Voting We Could Make the Difference

Photo: http://action.sierraclub.org

Why do I have to vote? Nobody knows me! I am just one person! If I vote or not, it will not be a significant difference! These are a few arguments because a lot of people do not go to polls and vote on election days; however, this year it is more important to do it because Only 19.9 percent of Americans 18 to 29 years old cast ballots in November 2014, according to U.S. Census data.  That percentage is low.

The vote is the voice of society.  It is through vote that we can be able to express our concerns and it is a privilege of the democracy system, which many countries do not have. "Voting is the process used to elect people for offices such as mayor, governor or President. Voting is also used to decide important questions (to create and/or change laws). Voting gives you a chance to be heard.”  According Barry M. Shalinsky Director of 2012 Voter Independence Project. When voter turn out is low, the elect government does not represents people’s desire and does not run according to the voice of the people.  As https://www.theodysseyonline.com says. 

Photo: http://abaforlawstudents.com

To reach the right to decide who will be our representatives had a big price.  A lot of people died around the world while they fought for the privilege of suffrage. 

Voting can express complain, disagree, duty, obtain more money for education, health care, social security, jobs, and other facilities. So “Voting is your right and your responsibility as a citizen of the United States. You can help select the officials who make laws, design programs and spend tax dollars. You can vote for people who agree with your ideas about health care, education, housing, jobs, transportation, other services and taxes. Your vote is secret. Nobody will know how you vote unless you choose to tell them.” said Shalinsky. 

When we vote, we are heard.  Because through the vote we show our feelings and thought, most politicians are more aware of the importance of minorities in sustaining society as Barry M. Shalinsky said,  “you care about what happens in the community and in the world. You want to set a good example. You want your voice to be heard. If you do not vote, you are letting others decide for you, and you have to live with their decisions. Every opinion counts. Your Vote Matters!” 

            Keeping democracy strong, as a big conquest required the people to be in contact with the law, the politician and the whole system.  Voting is the best way for citizens keeps under control, their society and changes when they are needed. If each one does not do it, someone else will do it.  Then, who did not do it, could not complain about what happens.

Journal of an Immigrant: Immigrant’s Rights and duties

Journal of an Immigrant: Immigrant’s Rights and duties: Photo: Internet A few days ago I reflected on the privilege representing Speak, just a great privilege is perhaps Sil...

Immigrant’s Rights and duties

Photo: Internet

A few days ago I reflected on the privilege representing Speak, just a great privilege is perhaps Silence. An adage dictates, "You are owner of your silenced and slave of what you say."

A few days ago I was at the Rhode Island Employment office waiting to see a friend who works there and was conducting an interview, while waiting came two women who needed information about job’s opportunity.

Fearing that represents not see Hispanic faces at reception, They decided that I would be their receptionist, so I was immediately bombarded with a series of questions that logically I could not answer, so I motivated them to get in line and wait their turn, which no doubt someone would meet them in their own language because that is " coldly calculated “.

At the insistence of the women, I was forced to go with them to the wall where the different job opportunities that come every day to that office are published. I began to relate to them the titles that every job had; same as they were written in correct English. With great displeasure one of them said, "that should be in Spanish.”

People all over the world go there and other government offices. They seek to have employees who speak multiple languages to understand that not all speak English. However, as the official language is English all documentation must be submitted in English.

These women like many other people living in The United States for decades and never showed interest in learning the language, but are not able to understand that is not the responsibility of the country that they remain behind those invisible walls imposed by the ignorance. Each one makes his own destiny. 

Spring Color 2014 colorful runway!

Photos: Mayra Martinez

“Light, camera and action” are the words in the show business. And the same words for the Spring Colors 2014.  When the lights were ready, people sat, models dressed up, photographer in their line of action, the action started.

Geannina Azar' design

More than a dozen young lady walked the runway showed their talent and skill as teenage model from The High Class Model School.  At the same time they showed with elegance and grace three different collections.

Almost 200 people participated as an audience, they clapped and enjoyed the Giannina Azar’s collection and Martin Polanco’ colletion.  Both collections were for spring-summer.

The Caribbean style was the ambient of the night, because the designers are from The Dominican Republic, but the atmosphere was an international projection, because both artists are international celebrities, and also the singers. Cezsare opened the show; he sang a Joan Manuel Serra’s song.

Martin Polanco's design

Giannina Azar showed colorful tunics, tribal collection with eclectic elements of metals and gems, while Martin Polanco showed a traditional and confortable, but chic’s guayaveras o chacabanas for lady and gentleman. 

    

The show, which it was a 3rd year celebration, it was celebrared in the Marriot Hotel at Providence City in Rhode Island.  From The Dominican Republic as a special guest Socrates Mckinney, who is one of the most important fashion critics, and he is the organizer of the most important fashion week in that country.

According to the organizer team leader, Orlando Genao, that runway: Spring Colors 2014, it was the best than the previous years, with the organization, audience, and support. Genao said, that they felt confident with their finished result, and the Providence society.

The family and friends of models were there. They were supporting the young models, and the professionals’ designs.  When the light turned off, the designers received the audience with gratitude and grace, and also some shopping.

Mayra and Martin Polanco

Orlando Genao, Martha, Geannina Azar and Socrates Mckinney 

Immigrant can be best worker with the right tools

Photo: Dilenia Cruz

Learning English, Basic Computer, becoming a chef, job’s club, GED or childcare can be the every day door for thousand of people going in to The Genesis Center as a basic tool for incorporation to labor production.

The majority of people, who start a new beginning through The Genesis Center, are immigrant, but the other groups are American people, who need a friendly hand to go on.

According the president end CEO, Don Keel  “The Genesis Center serves over 600 individuals in its adult education and workforce development programs and up to one hundred children in the childcare program” from more than 35 countries.

Photo: Internet

The work started in 1985 for assist refugees from Southeast Asia – Laotian, Hmong, Cambodian and Vietnamese families, now it help people in different situations and many countries, who came to The United State looking for a better life, at the same time they want to integrate in the labor production and be auto sufficient.  

Every day, more and more people arrive to The Genesis Center asking for different classes and services. They have an excellent team, excellent curriculum and the best intentions to help. However, they cannot open more sections, because they have a short budget, according Don Keel.

More workforce programs are the key to have more capacity to produce things and services in Rhode Island, but it is indispensable that employer and businessmen be understandable and put their interest in that as a matter of fact for more efficient workers, more and best production, and go out as soon as possible to the economic crisis.

Trying to find money for more sections, The Genesis Center is making a singular and simple event, but memorable.  Save the Date. FOOD FOR THOUGHT in May 21, 2014!

The Botanical Gardens of Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, Rhode Island from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. is the perfect place for the occasion, where is the signature event of the award-winning Center, which educates, enables, and empowers New Americans from over 35 countries from around the globe.

“Food for Thought features Rhode Island’s best chefs and restaurants such as Al Forno, CAV and the Flatbread Company, as well as the best ethnic restaurants from our Providence neighborhoods, each cooking their signature dishes. Enjoy live music by Carlos de Leon Trio and a totally romantic evening in a beautifully lit garden of huge exotic plants and flowers”. They said in their website.

Photo: About.com

The Genesis Center announced as a special guess skater Michelle Kwan. “We could not hope for a more internationally distinguished host than Michelle Kwan,” said Don Keel, President and CEO. She is a brilliant role model and inspiration for millions of people,” he said. “We are so grateful for her participation in our cause.”

According to the information from The Genesis Center’ website there are different prices, here: Tickets: $65.00 per person, $110.00 per couple, in advance, or $75.00 per person on the day of the event. For tickets or corporate sponsorship opportunities call Yvonne at 401-781-6110 ext. 28 or email yes@gencenter.org.

 

Photo: Botanical Garden at Roger Williams Park