Latinos have been regarded as the labor engine of the U.S. economy and will account for more than one in five U.S. workers by the end of the decade, which is why it is crucial to understand the barriers to economic mobility for Latinos in the United States. Programs offered to NALEO Members will equip them with expertise and best practices to help policymakers create opportunities that boost job prospects for Latinos and increase Latino participation in partnerships, committees, and boards that have the authority to shape and strengthen the workforce.

Latino educational outcomes are intrinsically connected to the nation’s success. The steady growth of the Latino student population makes it imperative that Latino students benefit from and have access to positive educational experiences from Pre-K through college. To support these outcomes, NALEO Members on school boards and community college trustee boards receive the knowledge, skills, expertise, and resources they need to excel in their roles and responsibilities in overseeing educational institutions.

As the number of natural and manmade disasters increases, we have seen that low-income communities continue to suffer disproportionately. This is why it is vital that Latino policymakers know and understand the critical elements of emergency preparedness and management to reduce the disparities in these communities. Programs offered to NALEO Members equip them with the tools to help increase community resiliency in the face of emergencies while increasing capacity in emergency preparedness and management to better prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies.

With Latinos being the second-largest population group in the United States, the country cannot succeed if Latinos are not healthy and thriving. As Latino policymakers are at the forefront of the movement for a healthier Latino community and nation, NALEO Members have access to the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to champion policies and programs that work toward reducing Latino health disparities.

As the number of Latino leaders serving in public office continues to grow, Latino policymakers are governing amid some of the most challenging times for our country. As local officials serve on the frontlines of making the hard choices to keep constituents safe, it is essential for policymakers to invest in themselves. This series provides elected officials with the tools, best practices, and tactical skills to balance their public and personal lives while simultaneously fulfilling leadership responsibilities.