thirds of the nation's Hispanics.
  4. As the population of U.S.-born Latinos booms and the arrival of new immigrants slows, the share of Latinos who are immigrants is on the decline across all Latino origin groups.
  5. Diversity among Hispanic origin groups varies between major metropolitan areas.
  6. Hispanics are the youngest of the major racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., with a median age of 28.
  7. Millennials make up almost half (44 percent) of the Hispanic electorate in 2016.
  8. Latinos make up the largest group of immigrants in most states, mainly because Mexico is the biggest source of immigrants in 33 states.
  9. A majority of Hispanic adults (55 percent) say the are Catholic.
  10. The share of Latinos in the U.S. who speak English proficiently is growing, with 68 percent age 5 and older being proficient. 
Click here for the full article.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning Spanish

Did you know having Spanish speaking skills gives you a competitive advantage? Rapid demographic changes and a thriving business industry place Spanish as the second most spoken language in the United States. Currently, there are more Spanish speakers in the United States than Spain.

Community Spanish Language Boot Camps begin Oct. 18. LEDA also offers six week Business Boot Camps, customized language solutions brought right to your organization all year around.

Click here to learn more and to register online. 

2016 NW Ottawa diversity & racial equity survey 
 
The LEDA North leadership team is conducting a survey of residents, workers, and visitors in NW Ottawa County about their perceptions and opinions of NW Ottawa County.  The intent of this community survey is to connect demographics with the opinions, attitudes, and perceptions of NW Ottawa County related to diversity, inclusion, racism, and discrimination. The data gathered from the survey will help establish a baseline to stimulate conversation on pertinent issues to our region.
 
Click here to take the survey, which will take just 5-10 minutes. Responses are anonymous. S hare the survey link with your network of family and friends.  A paper version of the survey can be requested by calling 616.846.9074.
There's still time to be part of Calling all Colors as volunteer in Holland

Calling All Colors seeks volunteers to  facilitate a small group dialogue  at our upcoming middle and high school fall conferences.  It's fun!   It's easy!   It's rewarding!  Volunteers are provided with all dialogue materials. Just two hours of your time will have a lifetime impact on a middle or high school student.
 
Volunteers are needed October 10 and 11 in Holland. 
 
Click here for details and for registration information.

LEDA's customized training solutions are designed to build an organizat ion's capacity to advance diversity and inclusion.

September workshops
Allegan County
Habitat for Humanity
Oakland Schools
Third Reformed Church

Click here to learn how LEDA can help your organization advance diversity and inclusion.
Are you registered to vote?
 
Tuesday, Oct. 11 is the deadline to register to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 election. 

See the Michigan Secretary of State's website for more information.  
Upcoming diversity, equity & inclusion events

October 10
6-8 p.m.
Cook-DeWitt Center, Grand Valley State University
This panel discussion takes a deeper look at the history of what is now known as Columbus Day in much of the U.S. Panelists will discuss the historical and social impact of the colonization of the Americas, as well as current movements that challenge the holiday. The program will also include a Native drum circle and cultural teachings.


Major Support Provided By
Show your support of ethnic diversity!
Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance | 616.846.9074 | [email protected] | ethnicdiversity.org
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