2011 RISE Global Multicultural Series: Is Austin a Truly Creative City?

Is Austin the “creative city” everyone touts it to be? I’m not so sure and think we have ways to go. From my observations in board rooms, business meetings and the community, Austin is a bit divided and homogenous. Don’t get me wrong, there are great things happening in Austin but usually only three to four perspectives and ideas are at the table. Imagine if we had ten! While I don’t think Austin has reached it’s full potential, there are people working to make that vision a reality. RISE Global is a great example. Since it’s inception, RISE has been for and by entrepreneurs from all sectors; all walks of life, and to ensure that all ideas, perspectives and experiences are represented, the Multicultural Series has been a core strategy at RISE Global.

2010 Multicultural Series

Last year’s Series introduced a great line up of session hosts from the Latino, African-American, Asian and Middle Eastern communities.  We had over 50 sessions in the series with such talented speakers as Manoj Saxena (IBM), Dr. Moe Anderson (Austin’s Black Newcomers Association), Juan Garcia (UT New Media), Gary Hoover (Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship at UT McCombs School of Business), Jennie Y. Chen (Chenergy Consulting), Monica Peraza (MexNet Alliance) and more. The Series opened doors to diverse communities in a welcoming, engaging and inclusive environment. Want to see the highlights from the 2010 Multicultural Series? Check out the Cultural Strategies case study or click here to see the full list of last year’s sessions.

2011 Multicultural Series: Let the creativity begin!

As I mentioned, we’re getting ready for the 2011 RISE Global Multicultural Series (March 7-11) and we would love your involvement. If you’re entrepreneurial and have ideas or want to share your experiences or have valuable insights to share, then you’re an ideal candidate to host a session at RISE.

To sign up as a session host, go to www.riseglobal.org and click on “Host a Session.” If you want to be part of the Multicultural Series or brainstorm ideas for your session, feel free to email me at arayo@cultural-strategies.com.

Adelante!

Mando

vp, engagement

512-785-0447

Poverty Rates do not define Latinos

Yesterday I had lunch with Austin American-Stateman reporter Juan Castillo. We were catching up, eating some good tacos and discussing the newly released poverty rates/data for Austin and his story that ran earlier this week.

Austin American-Statesman: More people living in poverty in Austin, survey finds

There are some alarming numbers and this is Austin – one of the best places to live in America. Here’s the data that got my attention…

“Nearly 1 out of every 5 Austinites lived in poverty in 2009″

“27 percent of related children under 18 and 31.5 percent of related children under 5 lived in poverty in 2009″

“Hispanics, the city’s largest and fastest-growing minority, were more likely than African Americans, Asians and non-Hispanic whites to be in poverty in 2009. An estimated 29.5 percent of Hispanics were below the poverty level, compared with 22.3 percent of African Americans, 8.6 percent of Asians and 11.4 percent of non-Hispanic whites.”

These numbers are alarming and it’s good for us to have these numbers; to track our progress, understand issues that need to be addressed and how we’re going to improve our community. And even more disturbing is how these numbers impact Latinos in Austin. We’re the fastest growing population and according to the data, poverty affects our population the most, especially with Latino children. While these numbers are very real, they DO NOT define Latinos or anyone living in poverty. Behind the numbers are real people with desires, needs and wants; they want to improve their lives and they care about their families, schools and neighborhoods, just like everybody else. One of the most common myths is that people living in poverty do not have the time or resources to give back to their community and because of this myth, organizations prescribe solutions instead of engaging them as contributors. We have to step back and ask what people care about; what their hopes and aspirations are for their families and their lives. When we do this, we open doors for them, to help out, become advocates, to be part of the solution and at the same time, we improve their lives and ours.

While this issue affects our community the most, not all Latinos live in poverty and even the ones living with this issue have the capability of giving back. Latinos are as diverse as the American melting pot. Latinos are U.S. born Americanos, Tejanos, immigrants, entreprenuers, professionals, middle-class, affluent, multicultural, young and old. And Latinos are contributors; they’re doing their part through formal and informal networks as volunteers, civic, business and community leaders. Latinos have a role to play in addressing this issue and organizations working in this area need to connect and engage with Latinos, in real ways. There are a wealth of opportunities but it’s going to take stepping outside of our bubbles (that goes for Latinos and the mainstream community), create understanding of the Latino experience and find opportunities to connect. We all care about the same things; let’s make the connections and get to work!

Adelante,

Mando

P.S. Need help with Latino Engagement? Email me at arayo@cultural-strategies.com and we’ll get started.

*Photo: Clockwise L2R: John-Michael & Priscilla Cortez, Raul Alvarez, Frank Garza, Theresa Alvarez, Maria Adame, Monica Peraza & Elias Hermida

Take it to the Next Level: Multicultural Marketing

America today is not the same as America 10 years ago. America is becoming younger and more diverse and shouldn’t our organizations reflect that change? Well, now you can start the process of being a more multicultural and relevant organization and connect with these communities. Whether you’re looking to market your organization to a more multicultural audience to get the word out about your organization, connect people with services, recruit new volunteers or board members, Multicultural Marketing is just for you. This workshop isn’t just another data driven session; more importantly, it will answer the question of “how”; how to get started, how to connect, how to engage, how to build trust and how to make your organization more relevant to a multicultural audience.

Workshop Series by Cultural Arts Division, City of Austin EGRSO

Multicultural Marketing

Date: August 17, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 (301 W. 2nd St. Austin 78701)
Attendee Limit: 40
Price: Free!

RSVP HERE!

Are you interested in engaging new or more diverse populations? Do you want to learn how to create authentic messages that resonate with a multicultural America? If so, then you are ready for multicultural marketing, an inclusive and culturally relevant approach that not only reaches diverse populations but creates trust and builds advocates for people and organizations. Learn the basic tools to engage multicultural communities by understanding population changes, cultural insights and motivations; and ways your organization can start to engage and market to diverse populations.

Do you have questions about reaching a more diverse audience? Feel free to post questions in the comment section. I’ll respond and hopefully see you at the workshop!

Adelante,

Mando

VP, Engagement

Cultural Strategies

Hispanic Engagement to Multicultural Marketing; Midland, TX to D.C.

I can’t believe it’s already May! In exactly one month, our little baby girl will be with us (yay!). Before that happens and my life is turned upside down, I’m spreading my message – la palabra! And it seems like it’s getting some good traction. So what’s my message? Well, it’s mostly about building relationships with each other, understanding nuestras culturas, experiences and traditions and giving people the tools to create change. Yes, it’s about Hispanic Engagement (pending copyright), multicultural approaches to community engagement and really, understanding people. Want to learn more? Join me in Midland, Austin, San Antonio or D.C.!

Nos vemos en el camino!

Mando

San Antonio, TX – Serve America Act stakeholder conversation with Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National & Community Service – Engaging all Americans including people of color to serve. May 6, Noon to 2pm

Austin, TX – Community Engagement discussion with new Executive Directors – Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, May 13, Noon – 1pm

Midland, TX – United in the Community Keynote and Cultural Strategies Collaboration workshop – Casa de Amigos, May 14, 9:30 – 2:00pm

San Antonio, TX – Project Innovation workshop – United Way of San Antonio, May 18, 1:00-3:00pm

Austin, TX – Volunteers of the Future Panel Discussion – Seeds for Change Nonprofit Breakfast Series, The Patio at Russell’s Bistro, May 20, 8:00 – 9:30am

Washington, D.C. – Cultural Strategies Executive Presentation for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, May 25, 10:00-11:30am                                                                                                                               

Washington, D.C. – Hispanic Engagement workshop – Gov 2.0 EXPO 2010,May 25, 1:00-3:00pm

Austin, TX – Multicultural Marketing – Take it to the Next Level” Series, City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, August 17, 11:00am – 2:00pm

Five Hispanic Engagement Strategies for 2010

It’s 2010! One year closer to 2050, the year Hispanics become the majority in the U.S. If you’re not engaging Hispanics in your work; as volunteers, leaders, donors or board members; 2010 is a great year to start. It’s time nonprofit advocates (yes, I’m one of them) recognize the population shift and how these changes will impact communities across America. As of 2008, Latinos became the nation’s largest ethnic minority (*46.9 million) and by July 1, 2050, *132.8 million Hispanics will live in the U.S. That’s 30% of the U.S population! (*U.S. Census Bureau)

So let’s get started with Hispanic Engagement.

United Way Capital Area - VIVIR UNIDOS

Hispanic Engagement is a process of building community, relationships, & trust with Hispanic communities. Hispanic Engagement utilizes authentic engagement strategies that create advocates for people, neighborhoods & issues within communities. It is an inclusive, innovative & culturally relevant approach that informs, educates, engages & strengthens communities.

That’s my official definition but let me make it easier for you. Enclosed are five strategies that will help your organization engage Hispanics in 2010.

Relationships

Building relationships with Hispanics is not much different than building relationships with other groups. When you build authentic relationships with Hispanics, treat them as valued stakeholders and keep their needs in mind. Once the trust is built, they will support you and open doors for you and your organization. Keep in mind that we like our platicas so get to know us first before you engage us in the business at hand.

La Cultura

Hispanics are as diverse as the American melting pot; we have varied traditions and experiences. One thing we have in common is that we value culture; and not one culture fits all. Hispanics born and raised in the U.S. will have different experiences from newly arrived immigrants from Mexico, Central or even South America. A Latino living in Los Angeles will have different cultural traditions from other Latinos living in Miami, Houston and yes, even Akron, Ohio.

Go to la gente

Find out where Latinos live; where they gather and go to them. Hispanics live in rural and urban areas, Latino neighborhoods and they gather in places they trust. Do some research, show up and start building relationships.

Collaborate

Forge relationships (notice a common theme?) with organizations deep-rooted in Hispanic communities. Learn from organizations that were founded in Latino communities and ones that have built trust with this population (i.e Hispanic professional groups, Catholic Diocese, LULAC, El Concilio, NCLR, etc.)

Be a resource

It takes two to form the relationship. Nonprofits have needs and so do Hispanics. Take the time to listen & understand what the needs, wants and aspirations are for Hispanic communities. Ask yourselves, “How can I be a resource for Hispanics in my community?” By helping and being a resource, you’re showing that you care about this community and you’ll create advocates along the way.

I hope these five Hispanic Engagement strategies will help you get started. Muchisima suerte en 2010!

Adelante,

Mando

VIVIR UNIDOS, Conferencing y mas!

It’s been a little over 3 weeks since VIVIR UNIDOS. As soon as the event was over, I had to rush over to Cali (SF) to participate in the National Conference on Volunteering & Service to present the Community Engagement Toolbox and of course, sneak in some tacos!  My welcome back to Austin came in a form of…more work, this time with some face to face time with a teleprompter (via youth engagement video project) y mas Hispanic Engagement workshop planning.  So basically that means that I had very little time off. But oh well, gotta keep moving adelante right?

So here’s recap (in case you’re interested)…

VIVIR UNIDOS

Austin American-Statesman: United Way reaches out to Central Texas Latinos

GivingCity Magazine: Hundreds attend VIVIR UNIDOS party

Ahora Si: Buscan a latinos con ganas de ayudar

Jerry Ronquillo y Kay Euresti Garza

Community Engagement Toolbox

Click on the link below to view or download the 56 slide (yikes!) presentation

Community_Engagement_Toolbox_09_NCVS_FINAL

Now for the fun stuff…

My guest blog posts on SF Weekly: SF Taco Tour

Taco talk with TastyTouring on KGSR

Welcome back right? Siguimos Adelante!

Mando

You’re Invited to LIVE UNITED – VIVIR UNIDOS

Join us for VIVIR UNIDOS this Thursday at 6pm at the MACC. Find out what it mean to LIVE UNITED! We’ll have Latin-American foods, Loteria games, prizes + you can learn how you can make a difference in you community!

YOU’RE INVITED to LIVE UNITED & connect with Hispanics in Central Texas, an event hosted by United Way Capital Area and the Hispanic
Engagement Advisory Board, featuring Univision TV Despierta Austin’s Leslie Montoya, and Mando Rayo of United Way.

Vivir Unidos is a free, bilingual & family friendly celebration that will give you the ganas to become involved in your community! Come learn about how you can become a volunteer, and make a difference in your community.

Thursday, June 18, 2009
6:00-8:30pm
Mexican-American Cultural Center
600 River Street • Austin, TX 78702

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
• Vivir Unidos Loteria
• La Feria de los Voluntarios
• Comida Latinoamericana
• St. Edward’s Ballet Forklórico
• La Esquina de HEB
• Special presentation of “Making the
Connection Volunteer Report” by
Hispanic community Leaders

To RSVP go to www.vivirunidos.org!

Adelante!

Mando

Advocate for struggling families at the Hispanic Quality of Life Forum (Tuesday, March 24)!

I attended the first Hispanic Quality of Life community forum a few weeks ago. I was glad to see the City of Austin take on a tough task in engaging people in the forums as well as tackling some tough issues in Austin. I see a real role for Hispanics & other groups can play in this process, from advocating for issues to participating in the forums; in fact, the success of the Hispanic community directly impacts the success of Austin. Let’s stand up & LIVE UNITED!

Will you do your part? Here’s your chance. Join us for the next Hispanic Quality of Life community forum. We will have free dinner for everyone & the Capital Area Food Bank will giving out free bags of groceries (no questions asked).

City of Austin Hispanic Quality of Life community forum
Economic Development
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Austin Community College-South Campus
1820 W Stassney Lane
Austin, TX 78745

To attend, please RSVP/register here or go to www.handsoncentraltexas.org

We’re also asking people to bring 5 friends, colleagues & neighbors! Help us spread the word.

Thanks,
Mando

RISE Conference presents the Hispanic/Latino Sessions + KUT Story

Since January, I’ve been working (in my role as an Hispanic Engagement Consultant) with MPower Foundation & Acton MBA on RISE – A Relationship & Information Series for Entrepreneurs (March 2 – 5).  The focus of the Hispanic Sessions are to engage people in learning more about the Hispanic community & to showcase the expertise of some pretty amazing Latinos.  I’ve been fortunate to be able to connect & develop these workshops with people such as James Aldrete, Omar Gallaga, Monica Caivano, Brandon Badillo y mas!

[Check out the RISE story on KUT!]

KUT: Local businesspeople (L2R: Bertrand Sosa, Armando Rayo & Maribel Rivero) discuss the role of Hispanic businesses in Austin. Photo courtesy of Mose Buchele.

The great thing about RISE is that you’ll be able to connect with people & learn from business & social entrepreneurs as well as innovators; all for free!  Check out the sessions below.  If you’re interested in attending, sign up online at www.riseaustin.org or email me at armandorayo@yahoo.com.

RISE – A Relationship & Information Series for Entrepreneurs introduces the HISPANIC/LATINO SESSIONS.

Entrepreneurship Conference features Elizabeth Avellan (Troublemaker Studios), James Aldrete (2008 Obama Media Team), Omar Gallaga (Austin American-Statesman/NPR’s All Things Considered”), Juan Tornoe (Hispanic Trending) & Monica Caivano (Esquina Tango) y mas!

2009 Hispanic/Latino Sessions – All sessions are free!
To register for the sessions, please go to http://www.riseaustin.org.

• Local to Global: Modern Media and Filmmaking
Elizabeth Avellan, Troublemaker Studios

• Targeting and Motivating the Latino Community
James Aldrete, 2008 Obama Media Team/Message Audience & Presentation

• Twittering your way out of the downturn
Omar Gallaga, Austin American-Statesman/NPR & Ricardo Guerrero, Twittergy & Dell

• Engaging the Hispanic/Latino Community
Armando Rayo, Hispanic Engagement Consultant

• Understanding the Hispanic Community
Juan Tornoe, Hispanic Trending

• Hands On: Create a Brochure Website or Blog for Your Business (English & Spanish)
Lynn Currie & Matt Reyes, Mercury Mambo

• Strategies for Bootstrapping a New Publication
GivingCity Austin Magazine, Monica Maldonado Williams & Torquil Scott-Dewar

• Event Production/Music Festivals 101
Brandon Badillo, Bemba Entertainment & Sunni Brown, M.P.A., BrighSpot Info Design

• Location location, location! Restaurantuers discuss what it takes to develop businesses in East Austin.
Carlos Rivero, Carlos Rivero Restaurant Group
Aurelio Torres, Mi Madre’s Mexican Restaurant

• Starting a Restaurant: 3 Key Steps – (Spanish)
Aurelio Torres, Mi Madre’s Mexican Restaurant

• Cultivating Community with Social Media at the Local Level
Jennifer Navarette, San Antonio Social Media Club

• Legal Issues Affecting Small Business
Jerry Rios, Rios & Wakefield PLLC

• Aligning Marketing and Sales in an Economic Downturn/The Impact of Corporate Culture on Performance
Jason Villarreal, Capital Certified Development Corporation

• Starting a Company without start-up money: How to grow a business organically?
Roy Nieto, SureScore, an Educational Consulting Firm

• Building a Strong Foundation for your Business – Entrepreneur 101 (English & Spanish)
Art Cosme, ACB & Company

• Social Business Tool Kit : A practical road map
Martin Montero, The Social Media Experience/Latent Image Ventures

• Entrepreneurship Beyond Business
Tommy Darwin Ph.D., UT Diversity & Community Engagement

• Build it and they shall come: creating a non-profit cultural club
Monica Caivano, Esquina Tango

• Spa for the Soul – Entrepreneurial Survival Skills for 2009
Kathleen Grandfield, Certified Chocolatier/Jewelry Designer

Conference registration is now open online at http://www.riseaustin.org. For more information on RISE Hispanic/Latino Sessions, visit http://www.riseaustin.org or contact Armando Rayo at armandorayo@yahoo.com or 512-785-0447.

En El Mundo de Mando…

Years ago, my friend Patricia started calling me El Mundo de Mando.  Why?  Well, because it’s my world!  En El Mundo de Mando ay Hispanic/Latino culture, social change, volunteerism, nonprofits & causes, Community & Hispanic Engagement and let’s not forget the tacos!

It's Business Time

There’s definitely a lot more and I will be sharing my thoughts, knowledge, viewpoints on all things El Mundo de Mando…with a Si Se Puede attitude!

Hasta la Proxima!

@elmundodemando