2013 Marks the 15th Year for the Latino Initiative

Dr. Michael Dulin (back right) and members from the 2005 Latino Initiative team

Mecklenburg Area Partnership for Primary Care Research is proud to recognize the 15th year for the Center for International Understanding's "transformational" program, the Latino Initiative!  This year-long leadership development program brings together community leaders from all sectors of the North Carolina economy to educate them in the ways immigration has reshaped North Carolina, invigorating its workforce and economy.  Participants learn about their own and other communities' challenges, and build relationships with others from their state.  The experience culminates with an intensive immersion experience in Mexico.  Upon their return, participants are challenged to use what they've learned to address an issue unique to their own community and take action to resolve it.

Several members of the MAPPR team have participated in the Latino Initiative, including Dr. Michael Dulin, Dr. Owen Furuseth, Dr. Heather Smith, and MAPPR Research Coordinator Brisa Hernandez. The experiences provided by their participation have shaped the way MAPPR approaches Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) here in Mecklenburg County.   MAPPR conducts community forums and surveys to hear directly from the Latino population we are striving to serve.  It was her experience in the Latino Initiative that really demonstrated to Brisa Hernandez that in order to understand a community, one has to immerse themselves in it.  "I have to step out of my comfort zone and really see what they're experiencing," she says. "I can't assume I know what it is."

To learn more about The Center for International Understanding, visit their website.

To learn more about the Latino Initiative, and to download their 15-Year Report click HERE.