Hispanics lag behind other groups in completing the GED, and New York State, in the last year of record, had a net loss from 2002 and was one of three states that had a decline. Only Puerto Rico was worse. In 1999-2000 in New York City, the number of Hispanics who passed the Spanish GED dropped from 709 to 116, and things have not really gotten better.
This GED Roundtable, called by Aspira in association with Profesor Martin N. Danenberg “El Quijote del GED,” will concentrate on mobilizing communities toward the GED and the acquisition of English language skills, making Hispanics much more competitive. We can speed up the process for all Hispanics and double the number of diplomas each year. The harsh measures of an anticipated guest worker program will make the work of Hispanic institutions harder and new ideas are needed. A new plan is needed to help all immigrants, old, new, and future ones.
Please reserve early to attend this Roundtable by calling Martin at 631-348-1341.
Lorraine Cortez-Vazquez of Cablevision, Nelson A. Castillo, President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, Reverend Jose Lantigua, President of the United Clergy of Greater New York, and Victor Morisete of ACDP have agreed to attend. This Roundtable is being assisted by Rosanna Rosado and El Diario-La Prensa.
Others invited include Senator Hillary Clinton, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Lillian Rodriguez-Lopez of the Hispanic Federation, Rosanna Rosado, Jose Alvarado of NALEO, Councilman Joel Rivera, Assemblyman Jose Peralta, Diana Ortiz of OSHA, Tom Milton, the Vice-President of Mercy College, Reverend Dr. Hector Chiesa of Radio Vision Cristiana, Harry Almodovar of the New York Central Labor Council, Milton Rosado of LCLAA, Eduardo Juarez of the International Foundation of Immigrants, Consul General Rosa Merida de Mora of Guatemala, Consul General Arturo Surakhan of Mexico, Martin Perez of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, Francisco Fernandez, Consul General of the Dominican Republic, and Moises Perez of the Alianza Dominicana,
WE HOPE THAT LUNCH WILL BE SPONSORED, BUT YOU WILL BE INFORMED WELL IN ADVANCE.
IF YOU CANNOT COME, DELEGATE SOMEONE TO JOIN US. AIDS AND KATRINA PRODUCED GREAT MOBILIZATION OF COMMUNITIES. WE CAN DO THE SAME IN NEW YORK TO MAKE HISPANIC FAMILIES STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE. REMEMBER THAT EDUCATION IS ALWAYS ONE OF THE TOP ISSUES.
This Roundtable, the first of its kind in the United States, will unite Hispanics in the area of the education that adults need the most. You will receive at least one update of this announcement as a reminder, but also to inform you about key confirmations as they arrive. So please respond as soon as possible.
SPACE IS LIMITED. IF YOU WANT TO RECOMMEND SOME PERSON OR ORGANIZATION, PLEASE DO SO.
