The past two days rapidly passed and reminded everyone of the important work we have left to do.  There remain a few primary elections and the upcoming General Election of 2012 is fast approaching. 

PODER PAC is focused on ensuring that our endorsed candidates receive national support from Latinas interested in growing the bench of Latina leaders.  Please take a look at these inspirational women here.

The 2012 national conference provided candidates, elected officials, and young Latinas interested in elected office to come together, establish new friendships, provide advice, encouragement, and strategies that will allow us to increase the number of Latinas in elected office. 

Please take a look at the PODER PAC 2012 endorsed candidates here and determine how you could help them.  Consider liking their facebook page, following them on twitter, volunteering in person, or making a monetary donation.  

We also are challenging PODER PAC members and supporters to do the same for PODER PAC and to recruit ten others.   

Monday, June 18th, 2012
Credit Union House
403 C St NE
Washington, DC 20002

5:00 PM-6:00 PM Event Registration

6:00PM-8:00PM Reception for Event Chairs
Hosts: Ingrid Duran & Catherine Pino
Co-Founders Poder PAC

Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, Chair CHC
Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, Chair Bold PAC
Rep. Grace Napolitano
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard
Rep. Loretta Sanchez
Rep. Linda Sanchez
*Other CHC Members Invited

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012
Inspiring Latinas on the Move
National Education Association
1201 16th St NW
Washington, DC 20005

8:00 AM-8:30 AM
Event Registration / Networking Hour

8:15 AM-9:15 AM
KICK OFF BREAKFAST
“Empowering the Next Generation of Change-Makers”
Introduction- Ingrid Duran and Catherine Pino
Welcome- Lily Eskelsen, Vice President, NEA
Video and Presentation- Marisa Rivera, Founder of Mpowerment Works
Emcee- Giselle Fernandez

9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Panel Discussion #1
“2012 Political Landscape and Latinas in the Press”
Panelist- Delia Garcia, former KS State Representative
Panelist- Maria Cardona, Democratic Strategist
Moderator - Giselle Fernandez

10:45 AM-11:45 AM
Panel Discussion #2
“Candidate Commentary”
Panelist- Mary Gonzalez, Texas State Representative
Panelist- Michelle Lujan Grisham, Congressional Candidate NM-1
Moderator - Giselle Fernandez

12:15 PM-1:45 PM
Wrap Up / KEY NOTE LUNCHEON
Introduction-Lydia Madrigal & Joelle Martinez
Poder PAC Board Members
Keynote- Nely Galan
Founder of The Adelante Movement
Wrap-Up- Ingrid Duran and Catherine Pino
Emcee- Giselle Fernandez

There are currently 435 members of the 112th Session of the US Congress and 100 members of the US Senate.  Out of 535 federally elected officials, only FIVE are Latina Democrats.

And in the 111th Session?  We briefly had SIX, until we celebrated US Congresswoman Hilda Solis becoming Secretary of Labor. 

Latinas are overachievers. We are the fastest growing segment of US small businesses. 

Are we going to sit back or take action?

In 2012 Latinos represent 15.5% (more than 50 million) of the U.S. population and we are projected to grow to 25% by 2050. Our purchasing power equals $1.1 trillion.  

Yet, in the nation's Capitol, where decisions are made daily that impact our lives and livelihood, there are only 21 Latino Democrats. Of those 21 only FIVE are Latinas. That's less than one percent!

We NEED YOUR HELP to change the landscape in Washington and across the country.  The numbers have not changed.  Not from lack of talent, or from lack of trying.  But Latina candidates often face an uphill climb from the moment they decide they want to become the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th Democratic Latina in House. 

So our goal is to DOUBLE IT.  GIVE $10, $20, $40, or more today to double the amount of Latinas in office.

Since 2008 to present, Poder PAC has supported 22 Latina’s running at the local, state, and federal level.  Let’s not stop now.  Let’s Double it.

Since 2008, your generosity has resulted in 250 donors to PoderPAC and allowed us to expand our list of Latina’s we support.  Let’s Double it.

Politics can change in an instant.  Political fortunes can be made or lost in a moment. 

Now is OUR moment.  We can do this together.  Let’s DOUBLE IT!

Give Today and Join us Next Week for our first ever Poder PAC Conference in Washington, DC.   Click here for more details.  Let’s Double it!

Sincerely,

Ingrid Duran, PODER PAC Chair and Catherine Pino, PODER PAC Treasurer