Why It’s Crucial to Get Latinos Civically Engaged: A Call to Action for Stronger Communities

Civic engagement is one of the cornerstones of any healthy democracy. When people participate in their communities and government, they help hold systems accountable and ensure that the needs of all citizens are met. Yet, while civic participation can take many forms—voting, volunteering, attending meetings, or even just staying informed—Latinos in the U.S. continue to lag behind in key areas, including voting and community involvement.

A recent study from researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and San Jose State University highlights this troubling trend. The study reveals that Latinos not only have lower voter turnout compared to other groups, but they also tend to be less involved in local neighborhood issues and citywide concerns. While the causes are complex, the researchers agree that the situation calls for immediate attention and action.

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The Barriers Latinos Face to Civic Engagement

So, why are so many Latinos sitting on the political sidelines? The study points to a range of factors that contribute to this gap in civic participation:

• Misinformation and Distrust: Many Latino communities are exposed to misinformation, particularly around elections. Additionally, there is a deep-rooted mistrust in the electoral process, often shaped by political instability or corruption in voters' home countries.

• Time Constraints: For many Latinos, the pressure of work and family responsibilities takes precedence over civic participation. “Work is the most important thing that takes up our time,” says Dr. Vicky Gomez, one of the researchers behind the study. While this doesn’t mean Latinos aren’t interested in getting involved, the demands of daily life can leave little time for attending meetings or participating in political events.

• Internal Community Division: The Latino community is not a monolith. There are differences in culture, priorities, and even language, which can lead to infighting and make it harder for community members to come together around shared goals.

These challenges have contributed to the continued underrepresentation of Latinos in political office and limited community engagement. But the good news is that there are concrete steps we can take to change this.

The Power of Civic Engagement for Latinos

When Latinos are engaged, both individually and collectively, it has the potential to transform entire communities. Civic participation isn’t just about voting every election cycle—it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities. Here are some of the key benefits of getting involved:

• Accountability and Representation: By participating in civic life, Latinos can hold government officials accountable, making sure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. This also means getting more Latinos into elected office, which can lead to more policies that reflect the needs of the community.

• Stronger Communities: When people are actively involved in their neighborhoods, they help reduce social isolation, improve safety, and boost overall quality of life. Civic participation can decrease crime, foster community pride, and promote shared goals among neighbors.

• Empowerment and Belonging: Engaging with others in your community can reduce feelings of isolation and create a sense of belonging. When Latinos come together, they not only build stronger networks but also feel more empowered to make positive changes. This leads to better mental health and greater personal fulfillment.

• Shaping the Future: Civic engagement allows Latinos to have a say in the policies that impact their daily lives—from education to healthcare to immigration. By voting and participating in local government, Latinos can ensure that the policies of today are shaping a better future for their children.

  
  

What Needs to Be Done

It’s clear that there’s much work to be done to get more Latinos civically engaged. The researchers behind the study offer several recommendations to help bridge the gap:

• Encourage More Latino Representation: One key step is to get more Latinos into positions of power, whether at the local, state, or national levels. Having Latino voices in elected offices ensures that the needs of the community are being represented and heard.

• Build Unity and Collaboration: To tackle shared challenges, Latino nonprofits and community groups should come together under a common cause. A countywide umbrella group could help unite Latino organizations to advocate for resources and policies that benefit the community as a whole.

• Increase Voter Registration and Education: It’s essential to increase efforts to register Latinos to vote. A combination of grassroots efforts—like door-to-door outreach—and social media campaigns can help raise awareness and get more people involved.

• Start Now: As Community Health Partnership CEO Dolores Alvarado put it, "It starts today." This work can’t wait—action needs to happen now, with immediate steps taken to involve more Latinos in the political and civic process.

  
  

The Path Forward

Civic engagement is not just about casting a ballot; it’s about being a part of something larger than yourself. It’s about creating a sense of community, fostering accountability, and building a future where all voices are heard.

For Latinos, this is an opportunity to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of future generations. The power to change society starts with each of us. By getting involved, staying informed, and working together, we can build stronger, more empowered communities that truly reflect the diverse and vibrant voices of the Latino population.

The time to act is YA!—let's ensure that every Latino has a seat at the table. Together, we can shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all.