2018 has not been an easy year for Latino community, mainly because of three reasons, first the plan that seeks to end with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, the second reason was in January this year, nearly two hundred thousand Salvadorans who have lived in the United States for more than a decade under a program known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) were deported as a consequence of losing their protected status. In third place, in June 2018 The Department of Justice of the United States, announced a zero tolerance policy causing the separation of immigrant children from their asylum seeker parents.
Fortunately, there are philanthropic organizations that work to strengthen Latino equity, leadership, and voice. For example, Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP), is an organization helping Latino nonprofits access funds and develop their leadership so they can effectively address the most pressing issues facing Hispanic communities. Organizations like HIP are playing key roles in different fields, first they act as a conscience for the philanthropic sector, advocating for the Latino community, promoting a more prosperous society. Secondly, they recognize the potential of some Hispanic nonprofits, and promote them, so foundations are more likely to see them and support their work. In third place, they encourage Latinos to invest in their own communities.
Besides the amazing work that some organizations are making for the Latino community, there is much work left to do. Hispanic communities are facing enormous challenges and we should be prepared to overcome the upcoming difficulties. We expect many more Latinos leading community foundations, we anticipate Hispanic leaders that can serve their communities, and open an interesting debate with different points of view.
Finally, we all can help to make America a more inclusive and diverse country, a place where everybody can feel safe and part of this amazing country.