Latino Volunteerism

By Dominika Nowak

Graduate Student, Grand Valley State University (Fall, 2005)

Definition

The term Volunteerism is defined as “the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary 2005), where the adjective Volunteer means “without payment” (WordNet Dictionary 2005).

The term Latino is defined as “a native or inhabitant of Latin America;” or “a person of Latin-American origin living in the U.S.” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary 2005). The term Latino is often used interchangeably with the term Hispanic which was “created by the U.S. government in the early 1970s in an attempt to provide a common denominator to a large, but diverse, population with connection to the Spanish language or culture from a Spanish-speaking country” (Ohio State University, 1).

The two following terms – familialismo and colectivismo, which are often mentioned in relation to Latino volunteerism, also require explanation.

 Familialismo is usually interpreted as the “significance of family”, which is of great value in Hispanic cultures. Family is seen as the most important social unit and its structure extends far beyond the nuclear family. Various family members are expected to support and assist each other, especially in the case of unfavorable circumstances (Ramos and Kasper 2000, 4).

The term Colectivismo is used to describe a phenomenon of “high levels of personal conformity, and sacrifice for the welfare of the group” (Ramos and Kasper 2000, 4). Literature on Hispanic philanthropy usually contrasts Hispanic collectivism with American individualism.

Historic Roots

American traditions of giving and volunteering are rooted in the unique origins of the country. The tendency to associate and undertake voluntary actions was typical for the country’s founders far before the government was introduced. Thus, volunteerism is often perceived as an intrinsic feature of the U.S. society.

Latino volunteerism, however, derives from a different historical background and tradition. Most Latino immigrants come from a system where governments and churches have been responsible for providing the majority of social services to citizens. Hence, there has not existed a particular need for civic organizations to substitute or complement the government or church role in service provision. Moreover, culture-specific values such as the significance of family (familialismo) and collectivism (colectivismo) have also played a substantial part in shaping Hispanic models of volunteering (Ramos and Kasper 2000, 4). Latino voluntary actions are far more personalized and informal and less institutionalized than those of white American citizens (Ramos 1999, 155). That is why they may not be identified and recognized within the mainstream.

Importance

In 1997 Latinos constituted 11 percent of the U.S. population. It is forecasted that by the year 2050 this rate will raise to 25 percent (Cortes 1999, 19). Although fast growing in number, the Latino population in the United States encounters many social problems, such as low-paying and low-skilled jobs, low level of education and a 29-percent rate of poverty.

Latinos participation in nonprofit organizations is much lower than that of white Americans. However, a dynamic growth in volunteering was noted within the period of only 5 years between 1994 and 1999. Whereas in 1994 the rate of Hispanic volunteers amounted to 32 percent, in 1999 it reached 45 percent. In the same time frame, the white American volunteering rate rose by only 8 percent (Ramos 2000, 7). Interestingly, native-born Cubans are most similar to white Americans, with regard to the participation rate and the types of organizations they tend to join. Another noteworthy characteristic of Latino volunteering patterns is that Latinos born in the United States are more likely to become a part of nonprofit organizations than those who are foreign-born (de la Garza and Lu 1999, 65, 73).

Despite the fact that Latino organizational participation is fairly low, individual-level analysis shows that this results from a relatively poor economic situation among Hispanics and from insufficient education levels attained by Hispanics. Thus, socioeconomic factors affect Latino volunteerism, more than ethnic ones. Second, higher participation in voluntary organizations appears to be extremely beneficial in the improvement of the situation for Latinos in the United States. It was found that organizational membership increases political awareness and in consequence results in higher voting rates (de la Garza and Lu 1999, 65, 72). Electoral participation and engagement in political activities and decision-making are the essential factors that might enable Hispanic minority groups to actively influence their lives. This is particularly important in view of the growing Latino population in the U.S.

Ties to the Philanthropic Sector

Latino volunteerism plays a fundamental role in Latino philanthropy. Although charitable giving is also an indispensable aspect of the Hispanic nonprofit sector, it appears that volunteering very often goes hand in hand with giving, so organizational participation might increase the funding of Latino organizations.

While the Latino philanthropic sector in the United States is in the process of development, the number of Hispanic community-based organizations has not been sufficient to respond to the numerous and complex needs of the Latino population. Furthermore, the existing organizations have not yet established networking patterns of cooperation that might contribute to the creation of links between the Latinos themselves and the mainstream (de la Garza and Lu 1999, 74). Hence, Latino voluntary participation is a crucial element in forming the Hispanic nonprofit sector, and in its relation to mainstream philanthropy.

Key Related Ideas

Hispanic Philanthropy. Hispanic volunteerism is the key element of Hispanic philanthropy. When analyzed with other aspects of philanthropy, such as charitable donations, foundations, community funds, nonprofit leadership etc., it provides a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon, trends and tendencies of the Latino third sector.

Latino giving. The trends in Latino giving to nonprofit organizations resemble, to a large extent, the trends in volunteering (de la Garza and Lu 1999, 64). Rooted in the Hispanic culture and traditions of familialismo and colectivismo, Latino giving models differ from white American institutionalized and formal donating. Acknowledgment of this fact is necessary not only to identify specific Latino forms of giving, but also to successfully approach Latino donors. As the number of Latinos in the United States is constantly growing, Hispanics are not only the receivers of services and support provided by nonprofit organizations, but may also substantially contribute to them.

Asian-American philanthropy. Culture- and ethnic-specific giving and volunteerism may be better understood while considering philanthropic efforts of particular minority groups. Although of geographically and culturally distinct origins, Asian-American philanthropy finds many commonalities with Latino nonprofit activities. Asian immigrants, like Hispanics, place a high cultural value on family and collective action. Thus, similarly, less formal and more personal support occurs among Asians. On the other hand, both U.S. born Asian-Americans and Hispanics, are more likely to adapt to white American, institutionalized forms of philanthropy, than those who are foreign-born, or recent immigrants (Chao 1999).

Important People Related to the Topic

• Cezar Chavez (1927-1993): “Chavez was a Mexican American labor activist and leader of the United Farm Workers.” He was an advocate for “nonviolent social change.” He was a charismatic leader, entrepreneur, and crusader for the improvement of migrant farm workers’ poor working conditions. His efforts resulted in favorable changes of conditions for farmers (An American Hero 2005). 
  
  
• Aida Rodriguez, a professor at the University of Massachusetts, is “nationally recognized as a leader in the philanthropic sector.” She received the Council on Foundations’ 2003 Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking for her work in helping establish a 90 foundation collaboration to support Latino communities. She is an expert in community development corporation and she also “serves as an advisor to philanthropic initiatives in the U.S. and in Latin America” (Alliance for Nonprofit Management 2005).

Related Nonprofit Organizations

• League of United Latin American Citizens, (LULAC), is one of the oldest and the largest civil rights organization in the United States, founded in 1929. It aims to “advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States” (www.lulac.org).
  
  
• The National Council of La Raza, (NCLR), was founded in 1968 to counteract poverty, combat discrimination and enhance quality of life and opportunities of Hispanic Americans. It is a large, “private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt, national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States” (www.nclr.org).
  
  
• Hispanas Organized For Political Equality, (HOPE), is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by a group of “dynamic and politically influential” Latino women representing a variety of professions, political and social views and backgrounds. HOPE aims to ensure political and economic equality of Latino women via “leadership, advocacy, and education to benefit all communities and the status of women”. The organization holds meetings, educational events, and debates with the goal of empowering Hispanic women with political skills and knowledge (www.latinas.org).
  
  
• Congreso de Latinos Unidos was created in 1977 as a response to a rapid growth of the Hispanic population in the Delaware Valley. It is a community-based organization that supports the neighborhoods of Eastern North Philadelphia in their attempts to counteract poverty, improve health care, and increase employment rate and education levels among Latino residents. “Congreso's mission is to strengthen Latino communities through social, economic, education, and health services; leadership development; and advocacy”. Congreso underscores empowerment of families and individuals (www.congreso.net/home.cgi).

Related Web Sites

Latino Issues Forum Web site, at www.lif.org, is dedicated to improving the lives of the Hispanic community via “producing high quality research, conducting community education forums, building coalitions, serving as a resource to media; and hard hitting advocacy.” The forums enable community leaders to “learn about specific policy issues and, more importantly, to interact with decision-makers about what the community wants to see resolved.”

Population Reference Bureau Web site, at www.prb.org, contains multi-dimensional information on important economic, political and social issues. It provides statistical data on the demographic changes of many populations, including Latinos.

Bibliography and Internet Sources

Alliance for Nonprofit Management. Aida Rodriguez. Accessed on 4 December 2005. www.allianceonline.org/about/aida_rodriguez.page .

An American Hero. The Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. Accessed on 4 December 2005. www.chavezfoundation.org/cesarechavez.html .

Chao, Jessica. “Asian-American Philanthropy: Expanding Circles of Participation.” In Cultures of Caring. Philanthropy in Diverse American Communities, 187-252. Washington, DC: Council of Foundations, 1999.

Cortes, Michael. “A Statistical Profile of Latino Nonprofit Organizations in the United States”. In Nuevos Senderos. Reflections on Hispanics and Philanthropy, 17-54. Huston Texas: Arte Publico Press, 1999. ISBN: 1558852638.

de la Garza, Rodolfo, and Fujia Lu. “Explorations into Latino Voluntarism”. In Nuevos Senderos. Reflections on Hispanics and Philanthropy, 55-78. Huston Texas: Arte Publico Press, 1999. ISBN: 1558852638.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Latino. Accessed on 5 December 2005. www.m-w.com/dictionary/latino.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Volunteerism. Accessed on 5 December 2005. www.m-w.com/dictionary/volunteerism.

Ohio State University. Ohio State University Fact sheet. Accessed on 2 December 2005. www.ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5237.html.

Ramos, Henry A.J. “Latino Philanthropy: Expanding U.S. Models of Giving and Civic Participation”. In Cultures of Caring. Philanthropy in Diverse American Communities, 145-186. Washington, DC: Council of Foundations, 1999.

Ramos, Henry A.J., and Gabriel Kasper. Building a Tradition of Latino Philanthropy. Hispanics as Donors, Grantees, Grantmakers, and Volunteers, 4. University of Southern California, The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy, 2000.

WordNet Dictionary. Volunteer. Accessed on 5 December 2005. www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/volunteer.