Latino Mobilization/Por La Paz Network
Overview
The Latino mobilization component of the Center on Culture, Immigration and Youth Violence Prevention, called Por La Paz Network, is organizing the Latino community in Oakland, California to:
- Identify specific community needs and priorities in order to prevent Latino youth from engaging in risky and violent behavior
- Develop creative and viable solutions to the high rate of violence among Latino youth in Oakland
The methods used to accomplish these goals include but are not limited to data gathering, information dissemination, and youth and community involvement.
Past and Present Activities
The Latino community mobilization effort began in November 2005. Through monthly meetings, participants determine the mobilization effort’s approach and organization and identify short and long term activities and goals to address Latino youth violence in Oakland. Over 400 individuals, representing Latino community-based organizations, youth grassroots groups, public health representatives, educators, parents, health promoters, youth, probation, and law enforcement representatives, have been part of the organizing process.
Por La Paz Network organized a peace summit, held in March 2007 at Havenscourt Community of Smalls Schools, to strengthen the Latino community, provide workshops for youth and parents, and share resources. The event was a success, with free food, childcare, entertainment, and more than 250 participants.
Since the peace summit, Por La Paz Network has continued to meet monthly to discuss Latino youth violence prevention in Oakland. Por La Paz Network raised funds and secured in-kind donations to provide Spanish translation for Fruits of War, a compelling documentary about gang violence and immigration issues. In April 2008, the Network organized a film screening of Fruits of War; the event included panelists and small group discussions.
Also in 2008, Por La Paz and the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) worked together on compiling a new publication, titled Directory of Services for Latino Youth in Oakland, CA. Another recent NCCD resource, Latino/Hispanic Youth in Oakland: Data Report, provides statistics on Latino youth in various areas including education, health and juvenile justice.
Recently, Por La Paz members decided to shift the group’s focus slightly. Instead of focusing on larger projects, the group will meet regularly for networking and resource sharing, as well as topic-specific education and information sharing. This new model was demonstrated when Por La Paz Network held a successful mini-conference about domestic violence. Other strategies for information sharing include hosting screenings of relevant films.
Benefits
The benefits of participating in Por La Paz are myriad. They include:
- Invaluable networking
- Education on a variety of topics, including best practices in juvenile justice advocacy; local youth development resources; innovative work in domestic violence prevention; and health statistics on Latinos at the national, state, and local level.
- Resource sharing, including receiving information on agency services, new grant applications, and data sources
- Potential partnerships
- Opportunities to address youth violence in the Latino community
- Opportunities to be involved in an action-oriented group
- Opportunities to suggest activities that are important to you
- Sharing community news and events
- Free food and beverages provided
Por La Paz Network meetings are generally held on the second Monday of the month, from 4:30-6:30 pm, in Oakland. Interested organizations and individuals are invited to attend.
For More Information
To learn more about Por La Paz Network (including details about upcoming meetings) or to get involved, contact Jesus Verduzco at (510) 866-5360.
