1. DEMOCRACIA
April 2011
Democracia’s ‘GO VERDE’:
Front and Center
Democracia President and CEO, Jorge Mursuli, had the IN THIS ISSUE:
honor of delivering this year’s Keynote address to a con-
ference of hundreds of leaders in the environmental
movement. His overarching message; “Latinos are a Democracia at LCV
powerful ally for the green movement.” & LCVEF Conference
It’s no secret that the environmental movement has en-
joyed few wins in recent years. Democracia’s presence An American
at this year’s event is of huge significance when consid- Latina Hero: Diana
ering the political clout Hispanics are garnering across Lopez
the country. Though seemingly natural allies, few efforts,
if any, efforts have been made to engage the nations His-
Hispanics repre-
panic population despite overwhelming indications that
sent majority of
green issues are important to Hispanic families.
US Growth
A recent study asked 1,000 voting age Hispanics whether
they were willing to take political action to help improve
our environment? Of the 1,000 polled, 34% said they
Latinos and Social
Security, Tu Futuro
would support a candidate who [supported the environ-
Cuenta!
mental movement] and 12 % stated they would be willing
to attend meetings or a rally. Cont. on Page 2

2. Are you willing to take political action to
Democracia Front help improve our environment?
and Center:
Continued Support a Candidate
27%
These results are just a small indicator
34% Attend a Meeting or Rally
of the willingness of Hispanics to get en- Join an Environmental Group
gaged in the environmental movement.
Democracia, and it’s green brand “Go Write or Call Congress
Verde” are looking at ways to better en- 19%
12% No Action
gage the Hispanic electorate on green, 8%
energy and conservation issues. Check
out our site for the latest: Source: Sierra Club National Survey of Hispanic Voters on Envi-
ronmental Issues, Bendixen & Associates, 2008
www.goverdeahora.org
An American Latina Hero: Diana Lopez
Every month Democracia honors
someone who is making a tremendous
impact through their work—whether its
as an artist, a teacher, and organizer,
or a scientist. This month’s hero is no
different. Diana Lopez is a leader in the
environmental movement and has the
wins to prove it. Diana is on the front-
lines defending her community against
environmental injustices. She, along
with fellow students and community ac-
tivists, succeeded in defeating a pro-
posal which would have put as many
as three diesel holding tanks within feet
of a nearby school.
Diana has spear headed a project called “Roots of Change” which turned a local dilapidated
bar into a thriving community garden. The garden is not only a source of fresh produce for
the surrounding community; it is also a community learning center of sorts. Because of her
work, local children now have a place to go to learn and get involved in their community fos-
tering the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.
It is Democracia’s distinct honor to name Diana Lopez as this month’s “Latina Hero.”

3. Census Indicates Large Growth in Minority
Population with Hispanics Representing
Majority of US Growth
Census numbers are confirming what many have been predicting; America’s population
is shifting. Hispanics represented the largest growing segment in the US over the past
decade and there is no indication of this trend slowing down. Currently, 1 in every 6
Americans is Hispanic. More importantly, youth and young-adults represent the largest
portion of the growth in the Hispanic population over the past decade. Census numbers
indicate only a 3% growth amongst youth in America but minority youth saw a drastic
increase of 22%.
If there is one lesson we can glean from the Census is the country’s population is shift-
ing toward a more diverse and youthful population. How will this impact this country’s
politics? Democracia is intent on turning that population growth into strength at the bal-
lot box. An informed, engaged Latino electorate stands to make a tremendous impact
on races and ballot measures across the country, particularly today’s emerging youth
segment. Want to be part of taking Latino political power to the next level? Get in-
volved: www.mydemocracia.org

4. Latinos and Social Security,
Tu Futuro Cuenta!
Leading Latino Groups to Hold Town Hall to Strengthen Social
Security in Philadelphia
Join Democracia U.S.A., Congreso de Latinos Unidos, The National
Council of La Raza (NCLR), and Latinos for a Secure Retirement (LSR)
along with elected officials, community leaders, and members of the
community to discuss the future of Social Security, proposed
changes to the system, and how you can make a difference in ensur-
ing that Social Security remains a top priority in Washington.
Congreso de Latinos Unidos
2800 N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
Tuesday, May 3rd
Lunch, 12:00 p.m. EST
Town Hall, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. EST
To RSVP for the event
contact Fernando Treviño, Northeast Regional Director,
Democracia U.S.A. at: 856-667-9192 or Email
FTreviño@mydemocracia.org