[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]The Delaware Hispanic Public Policy Agenda is a direct result of discussions among Delaware Hispanic Commission members, community representatives, and leaders of state and nonprofit agencies who took part in the first Delaware Latino Summit on Nov. 13, 2014, in Dover, Del.

They listed priorities in education; health and social services; economic and workforce development; community and social justice; and transportation. In each sector, solutions and goals were identified and detailed by summit participants through surveys and feedback. The result supported the theme:  “Connecting to a brighter future.”

Suggestions included:

1. Continue outreach to the Hispanic community.
   The Delaware Hispanic community often is unaware of state and nonprofit services. Programs such as $tand By Me Hispano are making in-roads through assertive campaigns and a bilingual staff that goes into the community. This grassroots outreach has been very successful and should be considered by other organizations wishing to reach Hispanic communities.

2. Increase communications for Hispanics.
   Spanish-language media are important tools to communicate with the Hispanic community. The Delaware Hispanic Commission has found that radio stations in Sussex and Kent counties capture large audiences that keep Hispanic residents informed about important issues, available services and job opportunities. Newspapers and magazines can announce job opportunities, health screenings and other services that benefit the Hispanic community.

3. Provide more bilingual and culturally competent professionals in schools, the Delaware court system and health care facilities.
   Bilingual professionals who are certified interpreters and culturally competent are sorely needed in schools, courts and hospitals. Too often services are not provided because of a communication gap. Having knowledge of the language and culture will help service providers understand and deliver proper information. Young adults should be encouraged to enter professional bilingual and culturally competent interpreting careers.

4. Provide access to bilingual business counselors and advisers.
   In a collaborative effort with business partners, the Delaware Hispanic Commission offered well-received workshops across New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Participants were eager to learn how to become entrepreneurs and how to do business in Delaware. DHC, with a bilingual business counselor or adviser, provided the six-week workshop for the Hispanic community in 2014. More bilingual business counselors or advisers are needed as start-up businesses seek help.

5. Add Spanish websites and publications about services.
   Offering web pages in Spanish will help the community learn about services offered by state agencies. Some Delaware agencies, such as the Division of Motor Vehicles, have translated many of their materials into Spanish. The next step is translating state agency websites into Spanish. Spanish brochures about agency services or employment can easily be distributed to churches and Hispanic community groups to help residents find important information.

6. Improve English and Spanish literacy levels.
   The ability to read and write is essential. Children who are solid readers perform better in school, have a healthy self-image and become lifelong learners. Experts estimate that nearly 40 percent of U.S. fourth-graders do not reach basic reading levels. The number is higher for low-income families, some minority groups and English language learners. These children may have dim employment prospects and increased anti-social behavior. A recent Pew Hispanic Center survey revealed that while 89 percent of Latinos ages 16 to 25 say that a college education is important for success, only 48 percent plan to get a college degree.
   Hispanic families aspire for their children to pursue higher education but often don’t have the resources and support they need to succeed. Ensuring higher literacy rates is a direct and effective way to help families tap into the promise of higher education.
   Illiteracy also hampers the search for health care. While a significant number of Hispanics lack health insurance — and access to health care — an even greater concern is communication breakdown in a doctor’s office. Patients may leave a medical appointment without understanding a diagnosis or prescribed treatment. One goal of the Delaware State Health Care  Innovation Plan is to make Delaware the fifth-healthiest state in the nation. To reach this goal as the state’s Hispanic population rises, we need higher literacy levels for Hispanic residents to learn about and get the most from health care.

7. Create a state Office of Diversity and Equity Affairs.
   The Delaware Hispanic Commission is made up of passionate and committed people with a clear agenda, but we only have part-time resources. The rate of growth for Hispanics and other minorities in Delaware will increase so that, by 2040, minorities will become the majority in the First State. DHC can hold forums to discuss minority issues, help develop diversity and inclusion plans, and devise multicultural services that promote equality across the state.
   The Delaware Hispanic Public Policy Agenda outlines key short-term and long-term priorities in education, health and social services, economic and workforce development, transportation, and community and social justice. Each area needs to be clearly defined and must be supported through legislative, program and policy changes. If we want a healthy, diverse and engaging community, we need to reach these goals.

To read the Delaware Hispanic Public Policy Agenda in its entirety:  http://hispanic.delaware.gov/pdfs/EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_Delaware_Hispanic_Public_Policy_Agenda.pdf[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]