The recent weeks have been troubling as I think about the direction of our country and where we collectively stand in this new era. I strongly believe in our national motto of E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one. On the night of the election and subsequently, after, I’ve asked myself how the election will impact the countless individuals and families fearful of the hateful rhetoric promoted by the President-elect. As we move forward in our grieving process and transition to accept the outcome, I implore all media outlets to reflect the voices of our communities. Nothing has been more frustrating than to listen to media outlets speak about our communities without a representative from our community present. This election has demonstrated how sharply divided and polarized we are as a nation, preying on fear that has only driven us further apart. During this difficult time, I ask that media outlets and journalists seek to reflect the voices of our communities and own the responsibility of communicating compelling stories that tell our diverse experiences. Consumers of new media need to listen to our narrative to better understand our challenges, realities and vision for our communities and in turn help bridge the growing polarization.
– Luis Sandoval, @Luis_E_Sandoval
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Luis Sandoval is a nonprofit executive assisting Latino led and Latino serving organizations create, communicate, implement, and sustain strategic initiatives. He has worked advocated for immigrant integration and workforce development initiatives targeting immigrant workers across California. He is co-founder and current Chair of the California Advocacy Network for Aging Latinos. A coalition of nonprofits coming together to improve the quality of life of aging Latinos through capacity building, community engagement, advocacy and public policy development. He is co-founder of Latinx Practioners in Philanthropy whose mission is to create dialogue about the challenges and realities of working on behalf of Latinx communities in philanthropic spaces. In addition, he has served as consultant to several Latino led and Latino serving organizations such as Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund, Community Foundation of San Benito County, Clinicas Del Camino Real of Ventura County, California Latino School Board Association, California Latino Inter-segmental Convocation (CLIC), and many others.