At a hike within the boundaries of the proposed National Wildlife Refuge in western Riverside County, representatives from Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) and Rep. Ken Calvert’s (R-CA) offices joined community members, the Hispanic Access Foundation and Defenders of Wildlife to call on Congress and the Biden administration to support legislation to establish the refuge.

“We were at church one day and I remember I told my grandmother, ‘mom [we used to call my grandmother, mom], I want to be like him’ and pointed at the priest, and she just gave me a slap and said ‘muchacha eso no se dice. Ese lugar no es para usted.’ Then, my mom came over and said “en tus tiempos, si se va hacer.”

Today, Hispanic Access Foundation announced the lineup of events for its second annual Latino Advocacy Week, which begins on March 13 and runs through March 19. Latino Advocacy Week was launched in 2021 with the goal of helping Latinos become advocates for issues they are passionate about. During this week, various community groups, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community leaders, and elected officials will champion legislation, capacity building, and advocacy efforts to uplift and support Latinos across the nation.

Pastor Moses Borjas has lived in El Paso since his early childhood. Some of his earliest memories include weekends at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology right next to Castner Range. They’d drive across town to go to the museum, walk the trail, envision the stories of early settlers and enjoy the beauty of the different seasons hitting Castner Range.

There’s something beautiful about connecting with nature through a hike, camping trips and ranger talks. Outdoor exploration enriches communities with knowledge, sentiments of peace, and encourages them to think critically about the world they live in.

“Walk with the community. Pay attention to what’s happening and listen to what they have to say.” This was Dr. Francisco Colop’s first piece of advice to Maite Arce when she founded Hispanic Access Foundation. Dr. Colop taught Maite how to listen.

El 12º proyecto anual de conservación del estado de las Montañas Rocosas de Colorado College publicado el 17 de febrero mostró un aumento en la preocupación de los votantes latinos por temas como la sequía, el suministro inadecuado de agua, los incendios forestales, la pérdida de hábitats de vida silvestre y espacios naturales, y el cambio climático. Las preocupaciones de los votantes latinos con respecto a estos temas también se alinean con su firme y continuo apoyo a las políticas a favor de la conservación y las acciones audaces para proteger la naturaleza.

Colorado College’s 12th annual State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll released on Feb. 17 showed an increase in concern for Latino voters over issues like drought, inadequate water supplies, wildfires, the loss of wildlife habitats and natural spaces, and climate change. Latino voters’ concerns with these issues also align with their continued strong support for pro-conservation policies and bold action to protect nature.

Hispanic Access Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of six new members to its board of directors. Their personal and professional experience and passion for the organization’s mission is key to paving the way for Latinos to gain access to the opportunities and resources that bring fullness of life–a healthy environment, employment, health, etc.

Linda Sosa was raised in Aguascalientes, Mexico, surrounded by a very large family. Growing up, her dream was to become a nun in her catholic church and help others. After moving to the United States and realizing this wouldn’t happen, Linda decided to take a different route and become a volunteer in her church. Forty years after moving to the United States in search for a better future, she not only created a better life for herself, but she dedicated her life to helping others create a better future for themselves.