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Hello!
Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th this year? September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively.
Visit our events calendar for opportunities to share in this month long celebration.
Warmest Regards,
Colette
Diversity Minnesota Editor

Volume: 1 Number: 6
October, 2008

CLAC

The Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC), is a statewide government agency created by the legislature in 1978. The primary mission of CLAC is to advise the governor and the state legislature on the issues of importance to Minnesota's Chicano Latino community.

In addition, CLAC serves as a liaison between local, state and federal governments and Minnesota's Chicano Latino community. CLAC also serves as an information and referral agency to ensure that Chicano Latinos in Minnesota are connected to the appropriate government agencies and community based organizations to address their concerns, which range from immigration and education to discrimination and social welfare.

CLAC has the duty to publish the accomplishments of Chicano Latinos in Minnesota as well as be a resource for community organizations that work with the Chicano Latino population. CLAC also publishes a quarterly bilingual E-newsletter titled "El Minnesotano" which has statewide distribution. The newsletter shows the accomplishments of the Chicano Latinos and serves as an informational conduit for the community. CLAC also publishes and disseminates a bilingual directory which is a resource book for the community containing information about organizations, businesses, churches, media and networking groups that are either owned by, or serve, Minnesota's Chicano Latino population.

This Issue:

Featured Organization - Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC)
The Changing Face of Diversity in the Workplace
Sponsor Spotlight - City of Minneapolis, COUNTRY Financial, National Marrow Donor Program
Diversity Minnesota - LinkedIn Network
Shameless Plug

Local Events:

October 7th - Building Cultural Competency: Understanding Arab and Muslim Americans
October 15th - NAWBO Connection Event
October 24th - Building Bridges: Learning about the Hmong
October 30th - Walk A Moment in My Shoes
Diversity Minnesota's Ethnic and Cultural Event Calendar
Get Your Event in the NOVEMBER newsletter!

Quick Links:

The Changing Face of Diversity in the Workplace

Author: Dee Mann

Diversity. It’s a word that was coined in the 1980s. Learning to understand and successfully interact with co-workers of a different culture, race, religion, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, interpersonal style and age requires that we address norms and stereotypes we’ve grown up with. It requires crossing boundaries, stretching paradigms and questioning political and societal views.

Yet despite the challenges, and according to several diversity professionals in our community, there has been definite and measurable progress.

The accomplishments range from broadening and deepening the meaning of the word “diversity” to creating purposeful and successful relationships among people of different backgrounds and employees and their organizations.

We want to extend a big THANK YOU to our newest sponsors - City of Minneapolis, COUNTRY Financial, and National Marrow Donor Program.

Thank you all for your support!

Are you a member of LinkedIn? If so, join our Diversity in Minnesota group by clicking here.

Last, but not least, here is my shameless plug for our organization!
We are in need of your articles, videos and insight on diversity in the workplace. Your submissions will be reviewed and, if approved, we will post them on our site and possibley include them in a newsletter.

If you are interested, please contact us.

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