Anuncios de COHO

December COHO Meeting

2008-11-28T16:32:00.000-06:00

The Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will hold its general membership meeting on Friday, December 5, 2008. The meeting will be held at El Centro Administrative offices, 650 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas, at 8 a.m. Parking is available on Minnesota Avenue.

If you would like to make an announcement please plan to arrive early, as a sign up sheet will be available. Eight two-minute announcements will be allotted at the end of the meeting agenda.

September meeting / Change in leadership

2008-09-04T20:05:00.001-05:00

¡Hola!

Don’t forget COHO meeting this Friday, September 5^th at Penn Valley Community College , Campus Center , room 503 at 8:00a.m. To view the agenda, haz una click aqui

Also, as some of you may know since August 18, 2008 , I have been immersed in orientation and training for my new position as a Conciliation Specialist with the Community Relations Service, U.S. Department of Justice. Accordingly, due to concerns regarding the potential for conflict of interest, I have resigned as President of the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and as Chair of the Civil Rights Committee.

Christina Esteban, who was elected COHO Vice President earlier this year, has assumed the role of President of the Board of Directors of The Coalition of Hispanic Organizations. Christina has a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise, having served as COHO coordinator from 2002 - 2004. I have been very impressed with her abilities and potential over the years and believe that she will be an exceptional and capable leader in our local metropolitan Hispanic community. She and I are working on a smooth transition and will soon have her email address set up at with the COHO email account so that, in the near future, you will begin receiving COHO updates and information directly from her.

I will send out a separate email regarding the new Chair of the COHO Civil Rights Committee.

Finally, I want to personally thank those of you who have supported me in my efforts during the past few years as COHO president. I am honored to have participated in the development of COHO as Past President and as an ex-oficio member of the board during this transition period.

¡Mil gracias! Thank you.

Rita &:)

August COHO meeting

2008-07-31T17:39:00.002-05:00

Please click on link for August meeting agenda. The general meeting will be held at El Centro, Inc 650 Minnesota Avenue KCK at 8am, August 1 2008.

Main presenters include::

KC Convention and Visitors Bureau - Ruth Batts Terrell, Director of Strategic Partnerships

Kansas Hispanic and Latino Affairs Commission – Steve Cisneros, Executive Director

Announcements will be made by:

ACLU (Voter Protection Program);American Heart Association, (smoke free legislative efforts in KCK); Health Care Foundation,(Safety Net Request for Proposal);HUD, ( free Grant Writing training);Kansas City MO School District, (positions available);MANA de KC, (upcoming Semillas event);Metropolitan Community College - Penn Valley, Carrie Pickerel-Brooks, Ed.D., Chair - Education/Child Growth and Development -(Call Me MISTER program); UMKC Hispanic Law Students Association, (scholarship program for minority students to attend UMKC Law School entitled "Pipeline to the Future Scholarship");US Census Bureau, (employment opportunities); YouthFriends (services offered)

June COHO Meeting at El Centro, KCK

2008-06-05T15:54:00.001-05:00

¡Hola!
Just want to remind you that the June meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will be held at El Centro, Inc, 650 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS tomorrow morning Friday, June 6, 2008 at 8:00a.m..

Our guest presenter will be Brenda Sharpe, President and CEO of the REACH Foundation, she will be accompanied by foundation staff.

The REACH Healthcare Foundation was established in 2003 with proceeds from the sale of Health Midwest, a regional nonprofit healthcare organization purchased by Hospital Corporation of America. The Foundation, incorporated in Kansas, received 20 percent of the net proceeds of the Health Midwest assets through Health Midwest’s successor organization, the Community Health Group (CHG).

The REACH Foundation was approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in May 2004, and the following month received nearly $100 million in initial assets. The Foundation later received an additional $10 million in assets from CHG. These assets have since grown to $142.5 million.

Over the past four years, the Foundation has awarded more than $8.3 million in grants. Grant and program support has increased from $1.7 million in 2005 to $4.8 million in 2007.

Since its establishment, the Foundation has focused its investments in three areas – safety-net health services, oral health and mental health. In addition, the Foundation has funded and/or helped launch several initiatives in the areas of
children's oral health, the nursing workforce, the HPV vaccine, medical homes, strengthened safety-net care, healthcare reform analysis and a regional health journalism fellowship program.

Our second presenter will be Amy Mulligan Kennedy, Greater Kansas City Council of Philanthropy, Education and Members Services Manager. Amy will speak on the Council's efforts to provide board training to candidates who are new to serving on non profit boards or who would like to brush up on their skills. The Council is encouraging members of the Latino, African American and other communities of people of color to consider non profit board membership.

Lastly, if you are interested in making a two minute announcement at the meeting, you may sign up before the meeting. We allow up to eight announcements at the COHO meeting. The agenda can be accessed by clicking here. Look forward to seeing you at our COHO meeting tomorrow morning. ¡Mil gracias! - Rita

COHO Meeting this morning at LINC offices

2008-05-02T07:45:00.000-05:00

Hola!
Reminder: LINC (Local Investment Commission) is hosting the COHO meeting this morning, Friday, May 2nd at 8a.m.. To view the agenda, haz una clique aqui.

The meeting location will be at LINC offices at 3100 Broadway, Room 109. Penntower building, just east of PVCC. To view minutes of the last meeting haz una clique aqui.

Free visitor parking on first floor of attached parking garage - enter on Broadway.

Thank you -- Rita

COHO April Meeting at El Centro, Inc.

2008-04-03T15:11:00.003-05:00

Hola!

Tomorrow, April 4th, the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will hold their April meeting at El Centro, Inc. , 650 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS at 8:00a.m.

Main presenters will be Armando Diaz, past president of KCHACE, Kansas City Hispanic Association of Contractor's Enterprises - they will update us on Minority Business issues in regard to KCMO downtown development - KCHACE filed a lawsuit with regard to minority goal achievement at the H & R Block World Center; and El Centro, Inc. – Patricia Pereyra, Homeownership Counselor/Loan Processor, El Centro, Inc. will give info about the NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center

Other community announcements include:

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, the blue ribbon is the symbol for the awareness campaign. Patty will speak about the campaign and pass out ribbons.

3/8 cents renewal sales tax for the “keep the busses rolling” campaign.

Hispanic Day at Jefferson City on April 22, 2008

LULAC National Educational Service Centers Mentoring Program
WECAN coalition’s pro-affirmative action work and to ask organizations to join the effort.,
Metropolitan Community College Library/ESL Open House, MCC - Longview - April 19th
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) Bi-lingual Therapist position (Spanish-speaking) currently opens at MOCSA.
Update on legislative issues in Kansas regarding immigration.

To print and download the agenda for tomorrow's meeting haz una clique aqui

March 2008 COHO meetingu

2008-03-06T12:50:00.001-06:00

Hola!
On Friday, March 7, 2008, the March meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will be held at Penn Valley Community College in the Rm 503 located in the Campus Center, 3201Southwest Trafficway, KCMO at 8:00a.m..

Main presenter, Metropolitan Community Colleges Chancellor Jackie Snyder, will be accompanied by representatives of all campuses of the MCC system in the Greater KC area . Chancellor Snyder will begin the COHO presentation no later than 8:30a.m. Haz una click aqui to see the agenda will be posted on the blog later today.

Elections of board members will also occur at the meeting. COHO members (who have paid in advance or made arrangement to pay prior to the meeting) will be eligible to vote and/or be elected.

We allow up to 8 community announcements(2 minutes maximum) at the meeting. Arrangements must be made in advance of the meeting.

February COHO meeting 02/01/08

2008-02-01T01:37:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow's COHO meeting will be held at El Centro, Inc. , 650 Minnesota, KCK at 8a.m.

Guest presenter will be Elias Garcia, Kansas Departement of Corrections. Elias is responsible for Diversity Recruitment

To see the agenda, click on the link

The meeting will be canceled if either the KCK or KCMO school districts are closed due to weather.

January 2008 COHO meeting

2007-12-24T11:30:00.000-06:00

I invited Wayne Cauthen, KCMO City Manager as the main presenter for our January meeting and he has accepted. The meeting will be held on January 4th at 8am at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 1050 West Pennway Blvd., KCMO. To view the agenda, haz una click aqui.

This invitation follows up on the intent of the reception held for him in November by Mattie Rhodes Counseling and Arts Center, KC Hispanic News and the Hispanic Chamber to welcome Wayne to the Hispanic community and initiate regular communication with him on procurement and employment opportunities with the city.

Wayne A. Cauthen was appointed City Manager of Kansas City, Missouri in April 2003. Mr. Cauthen is currently focusing his efforts on downtown infrastructure and development issues, expanding international economic development, implementing a citywide recycling program, and improving basic services to citizens. Mr. Cauthen brings to the office more than 25 years of professional experience in both the public and private sector.

As the city's chief administrator, the City Manager is responsible for making city government run efficiently and economically. The City Manager serves and advises the mayor and City Council, appoints most department directors and prepares a proposed annual budget for council consideration. The City Manager also enforces municipal laws and ordinances and coordinates city operations and programs.

Our first meeting of 2008 will also include 2 mini presentations:

1.) Lelain Lorenzen, Media Relations & Marketing Coordinator, about MCC-Business & Technology/Line Tech Workers Program (partners are KCP&L, Aquila, and Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative). MCC is aggressively recruiting for this program since 30-50% of line technicians are expected to retire in the next five-10 years.

2) Debra Stanley. Program Coordinator and Matt Milbrodt, Information Service Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau. The 2010 census is gearing up and there are multiple employment opportunities and partnering opportunities available.

Please let me know by return email if you wish to make an announcement at the meeting as very few will be allowed with this agenda.

Nos vemos next year. Until then, be safe and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! - Rita

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!

Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others

2007-12-09T15:08:00.000-06:00

Thank you to those who came to the COHO December meeting at El Centro!

Below please find an interesting opportunity to all who are concerned and interested in being more involved in working with young people in our community.

The NAACP is coordinating an interesting program to work directly with the youth. There is a great need for Spanish speaking volunteers. The volunteers are asked to come to the District offices and make phone calls to students who have been identified by the District. They provide info they receive that is inhibiting the students attendance to the District. The School District takes care of the rest.

Although the training program has passed, the information is still timely and there are still sessions that are open for volunteers. This is a significant way to help to make a difference in the lives of those who have dropped out of school. (I prefer the term as push-out, actually)

*****

From the NAACP:

This is your opportunity to partner with the School District in a positive way to help children. Consider joining this cadre of community volunteers. It IS good for the children! Thanks!

Assist in recruitment efforts by sharing this information with others. Thanks!

A CALL FOR ACTION To Rescue Our Children!

You are invited to join a cadre of community volunteers

in support of a select group of Kansas City , Missouri

School District (KCMSD) children:

*“Drop-Out Recovery Program”

The Kansas City , Missouri NAACP Branch, under the leadership of its Education Committee, is in partnership with the Kansas City , Missouri School District (KCMSD) for a special activity. After several months of teamwork, we have agreed to assist the KCMSD with a community-action plan that encourages dropouts to earn high school diplomas.

*One-hour blocks of time for 1st Phase of Recovery will be held on Thursdays, except holidays, beginning December 6, 2007 and ending on Thursday, February 28, 2008 . Hourly slots of time are 4 -5, 5-6, 6-7, and 7-8 PM. After you call and speak with parent or dropout, write information on written form provided by District, your task is complete. District personnel will retrieve information and provide ALL follow-up to help empower students to return to the school system.

2nd Training Program and Demonstration for New Volunteers

(1st-Round Trainees are welcome to attend)

Thursday, November 29, 2007

4:30 to 5:30 PM

Board of Education Building , 1211 McGee, Kansas City , MO

1^st Floor, Conference Room (across from Security Desk)

Free parking

FACILITATORS

Edward Marquez, Director of Pupil Services, KCMSD

Beverly Swinney, Alternative Placement Coordinator, KCMSD

Other District support staff

For additional information and scheduling a Volunteer Time Slot, contact Rosa James, NAACP Education Chair, at (816) 923-2983 OR (816) 305-6533.

MARQUE SUS CALENDARIOS! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

2007-11-29T15:24:00.000-06:00

COHO DECEMBER MEETING to be held on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7th at El Centro, Inc. 650 Minnesota Avenue, KCK 66101. Meeting will be held from 8a.m. - 9:30a.m. Special Presenter - Jill Ann Shackelford, Ed.D., Superintendent, Kansas City, KS School District

INFO ABOUT DR. SHACKLEFORD:
Dr. Jill Shackelford became superintendent of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools on July 1, 2005. She is the first female superintendent in the 138-year history of the school district.

Shackelford joined the KCK district in 1997 as an executive director for curriculum services. She was named an assistant superintendent in 1998. Before joining the KCK district, Shackelford was executive director of student learning in the Turner Public Schools, which is a neighboring school district.

Shackelford is active in community organizations. She is a member of the KCK Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the KCK Women's Chamber of Commerce, the KCK Downtown Kiwanis Club, and is President of the Board of Directors for the Children's Museum of Kansas City. In March 2006, Shackelford was honored by the KCK Community College Intercultural Center as one of the "Women Builders of Communities and Dreams."

Shackelford began her career as an elementary school teacher in Oklahoma in 1966. She has been an administrator for 20 years, beginning as an elementary school principal in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Shackelford received her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1966, her master's in curriculum and instruction in 1983, and her doctorate in 1992, all from Oklahoma State University.

Shackelford has three grown daughters who are teachers. Two are teachers of French. One is a vocal music teacher.

Dr. Shackelford writes a weekly column in the Kansas City, Kansan.

*****************
OTHER EVENTS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING:

Baile de la Justicia - this Friday evening - November 30, 2007
As most of you know, Comprehensive Immigration Reform didn’t pass this year; however, that cannot keep us from continuing to move forward with this incredible Immigrant Rights Movement. Our immigration system and laws still need to be changed. We CAN make this happen if we join together, strengthen our voices and continue our advocacy efforts.

Join in this most important Movement! Brush off your dancing shoes and join El Centro and hundreds of others as we ALL Dance for Justice this Friday night at the Kansas National Guard Armory at 7pm (See attached flyer for details).

It’s going to be a great event and you don’t want to miss out on the fun! Las Tortugas restaurant will start selling their famous tacos de carne asada at 7pm and at 8pm, the complimentary salsa lesson begins. At 8:45pm, Makuza, a live, well-known, salsa band will entertain, followed by Los Guerreros de Olea (Nortena music) and Sombra de la Sierra (Duranguense).

Throughout the night, Kara Lineweber, Public Policy Associate, and other El Centro, Inc. staff members will be registering people to vote and giving out information on how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in this Movement!

Urban League Difference Maker Awards Day Luncheon
Tuesday, December 4th, the Urban League is holding its 50th Annual Difference Maker Awards Day Luncheon at 11:45am at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The cost of the tickets is $85. Gwen Grant, President and CEO of the Urban League has arranged for COHO members to purchase tickets at a special rate to sit at the COHO table.

Please let me know, by return email, if you wish to attend the Urban League luncheon and I will provide you with further details.

From Brother Jim Krause - "CITIZENSHIP DAY"
Dear friends,
Are you able to volunteer as an interpreter for Saturday, Dec 8, anytime from 8 am to 5 pm ?
St. Aloysius Parish, KCMO is having a "Citizenship Day" where 4 lawyers in the morning and 4 others in the afternoon will be volunteering their time to help immigrants with GREEN CARDS to start their filing for citizenship. (Prospect and 11th St = St. Aloysius)
We need some volunteers to interview clients before they see a lawyer. We need some to work alongside non-Spanish-speaking lawyers. We need some to take photos of the clients. Because only a few will be able to spend the entire day, we will need about 25 to fill all the slots during the day.
If you can give some time, or even the entire day, whatever you can give, please let me know as soon as you can. We are making a grid with names and times so that we can hopefully fill in all the time slots.
If you know of other bilingual persons who might be willing to help out, would you please contact them and have them e-mail me if they choose to help? Thanks.

Thanks,
Brother Jim Krause - 816/231-1886

Invisible No Longer - rsvp Requested

2007-11-14T14:25:00.000-06:00

The Office for Social Justice and the Hispanic Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are hosting a film festival entitled Invisible No Longer, Thursday November 15 at 7:30 pm at UMKC.

The films shown will be short documentaries that depict the undocumented immigrant experience. The films’ director Juan Carlos Frey will be on hand to answer questions and lead a discussion on the immigration issue.

Any help promoting this event would be appreciated.

Invisible No Longer, Exploring the Immigration Issue through Film

Thursday November 15 at UMKC 7:30 p.m.
Royall Hall, Room 111, 800 East 52nd Street (Near the corner of 52nd and Rockhill Rd)
Kansas City, Missouri

This event is free but seating is limited to reserve seating please call:

(913) 281-6644 or email hispanicsec@archkck.org

Job opening posting presented at 11/02 meeting

2007-11-05T10:41:00.000-06:00

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - LABOR CUSTODIAN

Attached is the announcement for Labor Custodian, LV 03, for Kansas City MO. This exam is for Veterans Preference. Please post the attachment where it is visible to customers, as well as employees, to share with family members or friends.

This announcement will be open from November 5 - 30th, 2007. They will need the announcement #211842 to apply either on the internet www.usps.com/emloyment or call the Commercial #1-478-757-3199. Applicants can only apply once per Announcement Number. Duplicate applications will not be accepted. PLEASE LISTEN TO THE PROMPTS.

You will also be receiving the announcement for the Battery Exam 473 (clerk, mailhandler and city carrier) that will open for the Mid-America District on December 3 - 14th, 2007. This will be to SIGN UP ONLY..........and the exam will be administered some time after the first of the year.

ALSO, ATTENTION:

This is to inform you that Maintenance Exam, (931) General Maintenance for Building Equipment Mechanic LV 08 and Maintenance Mechanic LV 06 ONLY; (932) Electronic Technician LV 11; and (933) Maintenance Mechanic MPE LV 08 will open to the "PUBLIC" October 15, 2007 and close December 28, 2007, for the Kansas City MO METRO AREA ONLY.........

Please post all THREE MAINTENANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS in your facility (visible in lunchroom, workroom, lobby,etc) and share with those that are interested in working for the POSTAL SERVICE.

Instructions on how to apply are on the announcement. The announcement number, which there are three different announcements, is required in order to sign up for that particular exam. Administering of these exams will be scheduled after the first of the year (2008).

Let me add, that some of these positions require driving, and that applicants must have a valid state driver's license and a safe driving record.

If you have any questions, please let me know. thank you!

Janet Lapadino
A/H.R. Generalist/Exam Administrator
300 W Pershing Road, Ste 220
Kansas City MO 64108-9421
Office: 816-374- 9163
Fax: 816-374-9120

November COHO meeting 11/02/07 at Tony Aguirre Community Center

2007-11-01T12:37:00.000-05:00

Hola!
The November meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will be held tomorrow Friday, November 2, 2007 at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, Kansas City, MO 64108 at 8am.

Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders will be our featured speaker.

We do allow time for community announcements, but only allot 2 minutes each. If you would like to make a community announcement, please respond to this email with particulars, asap.

* Metropolitan Community College, Kim Riley, will make an announcement regarding MCC's African American & Latino Professionals Reception on Tuesday, Nov. 13th in the Carter Art Center Gallery at Penn Valley.

Gaby Flores will chair tomorrow's meeting.

Haz una clique aqui for the agenda or copy and paste the following link to see the agenda:

http://www.geocities.com/ritacoho/Agenda_110207.doc

Please attend to hear this presentation by Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders.

Gracias y que tengan un buen fin de semana.

Hasta pronto, thank you. -- Rita

AgJobs Bill - Call for Assistance from Dolores Huerta

2007-10-31T19:08:00.000-05:00

Hola!
I received a phone call from Dolores Huerta yesterday afternoon. She asked that we urge everyone that we know in Kansas and Missouri to call or contact Senator Brownback. She asks that we urge him to support the AgJobs Bill

AgJobs stands for: Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act that is coming up for a vote within the next week I have included two articles sent out by the Alianzas email network, fyi.
You can also find info at the Farm Worker Justice page, click here for the link or you can cut and paste the following:

http://www.fwjustice.org/Immigration_Labor/AgJOBS.htm

Senator Brownback's Washington Office number is 202.224.6521 His Overland Park Office info is:

Senator Brownback
11111 West 95th
Suite 245
Overland Park, KS 66214
Phone: (913) 492-6378
Fax: (913) 492-7253

To email Senator Brownback, click here , OR if the link does not work you can cut and paste the following address:

http://brownback.senate.gov/CMEmailMe.cfm

A form pops up and you can fill it out and send it. Takes about a minute.

Thank you. -- Rita

October Meeting at El Centro, Inc.

2007-10-04T15:58:00.000-05:00

Hola!

The October meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will be held at El Centro, Inc., 650 Minnesota Avenue, KCK at 8am tomorrow 10/5/07.

Invited and confirmed presentations include:

Wendell Maddox, President of Wyandotte County United Way

and

Dr. Sonny Castro, University of Central Missouri who will be accompanied by University President Aaron Podolefsky and Special Assistant to the President, Monica Huffman

Haz una click to see the agenda

Hasta manaña! - Rita

PLEASE NOTE:
While there is some street parking available on Minnesota Avenue and adjoining streets, you might have to pay for street parking in one of the adjacent lots. There is also free parking in the lot across from the Holiday Inn and the Jack Reardon Center, but that is a block to the east of El Centro. If you require parking closer due to a disability, please let me know asap, so that we can make arrangements.

Volunteer opportunities

2007-08-08T16:33:00.000-05:00

COHO, in conjunction with various other local agencies and organizations, is planning for two Health Focus Screening events in October, in conjunction with Bi-National Health Week. We are in desperate need of volunteers (especially bilingual ones) to help manage these events. Please request form for volunteer sign up by email. If you have clinical skills and would like to volunteer for screenings, and/or resources (screening supplies), please feel free to call or email Gaby Flores, Health and Social Services committee chair and she can direct you to the correct person overseeing that portion of the planning. The events are listed below:

October 6

10-2

The Armory

I-70 and 18th St. Expressway

Kansas City, KS

October 13

10-2

Sam Rodgers Health Center

8th and Euclid

Kansas City, MO

We would welcome any help you could offer during those two days. We are expecting anywhere from 500-1000 participants per event, so traffic control will be an imperative!

Thanks for your consideration. Please don't hesitate to contact Gaby with questions by emailing gaby.flores@tmcmed.org

COHO meeting additional announcements

2007-08-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

Hola!

Thank you y Mil Gracias to all who turned out this morning to attend the COHO meeting and to those members who stayed for the closed session requested by the Civil Rights committee.

Two resolutions were voted on by the member organizations present during the closed session. Those resolutions will be posted in a separate entry.

In the meantime, there were three announcements that I was asked to convey to COHO members at the end of and shortly after the meeting. They are listed below.

¡Que tengan un buen fin de semana! Have a great weekend! -- Rita

*******************

The additional announcements are as follows:

**********************

from Mary Lou Jaramillo, El Centro, Inc.

El Centro, Inc. has hired a new Policy Associate, Kara Linewebber. Kara will begin work on August 20.

********************

from Brother Dale Mooney, Cristo Rey School:

Cristo Rey has several students that have not yet been placed with employers and are offering their services to COHO affiliated organizations free of charge. I am sure that just about everyone has some office work that can be done that we have been putting off. Please consider giving an opportunity to one of these students. Orientation at your location, which consists of discussing expectations, instruction on work to be performed and a review of policies that apply, will be held on August 13 or 14th. These students are available from 8:30 to 4:30 for 8 hour days of work from August 22 until they are placed in a paying job. If you can use a person one day a week, you would be assigned one student; if you can use help 2 days a week, you would be assigned 2 students, etc.

Please contact Ms. Bernetta McKindra at 816-457-6044 as soon as possible. You may also address any inquires to her at bmckindra@cristoreykc.org

***********************

from Andrea L. Pardo, the student who presented this morning on the Dream Act

"I would like to encourage all COHO members to a weekly event that is not only an immigration rally at the plaza, by the horses' fountain, but it is also a great way to gather and plan for our pro-immigration events. We need your support! "

DREAM Act Rally

Saturday, August 4. Hours: 11 a.m to 12 p.m. J.C Nichols ( in Plaza, Kansas City MO

Andrea also forwarded the following message from Angela Ferguson, CARAB (Committee Against Racism and Bigotry)

****************

Hi -
Wanted to let you all know that every Saturday, from 11:00 - 12:00, we
will be having a mini-demonstration at the JC Nichols fountain to hold up
signs and pass out information about the positive contributions of immigrants
and the need for a change in the laws. We'd love to have you join us, any
time.

Dream Act is a hot issue right now and so we're trying to get kids out
- if you know any college kids or high school kids, bring them out or pass
this information along. One hour of fun....on a lovely Saturday morning.
Look for Steve Sheridan - he'll be the guy with a small black & white dog
and he'll have all the signs.

DREAM ACT is alive and may be submitted for consideration in September
- we need to keep attention on it, spread the word, and get something
positive passed this year on immigration.

We have several groups that are working towards this goal - All Souls
UU Immigration Task Force, People of Faith for Hospitality & Justice,
MO/KS CARAB, AILA, Missouri Immigrant Refugee Association, and more. Come out and have fun, learn, and educate others.

Keep up the good work....
Angela Ferguson

********************

Have you told your senators to support the DREAM Act?

Missouri
Christopher Bond
(202) 224-5721

Claire McCaskill
(202) 224-6154

Kansas
Sam Brownback
(202) 224-6521

Pat Roberts
(202) 224-4774

To send an e-mail message to your Senators go to: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/NILC/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=12129

For more information about the DREAM Act visit: http://nclr.org/content/policy/detail/1331/

August COHO meeting

2007-08-02T15:04:00.000-05:00

¡Hola!
The Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will hold its August meeting tomorrow 8/3/07 at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Avenue, Kansas City, KS at 8am.

Our guest presenter will be Susan Stanton, Interim CEO of the United Way of Greater Kansas City. She will speak about recent changes in the local United Way structure and organization.

We have reached the limit for community announcements, those giving announcements are listed on tomorrow's agenda

Note: The Civil Rights committee requests that COHO go into closed session at the end of the meeting to discuss recent events regarding local hate and nativist extremist groups.

Due to the lengthy number of announcements and this consideration, we will begin the meeting promptly at 8am.

¡Nos vemos mañana!

COHO July meeting postponed

2007-07-03T12:44:00.000-05:00

¡Hola!

The COHO Board had determined in the middle of June to cancel July's meeting, this was at the onset of the current furor over the recent Mayoral appointment. That issue and other ancillary issues have been much discussed in the media. Please feel free to send your thoughts by email on what has transpired thusfar. I have received much anonymous hate and voice mail on the topic of illegal immigration, as well as several talk radio bashings - it would be nice to hear about this from people who sign comments and leave call back numbers and their names. This experience has been very illuminating.

As an aside, I would like to express congratulations to John Fierro on his appointment as the first Latino as President of the Parks & Recreation Board.

That being said, I am taking a break this week and fulfilling family duties as the Mother of the Bride. My daughter is getting married on Saturday, so this week is becoming more than hectic - especially with the holiday. Back to normal next week, ok?

The COHO Board had determined that the next COHO meeting will be August 3rd at Argentine Community Center. Susan Stanton, Interim CEO & President, has agreed to give a 15-20 minute update on formation and transition of United Way of Greater Kansas City, effective July 1, 2007 by merging four United Ways.

UMKC has also asked that Dr. Karen Dace, Deputy Chancellor of Diversity and Grace Hernandez, Director of Affirmative Action address the group in August.

I have also heard from a few members regarding presentations and issues that should be presented to the COHO members and supporters.

Joe Arce and Bernardo Ramirez, members of the KCMO Mayor's Economic Development and Incentive Task Force, have indicated that they would be willing to receive and present ideas and concerns from the Latino community regarding the City's efforts to develop an economic development and incentive policy. You can find more information about the task force at: www.kcmo.org/finance.nsf/web/edpolicy

Christina Belsito, an intern for the U . S. Hispanic Leadership Institute, has asked that we assist her in her goal to get at least 1,000 Kansans or Missourians registered to vote this summer. I know that all COHO members and supporters are registered and vote, but if you interested in helping her, please print out the appropriate state application, have those you know who aren't registered, fill it out and mail it to her at: 6516 Aberdeen Rd , Mission Hills, KS 66208. Haz una click for Kansas or Missouri She was recently featured in Dos Mundos, to see that article click here

Kansas City Neighborhood Alliance (KCNA) is sponsoring a leadership development program called Building 21st Century Leaders geared towards grass roots leaders, those who would like to lead and leaders looking to be more effective. There is no charge for the course, the skills you learn translate well into other facets of life also. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in signing up please visit their website www.kcna.org

If you have any other items you would like me to disseminate next week or if you would like to sign up to make a presentation/brief announcement at August's meeting, please feel free to forward the info to me by return email.

¡Feliz dia de la independencia! Happy Fourth of July!

Saludos, Rita

"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." - Howard Zinn, American historian, author, professor and political activist, b. 1922

COHO June meeting at Argentine Community Center

2007-05-31T14:44:00.000-05:00

¡Hola! The June meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will take place on Friday, June 1st at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Avenue, Kansas City, KS at 8am.

The agenda can be acessed by clicking here To review the May general meeting minutes, haz una click aqui

Presenters tomorrow morning will include Emily Haverkamp, Attorney at The Mdivani Law Firm. Emily will update us on the legislation introduced in Washington, D.C. and how that impacts us in KC. She will be joined by KS Representative Louis Ruiz and MO Representative Michael Talboy who will discuss actions taken and introduced in their respective State Legislatures and how we can prepare for the upcoming sessions.

¡Hasta luego! - Rita

UMKC Town Hall meeting June 4

2007-05-25T15:37:00.000-05:00

Town Hall Meeting with US Under Secretary of Education

Sara Martinez Tucker

Monday, June 4

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

UMKC Campus – Pierson Auditorium

(Located in University Center 5100 Rockhill Road )

Please mark your calendar to attend a town hall meeting with US Under Secretary of Education, Sara Martinez Tucker Monday, June 4, 2007 on the University of Missouri – Kansas City ’s campus in Pierson Auditorium.

As under secretary, Tucker is responsible for helping to implement the work of U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings’ Commission on the Future of Higher Education. Tucker coordinates policies, programs and activities related to vocational and adult education, postsecondary education, college aid and the President’s financial reforms for the Pell Grant program.

Previously, Tucker served as President and CEO of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, generating funds for $195 million in scholarships to more than 78,000 students and leading the launch of community outreach programs to raise college expectations in Latino families and communities.

Cinco de Mayo activities

2007-05-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

From the Hispanic Chamber:
Looking to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this Weekend!!

Take a Look at Our Cinco de Mayo Calender of Events!

May 4 HARRAH'S CASINO

presents Salsa Night

Performing live Son Venezuela also with DJ Pana & DJ Alberto

Tickets will be $5

Doors open at 8:00 p .m.

Free salsas lessons provided by ineedsalsa.com

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Toby Keith Merchandise Counter At Harrah’s.

For more information call 816-889-7320

May 4 & 5 THE GUADALUPE CENTER

presents their Cinco De Mayo Festival

1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Kansas City, MO

Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m .

Performances by Picante, Las Estrellas, and Grupo Atotonilco

Enjoy the art gallery, the childrens rides, crafts, food and drinks

Admission to Friday’s Concert is $3, children 12 and under are free. Art Gallery is free , and also Saturday's community fiesta is free.

For more information call 816-421-1015

May 4 & 5 CASA GRANDE

will have DJ Jose performing

Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Specials on margaritas and sangria

May 4, 5 & 6 AZTECA DE GREATER KANSAS CITY

presents their 16^th Annual Latin American Cinco De Mayo Celebration 2007

Rosedale Park

Admission $1 donation.

Friday, May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday Night Boxing

Saturday, May 5 Childrens Parade at 10:00 a.m.

Fiesta begins at noon with DJ Jalapeno, Rose Marie Fiesta Mexicana Folkloric dancers, Mariachi Aguilar Con Charlie Aguilar,

Los Bailadores folkloric dancing, Bandolero Band, Rosa Lopez, Casa De Fitness and Special Guest Lisa Mar.

Sunday, May 6 DJ Musico X, Rose Marie Fiesta Mexicana Folkloric dancers, Las Estrellas and Tropical Azul.

May 5 RUDY’S TENAMPA TAQUERIA

will have a tent outside their restaurant,

16111 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO

Daily specials with performances with DJ Music and Performing live the Manana Band at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment starts at 4:00.

For more information call 816-931-9700

May 6 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SHRINE

will have a Mariachi Mass Celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine

907 Avenida Cesar Chavez, K ansas City, MO

For more information call 816-421-1015

May 11, 12 & 13 the HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

presents their 8th Annual FIESTA IN THE HEARTLAND

May 11, 12 & 13 The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City presents their 8th Annual Fiesta in the Heartland at Crown Center Plaza Kansas City, MO 64108

Free Admission

Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Friday's entertainment will include Tropical Azul, Miguel De Leon y El Mambo Orchestra, and Banda Pachuco

Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Saturday's entertainment will include Los Bailadores, La Sombra de la Sierra, a Jalepeño Eating Contest, Rosemary's Dance Group,

Zumba performance, The Manana Band, a Grito Contest, Big Daddy Tejano, and Emilio Navaira y Grupo Río

Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday's entertainment will include Grupo Atotonilco, Mariachis Los Caporales from San Antonio, Rumbo a la Fama Talent Contest, and Mafia Norteña

COHO May Meeting Friday May 4th at Tony Aguirre CC

2007-04-26T14:26:00.000-05:00

¡Hola!
May's Monthly meeting will be held at the Tony Aguirre Community Center next Friday at 8am. Haz una click aqui for last month's meeting minutes and for the May agenda

Superintendent Tony Amato will be present to discuss school closings on May 4th and Carlos Gomez, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will give information on activities and initiatives of the Chamber.

Please bring information regarding Cinco de Mayo activities that your organization is planning.

Below are just a few:

This Saturday, April 28th, KC Hispanic News spearheads Cesar Chavez activities to be held on Guadalupe Center, Inc. premises at 1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez.

David Chavez, Latinpointe, also sent the following: "This Saturday, Topeka, KS plays host to Mexico's musical icons Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan direct form Mexico City. The internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas will make a rare Topeka, KS performance at the American Airlines Mariachi Spectacular Concert on Saturday, April 28th at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Vargas last performance in Topeka was more than 10 years ago. The Concert begins at 7:30p.m. with an opening performance by singing sensation Nydia Rojas from Los Angeles, California, Over 1,200 music fans will be in attendance. " Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or by contacting David at dchavez@latinpointe.com

Tuesday May 1st, a march/walk is being organized by the Sons & Daughters of Immigrants, The flyer and other info is posted on the KC Blue Blog.

* Meeting at 4pm Avenida Cesar Chavez in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine 5pm March begins: Taking Summit-Southwest Blvd -Pershing -Washington Square Park located in front of Westin Crown Center.

* 6pm will be hearing from community leaders, youth leaders and children and signing postcards and calling Senators to Vote NO against HJR7 , HB269, and SB348.

* Questions: Contact Sons and Daughters of Immigrants at (816) 960-4605

* Parking available at Crown Center, Union Station and Streets.

Guadalupe Center is holding their annual Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 4th & Saturday, 5th. They will hold a concert dance & art gallery from 5p.m. - 10:30p.m. on Friday, May 4th, a community fiesta on Saturday, May 5th from 11a.m. to 9p.m. and on Sunday, May 6th, will sponsor a Mariachi Mass celebration from 12p.m. - 3p.m.

El Centro is sponsoring a Health Walk at Emerson Park in KCK on Saturday May 5th at 10a.m. in the morning.

That's it for now, nos vemos el viernes, Cuatro de Mayo! See you Friday - May 4th! - Rita

April COHO Meeting

2007-04-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

Hola!
The April meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will be held this Friday morning, April 6, 2007 at 8am at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, KCMO. Agenda for the meeting can be accessed by una clique aqui There are no March meeting minutes due to Hispanic Day in Topeka. February minutes can be accessed by otra clique aqui

Normally COHO meetings are held in Kansas in even number months and in Missouri in odd numbered months. However since the Argentine Community Center is closed this Friday, April's meeting will be in Missouri.

Presentations at Friday's meeting include:

Carlos Gomez, newly appointed President of the Hispanic Chamber of GKC regarding recent initiatives of the Chamber

Lorenzo Rubio, father of Zach Rubio whose case gained national attention last year in the Turner School District - update on the current status of their case.

Mike Macias, newly appointed Director LULAC NESC about LNESC's continued services

Please note that up to 8 announcements may be made at the meeting. You may arrive early and sign up to make an announcement or let me know by email rita@gkccoho.com if you wish to be listed to make an announcement.

See you Friday morning! -- Rita &:)

Two items

2007-03-14T10:23:00.000-05:00

Hola!
Today there is a meeting of the Plans & Zoning Committee at 2pm in council chambers at KCMO City Hall, 414 E. 12th Street. The downzoning of two blocks on the northeastern boundaries of the Westside will be heard at the Plans & Zoning Committee. The Crossroads Arts District Tax Abatement Plan will also be heard at this meeting.

In addition, today at noon in Jefferson City, MO there will be a hearing on five bills that are very unfriendly not just to illegal immigrants, but to those of us who are herely legally and can be mistaken for immigrants because of our appearance.

Not just people of color, but everyone in this state, will have to justify our legal status in this country time and time again as we seek employment, housing and higher education or even if we are pulled over by the MO State Highway Patrol. Penalties will be exacted on employers and landlords.

These bills are all under consideration in the Pension, Veterans Affairs and General Laws Committee. Faxes can be sent for SB248 and HB269 to your State Senators. Talking points have also been developed. The summary text of SB348 is listed below on this blog.

Thank you.

Immigrant Experts Forum

2007-03-06T13:31:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday, March 1st, the COHO Civil Rights Committee held an "Experts" Forum at Penn Valley Community College so that members of our community could meet with national expert Jon Blazer and learn what is being considered nationally and locally. 45 involved community members were invited. Lewis Duiguid, Vice President of the Kansas City Star, gave opening comments, which were inspiring and laid the basis of our work that evening.

Mr. Blazer Public Benefits Policy Attorney for the National Immigration Law Center in Washington, D.C. expounded on the many efforts nationwide to enact legislation targeting immigrants and those who appear to be immigrants. It was determined that alliances must be formed with groups who value the freedom that this country promises. This blog will endeavor over the next few months to illuminate our community on the issues.
*************
Tomorrow, March 8, 2007 is Hispanic Day in Jefferson City. We, Hispanics, will travel to our Missouri state capital to pose questions of our state legislators regarding issues of importance to our community.

Chief among our concerns is Senate Bill 348 which creates the Missouri Omnibus Act. Senator Chris Koster, Harrisonville, MO, R- District 31, Senate Majority Caucas Chairman is the bill's sponsor. It was last acted upon 1/25/2007 - Second Read and Referred S Pensions, Veterans' Affairs and General Laws Committee. The effective date of the bill if passed is August 28,2007 if passed.

A summary of this bill follows:

The Division of Immigration Compliance is created inside the office of the Secretary of State to implement new provisions in the law that deny housing and employment to illegal aliens.

It is illegal to employ unauthorized aliens and the act mandates that every employer in the state participate in the federal Basic Pilot Program in order to verify an employee's work authorization status as a condition of employment. Certificates of incorporation and other business licenses and registrations will be suspended when an employer employ's unauthorized aliens. Steps for curing violations are enumerated.

It is also illegal, under the act, to rent any dwelling to an illegal alien. Rental licenses and occupancy permits will be denied or suspended for those who knowingly or recklessly rent to illegal aliens and steps for curing violations are enumerated. A process is created whereby the landlord may, through the Division of Immigration Enforcement, verify the immigration status of any individual.

Law enforcement officers must inquire into the immigration status of any individual detained for any violation unless the inquiry would significantly extend the duration of the detention. If the individual is found to be illegal, the officer shall cooperate with any request from federal authorities regarding detention and custody transfer.

The state shall enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government to designate state law enforcement officers to help enforce federal immigration law.

Illegal aliens are barred from attending all public universities in the state and shall not receive any type of public assistance or benefit.

The act also authorizes cities, villages, and towns to enact ordinances prohibiting the employment of unauthorized aliens or unlawful workers and may deny business licenses to employers who employ unlawful workers.

This act is similar to SB 334 (2005), SB 988 (2006), SB 178 (2007), and SB 180 (2007).

CHRIS HOGERTY

Please note, I do want to point out that I truly believe that the language of the above proposed legislation refers to creatures from outer space.

What I want to know is from what planet do the creatures referred to in this bill hail from? and why weren't we alerted by the media when they arrived? It would appear that the efforts of Senator Koster and his cohorts are best directed in securing our celestial borders. This bill reads like a bad episode of Star Wars!

A Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum Focusing on the Latino Community

2007-03-06T12:12:00.000-06:00

Hola!
Monday, March 12, 2007 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.

Location: Guadalupe Center, Inc. – Auditorium;1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64108

There is no denying that a burgeoning community of Latino voters is currently playing a larger role in the politics of Kansas City.

In order to specifically address the needs, concerns and interests of this growing contingent of voters in Kansas City; candidates for elected office throughout the metro area are soon to take part in a Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum that specifically focuses on our city’s Latino community.

The Coalition of Hispanic Organizations (COHO) is organizing the forum in collaboration with Dos Mundos, KC Hispanic News, La Raza Political Club and the Westside Political Forum Committee on Monday, March 12, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Guadalupe Center, Inc. Auditorium located at 1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez – Kansas City, MO.

Just as the local Latino community is defined by its unique characteristics and culture, the forum addressing this community will be equally distinctive. All candidates attending the forum have been asked to submit a one page synopsis of what they believe are the three top issues and concerns for our Latino and urban community and what they will do to address those concerns, if elected. The forum will also host a panel to pose questions to the candidates and the even will not only include Spanish language translation but also will be simulcast on local Spanish language radio programs.

Mayoral Candidates Mark Funkhouser and Mayor Pro Tem Alvin Brooks have already committed to participating in the event along with a number of City Council candidates. The invitation to all candidates remains open as there are significant numbers of Latinos living in every part of Kansas City. The number of candidates confirming their attendance continues to grow daily.

For more information on this political forum intended to address an increasingly important segment of Kansas City’s electorate please contact Rita Valenciano at rita@gkccoho.com or 816/421-7577

community flyer - English folleto para la comunidad - Spanish

###

Hispanic Days Topeka and Jefferson City

2007-02-26T23:00:00.001-06:00

Hola!
This coming Friday, we will move the COHO meeting to Topeka, where we will receive an award for Hispanic Organization of the Year at the Hispanic Day on the Hill ceremonies.
The agenda for the day can be accessed by clicking aqui

Jefferson City Hispanic Day activities will occur on March 6th & 7th. The timeline for Jefferson City activities can be pulled up online, haz una click aqui.

The invitation to attend can be accessed by clicking here. Please note that the deadline for sending in your reservation for Jefferson City activities is the Saturday, March 2nd!

We have submitted the names of all who indicated that they would attend Topeka activites this Friday. If you would like to attend, you must sit in the gallery.

Thank you y hasta luego! -- Rita

Hispanic Days Topeka and Jefferson City

2007-02-26T23:00:00.000-06:00

COHO March Meeting

2007-02-08T13:43:00.000-06:00

Hola!

Please haz una click aqui, to see the minutes of the February COHO meeting.

Elias Garcia, Executive Director of the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission (KHLAAC) updated the COHO members at the February COHO meeting regarding initiatives in the State of Kansas. He announced that COHO will be honored for its work to improve the quality of life for Latinos in KS, as well as its assistance to other Latino communities in KS to set up similar organizations in their respective cities. Garden City is one of those cities which have sought and received COHO’s assistance. The recognition will take place on Friday March 2, 2007 during the opening ceremony for Hispanic Day in Topeka. This is the same day as COHO’s March general meeting.

After some discussion, it was determined that COHO will hold their March meeting in Topeka on the morning of 3/2/07 after the recognition has occurred. Any COHO member wishing to attend the ceremony and enter the Senate floor should let Rita know that they will attend by email at rita@gkccoho.com as soon as possible.

We hope to car pool to Topeka early that morning. Please let Rita know if you are able to do this also in your email.

Hasta luego! -- Rita &:)

COHO meeting tomorrow at Argentine CC KCK

2007-02-01T18:23:00.000-06:00

Hola!
The COHO meeting is scheduled at Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Avenue, KCK at 8am. Haz una click here for the agenda y otro click aqui for the minutes of last month's meeting. See you tomorrow morning, bundle up, ok? Hasta luego! -- Rita

Check school closings 12/1/06

2006-11-30T21:10:00.000-06:00

The COHO meeting tomorrow morning 12/1/06 at Argentine Community Center is still scheduled. However, snowy weather is expected to continue. If snow accumulation is as heavy as expected, tomorrow's meeting may be postponed.

Please note: we will not hold the COHO meeting tomorrow morning, if the KCMO School District schools are closed.

Please check the school closing and delay alerts before you head out to the COHO meeting tomorrow morning. Thank you and be safe. Hasta luego y ten cuidado!

December COHO meeting -- KCK

2006-11-27T16:13:00.000-06:00

Felicidades!
Hope that you all had a happy Thanksgiving and are at peace with the leftovers.

Just a reminder that December's COHO meeting will take place at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Avenue, KCK at 8am this Friday morning, December 1, 2006.

Our featured presenters are Julie Porter and Michael Snodgrass who will tell us about LISC's NeighborhoodsNOW project in the Greater Kansas City area.

I have received one request for announcements, if you are also interested in making an announcement, please contact me at rita@gkccoho.com To view the minutes of last month's meeting, please click here. To view the agenda for December's meetingaiy, haz una click aqui.
Also:
Two COHO members are sponsoring fundraisers this weekend:

El Centro, Inc is sponsoring The Baile de Justicia at the Armory, 100 South 20th St., KCK, this coming Friday 12/1/06 at 7pm. To see the flyer haz una click aqui.

APOYO will hold a fundraiser at Rudy's Tenampa, 1611 Westport Rd., KCMO this Saturday 12/2/06 from 1pm - 4pm, for more information, click here.

Hasta luego! -- Rita

November COHO meeting in KCMO

2006-10-27T12:49:00.000-05:00

Hola!

The November meeting will be held at Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, KCMO at 8am, next Friday, November 3, 2006.

Our invited presenter will UMKC Chancellor Guy Bailey - he will discuss initiatives that UMKC is pursuing that affect our local Latino community.

Haz una click to view the agenda, which includes committee reports, as well as last months meeting minutes.

Want to be a member of COHO, just download our membership application You can print and send a check to the address on the application or print and check box that asks us to invoice you and then mail to us. That's all you gotta do, ok?

Hasta el viernes, see you on Friday!

"Mojados: Through the Night:"

2006-10-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

There will be a screening of the documentary "Mojados: Through the Night"at the Maple Woods Campus Center room 132 A-B on Monday Oct.23rd from 6:00-8:00. Tommy Davis, the director of the film, will be present to lead the discussion and answer questions following the documentary.

This event is free and open to students and the community. Complementary refreshments will also be served. More information about the film can be found at

www.mojadosmovie.com or www.mcckc.edu/mwlanguages

This Wednesday is the deadline to register to vote in November in Kansas City, MO

2006-10-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

October 11th is the deadline to register to vote in the November election. Below is the link to the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners. On that site, you will find a list of places to register to vote in KCMO.

Please encourage anyone you know who may not be registered or has moved here and needs to transfer their address, so that they can do it today or tomorrow to be eligible to vote in November here in KCMO.

The Missouri lawsuit on Voter ID was argued in the Missouri Supreme Court this week. A decision is expected any day. As the law stands today, Missouri will not need a photo id to vote in November. For more info, contact the KCEB at 816/842-4820 or haz una click at Kansas City Election Board Registration Information...

Kansas Voter Information from the KS Secretary of State website

Kansas elections are conducted by the counties with oversight by the Secretary of State's office. Voter registration application (español) forms must be submitted to the county election officer where the applicant lives. The deadline to register to vote is the fifteenth day before any election.

Counties are required to post a Voter Rights and Responsibilities poster (español) and Notice to Voters (español) at each polling place on Election Day. Each county maintains a list of registered voters, and the secretary of state maintains a statewide list.

October agenda

2006-10-05T12:20:00.000-05:00

The scheduled presentations for tomorrow's COHO meeting have changed! The meeting will be held at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Avenue, KCK 66109 from 8am - 9:30am.

The agenda can be accessed by clicking aqui

We are pleased to have the following presenters scheduled tomorrow morning. Alicia Diaz, Board Chair of the National Latina Health Network; Mr. Gettys, Boy Scouts of America; and Pat MacDonald, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

Other announcements:

Kansas City Missouri School District Adult Basic Education Advisory Board. The ABE program serves as an umbrella program for a variety of educational services provide to adults and youth 16 years and older.

Westside CAN Center web site has now been launched. The site address is: http://www.westsidecan.org/

Chief Corwin, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, is hosting fourChief's Town Hall Meetings in the month of November. (All meetings will be held at 7pm) The meeting topics include: A Blue Print for the Future and Making a Good Department Great, KCPD Efficiency Study (formerly known as the Berkshire Report)
Meeting Locations:
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Baptiste Day School, 5401 E. 103rd
Thursday, November 9, 2006
St. Paul's School of Theology, 5123 E. Truman
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Northland Neighborhoods Inc., 5312 NE Chouteau Trafficway
Thursday, November 16, 2006
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 11 W. 40th

Taste of the Westside – to be held in conjunction with Bi-NationalHealth Week at the Guadalupe Center, 1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez on Sunday 10/8/06 from 1pm – 4pm

MANA de Kansas City Presents -- Saturday, October 21, 2006 …
¡Adelante Mujer! A Regional Latina Symposium & 25th Anniversary Celebration
Radisson Hotel & Suites City Center; 1301 Wyandotte St; Kansas City, MO

Hasta tomorrow!

September minutes and reminder

2006-09-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

Hola!

The COHO meeting will be held on Friday, October 6, 2006 at 8am at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas.

KCK Police Chief Samuel Brashears is the featured speaker.

Also making a mini presentation will be Alicia Diaz, Board Chair for the National Latina Health Network located in Washington, D.C. Minutes of last month's meeting are available by clicking here.

Nos vemos! -- Rita

Superintendent Amato - invited guest at COHO meeting on 9/8/06

2006-08-31T13:48:00.000-05:00

Hola!
The agenda for the September COHO meeting can now be viewed online. Por favor haz una clique aqui

The meeting will be held at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway Blvd, KCMO at 8:00a.m. - 9:30a.m.

Superintendent Tony Amato has agreed to attend and will make a short presentation regarding planned initiatives by the KC Missouri Public School District this coming school year at 8:30a.m.

As Hispanic Heritage Month is upon us, we anticipate a number of announcements at this meeting regarding events in the community. A number have already been circulated by email . COHO will post those received. Please check this blog as the month progresses. If you would like to make an announcement at the meeting, please review the agenda for information on how to sign up.

Have a great Labor Day weekend! Felicidades!

September COHO meeting 9/8/06

2006-08-24T18:05:00.000-05:00

Hola!
The September COHO meeting will be held at 8am, on Friday, September 8th, due to the holiday weekend. The Tony Aguirre Community Center at 2050 West Pennway Blvd., Kansas City, MO is the location. Featured presentation will be given by KCMO Superintendent Anthony Amato.

To view or download the minutes from the August COHO meeting por favor, haz una clique aqui.

Also, this Saturday, August 25th, as announced at the August meeting, COHO, El Centro, the National Latino Peace Officers Association, Northeast KS Chapter and the KCK Police Department are hosting a community event aimed toward recruiting Latino police officers. The event will be held at the corner of 7th & Minnesota Avenue from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. Food, fun and a great career opportunity are promised! For more information, haz otra clique aqui.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day holiday weekend! Nos vemos el día ocho, September 8 th

Irene Ruiz Bibilioteca de las Americas -- Back to School Fair

2006-08-17T14:02:00.000-05:00

Hola!
As promised, please haz una clique aqui for more information about the back to school fair this afternoon at the Irene Ruiz library! Thank you

Irene Ruiz Bibilioteca de las Americas -- Back to School Fair

2006-08-17T13:54:00.000-05:00

Hola!
As promised, please haz una clique aqui for more information about the back to school fair this afternoon at the Irene Ruiz library! Thank you

August 2006 COHO meeting Agenda and Minutes

2006-07-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

Hola!
August's COHO meeting will be held next Friday, August 4th at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101 at 8am. Our featured presenter is Tom Dugard, President & CEO, Heart of America United Way. He will discuss the volunteer opportunities that are available for Latinos with United Way, as well as the new 211 initiatives of HOA United Way.

Scheduled announcements / mini presentations, thusfar, are 1) Ruben Rodriguez, President, of the NE chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association; 2) John Fierro, Executive Director of the Mattie Rhodes Counseling & Arts Center; and 3) Issac Ruffin, Midwest Transplant Network.

Gabriela Flores, COHO Treasurer, will chair the meeting in my absence.

Hasta luego! -- Rita &:)

PS: To view the agenda, haz una click aqui ; to view and download minutes of June's meeting, haz otra click en la palabra Minutes

Family Fun Event for Immigration Reform 7/16

2006-07-13T14:21:00.000-05:00

See the attached flyers for more information about a fun family event this Sunday from 5-8PM at Emerson Park in Kansas City, Kansas. El Centro, Inc. is partnering with our friends and allies with Sons & Daughters of Immigrants to sponsor this event. If you want to learn the latest news about the campaign for immigration reform, participate in actions designed to counteract the anti-immigrant activity directed at Congress, and/or enjoy a fun evening of music, food, and fellowship, please stop by! For Spanish version of flyer, haz una click aqui!

Announcements from Friday's COHO meeting

2006-07-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

MOCSA, the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, exists to lessen the ill effects of sexual assault and abuse through prevention, education, intervention, treatment and advocacy. Services include: the 24-hour crisis line, individual and group counseling, hospital and police advocacy, and educational programs for residents of the Kansas City Metro Area. For more information please call the MOCSA Crisis Line at (816) 531-0233 or (913) 642-0233.

MOCSA, La Organización Metropolitana Contra el Abuso Sexual existe para disminuir los efectos adversos del asalto y el abuso sexual por la prevención, la educación, la intervención, el tratamiento, y el apoyo. Servicios incluyen: La Línea de Crisis 24 Horas, ayuda en el hospital, ayuda con la policía y corte, grupos de apoyo, citas con una consejera, y programas educativos. Para más información, por favor llame la Línea de Crisis 24 horas al (816) 531-0233 o (913) 642-0233.

July 2006 General COHO meeting

2006-07-05T13:38:00.000-05:00

Hola!

The COHO general meeting in July will be held at the Tony Aguirre Community College, 2050 West Pennway, Kansas City, MO this Friday, July 7, 2006 at 8am. Featured is a panel of Missouri State Representatives to discuss legislation impacting our community that was voted on in the MO House of Representatives during the recent session that ended in May, 2006. Legislators who are confirmed are : State Representative Sharon Sanders Brooks, D - Kansas City, 37th District; State Representative Tim Flook, R - Liberty, 34th District’; State Representative Cathy Jolly, D - Kansas City, 45th District.

Also planning on attending is Ricardo Meza, MALDEF – Chicago office. Mr. Meza will arrive on Thursday and has offered to meet with COHO civil rights committee and executive members at the Irene Ruiz Bibilioteca de las Americas, located at 2017 West Pennway Blvd. KCMO on Thursday afternoon (tomorrow - 7/6/06) at 3pm. MALDEF has indicated that they are willing and interested in assisting us in addressing the voter id bill and in lobbying. COHO members are invited to attend as they are able.

Haz una click aqui for the minutes from the June meeting as well as a draft of Friday's agenda. A final version will be posted as reports from committee chairs are added. Hasta luego! y nos vemos el viernes! - Rita &:)

MO Special Committee on Immigration

2006-07-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

Thursday last week, the MO Special Committee on Immigration heard public testimony at Penn Valley Community College. The morning session was packed and there was a lot of attention given to the morning speakers who included Gilbert Guerrero, Guadalupe Center, Inc; Luis Cordova, Mattie Rhodes Counseling & Arts Center; Steve Begshaw, Home Builders; James Corwin, Police Chief; and Kris Kobach, UMKC School of Law. By the time the afternoon speakers had their turn, the number in attendance had dropped somewhat, and when I spoke at the tail-end of the scheduled afternoon speakers (Judy Ancel - UMKC/Institute for Labor Studies; Peter Coyle - Carpenters Union; Jim Stoufer - President, UAW Local 249; Duane Kelly - retired teacher/KCMO Board of Education; Burton Taylor - UMKC Director; Manuel Perez - KCMO Health Department; Dr. Dan Doerhoff - Eastland Superintendent; and Brenda Mitchelson - LINC/Local Investment Commission) - only a faithful, few stalwarts remained.

I want to thank Lynda Callon, Westside CAN Center for handling the scheduling of my testimony and making sure that I got the slot, even if it was at the tail end. There was no pressure and I got a position that most newly arrived immigrants and people are afforded at the "back of the bus". This helped me to deal with , check out and clarify some of misstatements and misinformation that had been given earlier that day in my testimony.

Since only half of the committee members remained, and I did work hard on my comments, I have emailed my prepared testimony to the entire committee, posted on this blog for COHO members and others to read. I also sent the committee the following link to ABC News. Please send any comments regarding this to me at rita@gkccoho.com I also want to thank Melinda Lewis, El Centro, Inc. who helped in preparation of speakers and who worked very hard to be inclusive. Mil Gracias!

PS: COHO meeting this Friday, July 7th at Tony Aguirre Community Center. MALDEF Chicago office, Attorney Ricardo Meza will attend, as well as State Representatives Cathy Jolly, Sharon Sanders Brooks and Tim Flook. Their presentation begins at 8:30am. COHO meeting and other business will commence at 8am. Michael Duffy, Legal Aid Attorney will attend to discuss COHO's 501 (c) 3 efforts.

Announcements from this morning's COHO meeting

2006-06-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

The following are announcements that were to be made at the COHO meeting this morning, Friday June 2, 2006:

1. The American G.I Forum will be holding a Taco Dinner FundRaiser tomorrow, Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Jesse's Restaurant & Bar, 2853 Southwest Blvd. KCMO, from 12:00 - 5:00 pm. $5.00 donation.

2. LULAC Hispanic Scholarship Award Ceremony, Thursday, June 8, 2006, Jack Reardon Convention Center- Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue KC, KS Reception - 5:30 pm, Dinner- 6:30 pm, Awards Ceremony- 7:00 pm Cost to attend: $40.00 More info contact: Sara Chavez at 913-397-8850

3. Latino Art Bravismo Outdoor Festival, Saturday, June 10, 2006 at the Lenexa City Hall, 12350 West 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS from 3:30-8:30 pm Admission is FREE! Come and enjoy Latino art, music dance and the food vendors.

4. MANA will be hosting their 25th Anniversary Celebration this year. There will be a Wine & Cheese reception on Sunday, June 25, 2006 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the residence of Charles and Patty Garney located at 4200 North Hickory Lane (Briarcliff West) KCMO 64116. The cost is $35.00 per person. Please RSVP by June 16,2006. For more info call: 913-205-8711

Please email any announcements that you would like to have posted to rita@gkccoho.com Have great weekend!

JUNE COHO MEETING tomorrow June 2, 2006

2006-06-01T15:49:00.000-05:00

Hola!

The June meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will be held tomorrow Friday, June 2, 2006 at 8am at the Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan in Kansas City, KS

We have a new format for future COHO meetings, haz una click aqui to see the new meeting outline, as well as the minutes and agenda. While copies of the agenda will be distributed at this meeting, May's minutes will only be summarized. Those who wish to have copies of the minutes, should print from this blog.

Our featured speaker this month will be David Smith, President of the Kansas City, Missouri School Board. Mr. Smith will present on new initiatives of the school district and update us on the Superintendent search. We have allotted a half hour for his comments and questions from those present. We plan on that segment of the meeting to begin at 8:30a.m.

June's meeting will also feature a shorter presentation by Nikki Henning, Director, KC Area Regional Arthritis Center regarding services that the Regional Arthritis Center offers. Ms. Henning will be asking for ideas on outreach in the Hispanic community for arthritis education.

Announcements may still be made at the meeting, but only 5 – 8 announcements will be made at the meeting in the allotted time. We ask that those who plan to make announcements sign up at the beginning of the meeting and only bring materials for 35 - 50, taking what is not used at the end of the meeting.

Please us know your suggestions regarding presenters that you would like to hear – we are planning a panel of MO and KS legislators for the July meeting to comment on legislation considered by their respective state legislatures.

Also, please be advised that the COHO office moved to Cristo Rey School, 211 W. Linwood effective June 1st. We can still be reached at our regular office number 816/531-2251 and by email at rita@gkccoho.com

Mil Gracias! - Rita Valenciano, President, Board of Directors, COHO

Stem Cell Research info session

2006-05-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that all COHO members have been invited to attend an information session regarding Stem Cell legislation at the Stower's Institute on May 19th. Please see attached flyer for more info. The session includes a tour of the Stower's Institute. Please RSVP to Traci Weishaar, tweishaar@missouricures.com or 816-561-4700.

COHO Meeting Cinco de Mayo at Tony Aguirre Community Center 8am

2006-05-03T00:17:00.000-05:00

Hola!
This Friday's COHO meeting is scheduled at 8am at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, KCMO. Info will be presented on the National Urban Fellows program and Headstart parenting programs, as well as a new program from the Jewish Vocational Services. To see the minutes of last month's meeting, haz una click on the highlighted word "minutes", to see the agenda, haz una click on the highlighted word "agenda", ok?

Nos vemos el Friday con gusto. Hasta luego!

Agenda for tomorrow -- 04/07/06

2006-04-06T16:55:00.000-05:00

Presenters at tomorrow morning's 8am meeting at the Tony Aguirre Community Center are
Matthew D. Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, and Ken Cope, Director of Emergency Services - American Red Cross Greater Kansas City Chapter; Traci Weishaar, Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures; National Day of Action April 10, 2006 – El Centro, Inc., Martha Ramirez; Sara Kurtz, Access to Benefits Coalition regarding Medicare, Parts D issues and Jewish Vocational Services, Jacqueline Melgoza, Bilingual Employment Specialist

Por favor haz una click aqui to view and print the agenda. Nos vemos!

COHO - Friday April 7 2006 at Tony Aguirre Center

2006-04-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

This Friday's (4/7/06) COHO meeting will be held at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, KCMO at 8am. Por favor traen recuerdos de Tony, si you have some.

Haz una click aqui for the minutes of the meeting held on 3/10/06 at Penn Valley Community College. Speakers lined up for the meeting include the local American Red Cross; Traci L. Weishaar, Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures; Jackie Melgoza, Jewish Vocational Services; and possibly American GI Forum National President. Also plans for Hispanic Day in Jefferson City will be presented by Elida Cardenas!

Committee reports will be kept to a minimum, les prometo. I promise.

Vote Tomorrow! Okay? I will look for you all at the polls. I am thinking of taking names of those who don't vote and posting them on the blog, hmmmmm.....Hasta luego!

Vote tomorrow -- Su Voto Es Su Voz!

2006-04-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is an election day and there are issues too numerous to list facing the good, hardworking, overly taxed people of our community -- It has long been our policy to not endorse any particular candidate or issue -- I simply want to highlight the following words of one of my favorite local bloggers:

"While Latinos in Kansas City face issues like immigration, job discrimination, abandonment by the KC School District, affordable housing shortages and ugly clothes (local political clubs and other groups) are busy working on behalf of Billionaires. It's a sell out of epic proportions . . . Like when that damn talking Chihuahua started working for Taco Bell." -- tonyskansascity.com

I don't always agree with this blogger on everything he writes, his approach can grate, sometimes he slams people that I like and hold in high esteem (they know who they are) and I wonder, sometimes, where he gets his ideas and opinions -- pero he makes me think y, Ay si, good looking clothes are hard to find and the dog really bugged me!!!

Vote tomorrow, Tuesday, April 4th, 2006 especially if you live in Jackson County, MO.

Su voto es su voz! Your vote is your voice! Use it and use it often. - Hasta luego!

Un Dia Sin Hispanos

2006-03-23T23:29:00.000-06:00

Hola!
March 24 is Un Dia Sin Hispanos - part two. This is another effort that is being taken across the country to highlight the contributions of Hispanics and to counteract some of the vicious and meanspirited legislation that is being considered in Washington and across the country. Legislation that is being introduced under the guise of keeping the USA safe from terrorists.

Tomorrow's activities follow a similar effort which took place on March 10th in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles as well as other cities across the country. Please note the picture on the bottom of the flyer whose link I am attaching. This flyer has been circulating in our area and lists the rationale for the nonviolent demonstrations. To view this flyer, please haz una click aqui

Locally, this is not an organized effort, although it has been announced in public forums and in the media. However, there are at least two rallys and/or peaceful demonstrations that have been planned.

At 9:30am in the KCK Argentine neighborhood, a march is planned on Strong Ave, and later, at Emerson Park, a gathering (rally) is planned at 11:30 also in the Argentine neighborhood of KCK.

This information is being posted for informational purposes. Hay que dar apoyo a nuestra gente! We express our support of the most recent arrivals to our community.

Comments to KCMO School Board

2006-03-22T23:02:00.000-06:00

This evening I spoke before the KCMO School Board and it was a somewhat lonely experience as the hordes of Latinos that I expected to also convey their concerns did not materialize. Granted there were a number of conflicting events today, considering the passing of our local hero, Tony Aguirre and the Community Forum regarding the selection of the next Superintendent held this evening at Primitivo Garcia grade school, in addition to the impressive attendance this afternoon at the Hispanic Caucas luncheon, as well as community appearances before the KCMO Plans & Zoning Committee to get downzoning of the Westside neighborhood.

It is because of all this that there was a dearth of attendance by the Latino community at the one monthly school board meeting where public comments are taken, I am sure. I know that we don't really like to complain, but if we see a need -- we go where we are most needed, and I was there to make the statement so that is all that counts, no?

I am assuming that our community was just too tuckered out to attend one more meeting today and I understand - me vuelvo puras juntas sometimes. So there I stood alone with my prepared statement. I chose not to let it go completely, because I worked very hard on my comments and I was there, so I spoke to the KCMO School Board regarding Latino community perceptions and issues. You can read what I told them, if you want. Si quieres, por favor haz una click aqui to read the text of my comments before the KCMO School Board on 3/22/06.

Thought that it was important to follow through on my committment and to do something, other than just grumble among ourselves. I appreciate your comments and / or encouragement. These are my statements, not a COHO position, although the items I have noted have been said frequently in our community and I did note my position as a member of COHO in my comments. Just wanted to update those who were unable to attend, I know that you would all want to know what I said. I felt and knew that my community was there with me in spirit.

The next COHO meeting will be held on Friday, April 7th at 8am at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, KCMO. We have a number of presentations -- the agenda and minutes will be posted next week.

Por favor traen recuerdos del Senor Aguirre, si los tienen. Hasta luego!

Update -- Agenda for Friday's meeting; Membership luncheon postponed

2006-03-08T16:01:00.000-06:00

Friday, March 10th at 8a.m., the Coalition will convene a meeting of members to discuss a policy that the Board of Directors will develop to address critical issues that occur affecting the local Latino community. Committee reports and presentations will be held until the April meeting. The meeting will be held at Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, KCMO, Campus Center Room 503.

Frequently when issues arise which affect our community, we are called upon for a statement, for our position, as well as a summary of the actions that COHO is planning as a response. Recent concerns have included incidents involving local school systems, as well as employment and immigrant issues. We want to be sensitive to the concerns of our members and are seeking input as we develop this policy. We will give priority to COHO members in attendance and ask that all who wish to speak at this Friday morning's meeting sign up as they arrive. Discussion and comments from members will comprise the majority of the meeting. To view or print the agenda, click aqui.

Also, please be advised that the COHO membership luncheon, scheduled for Friday, March 17th, has been postponed. We will post the new date and send invitations as soon as we receive confirmation of speaker.

Thank you. Mil gracias!

COHO March 3rd meeting --Postponed

2006-02-24T15:12:00.000-06:00

Due to conflicting events scheduled, the COHO meeting scheduled on Friday, March 3rd has been postponed. Minutes from February's meeting are available by clicking here.

Instead, the COHO board would like to request that COHO members attend a COHO meeting to be held on Friday, March 10th from 8am - 9:30am at Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, KCMO, Campus Center, Room 503.

The session on March 10th will be devoted to dialogue and interaction with our membership. We want to hear your thoughts and comments. There will be no presentations or committee reports at this meeting, although we may afford time for some announcements at the end of the session. We have engaged a local facilitator to assist us in this discussion - Ms. Magarethe Finefrock.

As background: in recent weeks, COHO has been asked on more than a few occasions for our position on issues that affect our local Latino community. The board is in the process of developing a critical issues policy and the purpose of this meeting on March 10th is to seek input from our membership. The COHO board is hopeful that all COHO members will attend so that we can hear your thoughts, comments and concerns.

As we find our voice and strive to speak collectively, we believe that is important to seek input from our membership regarding how our responses to crucial issues should be developed. It is our hope that the session on March 10th will assist us in this effort. COHO's initial goal has been to afford Latinos a strong voice locally and unified action when the need arises, however, we want to be sensitive to our members' concerns as we move forward in responding to pressing issues. Please plan to come -- 8:00am - 9:30am, Friday, March 10th at PVCC, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, KCMO, Campus Center Rm 503.

Reminder: Membership dues are required at the beginning of the year, unless other arrangements have been made. To pay your dues, please download this membership application and send it to our office address (noted at the top of the application). Also, please note, if you or your organization require an invoice, please check the appropriate box at the bottom of the application. Memberships should be accompanied by check and application form.

Paid membership is required to attend our membership luncheon scheduled for Friday, March 17th at the Kauffman foundation. There is no additional charge for the luncheon for paid members.

Our annual membership luncheon is scheduled to be held on Friday, March 17th at the Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Road, KCMO from 11:30am - 1:30pm, please watch for your Evite invitation! Hasta luego!

ALSO: The Civil Rights Committee will meet on Monday, February 27th at 3pm at the APOYO office located at 36 South Boeke in KCK. The committee goals and objectives can be viewed by clicking here. We ask that COHO members and their constituents complete the survey included at the end of the CR committee goals and return those surveys to the COHO office at their earliest possible convenience. This will help the CR committee to plan their activities related to their mission.

The Economic Development Committee will meet at 1pm on Wednesday, March 1st at Central Bank on 2301 Independence Avenue, KCMO.

The next Brown / Black Coalition meeting is scheduled at 10am on Tuesday, February 28th at the Urban League office located at 1710 The Paseo, KCMO 64108

Economic Development Committee meeting on February 1st

2006-01-30T14:52:00.000-06:00

Por Favor haz una click aqui for info regarding the Economic Development Committee's inaugural meeting this Wednesday at 1pm at the Central Bank office located on Independence Avenue. For more information, please contact Lydia Contreras at lcontreras@centralbankkc.com

February 2006 meeting

2006-01-30T11:25:00.000-06:00

Hola!
The February meeting of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations will be held this Friday at 8am at El Centro's Macias Flores Center, 290 South 10th Street, KCK. Please click on the minutes of the January meeting or the agenda of the February meeting to read them.

Friday's speakers will bring information about the LISC Neighborhoods NOW program, the American Heart Association and the MC Plus health care program.

Hasta luego!

Cristo Rey School

2006-01-04T19:24:00.000-06:00

To all COHO Members and interested community members,

As you may know the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are starting a Cristo Rey School in Kansas City this fall. They are trying to reach as many Latino 8th grade students as they can. The Sisters have given out about 120 packets, but know there are many Latino students that have not been reached. The school is open to any student in economic need. If they qualify for free or reduced lunch at school (about 185% of poverty) they will qualify for the Cristo Rey school.

This is where they need your help. If you have a middle school youth group, or a parent group in your organization Sr. Vickie and her associates would love to meet with them to tell them about Cristo Rey Kansas City. If you would be willing to help Sr. Vickie to do this, please call her at 816 457 6044 or email her at vperkins@cristoreykc.org or ehaynes@cristoreykc.org. Also, if you know of individual students or have the name of a contact with another organization or school, they would appreciate receiving that as well.

Sister Eileen Haynes or Sister Vickie Perkins would be happy to talk to you about this. They really want to reach the kids who would benefit from the Cristo Rey school.

Thank you for your help in this area. We know that each of the COHO organizations contact many of the families they are hoping to engage and we appreciate your assistance in this endeavor.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-03T17:40:00.000-06:00

Saludos!
The first 2006 meeting of Coalition of Hispanic Organizations - COHO - will be held at the Senior's Meeting Room in the Redemptorist Center located at 207 W. Linwood Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64111. The entrance is on the south side of the building from the parking lot.

Turner School Board President Jim Ernst and Superintendent Bobby Allen are scheduled to attend and give a presentation. We have also invited Michael Snodgrass, Neighborhoods NOW, to attend and update us on this new program of LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation).

The agenda and minutes for the December meeting be viewed by clicking on the item that you would like to see.

Hasta el viernes!

Agenda for December meeting

2005-12-01T16:53:00.000-06:00

The COHO meeting will be held tomorrow December 2 2005 at 8am at the Macias Flores Center, 290 S. 10th St, Kansas City, KS. Haz una click aqui to read the agenda or you could click here to read the agenda also.
Tickets will be also be available for the Baile de Justicia for $25. The Baile por la Justicia/Dance for Justice sponsored by El Centro, a COHO member, will be held on Friday, December 2nd, 2005 at the Armory in Kansas City, KS 100 South 20th Street.
Enjoy hours of music by Mafia Norteña, Hechiceros de la Sierra, and Tropical Azúl, free beer (for those of legal age), testimony from immigrant leaders at the forefront of the struggle for justice, door prizes, and the opportunity to buy delicious Mexican food from the Guadalupe Centers.
All proceeds will benefit the campaign for comprehensive immigration reform!Thank you for your interest in our local Hispanic community's issues of concern. This is an opportunity to kick up our heels, celebrate our successes, and reenergize ourselves for the struggle left to come! Many thanks to Melinda Lewis for her leadership in this arena! Nos vemos!

Minutes November Meeting

2005-11-25T16:57:00.000-06:00

Feliz Dia de Gracias!
The November COHO meeting was held on November 4 at Penn Valley Community College. At large candidates were elected at this meeting. Welcome to our new board members: Mary Lou Jaramillo and Yamel Medina! Ian Bautista was re-elected to the board as an at large member.

Many thanks to Brother Dale Mooney for his service as the Board's Secretary during his term as an at large member!

Haz un click aqui to read the minutes from the November meeting.

The December meeting will be held at the Macias Flores Center, 290 South 10th Street, KCK at 8a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2005. Michael Snodgrass, Program Director, of the GKC LISC(Local Initiatives Support Corporation) NeighborhoodsNOW program, will make a presentation as will a staff member of UMOS, United Migrant Opportunity Services. UMOS is a non-profit, advocacy organization, based in Milwaukee, WI, that provides programs and services which improve the employment, educational, health and housing opportunities of under-served populations. UMOS was recently awarded the National Farm worker Jobs Program (NFJP) grant for the state of Missouri. The nine-month contract is for $930, 345.00.

Hasta luego!

Latino Civil Rights Summit this week!

2005-10-18T16:35:00.000-05:00

Hola!
The Latino Civil Rights Summit is upon us.

The Coalition of Hispanic Organizations (COHO) is pleased to announce its Fourth Latino Civil Rights Summit, Thurs., Oct. 22 at Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City, Mo. The theme of this year’s event: Family. All events held on Saturday are free to the public; there is a $10 fee for boxed lunches. Please call 816-531-2251 to register for Thursday and Friday events.

Mayor Kay Barnes and Mayor Joe Reardon will kick off the summit at 5:30 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 20 at the Jack Reardon Center, in Kansas City, Kan., regarding the State of Latinos in their respective cities.

The three-day-event, spearheaded by COHOs Civil Rights Committee, is chaired by Rita Valenciano, president of COHO. “Family is the backbone of Latino culture, and therefore is the focus of this year’s summit,” said Valenciano. “It is important that COHO; all Latino organizations; and the leadership of Kansas and Missouri fully understand the needs of Latino families. Our hope is to empower and educate families throughout both states, respectively, with information about resources that will help to preserve their civil rights.” In addition, Valenciano is also the director of Assistance to Parents of Youth Organization (APOYO), a parent education program based in Kansas City, Kan.

With family in mind, on Sat., Oct. 22 the summit will feature a variety of activities for parents and children. Mattie Rhodes Art Center and MANA de Kansas City will offer art based activities, along with face painting for children. Volunteers from the Irene Ruiz Public Library, Biblioteca de Las Americas, will lead a child focused booth that will include story-telling and reading activities. The flyer for the event can be seen by clicking Flyer

Additionally, members of the National Latino Peace Officers Association’s (NLPOA) Greater Kansas City chapter will conduct a workshop that will inform children about “Stranger Danger.” The NLPOA GKC Chapter will also provide free Identi-Kid photography and fingerprinting services to combat child abduction.

Members of the community will also have an opportunity to learn more about the “The Dream Act.” The act, which could offer in-state tuition to undocumented students who have resided in the United States for a long period of time, has been mired in controversy from opponents of illegal immigration. It has, nonetheless, gained support from both Democrats and Republicans. A workshop geared toward discussion of the Dream Act will analyze both sides of the important issue that could affect future generations of Latino families.

LATINO CIVIL RIGHTS SUMMIT EVENTS to note:

- Rose Castillo Guilbault, author of “Farmworker’s Daughter, Growing Up Mexican in America” will be the keynote speaker at the Summit’s luncheon from 11a.m. to 1 p.m., Fri., Oct. 21 at the Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO. For a review of Ms. Guilbault's book by Rigoberto González, click here
- The Summit’s Community Event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat., Oct. 22 at Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, Kansas City, Mo., and will feature workshops that will include information and discussions about key issues in the Latino community like predatory lending and racial profiling.
- On Sat., Oct. 22, the Summit will also feature a variety of informational booths and free literature regarding the local Latino community along with door prizes and other giveaways.

To register for the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations’ Fourth Annual Latino Civil Right Summit, please call 816-531-2251 or fax (816) 421-7332, the registration form can be viewed by clicking Registration. While the event on Saturday is free, there is a $10 charge for box lunches, which must be ordered in advance. Refreshments will also be available at the event. For more information regarding the event, please contact Rita Valenciano at 816-421-7577 or by e-mailing: coho_gkc@yahoo.com.

Más COHO info

2005-10-05T14:49:00.000-05:00

The Latino Career Fair is seeking volunteers to help on the day of the Fair, for more info haz una click aqui.

The MBE/WBE Coalition is holding their Second Annual Banquet on November 1st at the Marriott, to view the invitation haz una click aqui

CMSU is hosting a reception for its new president, Adam Podolefsky at Union Station on Wednesday October 19th at 5:30pm, for mas information, haz una click aqui

Guadalupe Center, Inc will begin its next Housing Counseling class this Saturday, October 8 2005. If you know someone who is interested, please have them contact Bernardo Ramirez to register at 816/421-1015, ext. 102

To view the agenda for this Friday's COHO meeting, por favor haz otra click aqui

COHO Membership Application

2005-09-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

Haz una click aqui for a copy of the COHO membership application. Mil gracias!

Aid for Hurricane Katrina victims

2005-09-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

Relief Fundraiser: Wednesday, September 7, 2005 -- Fundraising Headquarters: La Fonda El Taquito Restaurant, 800 Southwest Blvd, KCMO 3:00pm - 7:00pm You are invited to help raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Come and join in collecting money and/or stop by with a donation of cash or check. Make checks payable to American Red Cross, in the memo write: National Disaster Relief Fund. Coordinated by KC Hispanic News. Partners in this effort include COHO members: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, MANA de KC, Mattie Rhodes Counseling & Arts Center, and the National Latino Peace Officers Association - Greater KC Chapter.

September 2005 COHO General Meeting

2005-09-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

The agenda for this Friday's meeting which will be held at Penn Valley Community College this Friday morning can be accessed by clicking aqui - 3100 Southwest Trafficway, KCMO Campus Center, Room 503 - 8am a punto! Nos vemos!

COHO July Minutes

2005-08-01T12:50:00.001-05:00

Hola!
Haz una click aqui for the minutes of the July 2005 meeting held at Penn Valley Community College. The board has determined not to hold the August meeting due to our Hispanic Heritage Kickoff event scheduled on August 17th at Manny's Restaurant.

Haz otro click aqui to view the Save the Date reminder for the event. More detailed information will follow. Gracias y hasta luego! - Rita

July COHO Meeting

2005-07-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

Hola!
Haz una click for the minutes of the June meeting y otra click for the agenda for this month's COHO meeting to be held at Penn Valley Community College 3201 Southwest Trafficway, KCMO this Friday July 8th at 8am, Campus Center Room 503. We are pleased to announce a newly formed partnership agreement by two of our COHO members. Both organizations will have representatives present to give details and answer questions at the start of the meeting!
Nos vemos!

Immigrants and health care

2005-06-16T10:33:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from AMERICAN HEALTH LINE National Journal's Daily Briefing
============================
Tuesday, June 14, 2005

THE UNINSURED: IMMIGRANTS ACCOUNTED FOR 26%
In 2003 immigrants accounted for 26% -- or 11.6 million people --of the nation's uninsured in 2003, a 70% increase from 1994, according to a study released Monday by the Employee BenefitResearch Institute, the Wall Street Journal reports (Goldfarb,Wall Street Journal, 6/14). The study, led by EBRI Director of Health Research Paul Fronstin and based on census data from between 1994 and 2003, found: - Noncitizens were more than twice as likely to be uninsured as naturalized citizens; - Immigrants who arrived in the United States after 2000 were twice as likely to be uninsured as those who arrived before 1970; - 60% of uninsured immigrants lived in four states -- California (27%),Texas (15%), New York (10%) and Florida (9%) (Lipman, AtlantaJournal-Constitution, 6/14); and - Immigrants represented 86% of the growth in the number of uninsured between 1998 and 2003. In addition, the study found that 60% of Latinos immigrants are uninsured, compared with 22% of those born in the United States(Alonso-Zaldivar, Los Angeles Times, 6/14). The study did not distinguish between undocumented and documented immigrants.

FRONSTIN EXPLANATION Fronstin said one reason for the increase of uninsured might have been the 1996 welfare-reform law, which imposed a five-year restriction on new immigrants for enrollment in public benefit programs such as Medicaid (Wall Street Journal, 6/14). Fronstin also said that increasing health insurance premiums,age, occupation and culture contribute to the number of uninsured immigrants (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 6/14).Fronstin said, "They are uninsured because health costs are rising. They are uninsured because they are disproportionately employed by small businesses. They are uninsured because they have service and agricultural jobs that are less likely to come with benefits" (Los Angeles Times, 6/14). He said, "To the degree that immigration continues to increase, it is likely that the uninsured will also continue to increase" (CQ HealthBeat,6/13). Fronstin said the results of the study will "put added pressure on policy makers to address the issues of the uninsured" (Gibson, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 6/14).REA

REACTION Jennifer Ng'andu, health policy analyst for the National Council of La Raza, said the report shows the need for healthcare reform that makes it easier for employers to offer coverage, as well as the need to increase access to government-sponsored health insurance programs. She said, "When immigrants are offered health insurance coverage, ... even though it is expensive, they will pay for it because they realize health coverage is essential to access the health care system" (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 6/14). Rep. Tom Tancredo(R-Colo.) said, "These numbers are dramatic and are helpful in the debate we're having here. We've already told our colleagues a hundred times in a hundred ways the uninsured noncitizens in this country are creating an enormous burden on our health care system" (South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 6/14). Steven Camarota,research director at the Center for Immigration Studies, said,"What this tells us is there is a very high cost to cheap labor"(Los Angeles Times, 6/14).

COHO Agenda June 2005

2005-06-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hola!
Haz una click aqui for the June 2005 agenda. The meeting will be held Friday, June 3, 2005 at El Centro's Macias Flores Center, 290 South 10th Street, KCK and will begin promptly at 8am. Hasta luego!

COHO May Minutes

2005-05-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

Haz una click aqui for minutes from May's general COHO meeting. Next month's meeting will be held on Friday, June 3, 2005 at the Macias Flores Center, 290 South 10th Street, Kansas City, KS and will begin promptly at 8am. A representative of the Missouri Attorney General's Office is scheduled to present on new bilingual materials regarding consumer protection issues - other presenters are being finalized. See you June 3rd! Nos vemos!

KC Hispanic Scholarship Awards

2005-05-18T09:04:00.000-05:00

Please MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THURSDAY, MAY 26th to attend the 2005 Hispanic Scholarship Awards at the Reardon Convention Center, 5:30pm - reception; 6:30pm buffet dinner and 7pm awards, single ticket cost is $30, different sponsorship levels are available.

Support the Award Winning, Next Generation of KC Hispanic Leaders! Celebrating 21 years of academic achievements in Kansas City.

For more info, haz una click aqui.

Rebecca H. Jaramillo

2005-05-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

Becky Jaramillo was an advocate for our community in everything that she did. I first met her in 1971 at a retreat sponsored by the Women's Union of UMKC. She came to the meeting with ideas and questions, because she didn't want to waste precious time, just discussing how we felt. She wanted the women there to develop actions to enhance the lives of all women. She made sure that those attending understood that they had to be inclusive and reach out to minority women. She was adament that the retreat not end with discussion only, but with action.

She practiced what she preached and was a woman of action: one of the founders of the Panel of American Women, the Central Exchange and Fiesta Hispana. She was an associate editor of Dos Mundos and a member of the board of the Guadalupe Center, Inc. Throughout the 34 years that I knew her, she mentored before mentoring had a formal name. She helped me and other women learn the ropes, make contacts and speak out. She joined with women from other cultures who were doing the same thing and made sure that there was a unity in what was said. She showed us the importance of working together and she acted as peacemaker on more than one occasion.

Becky pushed us to analyze situations, speak out if there was injustice, act without hesitation and always endeavor to do what was right. She was a very devout Catholic, a Guadalupana, who prayed unceasingly for the issues she was concerned about and for those who needed a little extra help. This quiet devotion brought her strength throughout her ordeal with cancer. It helped her as she exuded peace and gracious acceptance when it became apparent that further operations would not be possible. Becky was a woman with class and style who worked relentlessly for what she believed. Our community has lost a true leader. I feel blessed to have known her. Our community will miss her greatly.

Click here for the article written by Mary Sanchez about Becky. It appeared in the Kansas City Star on Saturday, May 14 2005.

Services for Rebecca H. Jaramillo will be held this evening at St. Patrick's Church, 1357 N.E. 42nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO. Visitation will held from 4-7pm, followed by a funeral mass at 7pm. There will be a graveside burial on Tuesday, May 17 at 10am. at Mt. Washington Cemetary, 614 Brookside, Independence, MO.

Reminder - COHO meeting and info on COHO member events

2005-05-04T11:16:00.000-05:00

íHola!
Haz una click aqui for the May 6 2005 COHO meeting agenda.

Also:

íFeliz Cinco de Mayo! It is a celebration of the day that the Mexican army turned back French troops at the Battle of Puebla, despite overwhelming odds.

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations and events planned this weekend by COHO members include:

The Guadalupe Center's Cinco de Mayo fiesta and art exhibit at 1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez. Art exhibit to be held in their art gallery on Friday 5/6 between 9am - 4pm, the fiesta will be held on Saturday 5/7 from noon - 9pm and on Sunday 5/8 from noon - 5 pm. GCI will also have a breakfast on Sunday 5/8 from 8am - noon and a Mariachi Mass at noon on Sunday 5/8 at the Shrine of Our of Lady of Guadalupe located at 901 Avenida Cesar Chavez.

The Hispanic Chamber's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in the Heartland at Crown Center will be held on Friday 5/6 from 5pm - 10pm, Saturday 5/7 from noon - 10pm and on Sunday 5/8 from noon - 7pm.

On May 10th, two COHO member agencies will be sponsoring events, that while appearing to compete due to their timing, actually compliment each other with regard their intended beneficiaries:

1) El Centro, Inc. will hold a fundraiser to benefit the case filed on behalf of immigrants students and instate tuition at Sumner Academy, 1610 N. 8th Street, KCK from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Peter Roos, attorney for the case will make a short presentation, donations will be requested at the event. Their flyer and more information are highlighted below. The date of the event was moved to May 10th due to the postponement of the case.

2) Assistance to Parents Of Youth Organization will hold its 5th annual Dia de Las Madres event at Theme Party Emporium, 2420 Merriam Lane, KCK. from 5pm to 9pm, cost is $30. Cost includes reception, program and short dance with food available. APOYO provides parent education programs and family support services to predominantly immigrant mothers of children birth to three years old.

Mabel Tinjaca, PhD. will give a short presentation on mother's importance in the family and Gloria Botello will perform during the program and Richard Trejo and his group Cariño will provide entertainment from 7pm to 9pm after the program. May 10th is Mother's Day in Mexico - íCelebra Su Mama! is planned as fundraiser for APOYO and celebration of mothers. Haz una click aqui for more information.

Please support both events that evening in some way, either by attending, contributing or helping to spread the word. Gracias por su apoyo, thank you for your support.

COHO Agenda May 6 2005

2005-04-30T16:13:00.000-05:00

The agenda for our May meeting is now finalized. Our May membership meeting will be held at Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Networking time begins at 7:45am -- the meeting will begin promptly at 8am and should end no later than 9:30am.

Presentations planned include:

Congressman Dennis Moore (D-KS)
Brenda Sharpe, CEO of the REACH Foundation, the Kansas foundation which was formed after the sale of Health Midwest hospitals to HCA
MORE2 (Metropolitan Organization for Racial and Economic Equity) presentation by representatives regarding community organizing activities targeting the local Latino and immigrant faith community

Although our meeting is on the Seis de Mayo, we trust that there will be more than a few announcements, regarding weekend Cinco de Mayo events. Please bring materials from your organization to display or distribute as part of your own anuncios at the end of the meeting (bring enough for 35 and 50 attendees).

Haz una click aqui to see the May agenda for our monthly membership meeting! Nos veremos!

Nominations for Midwest Latina Conference Awards

2005-04-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

On August 4th & 5th 2005 at the 2005 Midwest Latina Conference, two awards will be given to recognize local Latinas. The Awards Committee is seeking nominations for The Ana Riojas Leadership Award haz una click aqui and The Estrella en Ascenso (Rising Star) Award otra vez. For nomination forms, click on the links.

This is your chance to submit the names of an individual or indivuduals who you believe to be excellent candidates and deserving of these awards. We have a lot of Latinas out there doing really great things! Help this committte give them a pat on the back and recognize them!

Estella Morales is the Awards Committee Chair for the Midwest Latina Conference sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. For more information contact her at the Chamber at 472-6767.

COHO April meeting minutes

2005-04-18T16:01:00.000-05:00

Hola!
April's meeting was held at the Macias Flores Center in KCK. To view minutes click here

May's meeting will be held at Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Blvd, Campus Center Rm 503, KCMO.

Please note new arrival and networking time of 7:45am. Congressman Dennis Moore has confirmed his attendance.

Brenda Sharpe, REACH Foundation's Director, will also give a short presentation regarding grants to be made by that foundation.

COHO meeting time is scheduled from 7:45am - 9:30am, we want to respect everyone's busy schedule and honor the organizations which work so hard in our community. Con prisa!

Hasta luego! - Rita

Day of Unity

2005-04-18T15:46:00.000-05:00

This Friday, April 22 2005, we will celebrate the Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez with a Day of Unity. Events, which are scheduled to take place at the Guadalupe Center, 1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez include:

Town Hall Meeting from 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Reception 4:00 - 5:00pm

Symbolic Cesar E. Chavez March 5:00pm

Organized by Civic Leaders and Community Volunteers

Sponsored by

American Family Insurance

Central Missouri State University
COHO
El Centro, Inc.
Guadalupe Centers, Inc
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas
KC Hispanic News
UMKC

For more information please click here

Fundraiser to protect instate tuition for immigrant students

2005-04-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

Melinda Lewis, El Centro, Inc. has asked that all COHO members attend the following fundraiser and learn more about the case filed on behalf of immigrants and instate tuition, next Monday at Sumner Academy, 1610 N. 8th Street, KCK from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

To view the flyer, please click here

Fair Housing / Predatory Lending Partnership Consortium

2005-04-18T15:14:00.000-05:00

Stella Alejos, HUD, Fair Housing Division, has asked that all COHO members be informed, consider attending and help pass the word regarding an important consortium meeting regarding Fair Housing / Predatory Lending Practices on Friday April 29, 2005 from 9:30am - 12:30pm at HUD offices in Gateway Two, 400 State Avenue, KCK, second floor conference room. To see flyer, haz una click here !

Please register by April 22 2005 by contacting Stella Alejos, by e-mail. Her address is: Stella_Alejos@hud.gov

The "REAL ID Act" is a Really Bad Idea

2005-04-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

Info from Melinda Lewis that was discussed at the monthly COHO meeting

General Talking Points

The “REAL ID Act” is a wish list of far reaching anti-immigrant measures, not a national security bill. In the past, anti-immigrant groups have been unable to sell these ill-conceived proposals on their own merits, and now they are trying to scare politicians and confuse the public by cloaking them in the guise of national security.

For more detailed information, haz una click aqui, por favor.

No task is difficult if it is divided up in small segments.---Henry Ford

Agenda for Friday COHO meeting

2005-03-29T13:18:00.000-06:00

Hola!
The agenda for Friday's COHO meeting is as follows:

General Meeting of the

Coalition of Hispanic Organizations
El Centro, Inc.’s Macias – Flores Center
290 South 10th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101

Friday - April 1, 2005 - 8:00 AM

AGENDA

I. Welcome and Introductions – Rita Valenciano, President (1 - 2 minutes)

II. Board Report -- John Fierro, Vice President (5 - 10 minutes)

III. Minutes of March 6 2005 meeting -- Dale Mooney, Secretary (5 – 10 minutes)

IV. Treasurer’s Report -- Ian Bautista, Treasurer (5 minutes)

V. Comittee Reports: (5 - 10 minutes each)
A) Education -- Donette Alonzo, Co Chair
B) Health and Social Services – Gabriella Flores, Chair
C) Civil Rights -- Rita Valenciano, Chair
D) Community Development – Jerry Shechter, Co-Chair

VI. Presentations – (10 -15 minutes each)
Christo Rey - Sr. Vicki Perkins, SCL

UMKC The Institute for Urban Education - Linda Edwards, Ed.D., Dean, UMKC School of Education

UMKC Chancellor Search Committee - Carol Grimaldi, community member

VII. New Business: Quick Announcements (1-2 minutes)

Next General COHO Meeting: May6, 2005 8:00am
Penn Valley Community College – Campus Center Building
3201 Southwest Trafficway – Room 503, Kansas City, MO 64111

March Minutes

2005-03-28T16:25:00.000-06:00

Hola!

Attached are the minutes of the March meeting which was held at Penn Valley Community College on Friday March 4 2005 at 8am.

Look forward to seeing you at our April meeting to be held this Friday, April 1 2005 at El Centro, Inc.'s -- Macias Flores Center, located at 290 South 10th Street, KCK 66101 and that's no joke!

Click this link to download the minutes.

Hola!

2005-02-25T12:42:00.000-06:00

COHO is a collaborative group of Latino focused organizations in Kansas and Missouri which work together to improve the quality of life for Latinos through education and advocacy. The purpose of this blog is to share information regarding our work in the community.

Please bear with me as I experiment with the new phenomenon of blogging as a "Juanita Come-Lately!"