The NCLR Líderes Center presents

1. Get Informed Knowing and understanding current issues and events is essential to addressing Latino community issues. Read a newspaper or news website, watch the TV news, or listen to the National Public Radio station in your area.

2. Register and Vote Voting is a crucial part of democracy. By voting, you contribute to making the political system more diverse and truly representative of America. You also give Latinos a greater voice and ensure fair and equitable treatment for everyone. To register, go to www.nclr.org and click on Register to Vote.

If you are not 18, not yet a citizen, or otherwise unable to vote, you can still encourage others to vote by participating in a voter registration campaign.

3. Be a Role Model Whether you realize it or not, you are a role model for younger Latinos around you. Watch and discuss a Latino film with other Latino youth, or just teach a child to read. They will thank you for it and learn from your example.

4. Volunteer Volunteering is not only an act of kindness, it s an opportunity to build your skills, gain experience, and network with professionals. To find volunteer opportunities near you, you can visit www.usafreedomcorps.gov.

5. Join a Group By joining a group or program, you can learn essential skills like teamwork and communication, and develop a better understanding of group dynamics. You can also join a group s mailing list, to keep up with information and opportunities for young activists. For example, the NCLR Líderes Network has an email newsletter you can sign up for by going to www.nclr.org/lideres.

6. Write a Letter Use the power of the pen! If something bothers you, make your opinion known; ask for it to be changed. Similarly, when you appreciate something for example, a positive Latino image on TV tell those in power to continue what they are doing. Write to elected officials or media companies, or write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to make a public statement.

7. Sign a Petition There is power in numbers. A petition is a demonstration of a large number of people who feel the same way about an issue and want a specific action taken. The website www.petitiononline.com has literally hundreds of petitions on all kinds of subjects. But make sure you are informed before signing a petition, to be sure you support the issue.

8. Donate It s important to realize that you can donate much more than money or time. You can donate old clothes or canned food to a homeless shelter, and office supplies or books to a school or community-based organization in need. With a little creativity, you can make a big impact with small items.

9. Recycle The earth has limited resources, and we need to find ways to make use of everything we have. By simply making an effort to watch what you throw away, you can cut down on waste and preserve the environment. You can recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, and electronic equipment.

10. Register for the NCLR Líderes Summit! Attend the largest national gathering of young Latino leaders and activists like you, to share ideas, learn new skills, and build relationships. Go to www.nclr.org/lideres for more details.