Embracing Diversity

Supporting Dual Language Learners Through Playtime 

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Giving the gift of bilingualism takes effort, consistency, and creativity. As moms raising bilingual, we are constantly looking for ways to help us in supporting dual language learners. We all know that children learn best through play, so taking advantage of playtime to strengthen their language skills is an easy and fun way to support them, while also engaging them in learning about the culture and traditions of the minority language they are learning.

As a multicultural mom in her 40s, raising children in a country other than my own, I find myself trying to make my kids connect with the traditional games I used to play. These days, my oldest has been asking a lot about the things we [my husband and I] used to do growing up in the Dominican Republic, what types of games we played and how we had fun, you know, way back then (a.k.a. the stone age that was the 80s). 

Because of her curiosity, I’ve found that a great way of supporting dual language learners is by not only telling them which games we played but by showing them how to play them, in Spanish, of course! While playing with my children helps me reinforce the learning of Spanish at home, I love it also helps them develop important skills such as creativity, cognitive enhancement, emotional intelligence, and communication, among others. 

Choosing playtime as a way of supporting dual language learners also provides the added benefit of strengthening the bonds between the children and the parents, and gives them memories to treasure for life. Nowadays, the challenge many parents are facing is that playtime has been captured by the use of videogames and other screens and for many, it is difficult to get the kids interested in doing analog stuff in the digital era.

Supporting Dual Language Learners
Through Screen-Free Play

Lately, every time I get together with other moms the conversation about kids quickly turns to videogames. From those who brag about how their kids don’t bother them at all while on their tablet/phone to those who are worried and express feeling helpless at the mercy of the devices. While there is no one formula or perfect parenting method, another benefit of supporting dual language learners by playing with them is that it gets them off the controversial electronics.

In our home, we have established a specific time of the day and the maximum amount of hours the kids can either play in the tablet or watch TV. It’s either-or, they get to choose one and use it for a couple of hours after doing homework on school days and between the hours of 4 and 8 pm on holidays and weekends. Although we do hear the occasional complaint or request for more screen time, having a set rule makes it easier to steer the kids to play with toys, board games or other activities.

When it comes to playing with our kids, the same rule applies, we must establish the days of the week and time during those days we are available to play. That makes it easier for you to be prepared in advance with the games you want to introduce and make sure you do have the availability to play. During these games, make sure you are practicing the minority language, which in our home is Spanish. We often play dominoes, Parcheesi or bingo and we do it in Spanish.

Supporting dual language learners at home is not only fun for the kids, as adults, but we also get to enjoy their personalities and observe their learning in a relaxed format. Remember that different games and ways of playing help to strengthen different developmental skills as well as building abilities that transfer into academic achievement.

I’d love to hear from you! Please share which games from your childhood are you teaching your little ones.

[dania]

Raising Bookworms: The Privileged Kids In My Home + How To Get Books To Migrant Children

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Although there are many minority boxes I can check for my family and myself, every day I’m grateful for the many privileges my children and I enjoy. Yes, I’m raising bookworms. I’m doing it because of my love books but what’s more important: I’m raising bookworms because I can.

Growing up there wasn’t a library nearby for me to go; the closest one was about 6 miles away. Moreover, my grandmother, who barely made it to the second grade didn’t care much for books. She was able to read and write but didn’t know a thing about raising bookworms or even the importance of reading. That’s the thing about poverty, it makes people be concerned with more basic things, like food and shelter.

Thinking back as far as I can remember, there were two books I had access to growing up: ‘My Book of Bible Stories’ and the ‘Mini Larousse Illustrated’ dictionary. I became fascinated with the stories of the bible and also, learned to love facts and finding out about countries I wanted to travel to one day. I was especially obsessed with Brazil and Colombia, which was fueled by the many soap operas I used to watch from those countries.

In my teens, as grew out of playing with dolls and toys I would ask for books as my birthday gift every year. I remember mamá complaining: “So much reading, mija, you need to eat more, food is what you need.” I’d laugh but by then I already understood how important these books were for me, how close to my heart these stories became. I guess they were the window to a world I had no access to, it was my way to travel without living the country, to cultivate myself.

When we visited the library yesterday I looked at my children deep into the books they chose and thought: I’m raising bookworms, ha! That light, happy, careless thought ‘I’m raising bookworms’ immediately made think how privileged I am to have the knowledge of the importance of reading, to have the means to buy books that expand their horizons, to have a beautiful, comfortable library just 5 minutes away from our home.

Raising Bookworms:
How To Get Books To Migrant Children Today

I love books and I’m glad to be raising bookworms, but that’s a sign that my kids are privileged. For me, it’s a reminder that so many other children are not as fortunate as my little ones. That’s why I love that my friend Monica Olivera partnered with Save the Children to provide free books to migrant children. 

When Monica first announced this initiative she said this: “I know that books don’t seem like something these families urgently need. Most of you may be thinking it’s more important for them to have basic necessities such as soap, clothes, diapers, etc. You are right. And the shelters are receiving lots of these donations from the community and independent organizations. But books are important to these children also. Many of them have never been read to. Why? Because books are a luxury when you are suffering and fleeing from violence and poverty. And a book is such a treasure to the families because it represents something that they are trying to attain: Hope of a better life for their children.”

I agree with Monica that this might seem small and not so important as these families are facing so many other issues. However, as someone who grew up in poverty and with few books around, I know these books are even more important for these children. These books can help them not only feel nurtured but also develop their imagination and allow them to escape the harsh conditions they are living in.

For a list of books you can purchase, check out this list Monica created.

For all the details of Monica’s initiative, go read her blog Mommy Maestra

You can also like the Migrant Children Drive Facebook page to follow her updates and share with friends and family. 


Please join in, donate and tell everyone you know about this initiative and let’s bring some joy in the form of a book to a child in need.

[dania]

11 Ways To Encourage Our Daughters To Be Bold And Brave #BookReview

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When it comes to empowering our girls, it is always good to have resources and tools that can help us nurture them. That’s why I’m delighted with the newly released bilingual children’s book “BE BOLD! BE BRAVE! ¡SÉ AUDAZ, SÉ VALIENTE!” highlighting 11 Latinas that have made their mark in U.S. History. Through rhyme, the book helps us encourage our daughters to be bold, brave, and to pursue their dreams unapologetically.

Through the beautiful illustrations made by Jone Leal, we get to know these amazing mujeres and can point out the ways in which these women were bold in their aspirations and brave in choosing paths that were not necessarily easy or obvious for them. Leal uses colorful and simple drawings to attract the attention of the little ones. Since the book is recommended for children 5 to 9 years, it was the perfect gift for my 9-year-old girl who read the book and loved it.

In my journey as a mother, I’ve come to realize that to nurture courage, resilience and encourage our daughters to be bold we must first exercise them in our daily lives, modeling those qualities for them. That being said, there is also room to use the tools at our disposal in showing our girls other role models who have achieved great feats in the pursuit of their passions, goals, and dreams.

The book “BE BOLD! BE BRAVE! ¡SÉ AUDAZ, SÉ VALIENTE!” is one of those tools, as it shows Latina role models to our girls. We know that when children are able to see others who look like them doing what they dream of, it becomes possible in their minds that they, too, can achieve it. Moreover, it is very important for our girls to see no barriers in what they can aspire to, and learning about these trailblazers is a great way to start conversations with your little girl.

11 Ways To Encourage Our Daughters To Be Bold With “BE BOLD! BE BRAVE!

Know no limits. The first bold Latina we get introduced to is the one and only Rita Moreno. With a catchy rhyme, we quickly learn that no matter where you come from, who are your parents or what your circumstances are, there are no limits to what you can do, even becoming one of the greatest stars in Hollywood!

Girl power. Challenging traditional gender roles is still one of the things we must do to encourage our daughters to be bold and brave. Nurturing the tomboy or girly girl you might have at home can be all fun and games through the life of Olympic Gold Medalist Lisa Fernández. Showing your girl she can be strong and play any sport can help build her confidence.

Icon material. If becoming the greatest singer and Latina icon is your daughter’s dream, you can let it know she can achieve it. For the bicultural girl in your life, the poem about Selena tells her how she can build herself up while being authentic and proud of her roots.

Having your head in the moon. While for many, dreaming of conquering the stars might be just a childhood dream that will fade with time, that’s no reason to diminish our girl’s aspirations. Teaching your daughter about Ellen Ochoa and how she achieved her goal of going to space, shows your little one she can do it, ¡everything is possible!

Your story matters. As Latinos, we are surrounded by storytellers and many of them are our kids! You can encourage your daughter to be bold and tell her story in whatever manner she likes. Like Pura Belpré, any little girl can leave her mark in this world by being the keeper of our stories.

High sense of justice. We’ve all seen her. The little girl that you know can become a lawyer or a judge! However, you must help her see it, too. Learning about the amazing Sonia Sotomayor is what your little girl needs to know she can one day get to the higher court in our country.

Seeking the truth. As moms, we are always telling our kids about the importance of the truth. But, what if your girl dreams of seeking and telling the truth about the things that matter? That’s where Maria Hinojosa’s poem comes in handy. Your child will see that being a journalist and inspiring others with the truth is something brown Latina girls can excel at.

Harness the healing power. Being a healer is one of the greatest honors a woman can hold in our culture. I remember how respected my own grandmother was by everyone because of this talent. However, for many Latinas, thinking of becoming a doctor can seem unattainable. Many parents worry about the costs of pursuing this career. We must not! Show how Antonia Novello did just that, and encourage your girl to follow what comes naturally to her.

Artists rock! Having a creative, imaginative girl at home might bring uncertainty as they grow. As adults, we tend to look for a secure path for our children and forget that happiness can only come from being true to oneself. Validating your artist’s aspirations to become an amazing artist is just what she needs to open her wings and fly. Through Judy Baca poem, she can see her dreams are possible.

Honor and service. Being a politician is something many little girls dream of, but for Latinas, maybe the dream seems far-fetched. The story of Hilda Solis is proof that dedicating your life to public service in an honorable way is not only achievable but also very real for a Latina to do.

Activism is life. I strongly believe that there is an activist inside all of us. However, some of our daughters will see it as the only path for them. In our quest to encourage our daughters to be bold, we must also be brave to allow them to pursue the path they want for themselves. Showing them about the amazing life and work of kickass activist Dolores Huerta, we are showing our little activists there is a path that was already created for them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Naibe Reynoso is a multiple-Emmy award-winning journalist and board member of the prestigious Peabody Awards.  She graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Sociology and a concentration in Psychology & Chicano Studios. This is her first children’s book, written to help inspire the next generation of little ones, and highlight Latina Trailblazers. “Be Bold! Be Brave!” is available on Amazon in print and digital versions. You can purchase your copy here.

[dania]

Parenting Multicultural Boys: 5 Tips For Raising Confident, Kind, Gentlemen

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As I’ve mentioned in the past, before having my children I didn’t expect to have boys, and as it turns out, I ended up having two of them. After the initial shock, I soon realized that I was now embarking in parenting multicultural boys at a time in which boys of color continue to be the target of hate, negativity and a society that looks down on them. That meant I had to step up to the challenge and make sure I raise confident, kind men that can build a better society for all.

Having a clear goal I then set to figure out how boys respond, what moves them and how I can build their confidence while also building kindness and values that I know will make them the men I want them to be. Although I believe in equality and the ability for boys and girls to do the same things, to be adventurous and kind, curious and sweet and every possible thing any child can be. What I’ve learned is that in order to get to them, to speak their language, there are different avenues, different things I can do to connect with them at a deeper level.

 Tips For Parenting Multicultural Boys

Fewer Words Is More. In many instances, parenting multicultural boys is the same as parenting any other boy, and when it comes to talking to boys, (in most cases) it is best to do it in several, smaller talks. Boys usually deal with their emotions with a lot less talking and that’s the way they prefer we tackle any teaching moment. However, learning to ask the right questions and just a few of them at a time is going to help you connect with your boy, creating a bond that will allow you to deal with difficult topics that are specific to parenting multicultural boys as they grow.

Learn To Read Non-Verbal Cues. Because boys don’t open up verbally, it is crucial to observe your child and read the non-verbal cues. No one knows your son the way you do, so learning to identify his body language will work to his benefit as he grows and experiences things. No one wants their child to be bullied, discriminated against or be judged by his appearance. Still, we know these things can happen and a boy will not come to tell you the story. Being able to identify if your boy is hurt, sad or going through something is an important part of mothering a multicultural kid.

Hugs And Kisses Go A Long Way. Because boys often keep their feelings in, and especially because boys of color are often socialized to “be strong”, “don’t cry”, etc., while parenting multicultural boys we must be intentional in providing them with physical touch, visible, palpable love and affection. No matter the age, allowing your boy to show emotion, to receive physical touch, will teach him he is cared for and give him permission to be affectionate and kind while building his confidence at the same time.

Good Sportsmanship For Life. Most boys will practice a sport at some point, at least until they express other interests. One of the lessons I learned from my father that I think is a great tool when parenting multicultural boys, is to apply good sportsmanship to everything they do in life. Showing them it doesn’t matter if they win or lose if they are the fastest, the smartest or excel in a particular field, what matters the most is how the approach any situation, being generous, kind and supportive of others. It removes a lot of the pressure, boys often experience socially. It builds in its ability to have qualities that used to be considered for girls.

Let Him Be Shy. When having to face social situations, many boys tend to become shy, even if they are outgoing at home and with friends in school. Don’t pressure your boy to “perform”, allow him to show up in the manner he feels more comfortable. Because multicultural boys are often code-switching, assuming what you interpret as a shy persona,  might be his way to be who he needs to be in a particular situation.

Parenting multicultural boys, as in any kind of parenting, is all about providing children with the tools they need to have good self-esteem, learn to respect others and grow up to be kind, gentle human beings. The road to get there is the key to success, and tending to a child’ specific needs is the best we can do as moms to support our boys.

Are you parenting multicultural boys? What different strategies do you use, if any, in their upbringing? I’d love to hear from you!

[dania]

Fostering A Strong Identity And Self-Esteem In Multiethnic Children

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As a multicultural mom, helping my kids develop a strong identity and self-esteem is very important to me. As we know, identity and self-esteem are closely intertwined as they shape the way you perceive yourself and how you define yourself. When it comes to identity and self-esteem in multiethnic children, there are different challenges kids growing up in a multicultural environment have to face as they develop a sense of who they are.

With multiethnic families being on the rise in the United States, it is evident that the younger generation of Americans is the one experiencing this shift in a big way. In the majority of cases, multiethnic kids have parents that are mono-ethnic and haven’t experience the world as their children are. That’s why it is important to understand how we can nurture self-esteem in multiethnic children, to help them have a strong sense of identity and find their place in the world.

Although we have made progress as a society when it comes to people that look ethnically ambiguous, with many being more open to those who are multiethnic, it is crucial that we, as moms, help strengthen identity and self-esteem in multiethnic children so they can be better equipt to rise to the challenges they  have to face in a society where there are still many who don’t understand what it means to be multiethnic.

Developing good self-esteem in multiethnic children, as it happens with any other child, starts very early in life. Feeling loved and accepted is the first way babies develop their sense of self, which is so easy to do as moms when we have a brand new life to care for. As kids get older, the input about who they are comes from others, friends, teachers, relatives and society at large. And because multiethnic kids are often visibly different, it is even more important for us to nurture their identities and create strong self-esteem.

As much as we would love to spare our kids from constant questions and comments, the reality is that we must prepare them to understand that what people say and ask is less about them and more about the person with the questions and comments. Some come out of pure curiosity, others maybe come from an ill intention, but the important thing is for them to have a strong sense of who they are, so no matter the input from the outside they can feel confident in who they are.

In the United States, one of the challenges in nurturing the self-esteem in multiethnic children is that people are socialized by the way they look. As multicultural moms, we know that for multiethnic children appearance only tells part of the story of who they are and, to make them whole, we must nurture and foster everything that makes them who they are with the same amount of care and love.

Although my children are visibly Latino and Dominican, as per how others perceive them, my nieces and nephews fall into the “ethnically ambiguous” category. They either don’t look like one of their parents or are not perceived as Latinos. Because of my experience with them and close friends with the same scenarios, there are a few things moms can do to foster healthy self-esteem in multiethnic children.

5 Ways To Nurture Identity
And Self-Esteem In Multiethnic Children

  • Create a multicultural environment. Make sure to take your children to festivals and events where people from other cultures and countries of origin are present. Making sure that they not only interact with people from the groups they belong to but also have an opportunity to learn and appreciate the beauty of what’s different. That will help them not only to accept and interact with others better but will also build confidence in their own background, appearance, and culture.

  • Don’t guilt them for their choices. One of the advantages of multiethnic children is that they can identify with all or only one of their backgrounds. As kids develop, they can tend to identify with the culture and ethnicity of one of their parents. Avoid making them feel guilty if they self-identify with your spouse’s culture instead of yours, or if they choose to identify more with the American culture, in the case both parents come from other countries. Children have to feel accepted for who they are, and how they perceive themselves, providing support is a huge part in nurturing strong self-esteem.

  • Empower them to face racism. Make sure to prepare your child to deal with their emotions, and to be strong when they encounter racism.  Sadly, for many kids, racism will come from people that share one of their backgrounds. They tend to feel in the middle when it comes to issues of racism between the groups they belong to. Let your children know that racism has to do with the people that discriminate them and it has nothing to do with who they are at their core. Empower them to call out instances of racism and to be emotionally strong to overcome the feelings they may experience if they are personally the victims of discrimination.
  • Use the resources at your disposal. As moms, we are aware of the importance of representation. For ethnic minorities, it takes more work to provide those cultural references to our kids. That makes it even more important for us to be intentional in exposing our kids to movies, books, history, plays, and even parties, that show them positive examples and role models of people that look like them and have the same or similar background as your children. As a Dominican and Afro-Latina, I exposed my kids to everything that has to do with the Caribbean, Dominican culture, the Latino culture at large, Black Latino culture, and Black American culture. I buy dolls/characters that are diverse, with different complexions and backgrounds. The more your child feels he lives in a multicultural, diverse society, the more self-assured he’ll become.

  • Redefine what it means to have your background. Even if your child doesn’t look like you, you can point out which traits she possesses that are common to your culture. Teach her/him to cook and enjoy traditional foods that will help the child connect with the culture and traditions beyond their appearance. Show your child that there is more than one way to be from your background. Personally, I don’t like how people are described to be “half-and-half”, I often tell my niece that she is not half anything. She is fully Dominican and fully American. Human beings are whole, and multiethnic people have the right to fully claim each one of the things that make them who they are.

Choosing A Word Of The Year As A Multicultural Mom

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It’s 2019, and with a new year come a whole new set of goals and expectations. Although I have never been someone to make a list of New Year’s resolutions, in 2017 I started choosing a word of the year. It is a practice I learned from my coach that helps me set my intention for the year ahead and has served me well in the past two years.
Choosing a word of the year is a great way to guide us, helps us plan and keep us on track throughout the next 12 months. For the last two years, I’ve chosen a word to attract something to my life (Abundance) and a word to remind myself of a practice (Gratitude). When I was choosing a word of the year the first time around, I didn’t think much of the follow up to the act of simply deciding what I wanted. Still, it allowed me to have a different outlook on my situation that year.

Last year, however, I was more intentional about not only choosing a word of the year but also keeping it in mind and make it a part of my daily life. As 2018 ended, I was filled with an immense feeling of gratitude, one that truly accompanied me throughout the year as it manifested in so many different ways.

Knowing the powerful effect my intention had in my life during the past twelve months reinforced the need for me to be mindful in making a choice for this coming period. Because choosing a word of the year can work as a reminder of where we want our focus to be, I have come up with strategies that will stir that focus towards parenting multicultural children and enriching your multicultural life.

Choosing A Word Of The Year That Supports Your Multicultural Mom Life

As I started to reflect on the last year and ponder about what my word for 2019 would be, the word came to me out of what I feel was lacking for me last year. It was an amazing year, with many opportunities, milestones, and moments of joy. However, with so much happening in the world and here in the US, the more I thought about it, it felt that I was missing something.

It then came to me in the form of a word, GIVE. Through gratitude, I was able to receive so much last year. But when looking back, I feel I could have given more. That’s why I want to focus on this word, which is an action word that I want to guide my path during 2019. Then, I realized that as multicultural moms, there are a few things we need to take into consideration as we set our intentions for this new cycle.

What this means is that once you have chosen a word that can expand into all areas of your life, you also take the time to find meaningful ways to integrate the intention of your word into multicultural parenting and into all areas of your multicultural life.

How To Apply Your Word To Your Multicultural Life

Follow these simple steps to align your chosen word with your goals as a multicultural mom, and how you are going to use your word to keep on track with your multicultural life.

Step 1. Find the definition of your word

My word of the year, give, which is both a verb and a noun and has several definitions in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.  Because of the several definitions of the word give, I chose the definitions that better match what I want to accomplish.

As a transitive verb, the word give has five definitions that are aligned with what I want to achieve this year:
1: to make a present of
2: to grant or bestow by formal action
3: to accord or yield to another
4: to put into the possession of another for his or her use
5: to care to the extent of

As an intransitive verb, there are 3 different definitions that align:
1: to make gifts or presents
2: to enter wholeheartedly into an activity
3: to give [of], to make available, to provide generously

As a noun, I found another definition that suits what I want to achieve:
1: capacity or tendency to yield to force or strain: FLEXIBILITY

As a general term, give, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means.

Step 2. Write down how your word is going to support you

Think about your daily life as a multicultural mom and include how the chosen word aligns with it. Be as detailed as you want, but remember to be flexible. Write statements about what you are committing to do in order to fulfill what your word means in the dictionary, and what it means to you as a multicultural mom.

For me, the word give will support my efforts to be more intentional in helping others. For 2019, I want to have a concrete impact by giving in different ways to others and to myself.

  • I will give wholeheartedly to the person who challenges the part of me that questions giving to this person. Through doing this, I want to rid myself of judgment and give even when I’m not sure If I’ve been told a lie. I want to give out of love, and rejoice in the act of giving.
  • I will give resources, knowledge, and face-to-face time to my community of moms in order to engage them locally in the city I live, and everywhere else through my social channels.
  • I will give time to myself to read, to learn and enrich myself so I can be of service of others.
  • I will give space to ethnically diverse individuals to have multicultural conversations and candid discussions to happen around the table.
  • I will give my kids opportunities to engage with different people, to be exposed to the experiences and expressions of diverse human beings.

Step 3. Make an action plan

Write down how you are going to integrate your multicultural life to your word. I have chosen to do a month-to-month plan in which I know how the word give will manifest in helping my multicultural parenting, living a more inclusive life, learning more about other cultures and the impact these things can have locally and with my larger community online.

This is the way I did it:

January:

Give time to my community of moms through my weekly Facebook Lives and monthly local meetings.
Schedule time at the library for this month’s meeting
Start with weekly videos on Facebook

Although there are other items on my planning for January, I just wanted to give you an example of making a concrete action plan to live out your word within your multicultural life.

Choosing a word of the year is a wonderful practice that I am committed to continuing for years to come.  There is no rule for doing this, it is all about what you want to accomplish and how you can be uplifted and supported by that choice.

It has been empowering for me to choose my word of the year, and I hope I have encouraged you to do the same as there is value in taking the time to do so. If you decide to choose a word for 2019, please share it in the comments below and tell us how you want to integrate the word into your multicultural life.

I’m ready and excited for 2019, and I hope you are too. Let’s do this!

Happy New Year!

[dania]

A Latina Journalist In The Social Media Age + INSJ Conference Recap

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Ever since I moved to the United States back in 2004 the words journalist and journalism started to have new meaning. At first, with my very first job as a Latina journalist at a local, weekly paper in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It represented a change from the newsroom environment of the well-established newspapers I had worked for back in the Dominican Republic.

However, working from home for a small, Spanish-language newspaper of a small town, was the least of the changes that were to come for my professional career on my new life in the United States. As the years passed I transitioned from reporter to editor, to translator, to copyeditor, to linguistics expert, to becoming a freelancer for all of the above, and so on.

Every new job brought with it challenges and learning, and each one of them prepared me for what was next in the future I hadn’t even thought of: going from journalist to influencer, evolving and utilizing the skills that I had acquired over the years as a reporter, editor, and all the other professional experiences.

As an immigrant, I don’t think my story is unique as we all have to transform and adapt when we come to this country. However, I’ve realized that going from being a Latina journalist to becoming an influencer is a bit rarer as many Latino journalists don’t see social media in a positive light, they view it as a step-down, not an evolution.

On the other side of things, among influencers, those who called themselves journalist can come off as show-offs that want to establish superiority over their peers. Being that I’m a Latina journalist and a Latina influencer, I know that both perceptions are wrong. Moreover, it is my strong belief that a fellow Latina journalist or Latino journo that is not taking full advantage of social media is missing out, big time.

After having conversations with colleagues over the years, I keep feeling there was a need for a dialogue among Latino and Latina journalists on this topic, to talk about the experiences of those of us who have been on both sides of the spectrum and to offer insight on the ways it can be done successfully, and most importantly, ethically.

It is always a pleasure seeing my friend and colleague Jeannette Kaplun. This picture and the others shown here were taken by my other dear friend, Alicia Civita.

Hosting The Latina Journalists And Social Media Conference

Earlier this year, I was connected with Horacio Knaeber, a veteran journalist and president of the International Network of Social Journalism [https://www.insj.org/]. With his support and the backing of his organization, my vision of a conference and workshop became a reality as a part of the Miami River Art Fair and Miami Media Awards events.

Four weeks ago, on December 4, 2018, we were able to see the vision come to life as journalists from Latin America and Spain gathered in Miami to participate in the 3-day event that included the awards ceremony recognizing some amazing journalists making a difference in their respective fields across LatAm and in Spain.

The inaugural night was full of excitement, with many prominent Miami personalities and officials in attendance. Live music, singing, amazing art pieces, and networking paved the way for the main event of the night: the Miami Media Awards where 21 amazing journalists were awarded.

The next day, on December 4, in front of the intimate group present at Humboldt International University, my colleagues Sibyl Perret-Gentil, Fabiola Romero and I gave the workshop “From Journalist to Influencer: The Inverted Pyramid on Social Media”. Each one of us talked about how to apply journalism principles to our work online. The workshop prompted some questions and exchanges, and I believe it was a perfect start for an afternoon of candid, intelligent and thoughtful conversation.

During the second part of the afternoon, I was joined by an elite panel with some of my favorite Latina journalists: Jeannette Kaplun, Alicia Civita, Sybil Perret-Gentil and Ana Cristina Enriquez. Each one of us talked about our experiences in taking the leap and going from only being a journalist to become social media influencers. With an audience full of journalists, the conversation was provocative and at times it could even qualify as heated debate.

The panel, “Latina Journalists & Social Media” was a great platform to not only share our stories but to discuss the benefits and challenges that social media present to journalists wanting to harness the power of digital, without having to sacrifice their professionalism and journalistic integrity.

I’m grateful to the attendees for questioning and challenging us about the topic, and to those who found value in our exchange, for it is through thoughtful debate that we can grow and advance as professionals. This event was the perfect closing to an amazing year for me and I believe it is the beginning of a relationship with INSJ that can yield much more knowledge and exchange among Latino journalist within the United States and internationally.

Also, my gratitude to INSJ and Horacio Knaeber for the immense support to host this great event. Special thanks to the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism for their continued support of our endeavors. Without their sponsorship, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to bring this vision to life. ¡Mil gracias!
[dania]

Multiracial Oath of Social Responsibility by Maria P. P. Root, Ph.D.

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Last week, I posted the Bill of Rights for People of Mixed Heritage created by Maria P. P. Root, Ph.D. Today, I want to share another article written by doctor Root, the Multiracial Oath of Social Responsibility that provides us with a set of guidelines to help us understand race relations in the United States. As citizens, we all have rights and responsibilities and these statements acknowledge those responsibilities. This oath was also created 25 years ago but continues to be relevant within the multicultural society we live in.

Multiracial Oath of Social Responsibility 


I want to make a difference in this world. Therefore:

I strive to improve race relations.
I know that race and ethnicity are not solely defined by one’s genetic heritage;
I refuse to confine my choices in love or loyalty to a single race;
I make efforts to increase my knowledge of U.S. racial history;
I know that race and ethnicity can be used as political, economic, and social tools of
oppression.
I recognize the people who have made it possible for me to affirm my
multiracial identity.
They are my relatives, friends, and mentors;
They are people who have crossed color lines to fight discrimination;
They are people who identify as multiracial before this choice was recognized;
They are people who have exposed and explained the suppression of multiraciality.
I must fight all forms of oppression as the oppression of one is the
oppression of all.
I recognize that oppression thrives on fear and ignorance;
I seek to recognize my prejudices and change them;
I know that it is neither helpful nor productive to argue over who is more oppressed;
I recognize that my life interconnects with all other lives.
I will make a difference!

About the Author of the Multiracial Oath of Social Responsibility

Dr. Maria P. P. Root, Ph.D. was born on September 13, 1955. She is a clinical psychologist, educator, and public speaker based in Seattle, Washington. Her areas of work include multiracial families, multiracial identity, cultural competence, trauma, workplace harassment, and disordered eating. She is an international authority on mixed heritage identity, credited with publishing the first contemporary work on mixed-race people. She has presented lectures and training in various countries, both in and outside of academia. Dr. Root is a former President of the Washington State Psychological Association. She has served as Chair of the APA Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest and as a member-at-large on the Board of APA Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues). Currently, she has her own private practice. She has served on the advisory council of The Association of Multiethnic Americans and the board of advisors of The Mavin Foundation. She co-founded the Journal for Critical Mixed Race Studies in 2011. [Source: Wikipedia]

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