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NOTED & QUOTED: “Articulo tomado del Periódico Diario Libre, por ser considerado de suma importancia para los dominicanos residentes en el exterior”.
February 24, 2012 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Featured, Noted and Quoted
Washington, DC (February 24, 2012). La Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC) sugieren a sus lectores leer el siguiente artículo publicado por el poderdigital.com y escrito por Mari Fernandez.
Entre las citas de interes que se destacan, se puede incluir la siguiente:
“En una reciente visita del presidente Fernández a Nueva York, en la que participó en una conferencia organizada por la reconocida Mesa Redonda Dominico-Americana, alabó los planes de dicha institución de agrupar 100 mil dominicanos en el famoso National Mall de Washington, D.C., para celebrar las contribuciones de la comunidad dominicana en ese país. Allí se puso de manifiesto el deseo de que contemos con un legislador de origen dominicano en el Congreso de los Estados Unidos”.
El artículo fue publicado el jueves 19 de enero del 2012 y esta disponible en el siguiente sitio: http://elpoderdigital.com/index.php/opiniones/296-opiniones/2387-la-politica-hacia-el-dominicano-en-el-exterior
La política hacia el dominicano en el exterior
Thursday, 19 January 2012 19:55
Mario Fernandez
Hits: 14
La República Dominicana cuenta con una inmensa población residiendo fuera de su territorio. Tan sólo en los Estados Unidos, de acuerdo a los datos arrojados por el censo del 2010, viven alrededor de 1.4 millones de dominicanos, los cuales representan el tres por ciento de la totalidad de hispanos en ese país. La mayor concentración de nuestros criollos se encuentra en Nueva York (675 mil), Nueva Jersey (197 mil), Florida (172 mil), Massachusetts (103 mil), y Pennsylvania (62 mil). Del mismo modo, existe una gran cantidad de dominicanos en España, Italia, Suiza, Panamá, Venezuela y Argentina.
Los dominicanos residentes en el exterior son una parte integral del Estado dominicano. Representan el 15 por ciento del total de nuestra población y son responsables del envío anual de alrededor de 3 mil millones de dólares en remesas. Según la información publicada por el Banco Central en los últimos 12 años dichas divisas han alcanzado la suma de 31 mil millones de dólares, lo que las convierte en una de las principales fuentes de ingresos de nuestro país, creando esto una relación estrecha entre el desarrollo nacional y la diáspora dominicana.
Esas remesas son producto de un esfuerzo sobrehumano que realizan millares de criollos para poder ayudar a sus familiares en la isla. Esos dominicanos en el exterior también son miembros activos en sus comunidades e instituciones educativas destacándose en los deportes, el arte y la política, a la vez que se mantienen al tanto de todo cuanto ocurre en nuestro país. En Estados Unidos ya son alrededor de 35 los oficiales dominico-americanos electos en posiciones políticas de relevancia. Entre ellos senadores estatales, asambleístas, concejales, comisionados y delegados en Nueva York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland y Puerto Rico, así como también en puestos claves en las cortes y el gobierno federal.
Estos logros hacen a los dominicanos residentes en el exterior merecedores de una política de inclusión que les permita tener un espacio digno y permanente dentro de la estructura de gobierno de la República Dominicana. Consciente de esto, el presidente Fernández ha sido el promotor, en todas sus gestiones de gobierno, de una estrategia de revalorización de dichos dominicanos.
En 1999, promulgó la Ley No. 52-99, “sobre orientación y servicios a los dominicanos residentes en el exterior”, la cual creó la Oficina de Orientación y Servicios al Dominicano que reside en el Exterior, con el objetivo de establecer una política de orientación para todo dominicano que se encontrara residiendo en el extranjero y se aprestara regresar al país.
A finales del 2004, se crearon por decreto los Consejos Consultivos de la Presidencia para los Dominicanos en el Exterior (CCPDE), compuestos por miembros designados de manera honorífica, con la finalidad de organizar la diáspora en los territorios donde existiera una gran presencia nacional. La formación de 14 consejos consultivos representó un paso significativo en el reconocimiento de la diáspora como parte fundamental de la República Dominicana. Desde entonces sus acciones han generado resultados favorables en nuestras comunidades de afuera.
En el 2007 se creó en Suiza la escuela gratuita Profesora Salomé Ureña para que los niños nacidos en ese país, hijos de padres dominicanos, aprendieran el idioma español, conocieran sus símbolos patrios, su cultura y sus raíces.
En el 2008 el Consejo Consultivo radicado en Bélgica facilitó el envío de libros escritos por escritores dominicanos a la feria del libro de Bruselas, una de las actividades culturales más importantes de Europa al ser visitada por más de 30 mil personas. Anteriormente, los autores que aspiraban participar debían pagar los costos de transporte de sus obras.
Los frutos cosechados por los Consejos Consultivos motivaron la elaboración y aprobación de la actual Ley No. 01-08, que crea el Consejo Nacional para las Comunidades Dominicanas en el Exterior (CONDEX). Este organismo fortalece la gestión que realizan dichos consejos sirviendo de ente facilitador entre la diáspora con las instituciones del Estado dominicano y el sector privado, con la finalidad de impulsar la relación de proyectos conjuntos. La creación del CONDEX le da un sentido institucional a los vínculos del país con sus comunidades en el exterior.
Con la nueva Constitución de la República, y en cuya elaboración también participaron los dominicanos en el exterior, se alcanza un logro trascendental para la diáspora. El Art. 81 establece la escogencia de siete diputados de ultramar que representarán y serán elegidos directamente por la comunidad dominicana en el extranjero, siendo esto algo innovador nunca antes visto en ningún otro país de América Latina.
A raíz de esto se aprobó la Ley 136-11 que crea el mecanismo institucional para elegir a esos diputados y que establece su distribución entre todos los territorios donde existe presencia criolla. A partir de agosto de 2012 tendremos legisladores para Canadá, Estados Unidos, el Caribe y Europa, y será su deber legislar activamente por el desarrollo del país procurando una mayor participación de nuestro talento en el extranjero. En sus manos caerá el compromiso histórico de continuar la obra que se encuentra realizando el gobierno en beneficio de sus ciudadanos en el exterior.
En una reciente visita del presidente Fernández a Nueva York, en la que participó en una conferencia organizada por la reconocida Mesa Redonda Dominico-Americana, alabó los planes de dicha institución de agrupar 100 mil dominicanos en el famoso National Mall de Washington, D.C., para celebrar las contribuciones de la comunidad dominicana en ese país. Allí se puso de manifiesto el deseo de que contemos con un legislador de origen dominicano en el Congreso de los Estados Unidos.
Ese acontecimiento no tarda en llegar y pronto estaremos celebrando un logro más de una comunidad que por su trabajo honesto y constante se ha ganado el respeto y la admiración de todas las sociedades donde se encuentra.
Articulo tomado del Periódico Diario Libre, Por ser considerado de suma importancia para los dominicanos residentes en el exterior.
NOTED & QUOTED: Hundreds Attend New Jersey Conference on Dominican Affairs
February 20, 2012 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Featured, News, Noted and Quoted
From left front row, Erick Cedano, Hon. Julio Guridy, Senator Juan Pichardo, Journalist Alicia Ortega, CODA President Maria Teresa Montilla, West New York Mayor Dr. Felix Roque, Bronx District Leader Yudelka Tapia, and Dr. Franklin de Jesus. From left back row, Pablo Aponte, Luisa Aponte Francisco Castro, Jose Garcia, Gregorio Torres, Irene Schrils, Dinorah Mendez, Josefina Mercedes, Commissioner Ruben Vargas, Amiris Perez, Commissioner Margarita Gutierrez, Nestor Montilla, Dr. Fermin, Commissioner Fiordaliza Frias, Victor Coronado, Frank Salado, Doris Ramos, Niurka De la Rosa, Amiramis Perez, Consuelo Evans and Juan Familia (Photo by Nelson Valentin - e-mail: nvphoto@gmail.com).
Newark, NJ (Monday, February 20, 2012).-Over three hundred participants from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, attended the 12th Annual New Jersey Conference on Dominican Affairs held yesterday at the Rutgers School of Law in Newark, New Jersey.
“The Dominican community in New Jersey has reached a level of political sophistication that allows them to stay focused on its interests, above political affiliation or other interests,” said Dr. Maria Teresa Montilla, President of the NJ Conference on Dominican Affairs (CODA). “I think we are ready to come together and elect political representation at the state level in New Jersey.”
“We, CODA staff and volunteers, are very happy we have been able to successfully put together the 12th Annual Conference on Dominican Affairs,” said Amiris Perez, CODA Executive Director. “Our mission is to provide a forum by which all Dominicans residing in New Jersey can evaluate and assess their role in the New Jersey community and create a proactive agenda to improve their economic, educational, social/cultural, and political well-being.”
The conference started with a welcome reception at Newark City Hall, where volunteers and CODA leadership shared an exclusive moment with acclaimed journalist Alicia Ortega.
On Sunday, February 19th, the Conference program included concurrent workshop sessions, and a plenary forum featuring Journalist Alicia Ortega and Rhode Island State Senator Juan M. Pichardo, who were the main presenters. Their participation attracted dozens of followers, including students, leaders, peers, and people from surrounding communities.
United States Congressman Steven Rothman (D-9) delivered welcoming greetings in both English and Spanish and congratulated President Maria Teresa Montilla for her leadership and unrelenting commitment to the empowerment of Hispanics in the State of New Jersey and beyond.
Then, Senator Pichardo delivered a keynote address titled “Participation, Contribution and Empowerment.”
“I want to thank Dr. Maria Teresa Montilla, President of CODA, President of DANR and Amiris Perez, Executive Director and the entire board of CODA for inviting me to speak here at your conference at Rutgers School of Law,” said Senator Pichardo. “Also, I want to acknowledge my colleagues and friends from this wonderful City who are here and those who could not make it due to prior commitments outside of the state. They exemplify the ideals of serving others and empowering a community. This is what I believe in…” For a printable copy of his speech, click here: Senator_Juan_M._Pichardo_remarks_for_the_Annual_Conference_on_Dominican_Affairs
Onstage at the plenary luncheon session, President Maria Teresa Montilla interviewed journalist Ortega about the challenges and rewards of a professional woman working as a journalist in the Dominican Republic. She shared her beginnings as a journalist, her settling in the Dominican Republic, and some of the social changes her investigative reporting have caused in the country.
Ortega concluded her intervention quoting President Theodore Roosevelt:
“Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, and keep your feet on the ground. Courage, hard work, self-mastery, and intelligent effort are all essential to a successful life. Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.”
Ortega was presented with a plaque by coordinator Radhames Perez and a delegation of leaders from Dominican party “Alianza Pais”, in recognition of her successful career in journalism and for her excellence in journalism.
The list of participating leaders included Congressman Steven Rothman, West New York Mayor Dr. Felix Roque, Allentown Pennsylvania Councilman, and President of City Council Julio Guridy, Paterson Councilman, and Council Vice President Julio Tavarez, West New York Councilwoman Fiordaliza Frias, and West New York Councilman Ruben Vargas, Bergenfield Councilman Carlos Aguasvivas, Newark Councilman Luis Quintana, Commissioner and Perth Amboy Board of Education President Samuel Lebrault, Perth Amboy Board of Education Commissioner Milady Tejeda, Teaneck Board of Education Commissioner Sebastian Rodriguez, Commissioner and Roselle board of Education President Erick Cedano, Bronx District Leader Yudelka Tapia, Brooklyn District Leader Arelys Martinez, Paterson Board of Education commissioners Alex Mendez and Wendy Guzman, Martin Perez, President of the New Jersey Latino Leadership Alliance, Elsa Mantilla, President of NJ State Dominican Parade, Rafael Marte, President of COPODO, President Ramon Guzman, and his delegation from Dominicans for Political Representation (DOPOR), Perth Amboy High School Principal Dr. Nestor Collazo and his delegation of over 45 students, and among others, community leader Juan Luis Jimenez.
In addition, attending were leaders of the National Dominican American Council (NDAC) and the Dominican American National Roundtable from Massachussets, Candem, NJ, New York and New Jersey.
The Women’s Leadership workshop burst with enthusiasm and encouragement from participants as well as panelists Univision Presenter Nilda Rosario, Nutritionist Dinorah Mendez, District Leader Yudelka Tapia, and Journalist Alicia Ortega.
The Political Empowerment workshop drew on the knowledge and experience of seasoned elected officials who served as panelists, such as Rhode Island Senator Juan Pichardo, Councilmen Julio Tavarez and Wilson Terrero, Commissioners Wendy Guzman and Alex Mendez, Businessman and community leader from Perth Amboy Frank Salado, and Community Leader Thomas Gomez.
Additionally, non-profit organization Citizens Campaign offered a road map to empowerment through participation in the structure of political parties.
Distinguished Plastic Surgeon Dr. Franklin de Jesus, Dr. Diogenes Fermin and Rosa Saldana headed the Health Professionals workshop to discuss exchange of medical services between the Dominican Republic and the United States.
The Conference premiered also the latest thought-provoking Nestor Montilla’s original documentary titled “Dominican Civilization, Diaspora and Identity,” which sheds light on how the Dominican Diaspora is creating and accentuating the new identities of the Dominican people. The documentary features historian Frank Moya Pons, Ph.D, Irma Nicasio, Ph.D., and Odalis Perez, Ph.D. from Universidad Autonoma de Santo Dominigo, Sylvio Torres-Saillant, Ph.D. from Syracuse University, Lorraine Altagracia Cortes-Vasquez, the Honorable Claribel Martinez Marmolejos, the first Dominican woman ever elected to public office in Puerto Rico, Dr. Nasry Michellen, praised for becoming the first President of Hostos Community College, the Guzman Family, and testimony of other individuals who ascertain their Dominican identity despite being born in the United States.
At the end, a group of panelists offered their reaction to the documentary and shared feedback with producer and researcher Montilla. Among them were re-known Dominican singer and composer Fernando Echavarria, who led popular musical group La Familia André, and a group of national young college student leaders from several universities including Pennsylvania State University, Brown University, Yale, Essex County Community College, Bergen County Community College and Middlessex Community College. The list of panelists included Professor. Rafael Brito from Newark NJ, Elías Alcántara, Amaris Guzmán, former DANR Youth President, Augusto Suarez, Bergen Community College, Franklin Ventura, Essex County Community College, Diandra Fermín, Yale University, Joel Fernández, Yale DSA President. They responded questions from the audience comprised of dozens of students and conference participants. Professor Alejandro Benjamin, who confessed in the Documentary he didn’t know he was black when he came to the United States in 1973, actively participated in the discussion and answered questions.
The 12th Annual New Jersey State Wide Conference was made possible thanks to a committed team of volunteers including Amiris Pérez, Directora Ejecutiva, Amiramis Pérez, Josefina Mercedes, María Beras, Nerys Polanco, Julio Tavárez, Consuelo Evans, Francisco Castro, Gregorio Torres, Victor Coronado, Dr. Aritmedes Restituyo, Juan Familia, Alba Mateo, Augusto Suarez, Franklin Ventura, Erick Cedano, Oneida Vidal and Elba Familia. Other volunteers included Valentin Silverio, Altagracia Gatón, Margarita Gutierrez, Miladys Familia, Tatiana Guzmán, Freddy Read, Haydee Tió, Niurkis De la Rosa, Rosa Svelti, Jose Garcia, Josefina Torres and photographer Nelson Valentin.
CODA conference is sponsored by UNIVISION, Cibao Meat Products, HealthFirst, Rutgers School of Law, El Merengue Restaurant in Newark, Jersey Easy Construction LLC, the Institute for Latino Studies (ILS), and the Common Roots Project.
The NJ Conference on Dominican Affairs is the major Dominican state gathering on the Dominican and Latino calendars in the United States. During this Conference, attendees are able to participate and learn from experts, share experiences, network with professionals from around the New Jersey, the Tri-State Region and beyond.
For more information visit www.thelatinoinstitute.org or write to thelatinoinstitute@gmail.com
Eligen 10 Nuevos Coordinadores de Concilios Locales en Puerto Rico
Washington, DC (17 de enero del 2012)–El Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano juramentó 10 nuevos coordinadores de concilios locales en una reunión extraordinaria llevada a cabo esta noche en Puerto Rico en el local de Alianza Dominicana.
17 de enero de 2012
Elección de coordinadores de concilios en Puerto Rico e Islas Vírgenes
CONCILIOS POR OFICIOS
1- Médicos – Área Metropolitana
Coordinador: Dr. Carlos Perez Fernández
2- Ingenieros
Coordinador: Ing. Víctor Santana
3- Vendedores
Coordinador: Sr. Antonio Abreu
4- Tasadores Viviendas (Realtors)
Coordinador: Sr. Rolando Acosta
5- Comerciantes
Coordinador: Dr. Josant Feliz Pichardo
6- Deportes
Coordinador: Sr. Eduardo Perez
CONCILIO POR REGIONES
7- Rio Grande-Carolina
Coordinador: Dra. Virginia Soliman
CONCILIO POR SECTORES
8- Santurce
Coordinador: Srta. Nallely Acosta Martinez
9- Rio Piedras
Coordinador: Ing. Ramon A. Durán
A continuación nota publicada por Borinqueya.net acerca de la reunión.
NOTED & QUOTED
Mesa Redonda y Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano efectuarán reunión de trabajo
Disponible en: http://borinqueya.net/?p=8464
El propósito del encuentro es discutir las estrategias de trabajos para formar nuevos concilios en diferentes puntos geográficos, profesionales y comerciales.
Por: Awilda Gómez
Santurce, Puerto Rico(Martes 17 de enero del 2012).-La Mesa Redonda Dominico-Americana (DANR) en conjunto con el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC), efectuará hoy una productiva reunión de trabajo organizativa.
La actividad que iniciará a las 7:00 de la noche, se llevará a cabo en el local de la Alianza Dominicana ubicado en la avenida Ponce de León en Santurce, según lo informó Leodany Inojosa, coordinador general del Concilio Dominico Americano en Puerto Rico a través de un comunicado de prensa.
Estarán presente en el encuentro la vicepresidenta de la Mesa Redonda en la isla, Claribel Martínez Marmolejos, el doctor Alberto Correa, asesor nacional del Concilio Dominico Americano; Francisco Pachin Ramírez Castillo, asesor del Concilio Dominicano Americano en Puerto Rico; Leodany Inojosa, coordinador general y Néstor Montilla Chairman del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano quien tendrá su participación vía Internet desde los Estados Unidos.
La Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana, Dominican American National Roundtable (DNAR) fue fundada en 1997, es la única corporación no partidista y sin fines de lucro con sede en Washington, completamente dedicada a la investigación y abogar por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico e Islas Vírgenes Americanas.
El Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC) es un órgano cívico de capacitación, apoderamiento, relaciones públicas, comunitarias y participación compuesto por más de 120 concilios locales operando en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico e Islas Vírgenes, con la función de determinar la agenda nacional dominico americana.
En alianza con la Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana, NDAC aboga por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de comunidades en áreas concernientes a educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración, vivienda y apoderamiento comunitario.
NOTED & QUOTED: Dominicano más joven con un puesto electo en EE.UU. es juramentado
January 5, 2012 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Featured, Press Releases
Washington, DC (5 de enero del 2012).– El siguiente artículo fue publicado por el periódico Hoy Digital. El artículo esta disposible en http://www.hoy.com.do/el-pais/2012/1/4/408603/Dominicano-más-joven-con-un-puesto-electo-en-EE.UU.-es-juramentado
La Mesa Redonda y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC) felicitan al Consejal Kendrys Vásquez (24 años de edad) por sus logros. Recientemente, Kendrys fue nombrado Coordinador General del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano en Lawrence, Massachusetts. Para más detalles pulse: http://danr.org/2011/12/06/reunion-de-la-mesa-redonda-y-el-concilio-nacional-dominico-americano-en-massachusetts/
Dominicano más joven con un puesto electo en EE.UU. es juramentado
Lawrence, Massachusetts: – Este martes tomó posesión del puesto, Concejal por el Distrito C de la Ciudad de Lawrence, Massachusetts, el joven Dominicano Kendrys Vásquez, convirtiéndose en la persona más joven, nacido en la República Dominicana, en obtener una posición electa en los Estados Unidos y el Concejal más joven de la Ciudad en el próximo termino.
Las elecciones fueron el 8 de noviembre de 2011, donde el joven Vásquez logró obtener el puesto con un 69% de los votos, derrotando a su oponente Jorge González, para sustituir al concejal saliente, Modesto Maldonado.
Las elecciones pre-liminares fueron en Septiembre donde el joven dominicano recibió un gran apoyo, obteniendo un 61% de los votos internos.
Junto a Kendrys se juramentaron con sus respectivos puestos 9 concejales, de diferentes distritos los cuales estarán en dicho cargo por dos años cubriendo la parte norte de la ciudad de Lawrence, MA, la cual tiene una población de más de 80mil personas, de los que aproximadamente un 75% son hispanos.
Vásquez es un joven líder comunitario con la meta y visión de mejorar su comunidad. Graduado con un doble bachillerato en Ciencias Políticas y Comunicación de Merrimack College, donde asistió en beca estudiantil por mérito académico gracias al programa “Accept the Challenge”.
Kendrys es fundador y ex-presidente de la organización “Latinos Club” la cual fue “Organización del Año 2006” bajo su liderazgo. Además, fue Representante del Consejo Estudiantil de la Clase del 2008 por cuatro años, siendo el primer Latino electo a esta posición.
La participación comunitaria de Kendrys incluye un sin número de eventos locales y nacionales; trabajó con el ex-congresista Martin Meehan, en las campañas del actual Gobernador Deval Patrick y la actual congresista Niki Tsongas; y en varias campañas políticas para Concejal, Representante Estatal y Alcalde.
Kendrys es co-fundador y miembro de DRYVE (Dominican Republic Youth Volunteer Efforts – Esfuerzos Voluntarios de la Juventud de República Dominica), una organización creada para motivar la juventud a continuar sus estudios académicos. También es miembro de la Directiva de Semana Hispana en Lawrence, Inc. y Arlington Community Trabajando, Inc.
En el 2005 fue seleccionado para visitar la Casa Blanca y conversar sobre los problemas que enfrenta la juventud de hoy. Kendrys fue nombrado “Outstanding Leader of the Class of 2008 – Lider Sobresaliente de la Clase del 2008” en Merrimack College, “Young Leader of Today – Lider Jóven de Hoy” por el Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Fue seleccionado dos veces (2006 y 2007) para participar en la conferencia “Monster Diversity Leadership Program – Programa de Liderazgo de Diversidad de Monster” en Tampa, FL y New York, NY donde más de 25,000 estudiantes solicitan solo 300 son seleccionados.
Actualmente, Kendrys Vásquez reside en la ciudad de Lawrence y trabaja como Coordinador de Recreación en Arc of Greater Lawrence, una división de CLASS, Inc.
About the DANR
The Dominican American National Roundtable is the only non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c) (3) Corporation based in Washington, DC advocating for the educational, socio-economic and political development of our diverse communities and all people of Dominican origin in the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
ABOUT the National Dominican American Council (NDAC)
NDAC is a civic-community-engagement and public relations training organ composed of over 120 local councils functioning in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDAC responsibilities include setting the national Dominican American agenda at the Dominican American National Roundtable Annual Convention, and advocating for the socio-economic and political development of all Dominican Americans and our diverse communities in areas concerning education, economic development, health, immigration, housing and community empowerment (nationalcouncil@danr.org).
RESERVE LA FECHA: El 28 de Julio Usted y su Familia Estan Invitados a Unirse a Miles de Dominicanos y Latinos en Washington, DC
Para imprimir una copia de la invitación, pulse el siguiente link:
RESERVE LA FECHA/SAVE THE DATE: SABADO 28 DE JULIO DEL 2012, 11:00AM.
Washington Monument ubicado en the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Inscríbase/Register here.
Para más información contáctenos en/For more information contact us at nationalcouncil@danr.org or call at 202-238-0097.
NOTE & QUOTED: Reserve la Fecha: Domingo 19 de Febrero del 2012- 12ava Conferencia para Asuntos Dominicanos de New Jersey
December 18, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Featured, Press Releases
Domingo 19 de Febrero del 2012
La 12ava Conferencia Para Asuntos Dominicanos se efectuará el domingo 19 de febrero en Rutgers School of Law – Center for Law & Justice, localizado en el 123 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07480.
-
Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State
President Obama’s nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay
Senador por El Estado de Rhode Island
y
El Distinguido Empresario Frank Salado de Perth Amboy, NJ
Sobre Coda
Planning Meeting on Local Council Formation in the Bronx
Participants of a local council planning meeting in the Bronx.
Para mas informacion sobre el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano, click here.
Concilio Dominico Americano de Lawrence, Massachusetts
Algunos miembros del Concilio local de Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Para mas informacion sobre El Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano, pulse aqui.
New Dominican American Local Council in Lynn, Massachusetts
Some members of NDAC local councils in Lynn, MA.
Washington, DC (December 14, 2011). The National Dominican American Council continues swearing in local chapters in 120 cities in the United States. On Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at a local council meeting held at 25 Exchange Street in Lynn, MA, DANR MA Vice President Maria Moreno sworn-in a new local council.
At the meeting, the new Local Council democratically voted to elect its director, treasurer and secretary.
Officers of the Council include Dinorah Mendez, director, Rafael Bernabel, Treasurer, and Carlos Martinez, Secretary.
Among new members in attendance were Jose Mendez, Herminia Morillo, Carlos Estrella and Luis De los Santos.
The next local council meeting in Lynn has been scheduled for Monday, January 16, 2012.
For more information about the National Dominican American Council, contact nationalcouncil@danr.org
DANR Introduces Redistricting Maps in Rhode Island For Fair Representation for Latinos
Washington, DC (December 16, 2011).– Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), testified before the State of Rhode Island Reapportionment Commission at its last public hearing held last night, Thursday, December 15, 2011 at the State House in Providence, Rhode Island.
DANR proposes the creation of 14 new majority-minority senate districts, 9 house districts, and two congressional maps ensuring Latinos equal access to the political process in the State of Rhode Island.
“There is an undisputed lack of Latino representation in the Rhode Island Legislature,” said Dr. Feliciano. “13% of the population should occupy 13% of the legislative seats. In Rhode Island that would mean 10 out of the current 75 House seats, and 4 out of the current 38 Senatorial seats. There are currently one senate seat and two house seats occupied by Latinos.”
“We propose one congressional district that will comprise 20.0% (up from 10.9%) Latino population, and will contain the entire City of Providence, which is a community of interest; five Senatorial districts containing 55.5% (CD-2), 49.4%(CD-5), 49.3% (CD-6), 51.2% (CD-7), and 49.6% (CD-16), respectively; and eight Representative districts containing 50.3% (LD-7), 53.2% (LD-8), 56.0%(LD-9), 57.3% (LD-10), 58.7% (LD-11), 51.3% (LD-12), 54.3% (LD-13), and 63.9% (LD-56), respectively.
“DANR map proposals afford the redistricting Commission a historical opportunity to draw the new district boundaries taking into account population shifts, the principle of one person one vote and fair representation for Latinos, in accordance to the Voting Rights Act,” said President Feliciano.
The 18-member reapportionment commission is charged with making recommendations to carry out the constitutionally required redistricting of the State of Rhode Island. The 18-member reapportionment commission uses the results of the 2010 federal census and testimony from the people to redraw district lines to reflect population shifts in the state.
The commission is expected to create districts that are compact, contiguous as possible in accordance with the Voting Rights Act.
The commission must make its final recommendation to the General Assembly by January 15, 2012.
The Commission will announce its decision reflecting the new district boundaries on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 06:00pm at the State House in Providence.
Members of Reapportionment Commission include Co-Chairs Rep. Stephen R. Ucci and Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey; Rep. Grace Diaz, Sen. David E. Bates, Rep. Donald J. Lally, Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, Rep. Daniel P. Reilly, Sen. Beatrice A. Lanzi, Rep. William San Bento, Sen. Francis T. Maher, Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, Sen. Juan M. Pichardo. Public Members include Felix Appolonia, Francis J. Flanagan, Matthew F. Gunnip, Ray Rickman, Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan and Arthur V. Strother, Sr.
Following, transcript of testimony presented by DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano:
Testimony of Maria Teresa Feliciano-Rhode Island
Dominican American National Roundtable
before
RHODE ISLAND REAPPORTIONMENT COMMISSION
December, 2011
Good Evening Co-Chairs Representative Stephen R. Ucci and Senator Michael J. McCaffrey, Members of the Commission.
On behalf of the Dominican American National Roundtable, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to address this Committee regarding the redistricting of Rhode Island Legislature.
The Dominican American National Roundtable is a national organization founded in 1997 with the mission of representing and advocating for the educational, economic and civil rights of the over 2 million Dominicans in the United States, including the large population of Dominicans in Rhode Island. We very much appreciate your time, and we very much appreciate your service. We know this is a political process. We know this is a complicated political process, and we know you give much of your time to have this done.
We understand the task at hand is Rhode Island’s constitutional process of redistricting to reflect the results of the US 2010 Census. State and Federal law require that if the differences in populations between the various districts are too large, then a redrawing of the district boundaries must take place. The data shows that to be the case in Rhode Island. State and Federal law also require that this process must take place complying with the one-person, one-vote requirements for fair representation in any legislative body across the country; while observing pertinent civil rights law, voting rights law, the concern that all residents of the state of Rhode Island be properly represented, providing minorities with appropriate representation, and keeping communities of interest together.
Back in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson went before an extraordinary joint session of Congress to urge speedy passage of an effective voting rights bill.
“I speak tonight for the dignity of man and the destiny of democracy,” Johnson began. “I urge every member of both parties, Americans of all religions and of all colors, from every section of this country, to join me in that cause.”
“Their cause must be our cause, too,” Johnson said. On Aug. 6, Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law.
In carrying out your mission, we would like you to consider the following:
In a democracy, the principle of one person-one vote is a sacred concept. If the principle is to apply in Rhode Island, then ensuring a greater voice for Latinos in the halls of power is one of the greatest tests facing this Commission.
The new Rhode Island’s legislative map must reflect the state’s changing demographics.
According to the 2010 US Census, in 2010, there were 50.5 million Hispanics in the United States, composing 16 percent of the total population. Latinos increased by 15.2 million (or 43%) between 2000 and 2010, which accounted for over half of the total population growth that occurred in the U.S. over the past 10 years.
The Census Bureau release specifically looked at the populations of Rhode Island, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Maine and the District of Columbia – all which show explosive demographic growth of Latinos. In Rhode Island the Latino population grew to 130,655 according to US Census 2000, making up 13% of the state’s total population. Providence alone is home to 70,000.
Back in 1995, it was predicted that Rhode Island would lose one congressional seat based on population decrease trends. Due to the increase in Latino population, it didn’t. In 2000 again, predictions were that Rhode Island would lose one seat. Upon release of the 2010 Census figures regarding the growth of Latino population, it didn’t. The Kimbel Brace projections are similar for 2020, but as the state of Rhode Island embraces its immigrant population and provides for its representation and participation, that prediction will also fall short.
The emergence of Latinos as the largest minority in the state, as per the 2010 Census, requires the creation of Majority Latino Districts or Latino Opportunity Districts that will allow us to elect candidates of our choice in numbers commensurate with our population.
There is undisputed lack of Latino representation in the Rhode Island Legislature.
13% of the population should occupy 13% of the legislative seats. In Rhode Island that would mean 10 out of the 75 House of Representatives seats, and 4 out of the 38 Senatorial seats. There are currently one senate seat and two house seats occupied by Latinos.
We propose one congressional district that will comprise 20.0% (up from 10.9%), Latino population, and will contain the entire city of Providence, a community of interest; five Senatorial districts containing 55.5% (CD-2), 49.4%(CD-5), 49.3% (CD-6), 51.2% (CD-7), and 49.6% (CD-16), respectively; and eight Representative districts containing 50.3% (LD-7), 53.2% (LD-8), 56.0%(LD-9), 57.3% (LD-10), 58.7% (LD-11), 51.3% (LD-12), 54.3% (LD-13), and 63.9% (LD-56), respectively.
These maps would afford this Commission the opportunity to add one congressional district, three additional senate districts, and – Representative districts with substantial Latino population to elect candidates of their choice, and thus complying with the Voting Rights Act.
This Commission should consider creating Legislative Districts in the areas we highlighted, as they create opportunities to reflect the population, and increase participation in the electoral process.
In a democracy, the principle of one person, one vote is a sacred concept. It should apply in Rhode Island, ensuring a greater voice for Latinos in the halls of power.
We look forward to working with the Committee to contribute in your effort to make sure that Rhode Island achieves a fair and constitutional redistricting.
Thank you,
Maria Teresa Feliciano, President
Dominican American National Roundtable
For a printable copy of her testimony, click the following link: Testimony of Maria Teresa Feliciano-Rhode Island
About DANR
The Dominican-American National Roundtable (DANR) is a non-partisan, non-profit corporation seeking to bring together the different voices of all people of Dominican origin in the United States. DANR is a national forum for analysis, planning, and action to advance the educational, economic, legal, social, cultural, and political interests of Dominican Americans. It aims to ensure for U. S. Dominicans the full exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States of America. With those objectives in mind, DANR is committed to enriching the quality of life in the United States by highlighting the contributions of Dominicans to the larger American society. www.danr.org
