Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana Llama a una Conferencia de Prensa En la Escalinata del Brooklyn Federal District Court

PARA DIFUSION IMMEDIATA
Contacto: DANR Press 202-238-0097
info@danr.org

Press advisory-Spanish

Press_advisory

(Washington, DC., Miércoles, 7 de Marzo, 2012, 8:00am) – Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana y líderes Latinos sostendrán una conferencia de prensa hoy a las 2:00pm, después de someter una objeción legal a los mapas sometidos por la Juez Federal Roann L. Mann.

-
¿Quien?:
Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana y lideres

-
¿Cuando?:
Miércoles, 7 de Marzo
2:00 pm

-
¿Donde?:
Brooklyn Courthouse United States District Court
Eastern District of New York 225 Cadman Plaza East Brooklyn, NY 11201

-
DIRECTIONS
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SUBWAYS: The following NYC subway lines stop in the vicinity of the Courthouse. The 2 and 3 trains stop at Borough Hall and Clark Street. The numbers 4, 5 and the M and R stop at Court Street/Borough hall. The A, C and F trains stop at Jay Street/Borough Hall. The A and C trains also stop a High Street. However, since this is not a very populous station, it is not recommended. BUSES: The following lines stop at Borough Hall: B25, B26, B37, B38, B41, B45, B51, B54, B61, B65, B67, B75.

NOTED & QUOTED: “Articulo tomado del Periódico Diario Libre, por ser considerado de suma importancia para los dominicanos residentes en el exterior”.

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

http://elpoderdigital.com/index.php/opiniones/296-opiniones/2387-la-politica-hacia-el-dominicano-en-el-exterior

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

Espanol

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

 

NOTED & QUOTED: RI Senator Juan M. Pichardo to Speak at the 12th NJ Dominican Affairs Conference

Espanol

Newark, NJ (February 16, 2012).-–Rhode Island State Senator Juan M. Pichardo will be the keynote speaker at the 12th Annual Dominican Affairs Conference (CODA) slated to take place this Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 8:30am to 4:00pm at Rutgers School of Law located at 123 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102.

At noon, during the Conference Plenary Luncheon, senior Senator Pichardo will deliver his keynote address titled: Participation, Contribution and Empowerment of our Community. His speech will be about how the Dominican community can seize the times, and ultimately position itself, politically, in the US.

“We invite all Dominicans and people from our diverse communities to join us in this special occasion to welcome senior Senator Pichardo, a distinguished leader of ours, praised for having the distinction of being named the first Latino elected to a R.I. Senate seat and the first Dominican-American elected to a State Senate seat in the United States,” said Dr. Maria Teresa Montilla, President of CODA.

On January 7, 2003, Juan M. Pichardo was sworn in as a State Senator representing the 2nd Senatorial district in the State of Rhode Island. Located in Providence, Senate District 2 encompasses the neighborhoods of Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle and the West End.

Senator Pichardo is currently Rhode Island Senate President Pro Tempore, 2nd Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Member, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, Member, Senate Committee on Housing and Member of the Senate Committee on Special Legislation.

In the General Assembly, he serves as Senate Deputy Majority Leader and as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Services and Transportation. In addition, Sen. Pichardo serves as Secretary of the Health and Human Services Committee. For a complete copy of his biography and exemplary services to the State of Rhode Island and the United States of America, visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/pichardo/Biography.html

Senator Pichardo will be welcomed by a sizeable delegation of leaders from northern, central, and southern New Jersey, the neighboring states of New York and Pennsylvania.

Hundreds of high school and college students, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, members of the National Dominican American Council, and people from our diverse communities will join President Maria Teresa Montilla, CODA Executive Director Amiris Perez and over forty CODA volunteers to welcome senior Senator Pichardo to the Great State of New Jersey.

The 12th Annual NJ Conference on Dominican Affairs includes a welcome reception on Friday, February 17 at 6pm at the Newark City Hall, two plenary sessions, five concurrent workshops, and the premiere of the latest thought- provoking Nestor Montilla’s original documentary “Dominican Civilization, Diaspora and Identity,” which sheds light on how the Dominican Diaspora is creating and accentuating the new identities of the Dominican people.  For a copy of the Conference program visit www.thelatinoinstitute.org.

In addition, Senator Pichardo will present as a leading panelist at the workshop After the elections, What? (Despues de la Eleccion, Que?), an interactive session dealing with the relationship between voters (the community) and their elected officials for best results.  The list of panelists includes Dr. Felix Roque, Mayor of West New York, Councilman Julio Tavarez, and NJ Commissioners Alex Mendez and Wendy Guzman. This Workshop takes place from 10:00am to 12:00 pm.

To register for the Conference click here or visit www.thelatinoinstitute.org

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

Press Contact:

www.thelatinoinstitute.org

 

DANR & National Council Leaders Testify, Again, Before NYS Redistricting Task Force & Propose A Latino Congressional Map Uniting Washington Heights in Manhattan, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights in Queens

Washington, DC (February 1, 2012). Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), Mr. Miguel Santana, DANR Chairman, and Mr. Nestor Montilla, Sr., Chairman of the National Dominican American Council, testified again, before members of the New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment at a hearing held yesterday at the Bronx Museum of Arts.

They endorsed and proposed a 3rd Hispanic Congressional District uniting Washington Heights in Manhattan, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights in Queens. For a printable copy of the map proposal click here– Fair Representation NM – Bronx Congressional Districts – New Proposal (v10.0.0)-1

The proposal was agreed to by the Northern Manhattan and West Bronx Committee for Fair Representation and prepared by Jose Bello from GLACTION, LLC.

Following are transcripts of their testimonies:

1.
Testimony of Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President Dominican American National Roundtable before The NYS LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH AND
REAPPORTIONMENT
January 31, 2012

Good afternoon  Co-Chairs SENATOR  MICHAEL F. NOZZOLIO and  MEMBER OF ASSEMBLYMAN JOHN J. MCENENY,  TASK FORCE MEMBERS

On behalf of the Dominican American National Roundtable, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to again address the Task Force regarding the redistricting of New York’s Legislature and Congress.

Back in September I appeared before you and appealed to your sense of justice and fair play in the performance of your duties of adjusting the lines of the New York State Legislature, as well as the Congress, to comply with one-person, one-vote requirements for fair representation in any legislative body across the country.

I pointed out the astonishing growth of the Latino population in the United States, and in New York specifically. A growth that, according to the principles governing the redistricting process, should be reflected in the new maps.

Traditionally, our communities have been divided for partisan and incumbency reasons; our influence been diluted; and unfairly been subjected to substantive disadvantages.

Our communities deserve fair representation at all levels of government. We can only have this representation if legislative districts are drawn fairly.

We proposed a map for Senate district 31st  that would have 60.7% Latino population, giving it the ability to elect a senator of their choice.

We are disappointed that this task force, moved towards “whitening” Senate District 31st, bringing it from 57% Latino to 56% Latino.  We request that you reconsider, and reiterate our request to strengthen Latino influence in Senate District 31st by  adding to it the Latino community from the west (Bronx), rather than extending it south to include a community that has little in common with Washington Heights.

Additionally, we propose a congressional district that will unite the communities of the West Bronx, Northern Manhattan, and Corona Queens, which encompasses fast growing Dominican-American populations that share communalities and challenges. Such district will be an appropriate response to the tremendous growth of our community in New York City, and can be created without negatively impacting other communities or violating any principles of fair apportionment.

An added and valuable benefit of creating this district will be bringing people into the political process that have previously been kept from it, and thus making government more representative of the people.

In a democracy, the principle of one person-one vote is a sacred concept. If the principle is to apply in New York, then ensuring a greater voice for Latinos in the halls of power is the greatest test facing this Task Force.

We look forward to working with the Committee to contribute in your effort to make sure that New York achieves a fair and constitutional redistricting.

Thank you,

Maria Teresa Feliciano, President
Dominican American National Roundtable

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.

.

2.
Testimony of Mr. Nestor Montilla, Sr., President National Dominican American National Council, before The NYS LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH AND
REAPPORTIONMENT
January 31, 2012

Good afternoon Co-Chairs NOZZOLIO and MCENENY,  MEMBERS of the TASK FORCE

On behalf of the National Dominican American Council I would like to thank you for the opportunity to again address the Committee regarding the redistricting of New York’s Legislature and Congress.

We have reviewed your released Assembly and Senate maps and, regarding Senate District 31, rather than increase the percentage of Latino population as we proposed back in September, you decreased it by almost 4 percentage points. We would like to reiterate our recommendation of increasing the Latino population of SD 31 to include the West Bronx community which shares many commonalities with the remaining of the district, and for reasons we outlined in our testimony back in September.

We would also like to submit for your consideration a proposal for a Congressional District that unites the Spanish speaking communities (sharing national origin, religion, economic ties, family ties) living in the corridor of: Corona, Queens to University Heights/Kingsbridge in the Bronx to Washington Heights in Manhattan, NY.

.
“Driving” Geography of the Proposed Hispanic Congressional District:

1)Broadway northbound from 140 street until 207 street
. 2) From Broadway, 207 street in Manhattan, crossing the bridge eastward into W. Fordham Road and into Bronx and Pelham Parkway
. 3) Hutchison River Parkway southbound crossing the Whitestone Bridge into Route 678
. 4) Northern Boulevard westbound until 77th street.

Neighborhoods within proposed Hispanic Congressional District

New York County:
•    Hamilton Heights (Hispanic voting districts from 140th Street northbound Broadway)
•    Washington Heights
•    Inwood
•    Marbel Hill

In Bronx County:
•    University Heights
•    Kingsbridge (south)
•    Bedford Park – Fordham University – Bronx Zoo
•    Morris Park
•    Westchester (east)
•    Throgs Neck – Locust point + Schuylerville

In Queens County
1)    College Point
2)    North Corona
3)    Corona
4)    Jackson Heights (east)

As we have indicated to you before, the Spanish Speaking population of the state of New York has grown exponentially in the last ten years, meriting the opportunity to elect their candidate of choice in an additional Majority-Minority Congressional Hispanic District.  Spanish Speaking communities will be better represented in the US Congress by a Spanish Speaking Representative – if they choose and have the opportunity to elect one.

.
Immigrant communities from the Dominican Republic are one single community of interest mostly concentrated in three New York City neighborhoods: Corona in Queens, University Heights/Kingsbridge in the Bronx, and in Washington Heights in Manhattan.

.
The majority of the New York City and New York State Elected Officials from Dominican American origin represent constituencies from these three neighborhoods: two state senators, two state assembly representatives, and thee New York City Council Members.

Creating this Congressional District seems to be the most logical step towards affording this community fair and equitable representation.

We look forward to working with the Task Force to contribute in its effort to make sure that New York achieves a fair and constitutional redistricting.

Thank you,

Nestor Montilla, Sr., President
National Dominican American Council (NDAC)

About NDAC

The National Dominican American Council (NDAC) is a civic-community-engagement and public relations entity composed of over 120 local member councils in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the role of setting the national agenda of the Dominican American National Roundtable and advocating for the socio-economic and political enfranchisement of all Latinos and Dominican-Americans in areas concerning education, economic development, health, immigration and community empowerment.

.

3.

Testimony of DANR Chairman Mr. Miguel Santana, DANR Chairman:

Good Afternoon Members of the Task Force,

My name is Miguel Santana, Chair Man of the Dominican American National Roundtable and as a Bronx resident who lives at 3064 Bailey Ave., I want to thank you for the opportunity to address this body regarding the current redistricting process.

I request that in drawing the new legislative districts in the state of New York, you consider communities of common interests, more specifically the rapid growth of the Latino population. As per the 2010 Census, Latinos are the largest minority group in New York State and the new legislative map should reflect this change.  This approach 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.

Until the early 1980s, Hispanic representation in Congress lingered in the single digits. The gains in Hispanic office-holding during the 1980s and 1990s can be attributed in part to the passage and implementation of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The VRA facilitated the establishment of numerous majority-minority districts, in which minority voters constitute a majority of the relevant population, be it total population, voting-age population (VAP), or citizen voting-age population (CVAP).

The electoral benefits of majority-minority districts became evident after the 1990 round of redistricting. State legislatures constructed ten new majority-Latino districts, and shortly thereafter seven Hispanic freshmen joined the House of Representatives.

Justice O’Connor defended this radical change in section 5 by citing five sociological studies that she claimed suggested that “the most effective way to maximize minority voting strength may be to create more influence or coalitional districts.”  The majority-minority districts remain the primary means through which Hispanic communities can elect their preferred candidates.

Today we have three communities of common interest that join our Latino population.  These communities are Washington Heights in Manhattan, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights in Queens. The common thread that bonds these communities together are their educational trajectory, social consciousness and entrepreneurial spirit.  Collectively they fuel the local economy through the development and patronage of small businesses such as, barber shops, beauty salons, multi services, grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and car services.

In closing, I ask you to approve a new legislative map that joins the Latino population of Washington Heights, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights communities of Queens. Ultimately, establishing a majority Latino district will provide us the opportunity to elect a congress member of our choice.

Thank you

Miguel Santana

NYS Task Force on Redistricting Announces Its Second Round of Public Hearings

Washington, DC (January 26, 2011). The New York State Legislative Task Force on Redistricting (LATFOR) published drafts of its NYS Assembly and Senate proposed maps and announced a series of hearings around the state seeking input from the general public.

Map proposals and hearing schedule are available on LATFOR website at http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/

The Task Force must propose also districts for the U.S. Congress. Those proposals are expected to be released in a few weeks.

For a printable copy of the hearing schedule, click here.  NYS Legislative Task Force Hearing Schedule

 

RESERVE LA FECHA: El 28 de Julio Usted y su Familia Estan Invitados a Unirse a Miles de Dominicanos y Latinos en Washington, DC

-English-

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.

DANR Introduces Redistricting Maps in Rhode Island For Fair Representation for Latinos

Se Funda Concilio Dominico Americano Local de Perth Amboy en New Jersey

Washington, DC (Martes 13 de diciembre del 2011).–La Mesa Redonda y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano fundaron un  concilio local en Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Entre los miembros fundadores presentes se incluyen a los siguientes líderes: Demetrio Almonte, Samuel Lebreault, Bernabe Francisco, Isabel Francisco, Milady Tejada, Artimedes Restituyo, Frank Salado, Victor Collado, Fausto Diaz y Victor Coronado.

Youth community organizer Victor Coronado fue nombrado coordinador de concilios locales en el Sur del Estado de New Jersey, incluyendo New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Atlantic City, Camden, Trenton, Vineland, and Lakewood.

Acerca del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC)

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 y la Islas Vírgenes, con la función de determinar la agenda nacional dominico americana. En alianza mancomunada con la Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana, NDAC aboga por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de nuestras communidades en áreas concernientes a educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración, vivienda y apoderamiento comunitario (nationalcouncil@danr.org).

Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana / Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR)

DANR es la única corporacion 501 (c) (3) no partidista y sin fines de lucro con sede en Washington, DC, completamente dedicada a la investigación y abogacía por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios. DANR es presidida por un Presidente Nacional, un Presidente Nacional de Jóvenes, una Junta de 15 directores estatales compuesta por líderes y profesionales, un cabinete ejecutivo que incluye un chairman, un tesorero, vicepresidentes estatales, una Vice Presidente representando Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes Americanas y un comité de directores en educación, desarrollo económico, membresía y entre otras áreas, apoderamiento político (www.danr.org).

Reuniones de Apoderamiento en Massachusetts, Rhode Island y Connecticut

–ACENTUACION OMITIDA–

Washington, DC  (12 de diciembre del 2011).— Culminando un año repleto de actividades y cursos de capacitacion de liderazgo estrategico  a traves de los Estados Unidos de America y territorios, concentrandose en centros urbanos con poblacion dominicana, La Mesa Redonda y El Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano concluyeron el sabado 10 y domingo 11 de diciembre del 2011 con sesiones de trabajo en Massachusetts, Rhode Island y Connecticut.

En Massachusetts, lideres y funcionarios locales y estatales, entre los que se encontraba el Representante Estatal Marcos Devers,  se reunieron el domingo 11 en Nate Smith House localizada en 55 Lamartine Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

Durante sus palabras de bienvenida, Devers presento una proclama de la Legislatura Estatal reconociendo a la Dra. Maria Teresa Feliciano, Presidente de la Mesa Redonda, por su liderazgo de mas de tres decadas en Los Estados Unidos y por su vision de conducir el destino de la comunidad nacional dominicana hacia la prosperidad y apoderamiento socio-economico y politico. Devers hizo enfasis en la contribucion y cabildeo eficaz de la Dra. Feliciano y de la Mesa Redonda a favor de un proceso de redistribucion de distritos legislativos  justo que resulte en apoderamiento de los dominicanos que residen en Massachusetts.

Destaco que la poblacion dominicana en el estado continua creciendo. Segun los datos del Censo 2000, el numero de dominicanos en Massachusetts era 67,616. Actualmente el numero es 103, 292 convirtiendo al estado en el 4to en los Estados Unidos, en poblacion dominicana. El crecimiento poblacional de la comunidad en la ultima decada alcanzo un 52.8 por ciento.

El sabado 10 de diciembre, antes de la reunion en Boston, la Presidente Feliciano y Nestor Montilla, Chairman del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano, visitaron New Haven y Hartford en el Estado de Connecticut, donde sostuvieron reuniones estrategicas con lideres de la comunidad dominicana, incluyendo los activistas Olga de la Rosa y Elvis Tejada.  La agenda de trabajo  de la Mesa Redonda para el año entrante incluye una plenaria estatal con la comunidad dominicana en Connecticut.

Chairman Montilla compartio datos oficiales del Censo sobre el numero de dominicanos en el estado.  La poblacion dominicana asciende a unos 26,093, reflejando un crecimiento de un 110.4 %. En el 2000 habian unos 12, 401 dominicanos en Connecticut.  Hoy ocupa el septimo lugar en Estados Unidos en poblacion dominicana.

Luego de visitar Connecticut, la Presidente de la Mesa Redonda y el Chairman del Concilio Nacional sostuvieron una session estrategica en el Estado de Rhode Island con el Honorable Juan Pichardo, Senador Estatal, la Honorable Grace Diaz, Asambleista, Victor Capellan, ex Presidente de la Mesa Redonda, y la lider comunal Everin Perez, quien fungio por muchos años en la Junta de Directores del DANR.

El Estado de Rhode Island ocupa el sexto lugar en poblacion dominicana en USA. De acuerdo al Censo 2010, la poblacion alcanza unos 35,008, de 24,753 en el año 2000. Se estima que el crecimiento poblacional dominicano en el estado durante la ultima decada fue de un 41.4%.

Las proximas reuniones del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano y de la Mesa Redonda se efecturaran en el transcurso de la semana, incluyendo una en Perth Amboy, NJ, donde se formalizara el nombramiento de Victor Coronado como coordinador de concilios locales en el sur del Estado de New Jersey.

Esta semana en el  Estado de Rhode Island, se incluye testimonio y sumision de mapas legislativos a la Comision Estatal de Resdistricting por La Mesa Redonda y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano. Los mapas sugeridos ofrecen a los Latinos mas oportunidadesde lanzarse como candidatos a puestos estatales y locales.

Ademas, durante las actividades pautadas en Providence se efectuara una reunion para juramentar nuevos concilios locales y nombrar coordinadores regionales y locales.

En resumen, este fin de semana vio la formalizacion de nuevos concilios locales y el nombramiento de coordinadores regionales en New England.  Durante la reunion llevada a cabo en Boston este pasado domingo, la lider comunitaria Magali Troncoso fue nombrada co0rdinadora general de los concilios locales en el Estado de Massachusetts. Similarmente la activista y empresaria Dhinora Sanchez fue nombrada coordinadora local de los concilios de Lynn, MA y el joven lider Kendrys Vazquez fue fombrado coordinador del concilio local de Lawrence, MA.

Magalis Troncoso Lama:

Magalis Troncoso Lama Oriunda de la República Dominicana.

Inmigró a los Estados Unidos en el 1994 con un bachillerato en periodismo.

Obtuvo también un bachillerato en servicios comunitarios de la Universidad de Massachusetts en Boston, y una maestria en Administración de la Univesidad de Phoenix.

Magalis es reconocida como una activista comunitaria por más de 15 años, trabajando en diferentes organizaciones sin fines lucro y organizando en el area de inmigracion, vivienda, reforma de welfare, educacion bilingue, violencia domestica, liderazgo Latino y derecho de los trabajadores inmigrantes.

En la actualidad es administradora del Centro de Desarrollo Dominicano y trabaja como directora de organizacion en la Coalición de Inquilinos de Boston.

Kendrys Vásquez:

Kendrys Vásquez es un joven lider comunitario con la meta y visión de mejorar su comunidad. Graduado con un doble bachillerato en Ciencias Politicas y Comunicación de Merrimack College, donde asistio en beca estudiantil por merito academico gracias al programa “Accept the Challenge”.

Recientemente fue electo Concejal por el Distrito C de la Ciudad de Lawrence, convirtiendose en la persona mas joven nacido en la República Dominicana en obtener una pocisión electa en los Estados Unidos y el Concejal más joven de la Ciudad en el próximo termino.

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 posision.

La participacion comunitaria de Kendrys incluye un sin numero de eventos locales y nacionales; trabajo con el ex-congresista Martin Meehan, en las campañas del actual Gobernador Deval Patrick y la actual congresista Niki Tsongas; y en varias campañas politicas 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 academicos.  Tambien es miembro de la Directiva de Semana Hispana en Lawrence, Inc. y Arlington Community Trabajando, Inc.

En el 2005 fue selecionado 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 selecionados.

Actualmente, Kendrys Vásquez recide en la ciudad de Lawrence y trabaja como Coordinador de Recreación en Arc of Greater Lawrence, una división de CLASS, Inc.

Dinorah Méndez BSW, M.Ed.:

Con más de 20 años de experiencia en el campo de la salud y educaciόn pública y como activista comunitaria Dinorah Méndez, ha trabajado con individuos, familias y diversos grupos en el área de la salud mental y la educaciόn. En los últimos años se ha dedicado al área del bienestar físico y ambiental que nos afecta a todos. Su experiencia abarca consejería, facilitaciόn de terapia individual y de grupos  para víctimas de violencia  doméstica y asalto sexual, además de consejería académica y crecimiento personal.

Con su vasta experiencia en el área de los negocios y pequeña empresa, se ha convertido en una maestra e instrutora de desarrollo personal para empresarios y empleados.

La Licenciada Méndez ha publicado artículos, investigaciones  y planea escribir sobre tiene técnicas para lograr un mejor balance en desarrollo personal e interacciόn social.

Algunos de los talleres y seminarios presentados por Dinorah incluyen:

Abuso Infantil, Autismo, Desόrdenes de conducta   ADHD,  Adolescentes que abusan, Desarrollo Humano  niños, adultos, Desόrdenes  pre post Menopausa, Tόxicos en el hogar, Como cuidar el Medio Ambiente, Sanando Heridas and Logrando Metas.

Acerca del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC)

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 y la Islas Vírgenes, con la función de determinar la agenda nacional dominico americana. En alianza mancomunada con la Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana, NDAC aboga por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de nuestras communidades en áreas concernientes a educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración, vivienda y apoderamiento comunitario (nationalcouncil@danr.org).

Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana / Dominican American National Roundtable (DNAR)

DANR es la única corporacion 501 (c) (3) no partidista y sin fines de lucro con sede en Washington, DC, completamente dedicada a la investigación y abogacía por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios. DANR es presidida por un Presidente Nacional, un Presidente Nacional de Jóvenes, una Junta de 15 directores estatales compuesta por líderes y profesionales, un cabinete ejecutivo que incluye un chairman, un tesorero, vicepresidentes estatales, una Vice Presidente representando Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes Americanas y un comité de directores en educación, desarrollo económico, membresía y entre otras áreas, apoderamiento político (www.danr.org).

“

« Previous Page — Next Page »