The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has signed an historic partnership agreement with the oldest and largest Latino advocacy organization in the United States, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The organizations will work together to engage Latino families in outdoor recreational sports on public lands and raise awareness and action on wildlife conservation issues that impact Latino health. The partnership will also provide new opportunities for urban youth to experience the natural world and promote career interest in conservation and the biological sciences.
“Prudent planning for wildlife conservation efforts require us to prepare and adjust for the future. The American public is becoming increasingly urban and diverse – and disconnected from the outdoors – and it is incumbent on us to bridge the divide between communities and nature,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “The disconnection to nature and outdoor recreational activities has profound implications for the health and well-being of our citizens and the future of our nation. Our partnership with LULAC – an organization with a strong history of community leadership and civic engagement – will help us create meaningful connections between people and the great outdoors benefiting the environment and the American public.”
According to the U.S. Census, the Latino population is projected to be 25% of the U.S. population by 2050. Data also indicates the youth segment represents the largest, fastest growing, segment of the Latino population. Additionally, the Outdoor Industry Foundation revealed 89% of Latinos find outdoor activities enjoyable and 82% believe outdoor activities are healthy, yet only 71% of Latino males and 64% of Latinas report they participate in outdoor activities.
“For many busy families it is a complicated process to make healthy outdoor activities a priority,” said LULAC National President, Roger C. Rocha, Jr. “That is why LULAC is proud to collaborate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in engaging LULAC Councils across the country to become environmental stewards through family outdoor activities. Through its signature program, Latinos Living Healthy, LULAC has worked to promote healthy lifestyle choices in the Latino community and this partnership with the Service is an extension of this endeavor.”
The multi-faceted partnership will engage LULAC councils to become environmental stewards through family fishing activities and monarch butterfly conservation efforts. Goals include 1) teaching and engaging youth in outdoor recreation on public lands to promote health through physical activity; 2) promoting the pursuit of biological sciences careers through stewardship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math); 3) building national, regional and local conservation partnerships; and 4) engaging LULAC as a voice on conservation issues.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.
