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"FORO Latino"

The University of North Carolina-Greensboro will host ‘‘FORO Latino’ May 20-21st . This is the 11th annual conference organized by the Raleigh-based Latino advocacy non-profit, El Pueblo. The organization is probably best known for putting together one of the state’s largest Hispanic-themed festivals, “Fiesta del Pueblo.” ‘Foro’ draws only a fraction of the more than 60,000 that attend the annual “Fiesta.” But ‘Foro’ caters to an entirely different audience. Whereas people going “Fiesta” at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds generally go with the intent of having as much fun as possible and learn more about the Hispanic culture in the process, there is a narrower focus at ‘Foro’. The workshops at the forum cover lots of topics. But they all serve to either educate Latinos who want to learn more about themselves and how to better assimilate into this new place for them...or to the non-Latinos wanting to learn more about their new neighbors.

The combination works well at ‘Foro’. The yearly event usually draws individuals from all across the state and from various different sectors. You may find a doctor who is trying to learn more about the Title VI requirements he is subject to or you may find a Latina trying to expand her education about domestic violence. Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination based on several categories--including national origin--and this, in turn, has been interpreted to include those with Limited English Proficiency. In other words, any agency receving federal dollars must provide individuals--regardless of their limited English--meaningful access to services.

The two will likely come across one another at various times throughout the weekend-long event—whether that be during lunch, dinner, or at any of the number of social events held at ‘Foro’. There will be a screening of a documentary on one of the nights, there may also be live musical entertainment, and there will be plenty of time to mingle throughout the weekend.

Like last year, I served on the committee that helped organize this year’s event. But this has been an unusual year for El Pueblo. The organization has a new executive director. And the person heading the coordination of this year’s ‘Foro’ moved to a new position at another organization in the months leading up to the event. So El Pueblo has undoubtedly faced some challenges this year in setting up ‘Foro’. But the group helping with the coordination efforts is as committed as in previous years.

This year’s ‘Foro’ will feature workshops on: minority health disparities, cultural competency, efforts to reduce auto accidents (a leading killer for Latinos), Title VI, housing, employment, education, government...and many more topics. The event will also include exhibitors. There are always dozens of statewide and local organizations that chose this as an event to make their presence. They understand those attending this event are individuals who see the value in learning more about the Hispanic culture. The exhibitors also realize the benefit of educating those present.

There is a special component of ‘Foro’ which has always been a tradition—Youth ‘Foro’. The weekend event will have a separate, concurrent forum dedicated exclusively to youths from around the state. At the ‘Youth ‘Foro’’ (‘Foro’ Juvenil), the younger participants will have an opportunity to learn about topics that are more relevant to their lives as immigrants—or the children of immigrants—and discover ways to become more productive citizens. The kids will also have a chance to interact with the adults at the conclusion of both events. Usually, they leave the crowds from both ‘Foro’s’ with inspiring words that only youth can deliver.

If you’d like more information on the event, you can visit El Pueblo’s website at elpueblo.org. The kids pay $55 for their ‘Foro’ registration dues. Adults pay an additional $50. It is two days packed with lots of learning. So if you’re planning on attending, make sure you get adequate sleep!

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Last Modified: May 5, 2006