The NALEO Educational Fund provides national leadership for important public discussions
on the key issues affecting Latino participation in our political process, including immigration
and naturalization, election reform, the Census, and the appointment of qualified Latinos to top
government executive and judicial positions. Additionally, policymakers at all levels of government
rely on the Fund’s expertise to ensure that the perspectives of the Latino community are incorporated
into their policy proposals. The NALEO Educational Fund also conducts civic research that provides
the public with invaluable information about Latino political engagement and impact.
2010 Census
The NALEO Educational Fund has always actively promoted a full count of every Latino in the decennial Census. Now that Latinos are the nation’s second largest population group, it is even more critical that the Census Bureau collects reliable data about our community. We work closely with the Bureau to develop practices and programs that produce the most accurate information possible about the Latino population.
Naturalization and Immigration
Since its inception, the NALEO Educational Fund has worked to ensure that our nation’s naturalization process is fair and accessible to our newcomers. We provide information to policymakers in Congress
and the Administration about the impact of U.S. citizenship policies on Latino civic engagement. We also monitor U.S. citizenship examination practices, advocate against application fee hikes, and promote policies to improve the quality of services to applicants.
Election Reform
The NALEO Educational Fund is a leading proponent of policies that enhance Latino access to the
electoral process. We advocate for stronger voter education and bilingual pollworker recruitment
programs. We also work to ensure that jurisdictions comply with federal requirements to provide
language assistance to Latino voters.
Healthy Communities
Despite immense advances in health technology and pharmaceutical science, the nation’s second
largest population group continues to experience vast health disparities and poor health outcomes.
The Latino community faces a health care crisis in which millions are uninsured or underinsured,
while healthcare costs and the cost of coverage continue to rise. State legislators, as stewards of state government, oversee a vast range of health and health care systems and serve in key decision making
roles to address policy issues related to healthcare, prevention of disease and health promotion.
Education Leadership
The increased role of the federal government in funding education will bring about distinct
circumstances and innovative opportunities in this new era of American education. These changing times require unique approaches to governance and outcome-focused leadership to facilitate the educational success of every Latino student. Developing and expanding your skills as an educational leader can be facilitated by acquiring an awareness of collaborative approaches, effective organizing skills and the ability to process information in ways that will keep you informed and focused on your objectives. This convening will provide you with an opportunity to reflect and exlpore key leadership concepts relevant to your public service.
Latino Federal Appointments
Our nation continues to be enriched by the wealth of talent and skills Latinos bring to public service.
The NALEO Educational Fund advocates vigorously for the appointment of qualified Latinos to top
positions in the executive and judicial branches of government.
Civic Research
The NALEO Educational Fund produces several publications which educate policymakers and the public about Latino political progress. These publications include:
- The National Directory of Latino Elected Officials, our comprehensive listing of information about the growing number of Latinos serving the public in elected office.
- Our election publications, including the bi-annual Latino Election Handbook, and our Latino Election Profiles. These resources provide critical data about Latino participation, incisive political analysis,
and lively descriptions of the key races involving Latino candidates.
- Our Naturalization Bulletins, Legislative Updates, Policy Briefs and other reports provide information about key policy developments affecting Latino engagement in the political process.
