Voices of Colibri

What is redistricting and why should you care? More importantly, what can you do to get involved? To answer these questions and more, Gaby Cardenas (CEO of The Colibri Collective) sits down with Vianey De Anda from Progress Arizona Institute to talk all things redistricting. Visit onearizona.org/fairmaps to find a training about how to testify at public hearings about redistricting.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introductions

01:46 What is redistricting?

04:31 Could you give us an example of what you’ve seen in some of these community meetings that specifically would affect our communities of color?

07:25 Tell us what you mean when you say “packed” and “cracked.”

09:29 How does somebody find out when these meetings are happening?

10:39 There’s community meetings and there's hearings. When do the hearings take place?

11:29 What happens after December 4th? What is the next step of the process?

12:59 Could you give us background on why the numbers of the legislative districts are changing?

13:42 What other factors of redistricting affect communities of color?

16:10 At trainings and during meetings, are there people translating so people who are monolingual have a voice?

18:36 How does redistricting immediately impact people in office?

19:58 The preliminary foundation of how the maps started was based on the census, is that correct?

In the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, Gaby Cardenas sits down with Carmen Heredia, CEO of Valle del Sol, to highlight the 50 years of legacy the organization has in building healthier Latino and diverse communities within Phoenix. We take a deep dive to learn more about Carmen’s journey as a nonprofit leader.

Time stamps

00:00 Introductions

01:20 Will you share with us the story of the success of  Valle del Sol and how the nonprofit has kept going for 5 decades?

10:10 Can you tell us more about Profiles of Success, your signature event celebration?

11:23 You have been working with the nonprofit since 2005. How did you transition into CEO?

19:26 What would you say to future leaders who are on the path to work in the nonprofit leadership space?

A successful educational recruitment strategy connects potential students with the mission and values of a school. With the onset of the pandemic, strategies shifted. As we enter the beginning of the school year, we're asking Veronica Sanchez and Melissa Acevedo of Cartwright School District what they learned from the recruitment process this year. Listen in for insightful strategies and best practices. 

Time stamps

00:00 Introductions

02:52 Tell us a little bit about your school/district. What makes yours unique?

06:24 Let’s go over the school recruitment process for those who aren’t familiar. Why is it important to recruit? How does your school formulate a recruitment strategy? Is recruitment different for January than recruitment for August?

10:00 How has the pandemic affected school recruitment and enrollment? How has the school district prepared for all the uncertainty parents face due to the pandemic? How has this affected parents and students? How are you addressing their needs?

18:12 What do you think is the most important component of school recruitment?

22:35 How do you incorporate diversity into recruitment?

29:25 Are there any last minute thoughts you would like to share?

Rainbow-washing. Pinkwashing. Pride-washing. These names all describe a trend of companies exploiting the LGBTQ+ community for ads during Pride month. Listen in as Nate Rhoton, oneᐧnᐧten Executive Director, and Genevieve Leach, Communications Fellow at The Colibri Collective, discuss pinkwashing and more.

Time stamps

00:00 Introduction

04:00 Guests, could you share a little about you and your involvement in the LGBTQ+ community? 

08:55 As a Latina-owned firm, we are aware of cultural appropriation in marketing and see this is also happening with the LGBTQ+ community. Do you feel that you have seen a lot of it for 2021 especially during Pride Month?

17:15 What is pinkwashing? 

27:00 How do you think brands can project a sense of genuine, authentic support of the LGBTQ+ community? Cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation.

32:30 What sorts of things would you look for to decide if a brand is supportive of the community?

39:27 A big way to support the community is funding to LGBTQ+ non-profits. There is this big question as to how these non-profits impact the LGBTQ+ community. Can you detail the impact one-n-ten and similar nonprofits have?

Audience Q&A

46:28 How do I make myself more approachable and genuine to people who are LGBTQ+ in the workplace? 

53:00 How should I respond to a heterosexual friend or coworker who feel negatively about a person who identifies as LGBTQ+?

Colibri welcomes the Co-Executive Directors of LUCHA for a discussion about Latino voters. Experts on the ground understand Latinos are a diverse swing demographic for 2022. Listen to learn more.

Time stamps

00:00 Introduction

02:10 Tell us a little bit more about LUCHA and how it got started? Who is LUCHA?

5:05 Both of you have been involved on the ground and you have experience with high level organizing. Could you please expand on how strategies for mobilizing Latino voters have shifted over the years? How do you see it change from 2018 midterms to 2022 midterm elections?

12:35 Why should candidates and organizations pay more attention to Latino voters in 2022?

17:15 What is the current temperature/sentiment with Latino voters?

24:40 How do you hold candidates accountable after they are in office? Like with Sinema, Kelly, Biden?

31:54 What do you think of the debate over English and Spanish language strategy in political/candidate marketing? What is the best strategy?

41:10 Our partnership together has won several awards, I’m honored to say. What do you think has made our work stand out from the crowd? How does LUCHA do things differently?

Audience Q&A

47:34 How do you see intersectionality manifesting when we talk about Latino voters and activists?

52:34 You have such a large organization and it’s been so remarkable. What was one moment that really stuck with you, when you knew you were making change?