Every now and then, someone will ask me what it's like to work at the Hispanic Federation. My response is, well, it's certainly not a place you punch in and out of - or where you leave your work behind at the end of your shift. In fact, it isn't even a job in the way most people define jobs. It is instead a cause that drives and grants you great purpose. The pursuit of mission is constant and CHANGE and GROWTH are mandatory tools of the trade.
On that note, I am happy to announce that we're moving forward with our strategic plan to expand our presence, profile and impact throughout the eastern corridor of the United States. Thanks to our friends at Comcast and other strong supporters, we will be conducting Latino civic engagement drives in six key states this year, including Pennsylvania and Florida. Thanks to the generosity of Aetna, we are set to launch a new research effort focused on identifying and addressing root causes of obesity in New York's Latino community. HF is also grateful for the opportunity provided by Wells Fargo, Prudential and Newscorp, to expand our board leadership development program and other initiatives designed to strengthen Latino nonprofits in New Jersey and Connecticut.
I am equally excited to share with you some recent staff changes. Frankie Miranda, who has been serving as our VP for External Relations for the past five years, is our new Senior Vice President. Similarly, Jaslyn Jimenez-Pena, our long-time Assistant Vice President, has been promoted to VP for Programs. Jose Davila, who previously worked for the NYC Public Advocate's Office, has also joined our team as the VP for Policy and Government Relations. I am excited about the increased leadership they are providing us, and the many contributions they will make in the months and years ahead to further our growth and expansion. Please feel free to call on them for whatever assistance you may need.
Another change I am happy to announce is that Liliana Melgar, our Director of Health Programs, gave birth last week to a beautiful girl named Sofia. Mommy Liliana is doing great and we're all thrilled to welcome Sofia as the newest member of the Hispanic Federation family.
To our many friends and supporters, thank you again for making the Federation such a wonderful cause and granting us the wherewithal to carry out its great purpose. Hasta pronto!

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2012 National Policy Agenda
The Hispanic Federation is committed to ensuring that the aspirations and needs of the Latino community are heard and addressed by policymakers and decision-making bodies throughout the nation. The 2012 National Policy Agenda provides a framework of the Federation's top budget and policy priorities. You can read more here.

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It's Time for Congress to DREAM, and Get Serious About Comprehensive Immigration Reform
by US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and José Calderón
Over the past ten years there has been endless political posturing in Washington about our broken immigration system. Unfortunately, these debates have achieved nothing to produce critically needed comprehensive immigration reform.
It is shameful that Congress can't even come together to do the bare minimum and pass the DREAM Act, legislation that would allow thousands of immigrant youth - who grew up here and know only America as their home - the opportunity to attend college and serve in the U.S. military. Read more...

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 On June 27, Hispanic Federation, Latino Commission on AIDS and the NYS AIDS Institute gathered together to observe National HIV Testing Day and the launch the 8th annual Latino HIV Testing Month in New York State. At a time when many people speak of the "end of AIDS", Hispanic Federation and its partners work to educate, test and support our community.
Know the facts!
Every 9.5 minutes, someone is infected with HIV. Twenty percent of those infected live unaware of their status and run a greater risk of infecting others.
Take the test!
Throughout July and August Hispanic Federation is supporting HIV testing initiatives throughout the state:
July 27: Free testing in Yonkers! The Sharing Community.
July 27: Free testing at Orchard Beach! St. Ann's Corner of Harm Reduction.
July 31: Free testing in Brooklyn! After Hours Project.
For more information testing events, click here or call the Hispanic Federation hotline at 1.866.HF.AYUDA. (866.432.9832).

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 Deferred Action for DREAMers Fact Sheet
On June 15, 2012, the Obama Administration announced DREAMers will be eligible for deferred action. We applaud this effort! But what does deferred action mean? Who is eligible? When can people start applying? To find out the answer to these questions, and more, read through HF's printable Deferred Action for DREAMers Fact Sheet.
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Funding Opportunity
The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Creative Curricula program provides grants to teaching artists or cultural organizations working with Manhattan public schools to provide K-12 arts education in the classroom.
Creative Curricula makes grants ranging from $750 to $5,000 to Manhattan-based individual teaching artists or small to mid-sized nonprofit cultural organizations working in partnership with Manhattan public schools.
Information sessions for Creative Curricula will be held at locations in Manhattan on July 17, August 8, and August 30, 2012. All applicants are required to attend an information session before applying. An RSVP is required.
Visit the LMCC Web site for complete program guidelines, application procedures, and details on attending one of the mandatory information sessions.
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Employment Opportunities
HF seeks qualified candidates for the following positions:
Development Manager will support the work of the fund development program. The Development Manager will be responsible for a variety of projects related to membership, annual fundraiser, major gifts, and special events among others. The position will provide natural opportunities to learn and will require the ability to remain flexible and adaptable in regard to work assignments.
Executive Assistant should be experienced in handling a wide range of administrative and executive support related tasks. This person must be exceedingly well organized, flexible and enjoy the administrative challenges of supporting a small office of diverse people and programs. The ability to interact with staff (at all levels) in a fast paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality is crucial to this role. Expert written and verbal communication skills, strong decision making ability and attention to detail are equally important.
For a complete description of these positions, please email Jaslyn Jimenez-Pena, VP for Programs.
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The Premier national event promoting healthy lifestyle is back in New York on September 9th.
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Have you become an HF fan? If not, you're missing out. Join close to 2,000 HF fans and help spread the word about HF.
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