Building Networks in the Latino Community:
A Mechanism for Empowerment
Lucy Wong-Hernandez
San Jose State University Foundation
Abstract
The Hispanic population has been long overlooked in regard to issues related to education, rehabilitation and social services. In addition, sufficient research efforts have not been made to study this population in reference to disability and rehabilitation services. The absence of networking, collaboration, and communication has further hindered the attempt to provide service to improve the implementation of programs for the Hispanic population. Recommendations are presented to build an active Network System to address this issue.
Historical Perspective of the Hispanic population
As our nation reorganizes and changes its path and its views towards society, we hear more and more about minority issues and their direct relationship to today's societal problems. A group that is always mentioned regarding societal problems is the Hispanic population. For most Americans, the mentioning of Hispanics as a minority group implies the birth of a new subgroup in our society or a group of newcomers, recently arriving in this country, and bringing with them their cultural flavor and conflicts. In fact, history tells us otherwise. The Hispanic population has been very much a part of the American society since the historical days of the formation of this country. They were the native settlers of most of the Southern part of this country.
Today, we find large groups of Hispanics in many geographical areas of this country; from the agricultural fields to our most cosmopolitan cities. They come from very diversified countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. These groups bring their own cultural characteristics, values, and beliefs; and their strongest bond is their native Spanish language. During the past decades, persons of Hispanic origin have continued to arrive in the United States. The influx of this rich and colorful culture, mixed with native Hispanic Americans, is one of the most significant factors that contributes to this country's demographic changes.
There is an abundance of literature which reports the reasons for mass migration of Hispanics to this country. It appears to me that the reasons are very obvious: sometimes political reasons and, most of the time, economic reasons. The reality is that the majority of this population is here to stay and it constitutes an integral part of the American society. The Hispanic population is the youngest group in our society, with an average age of 22 compared to 35 for non-Hispanics. Hispanics also maintain a higher birth rate than any other group. At present, they are the second largest minority group in the United States. Due to its rapid growth, this population has the inevitable potential to become the largest ethnic group in this country within the next ten to fifteen years.
The cultural aspects that differentiate this group from other ethnic groups are numerous. Just like any other immigrant group, Hispanics hope for the "American Dream." However, because of a number of barriers, unknown to many of them on their arrival in this country, a great number fail to enjoy the equality of opportunities that this great country has to offer. Historically, it appears that Hispanics continue to be culturally misunderstood, are negatively stereotyped, and very much underserved and under-represented at all levels of the American society. As a group, they have less education, less skill training, and most often, hold non-skilled jobs. From the migrant working fields to the political arenas of our largest cities, the lack of leadership is quite obvious, considering the large percentage of the total population represented by the Hispanic population in this country.
Current Issues Affecting the Hispanic Population
Hispanics have the same problems as other minority groups and they are affected by the same issues affecting the general population in this country today. In addition, they have their own internal conflicts with other groups, coupled with the deterioration of family and societal values. Large numbers of Hispanics live below the poverty level, have lower educational achievement, and many are school dropouts. One way of becoming aware of the seriousness of a current problem affecting the Hispanic population is by looking at the nation's school system records. We will find, as recently confirmed by the Secretary of Education, Mr. Lamar Alexander, that the high school dropout rate among Hispanics is 33.5% This constitutes the highest in the nation, and higher than any other ethnic group. Moreover, an alarming number of Hispanic students are trapped in the web of the Special Education system in which they are frequently intellectually misdiagnosed. A reason which might account for this serious problem is the of lack of professional training and sensitivity in reference to intervention and multicultural issues. Should this serious situation continue to be overlooked, the underrepresentation of Hispanics in the professional world and the absence of role models will be perpetuated for years to come.
While looking at the present situation, questions arise such as: What is happening in the Hispanic population? Where is the safety network or community support to rescue these youngsters and prevent their further alienation from society? How can we assist them and their families with the necessary support to improve their quality of life? Perhaps, we will find the answers to these questions from future research activities and by building and creating a productive and active network system to work with the Hispanic community.
Research on Hispanic Disability Issues
The Hispanic population in the United States has an increasing number of disability statistics. It is estimated that two out of ten Hispanics have a disability, and most often the individual with a disability is of school and working age. Studies show that the rehabilitation outcome for those who participate in rehabilitation and vocational training programs is less successful than for any other ethnic group. Employment, vocational training, health status, and the utilization of rehabilitation services are at a disadvantage for this segment of the population.
Limited studies and no substantiated research activities have been conducted to investigate the prevalence of disability issues regarding this population. Therefore, there is a lack of direction on how to successfully integrate Hispanics with disabilities into the nation's education and rehabilitation programs. Research activities for designing, implementing, and evaluating the rehabilitation process for improving outcomes for the Hispanic disability community have been addressed only superficially, and the evidence and data obtained is not being fully utilized.
Networking with the Hispanic Population
It is important to build a network system with an aggressive outreach program to provide information to Hispanic families in reference to programs and opportunities available to them in the community. In order for these programs to be successful in reaching their objectives, and to avoid language barriers, agencies must make a concerted effort to integrate bilingual professionals into their staff. Rehabilitation professionals and service providers are in need of training to enhance their counseling techniques and their effectiveness in working with clients from multicultural groups. It is important to be in touch with the norms and cultural values of the population being served.
In order to improve network communication, a model of Micro-Networks, among Hispanic organized groups already in existence, must be established and strengthened. These groups could be found in local churches and civil organizations as well as through civil group leaders, business owners, and other merchant organizations organized under the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A Macro-Network model is also needed in order to extend the necessary support system and network between Hispanic organized groups and other ethnic group organizations. This model will create a "safety net" by working together, sharing experiences and information; and would serve as a liaison between different groups. The outcome of this collaboration will benefit all minority groups and empower them to achieve a more productive life.
When we talk about networks, vocational programs, training, rehabilitation, etc., we tend to think of funding sources to implement these services. But in reality, it is not so much the need for new programs to provide information and services to Hispanics that is needed; rather, the incorporation of new ideas to old programs. By building an organized network system in our communities, more comprehensive services would reach this population with the necessary elements to accomplish the task. In this case, these elements are the knowledge and understanding of the Hispanic culture and language, and a genuine commitment to provide quality services that will ensure successful rehabilitation outcomes. The Building Networks approach will provide us with program development and linkages with people and agencies with a common cause or goal. A strong network system will fill the gaps that the system has overlooked for a long time.
The following recommendations presented here for Building Networks in the Hispanic Community are simple and basic. There is a need to develop a system which includes the following:
I. Micro-Networks Model
- Hispanic organized groups working together. Creating outreach groups to bring the Hispanic cultural diversity under one umbrella. This approach will allow the diverse members of the Hispanic community to learn from each other and to become aware that their needs and there goals might be similar.
II. Macro-Networks Model
- Exploring and establishing a working relationship with organizations already in existence outside the Hispanic community. This action will sensitize other minority groups and professionals in general about the issues and cultural differences that sometimes become a barrier for the Hispanic population. This is an opportunity for learning and sharing.
III. Communication
- Open and clear communication is essential when dealing with sensitive and diverse issues. If communication presents a barrier, the effort to network will be useless. Effective communication is the only way that we learn from each other; and most importantly, it is how we set our lines of expectations and goals.
IV. Role Models
- The role model approach for networking is very valuable. Collaborating with Hispanic individuals that are/or have been recipients of services and have achieved their goals successfully, can serve as a source of inspiration to others. This approach highlights the idea that opportunities are available to those who work hard and can be reached by every one.
In sum, building an active and strong network system is probably the key approach for effective implementation of social services programs. This action will benefit the entire society. The network system can provide us with a fountain of information and knowledge. We must not repeat the history of apathy and indifference towards multicultural issues. Rather, we must try to enhance our service delivery system with more collaboration through networking and reaching out to embrace the diverse groups that form our society.
This country has made tremendous progress in enhancing its rehabilitation programs and removing barriers to productivity for the disability community. We now have the Americans with Disabilities Act, our greatest accomplishment, not only because it protects all persons with disabilities from further discrimination when attempting to join the country's labor force, but more importantly, because it prepares our society to embrace what has been regarded as "different" for so many years.
Hypertext formatting performed by Megan Dodson
Page last updated on March 20, 1997 by Mary Kaye Rubin