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Día de la Juventud Tuesday, June 3, 2003 |
Overview:
Building Blocks for Youth has designated Tuesday, June 3, 2003 the "Día de la Juventud." This day is dedicated to Latino youth, who face harsher treatment and over-representation in the justice system.On "Día de la Juventud" organizations and individuals around the country will take action to address the disparities Latino children face in the justice system. Activities include:
- Hosting community meetings/forums on the issue;
- Passing organizational resolutions;
- Calling, emailing, and faxing policymakers to urge them to take action on the issue;
- Signing a national online petition urging state officials and members of Congress to take concrete steps to improve justice for Latino youth.
Participants of "Día de la Juventud" are calling for public officials, policymakers, and the justice system to:
- Eliminate racial profiling and other policies based explicitly or implicitly on racial or ethnic stereotypes;
- Collect data in a way that accurately counts Latino youth by separating them from White, African-American and other youth;
- Employ bilingual and culturally competent staff to ensure better services to the Latino community;
- Reduce subjective or biased decision making by creating objective risk assessment instruments.
Sponsors:
"Día de la Juventud" is sponsored by: National Council of La Raza, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, League of United Latin American Citizens, Children's Defense Fund, ASPIRA, Voices for Americašs Children, National Hispanic Council on Aging, Julian Samora Research Institute and Child Welfare League of America.
How to Get Involved:
To learn how you or your organization can take action on "Día de la Juventud", please visit:
- Ways to Take Action on Día de la Juventud;
- Read the "Día de la Juventud" Action Packet (pdf);
- Read the "Día de la Juventud" Flyer (pdf);
- Sign the national online petition;
- Contact Michael Umpierre, Building Blocks for Youth at 202/637-0377 x 119 or at umpierre@erols.com
Headlines:
- Día de Justicia rocks Detroit!
- Baltimore community meets to discuss Latino youth in the justice system
- Congressmen Miller, Scott, Rodriguez, Cummings, and Gonzalez sponsor federal appropriations to address racial disparities in the justice system
- Radio Campesina runs three-part show on Latino youth in the justice system
Log of Activities Nationwide:
Organization Location Activity Contact Info
More Information on Latino Children in the Justice System: