Pages tagged "new Jersey"
LAN Demands Ice End NJ Raids
Latino Action Network Condemns ICE Raid in Newark, Demands End to Aggressive Enforcement Tactics in New Jersey
Posted by Javier Robles · January 25, 2025 12:05 PM · 1 reaction
Latino Action Network Public Policy Agenda
The Latino Action Network (LAN) aims to advance policies that promote equity, justice, and opportunity for the Latino/a/x community. This agenda focuses on key areas impacting the community:
1. Education
- Equitable Funding: Advocate for increased and equitable funding for schools in predominantly Latino communities to ensure access to quality education and resources.
- Bilingual Education: Support the expansion and preservation of bilingual education programs to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELL).
- Diversity: Ensure greater racial, ethnic, and economic diversity in New Jersey public schools and programs.
- Higher Education Access: Promote policies that increase access to higher education for Latino students, including affordable tuition and targeted scholarships.
- Curriculum Diversity: Push for curriculum reforms that include Latino history, culture, and contributions to American society.
2. Immigration
- Pathway to Citizenship: Support comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
- Protect DREAMers: Advocate for permanent protections for DACA recipients and their families.
- Family Reunification: Work to prevent family separations and ensure humane treatment of immigrants at borders and detention facilities.
- Immigrant Services: Expand access to language assistance, legal aid, and healthcare services for immigrant communities.
- Humane Policies: Advocate for humane treatment and due process for migrants and asylum seekers.
- No Local Police Takeover: Support local and state policies that prevent cooperation between immigration enforcement and local law enforcement.
3. Criminal Justice Reform
- Eliminating Disparities: Address racial and ethnic disparities in arrests, sentencing, and incarceration.
- Community Policing: Advocate for community-based policing models and training programs to prevent racial profiling and discrimination.
- Restorative Justice: Promote restorative justice practices to reduce recidivism and provide alternatives to incarceration.
- Re-entry Programs: Support programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society.
- Prison Industrial Complex: Work to end private prisons and detention centers that profit from detaining Latinos.
- Disability: Ensure police and law enforcement personnel are trained to respond appropriately during counters with people with disabilities.
4. Voting Rights
- Protect Voting Access: Advocate for policies that expand access to voting, including same-day registration and extended early voting periods.
- Combat Voter Suppression: Oppose any laws or practices that disproportionately disenfranchise Latino voters.
- Civic Education: Promote civic education initiatives that empower Latino communities to participate in the electoral process.
5. Environmental Justice
- Pollution Mitigation: Address environmental hazards in Latino-majority neighborhoods and advocate for clean air and water.
- Climate Change: Support policies aimed at mitigating climate change impacts on vulnerable communities.
- Community Engagement: Ensure Latino communities are included in environmental policy discussions and decision-making processes.
6. Labor Rights
- Workplace Protections: Advocate for stronger workplace protections, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and paid sick leave.
- Union Representation: Support initiatives that empower Latino workers to join unions and collectively bargain.
- Combat Exploitation: Work to prevent wage theft and exploitation, particularly among undocumented workers.
7. Social Equity and Health
- Healthcare Access: Push for expanded healthcare coverage and culturally competent services for Latino communities.
- Social Determinants of Health: Address systemic barriers to health, including housing, food insecurity, and lack of access to transportation.
- Mental Health: Promote access to mental health resources tailored to the needs of Latino populations.
8. Housing
- Affordable Housing: Advocate for policies that increase the availability of affordable housing options in Latino communities.
- Tenant Protections: Work to strengthen protections against eviction and housing discrimination.
- Homeownership Support: Promote programs that assist Latino families in achieving homeownership.
9. Economic Development
- Entrepreneurship: Support Latino-owned small businesses through grants, loans, and mentorship programs.
- Job Training: Advocate for workforce development programs that prepare Latino workers for high-demand industries.
- Economic Inclusion: Push for equitable access to banking and financial services.
10. Health and Healthcare (Including Mental Health)
- Expand access to affordable, culturally competent healthcare for all Latinos, regardless of immigration status.
- Address disparities in chronic disease outcomes and preventative care access.
- Promote mental health awareness and access to services, including reducing stigma within the Latino community.
- Advocate for Medicaid expansion and increased funding for community health clinics.
11. Disability Advocacy
- Accessibility: Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Latino-majority areas.
- Inclusive Programs: Promote adaptive sports, education, and employment opportunities for Latinos with disabilities.
- Healthcare Access: Advocate for equitable access to healthcare and support services for Latinos with disabilities.
12. Other Key Issues
- Hate Crimes Prevention: Support legislation and initiatives to prevent hate crimes against Latinos.
- Census Accuracy: Advocate for accurate census counts to ensure adequate representation and funding for Latino communities.
- Youth Empowerment: Invest in leadership and mentorship programs that cultivate future leaders within the Latino community
Implementation Strategies
- Legislative Advocacy: Lobby for policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Community Engagement: Partner with grassroots organizations to amplify community voices.
- Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the public and policymakers about Latino community needs.
- Research and Data: Conduct research to inform evidence-based advocacy.
The Latino Action Network is committed to creating a just society where Latino individuals and families can thrive. This policy agenda serves as a roadmap to achieving these goals. This comprehensive agenda aims to address the systemic challenges faced by Latino communities while fostering social, economic, and political empowerment.
2025 Working Summit
The Working Summit 25 is a reconvening of State Leadership, Returning Citizens, the Advocate community, affected Families, & Incarcerated voices throughout NJ to address the continued gross overrepresentation of African Americans and Latinos throughout the Criminal Justice system in New Jersey.
LAN 2025 Legislative Assembly
You’re Invited!
Join us at The Latino Action Network’s Annual Legislative Assembly—the largest gathering of Latino community organizers and public policy advocates in New Jersey! This year, we’re bringing together activists, elected officials, and community leaders to strategize, collaborate, and champion the issues that matter most to our communities.
🗓 Date: Saturday, March 1, 2024
📍 Location: Academic Building East, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Read more
About
Who We Are: The Latino Action Network (LAN)
Since 2009, the Latino Action Network (LAN) (501c-4) has been a powerful voice for change, tirelessly advocating for the issues that matter most to the Latino community. From immigrant rights and education to healthcare, affordable housing, and voting rights, our mission is to ensure that Latino voices are heard and valued in every corner of society.
Born From a Shared Vision
LAN was founded by a dedicated group of Latino leaders from across New Jersey, united by a common purpose: to take a stand against the challenges facing our community. These visionaries recognized that the time had come for progressive Latinos to join forces, confront systemic injustices, and fight for our rightful place at decision-making tables.
Over the years, LAN has become a driving force in shaping the future of our state. We’ve made significant strides, from influencing legislative redistricting to advocating for diversity on New Jersey’s highest court and championing marriage equality. Our commitment to justice and equity has been unwavering.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Our work speaks volumes. LAN members have testified at public hearings, penned influential opinion pieces, and met with lawmakers to push for meaningful change. Through legal challenges, grassroots campaigns, and bold advocacy, we’ve fought for:
- Fair Housing: Ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable homes.
- Equitable Healthcare: Breaking down barriers to essential medical care.
- Desegregation of Schools: Promoting equal opportunities for every child.
- Criminal Justice: Working with government and lawmakers to change incarceration policy
- Electoral Integrity: Defending the right to vote and ensuring fair representation.
We’ve also stood firm against policies that threaten public education, including the unchecked expansion of charter schools and voucher schemes that divert resources from students who need them most.
A Call to Action
LAN is more than an organization—we’re a movement. A movement built on the strength of Latinos and allies who believe in a fairer, more inclusive society. We invite you to join us, learn more about our work, and connect with individuals who share your passion for justice.
Together, we’re creating a brighter future for Latino families across New Jersey and beyond. Your voice, your energy, and your commitment are the keys to making that future a reality.
Our Mission: Driving Equity and Inclusion
At our core, LAN is a grassroots organization fueled by the collective power of individuals and groups dedicated to advancing the equitable inclusion of diverse Latino communities in all areas of American life. Through action at the local, state, and national levels, we are building a society where everyone has a seat at the table.
Let’s work together, let’s rise together, and let’s build a legacy of progress and unity. ¡Juntos somos más fuertes!
Mission
The Latino Action Network (LAN) is a grassroots organization composed of individuals and organizations committed to engaging in collective action at the local, state, and national levels to advance the equitable inclusion of diverse Latino communities in all aspects of American society.
News & Articles
Latino Action Network To Demonstrate At The Delaney Hall
Posted by Javier Robles · May 29, 2026 4:36 PM · 1 reaction
Latino Action Network Condemns Supreme Court Attack on Black and Brown Political Power
Posted by Josely Castro · May 06, 2026 7:51 PM · 1 reaction
Latino Action Network Congratulates Annalilia Mejia on Historic Congressional Victory
Posted by Javier Robles · April 17, 2026 12:20 PM · 1 reaction