Symposium 2000 — Policy Dialogues
Position papers for each major topic area were distributed to all participants, and experts in the various fields brought forward facts regarding the state of Latinas. This in turn served as an impetus for interactive policy dialogue. The following summaries highlight key points that are direct outcomes of the panels.
- Health: As an overarching theme, the institutionalization of cultural competence and linguistic access, extending health education programs through community organizations and the promotion of research and data ran consistently through each of the issues brought forward (Access, Domestic Violence, Incarcerated Latinas, Mental Health, Chronic Disease and Reproductive Health).
- Education: Specific recommendations were brought forward for K-12 school districts, family support for childrens' rights and access to opportunities, access for immigrants in higher education and external influences that impact Latinas in the education pipeline generally.
- Business/Economic Development: The overall support of living wage initiatives and protection of human rights of disenfranchised sectors were central to specific recommendations for each of the entities discussed - nonprofits, entrepreneur and corporate.
- Public Policy: Speakers addressed constituency outreach and marketing that would unite our efforts and strengthen our voting power, hiring strategies and necessary appointments in the development and fundraising fields, communication mechanisms that build partnerships and keep people well informed and building Latina leadership institutes.