The Shift: How Nonprofits can Engage a changing U.S. population

2011 is the year of The Shift. We’re seeing a lot of changes happening in Austin, throughout Texas and America. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know the population trends are changing in every community across our nation and forming the New America. An America that is younger, growing and more diverse. This year, with the support of TANO, Austin Community Foundation, Sooch Foundation and others, I’ve had the opportunity to launch Engage501 and connect with many nonprofit leaders across Texas and equip them with strategies that will help them build relationships with Latino and Multicultural communities that will ultimately create fundraisers, board members, volunteers and advocates within these communities. It’s been a great experience connecting with nonprofits, learning about their successes and areas where they need help, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.

Want to get started? Read my article on The Shift.

The Shift: What nonprofits can do to engage a changing U.S. population

By Mando Rayo

In case you’ve been under a rock, you should know that right now we’re on the verge of a major population shift, and your organization may not be ready.

The shift is this: According to the most recent Census brief, “Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin 2010,” both the Hispanic and Asian populations grew by 43 percent. Consider the fact that “America’s minorities account for an estimated 85 percent of U.S. population growth over the last decade” and more than half of the increase is due to the Latino population, which is now at 50.5 Million. (*U.S. Census) These numbers tell the story of a new America; America that is becoming more multicultural and interweaving our histories, traditions, cultures and people into a new nation.

To say that nonprofits aren’t ready for this shift implies that nonprofits don’t already engage this population, at least not as donors, board members, volunteers and advocates. For many nonprofits, it’s hard to visualize more minorities on this side of the table. But at the same time, we must also questions whether we’re serving these populations as best we can. If we’re not connecting with those who can help us, why would we assume we’re reaching all of those who need us?

This is not an obstacle, it’s an enormous opportunity.

By engaging and building trust with Latinos, African-Americans, Asians and all diverse populations, nonprofits stand to benefit from authentic leadership on their board that goes beyond tokenism, fundraising opportunities that have gone untapped by mainstream organizations, increased awareness and engagement with services, programs and volunteer activities and relevance in a growing multicultural America.

In order for nonprofits to truly achieve their missions, they need diverse insights, perspectives, influence, connections, fundraisers, and advocates and by engaging and creating meaningful relationships with these communities, we begin to improve all communities across America.

As we know when we build trust with volunteers and donors, they are more likely to give even more of their time, talent and treasure. A few fundraising examples include $1 Million raised with low wage workers through United Way and local grocer-HEB, $125,000 raised through what might be the first Hispanic giving circle in the country, FuturoFund Austin and nationally, $4.7 Million raised with a Spanish radio telethon with Univision and St. Jude’s Hospital.

Now let’s get practical. What can nonprofits do now to engage with these multicultural communities? Here are some suggestions:

Start today. You don’t have to have a perfect plan, you just to do it; reach out and be authentic in your approach.

Connect with the culture. When you understand and honor peoples’ culture, traditions and histories, you get closer to building trust and connecting with them in meaningful ways.  Take time to understand peoples’ backgrounds, experiences and motivations. Remember, multicultural groups are not monolithic.

Build relationships. If you’re looking for board members, build relationships with formal and informal leaders from these communities. Don’t just go with the usual suspects, reach out to new and upcoming leaders. Connect and collaborate with cultural groups and organizations that are deep-rooted in these communities.

Be a resource. Think about how your organization can be a resource to these communities. Take time to understand their needs, wants and aspirations. It’s about meeting their needs, your organizations’ needs and meeting in the middle or reaching the sweet spot. Once you hit the sweet spot, you can move forward together.

Understand your market. Be clear on whom you’re trying to engage and the best strategies to reach them. To reach young professionals, use leadership opportunities, social events and online networks; to reach families, be flexible and utilize family friendly activities and to reach new immigrants, utilize church networks and Spanish language media.

Make your organizational brand multicultural friendly. Show the diversity of your organization, leaders and people you serve through your marketing materials. It’s important to balance how you showcase the people you serve and your organization’s leadership; show how multicultural communities are contributing to your mission; don’t just show them as recipients of services. Understand that your organization might have to go through a change to become more multicultural friendly. You might have to implement changes in your board structure or in how you deliver your services.

Go to the people. It’s an age-old approach that works. Find out where people formally and informally gather. Sometimes it’ll be online via social networks and other times it’ll be at local community center or church. At first they’ll ask “what are they doing here” and as you build the trust, they’re going to be asking “why aren’t they here?”

Be committed. Show up often and when it matters. Be committed for the long-haul and show you have their best interest at heart. Don’t just outreach; engage people in the process. Be authentic and show that you care and you’ll be on your way to recruiting the biggest advocates with these communities.

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Mando Rayo is vp of engagement at Cultural Strategies and board member and founder of Engage 501, a multicultural engagement initiative at Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO).

Sustainability and Latinos

Last week I had the opportunity to share my perspectives on social equity, Latinos and the sustainability movement at the Go Green Conference. While we still need to change behaviors in the Latino community, it is important to also change perspectives within the sustainability movement. If you’re interested in learning about what I mean when I say “changing perspectives,” continue reading…

Sustainability and Latinos

By Mando Rayo

When you think of sustainability, the environment and going “green”, what comes to mind? Is it the conscious-minded people who chooses alternative transportation, recycles and grows their own veggies? Or is it the person who lives in the city but has agriculture in their family history, tends to multiple chickens and roosters and rides their bicycle to and from work because they have no alternatives? I think of the latter.

Even though you can’t help but walk through a minefield when making generalization about any demographic and/or ethnicity in America, there are certain realities that I invite you to ponder; new information that will make you at the very least reconsider the assumptions you make when running into certain sub-segments of the Latino market.

Let me expand.

Culture, Traditions and History

Among Latino and other sustainability is a very familiar concept, in fact, it’s goes back many generations. My grandparents and their grandparents before them, farmed and cultivated their lands with vegetables, fruits and the foods they needed to feed their families and make a living. In the kitchen, they developed and passed on traditions to the next generation including reusing plastic bags and foil paper and creating new dishes from a hodge podge of leftover items. These practices, often starting out of necessity, have become traditions and part of our culture. Among Latinos and especially those in low-income communities, you have to save where you can in order to provide for your family—you have to conserve. While many Latinos may not label themselves “green,” they actually are; they just don’t do it by definition, they do it because it’s a part of their culture.

Choice vs. Necessity

Is the construction worker who rides his bicycle to work going “green” or does he do it because of necessity? How many of us are afforded the choice to leave the car at home and ride our bikes to work or for recreational purposes? Do you consider people in low-income communities as environmentally-friendly because they ride the bus? You could. A lot of us, including myself, are afforded these choices but many Latinos and African-Americans that are living in poverty do not have the luxury to make these choices. For Latinos living in these conditions, it is a matter of necessity; the necessity to get to work, make a living, getting by and providing for their families. With necessity comes ingenuity. We see it in its simplest form by recycling plastic bags and foil paper, by washing and reusing them, or by repurposing old aluminum cans or glass jars for tools and containers and even art projects. While some Latinos, especially older generations, may not consider themselves environmentalist, many of them have been doing their part through culture and traditions.

Creating Inclusion

Sustainability and the organized environmental movement for the large part has been part of the mainstream. The poor and multicultural communities have not been part of this organized movement not because they’ve been intentionally excluded, but simply because not enough relationships and connections exist between these groups. Latinos and most multicultural communities do care about sustainability and doing their part to be “green”. However,  they do it in their own informal way, rooted in cultural traditions and understandings. What organizations and businesses need to do is begin the process of understanding how these issues affect and are relevant to Latino communities. If they truly want diverse insights, perspectives, influence, connections, advocates, and $171 billion of Texas’ Latino buying power the organized environmental movement needs to take time to understand their needs, wants and aspirations. It’s about meeting their necessities, your organization/business’ needs and meeting in the middle or reaching the sweet spot. Once you hit the sweet spot, you can move forward together.

There are real connections between sustainability and Latinos. As we continue this work, we have to change perceptions as well as behaviors and start connecting the issues in more meaningful and relevant ways that include culture, traditions and experiences.

There are definitely situations in which these same Latinos, due to either lack of information or out of pure necessity are engaging in practices negative to the environment. These are opportunities for both nonprofit organizations and the business world as far as educating and empowering these individuals to take environmentally-friendly decisions.

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

Donate Anywhere for FuturoFund

Si Se Puede..donate anywhere! I’m part of a national online fundraising effort to make giving easier through Razoo’s DonateAnywhere widget. See the link on the side bar—->

Razoo and the ‘zooGooders Council, a group of nonprofit and philanthropy leaders across the U.S. are joining forces to use the widget to raise money for their favorite charity. I’ll be helping FuturoFund Austin.

Por Que FuturoFund? Latinos are the fastest growing population in the U.S. and are the future philanthropic and civic leaders in communities across America. I want to help Latinos do their part in giving back to ALL communities. Futuro Fund Austin will inspire and help Latinos step up, lead and give to their communities.

Por que Razoo? They’ve raised millions of dollars nationwide and the DonateAnywhere widget is new and innovative tool that will make giving a lot easier.

Ready to help FuturoFund Austin? Click on the DonateAnywhere button!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the press release here.

Here’s the zooGooder Council…

The ’zooGooders (http://blog.razoo.com/zoogooder/) include the following organizations and thought leaders:

Andre Blackman of Pulse and Signal at http://pulseandsignal.com/

Tom Dawkins of Out There and Back Again at http://tomjd.wordpress.com/

Nicole D’Alonzo of Niki’s Notes, http://nikisnotes.com/

Abby Flottemesch of Atlas Corps at http:// http://www.atlascorps.org

John Haydon of his eponymous blog, http://www.johnhaydon.com/

Jessica Kirkwood of Hands on Network at http://handsonblog.org/

Rachel Matthews of A Southern Fairy Tale at http://asouthernfairytale.com/

Armando Rayo of Cultural Strategies/El Mundo de Mando, https://elmundodemando.wordpress.com/

Jennifer Roccanti of Miriam’s Kitchen at http://www.miriamskitchen.org

Amber Rodriguez of Noah’s Kitchen at http://noahskitchen.wordpress.com/

Jenna Sauber at Lagniappe at http://jennasauber.com/

Andy Sternberg of his eponymous blog, http://andysternberg.com/

Andrea Weckerle of CiviliNation at http://civilination.org/supportdonate/

Jennifer Windrum of WTF Lung Cancer at http://www.wtflungcancer.com

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

Town of Clouds: Un Interview con Diego y Dany (vid)

I love learning about people, history y culturas. And so working on this project has been right up my alley. I’m learning about the Huicholes (indigenous) people from the mountains for Jalisco, Mexico. Last week I interviewed Diego Huerta and Dany Gutierrez in preparation for Opening Night: Town of Clouds/Pueblo de las Nubes. Let me just say that Diego knows how to capture peoples’ souls. Just take a look at his work. Now let’s discover los Huicholes…

To learn more about the exhibit, visit Diego’s blog: www.diegohuerta.blogspot.com. You can join us on our Facebook event or RSVP at http://diegohuerta.eventbrite.com.

Opening Night: Town of Clouds – La Cultura de los Huicholes

A couple of months ago, I met Diego Huerta and Dany Gutierrez at the offices of Hahn, Texas – Yes, they were the ones that made me look cool on the HT website! I’ve been getting to more involved in Diego’s work and have been thoroughly impressed by his commitment to his art, style and how he represents people with his photography. Diego told me about Town of Clouds and the Huichol people of Central Mexico and how he wanted to share their story to the good people of Austin, Texas y’all! So we brainstormed and brought together the Hahn, Texas and Cultural Strategies team to help support the opening and exhibit. Interested? Want to learn more? Read the Q&A with Diego Huerta and RSVP for Opening Night!

Q&A with Diego Huerta, Photographer

Can you tell me about the exhibit?
The exhibit is integrated by 43 photographs.
All of the photographs were taken in the town of San Andrés Cohamiata, Jalisco, México in May 2009.

The exhibit will be first opened in Austin, Texas during the month of June through the month of August. The photographs will be on sale and a 50% percentage of the funds will be dedicated to the community of the town of San Andrés in order to give them chaquira,wood and other materials for their crafts.

What about the people- why did you decide to do this project with them?

A year ago, when I lived in La Huasteca, Nuevo Leon, I noticed that the ritual site that had belonged so many years to the Huicholes had been closed down. Although it is not written on paper, the Huicholes have visited this ritual site for thousands of years considering it the center of the universe. Neighbors close to this site decided to shut it down and haven’t allowed them to celebrate their rituals anymore.

I looked to photograph them so modern society can recognize that there are ancient cultures with and customs and traditions and that such traditions should be acknowledged and respected.

Dany Gutierrez & Diego Huerta at the Huichol village

Tell me about the experience – What did you go through to get the project done?

First of all, we needed to plan the route to take. After a 2 day 16-hour drive, we got to the town. We also needed to give something in return, so days before we left to San Andrés, we asked for donations of food and clothes from family and friends. Being at San Andrés we had to approach the Governor to ask for permission to actually give our donations to the Huicholes. The Governor had to consult with the Elder Council. After a three-day period of waiting, we received approval to take move forward with the project. Along with the permission, we were invited to the annual ceremony that is held when the Governor steps down and gives the position to his successor.

The experience was incredible- we learned that you can never take what you have for granted. We also learned that life is easy and living it is just a day-to-day routine.

How can people learn more about the exhibit?

To learn more about the exhibit, visit Diego’s blog: www.diegohuerta.blogspot.com. We have videos, slidecasts and photos. You can join us on our Facebook event or RSVP at http://diegohuerta.eventbrite.com.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Come to the opening night on Saturday June 19 at the MACC. You will enjoy food, drinks and culture. You will also have an opportunity to help the people in San Andrés by buying the photographs. We hope to see you there!

Filling the gap on Austin’s Latino Leadership: Leadership Austin Hispanic Recruiting Reception

Yes, there is a Latino Leadership gap in this town. While we do have some leaders advocating for the Latino community, I don’t think we have enough. So what am I doing about it? I’m hoping to fill the gap by supporting Leadership Austin and getting more Latinos to apply for the 2011 Essentials class. I’m in the 2010 Essentials class – “mas chingon class ever!” I learned a lot about myself, the issues in the community and how many people want to do good in this town – it was 55 in this year’s class.

So will you step up? Will you lead? Come learn more about the Essentials class at the Hispanic Recruiting Reception on Thursday, May 20. We’ll have food, drinks & opportunities to connect with other Latino Leaders; and hear from Leadership Austin alums (yeah, like me!). Seriously, we have to step up and lead; not only for Latinos but for the whole community.

Si Se Puede,

Mando

Essential Class Hispanic Recruiting Reception
Learn, Develop, Innovate, Collaborate, Lead!

Leadership Austin and the Iris Leadership Fund invite you to a reception and information session for the 2011 Leadership Austin Essential Class.  Learn more about the program, speak to past participants and Leadership Austin Board members, and get guidance on the application process.

The Leadership Austin Essential Class is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a unique, comprehensive leadership development experience during which you will learn a great deal about yourself, your community, and 54 other individuals who represent the diversity of our region.  Download the application today and ignite your passion for community leadership!

2011 Essential Class Hispanic Recruiting Reception
Thursday, May 20, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Mueller Central Information Center (4550 Mueller Blvd)
*Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres
Click here to RSVP

This event is being presented by the Iris Leadership Fund Fund – which seeks to promote Leadership Austin to the Hispanic community and provides tuition assistance for Hispanic participants of the Essential Class.  Suggested donation: $10.00.

Special thank you to our reception host:

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

Update: Austin Says No to Arizona’s Immigration Law!

After one day of hard work & online advocacy via Twitter, FB, snail email and one phone call, we have a proposal for an economic boycott against Arizona by the Austin City Council. Standing up for Austin is Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez who said in a press release that he didn’t want to “expose city employees to potentially hostile environment in Arizona” and “that our Austin community stands in vehement opposition to racial discrimination in any form.” And being who I am, I vehemently agree!

Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Austin Councilmember Bill Spelman and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez will introduce the resolution at the May 13^th Austin City Council meeting. Meanwhile, I’ve been gathering mas support via Twitter & Facebook. So if you want to keep up to date on the resolution or show your support, please join us on the “Austin Says NO to Arizona’s Immigration Law!” We’re already up to 294 LIKEs and y’know we like the LIKEs now!

Muchisimas gracias to Bobby Garza and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez for taking the lead on this effort. They are a prime example of city officials listening and working for the people! You can read the full press release below.

Adelante!

Mando

For Immediate Release

April 29, 2010

Contact: Bobby Garza, Office of Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez

(512) 974-2264

Austin Council Members To Propose Arizona Boycott

Austin, Texas – Austin Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez, City Council Member Bill Spelman and Mayor Lee Leffingwell announced today that they will introduce a resolution at the May 13^th City Council meeting directing the City Manager to limit employee travel to Arizona and to present a plan to the Council for terminating business and investment relationships with the State of Arizona.

“The reasons for introducing this measure are two-fold,” said Mayor Pro Tem Martinez.  “First and foremost, we want to ensure that we are not exposing city employees to risk by sending them into an uncertain and potentially hostile environment in Arizona .  Second, we want to send a loud and clear message to the State of Arizona that our community stands in vehement opposition to racial discrimination in any form.”

“This resolution has precedent in past Council actions,” added Martinez .  “For example, we’ve previously passed policies prohibiting the city from doing business with manufacturers who utilize sweatshop labor.  It is squarely within the Council’s purview to determine with whom the city should or should not do business based on their practices.”

The resolution comes on the heels of passage of SB 1070 in Arizona that effectively mandates racial profiling throughout the state.  Other cities across the country, including Los Angeles and Washington D.C. , are contemplating similar legislation.  San Francisco has recently passed a resolution that will terminate all contracts with Arizona-based companies and end city business with the state.

“ Arizona ’s new immigration law puts anyone traveling to the state in jeopardy of being detained, based on a law enforcement officer’s ‘reasonable suspicion’ that that person might be an undocumented immigrant,” said Council Member Bill Spelman.  “That’s wrong, and I can’t responsibly allow our city employees to be placed at such a risk.”

“While I’m normally reluctant to support the Council formally weighing in on issues outside of our jurisdiction, Arizona ’s legislation potentially has a direct impact on our employees, and is generally so offensive that I believe it demands our attention,” said Mayor Leffingwell.   “I’m supporting this resolution because I believe that we have a responsibility not only to protect our own employees, but also to speak out loudly against racial discrimination wherever it exists.”

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