We’ve had a super busy month! We honored our cultura and organized around Latine Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). Take a look at some of the events, highlights, partners, and community members we featured and joined in person to celebrate the role of our culture in the work toward environmental justice!
CHCI, Latino Conservation Week
We kicked off the month during Latino Conservation Week by attending the CHCI Leadership Conference and Gala in Washington, DC. This year’s theme was “Latino Excellence in Action: Innovation, Influence, Representation” and was attended by members of Congress, community activists, educators, media personalities, nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, CHCI participants, and alumni to address critical issues facing the Latine community and the nation. At Chispa we couldn’t miss the session on the green economy. Reps. Teresa Fernandez and Mike Levin discussed their efforts to promote a clean energy economy, highlighting our community’s long-standing environmental leadership, including the use of solar energy and eco-friendly materials in housing and the need to ensure Latine communities benefit from the transition to clean energy. “In the future, it is going to be our community that is powering the green economy,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03).
Votando X Mi Gente
Chispa celebrated National Voter Registration Day during Latine Heritage Month by launching our Votando Por Mi Gente voter registration and GOTV efforts across our Chispa states. The goal was to encourage Spanish and English-speaking voters from historically disenfranchised Latinx communities to ensure they – and their friends and family – are ready to vote and go vote on time this election day, Nov 5th! Through Chispa LCV voter resources, community members can see if they are registered to vote, register if needed, and find their polling location. #VotoVotasVotamos
Chispa Arizona Celebrated Latinx Conservation Week
During Latinx Conservation Week, Chispa Arizona partnered with Respect Great Bend, Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, and REI Adventures to host several community events. On September 13th, they hosted a stargazing event at the Gila’s Painted Rock Petroglyph Campsite, where participants discussed the proposed Great Bend of the Gila National Monument while enjoying views of the desert night sky through telescopes.
We Celebrated Moms Clean Air Force During #LatinxConservationWeek
We were thrilled to celebrate our amazing partners at Moms Clean Air Force during #LatinxConservationWeek! Together, we’ve stood alongside these incredible leaders in the fight for a cleaner and more just world for our niños and familias. The more than 1.5 million members of Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres are united in taking action to protect clean air and children’s health. At Chispa we are honored to partner with EcoMadres, whose mission is to empower and mobilize Latino communities to fight for clean air, equitable climate change solutions, and protections from toxic chemicals.
Chispa Maryland Celebrated 10th Anniversary and Latino Conservation Week at the 2024 Festival del Rio Anacostia
While celebrating its 10th anniversary, Chispa Maryland was proud to co-chair the 2024 Festival del Rio Anacostia, an exciting event that drew over 1,000 attendees to enjoy a day filled with activities celebrating the natural beauty of the Anacostia River. Festival-goers participated in kayaking, boat tours, and wildlife experiences while learning about the importance of environmental conservation. This annual festival is a key part of Chispa Maryland’s celebration of Latino Conservation Week, highlighting the vital role that Latino communities play in protecting our natural resources. Chispa Maryland also received a citation from the Office of Governor Wes Moore, recognizing their 10th anniversary and work promoting environmental justice and serving Latino and frontline communities across Maryland.
From GreenLatinos: Respecting Our Elders in Defense of Land, Water and Culture
Throughout the month Chispa featured key messages from our partners, including a blog from Olivia Juarez, the Public Land Program Director at GreenLatinos. In Respecting Our Elders in Defense of Land, Water, and Culture, she encouraged community members to support healthy forest ecosystems for mature and young trees. “Hispanic heritage is diverse and identity is complex. But our cultural values stand the test of time. We respect our elders and we value intergenerational connection. This cultural adage is applicable as the U.S. Forest Service closes its public comment period for Old Growth Forest Conditions across our national forests.”
Meet the Leaders Fighting for Clean Air in Texas!
Chispa featured Texas community leaders Angelica Cuevas and Genoveva Labeaga from Gregory, TX, who stand up for their community’s right to clean air and water. They are taking on harmful practices by Cheniere Energy, a major LNG exporter. Cheniere’s LNG facility poses serious risks to public health and the environment, especially for low-income communities of color. “The fight for environmental justice continues, and we need YOU to take action!”
Chispa Arizona at Climate Week
Vianey Olivarria, Executive Director of Chispa Arizona, was a featured speaker at “The Future Is Now: Climate, Environmental Justice, and Democracy at the Crossroads” during Climate Week in New York. This powerful event united diverse voices nationwide to inspire action for a just and equitable future. It was an honor to hear Vianey speak alongside leaders like Judith Le Blanc from Native Organizers Alliance, Beulah Osueke from New Voices for Reproductive Justice, Jacqui Patterson from The Chisholm Legacy project, and Asti Davis from Power Coalition Equity&Justice, all hosted by Raya Salter.
How Chispa Arizona is Engaging Community in Climate Decisions
We featured how Chispa Arizona has connected with nearly 600 community members to ensure their voices are heard in shaping climate decisions. At their recent IRA Summit with city and state officials, community members shared their visions for a better, greener future under the Affordable Clean Energy Plan. The voices of the community are powerful, and Chispa Arizona is making sure climate investments genuinely reflect Arizona’s community’s needs.
Chispa NV and Clark County Welcomed Electric School Buses
On Saturday, September 28th, Chispa Nevada celebrated the arrival of electric school buses in Clark County with a community celebration during Latine Heritage Month. They toured one of the district’s new electric buses and discussed the benefits of transitioning to pollution-free transit for the health and safety of local children and communities. Speakers celebrated the district’s progress with four electric buses already in use and plans to purchase 25 more. “Together, we can protect the health of our students and give them clean air to breathe,” said activist Guadalupe Lyn. Read more in news stories covered by the Review-Journal and news3lv.
A Chispa Maryland leader championing clean air for our children
We met Martha Orellana, a mother and community leader with Chispa Maryland. She is fighting for cleaner air for her son and all children in Baltimore. Thanks to her advocacy, 25 electric school buses now provide quieter, healthier rides for kids, helping reduce asthma symptoms and pollution. “As a mother, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of my child. Living in Baltimore, I have seen firsthand the impact that pollution and climate change can have on our community. When my son, who has asthma and a learning disability, started school, I worried every day about the diesel fumes he was exposed to during his commute. These fumes contributed significantly to his asthma symptoms and made the ride to school stressful and uncomfortable for him.”
Protégete Colorado Helps Build a Sustainable Movement for all of us
We spotlighted Protégete Colorado and their powerful new initiative, Building a Sustainable Movement — a bilingual toolkit designed to transform eco-anxiety into eco-action! This resource provides exercises, insights, and tools to help individuals, especially those in BIPOC and low-income communities, navigate the mental health challenges of climate change. Together, we can build a sustainable future, one step at a time!
Chispa Nevada’s Fight for Fair Energy Costs
We featured Chispa Nevada’s fight for fair energy costs to wrap up our Latine Heritage Month state highlights. At a recent Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) meeting, 50 Chispa members showed up to speak out against the outrageous rate hikes that have forced families to choose between putting food on the table or keeping the lights on. With bills 2-3 times higher, while corporations profit, our community is standing up to say enough is enough. Communities demand transparency, affordable energy, and a future built on clean energy solutions that put families first, not profits. Learn more and join the utility accountability campaign here.
A Cafecito Chat with Poderistas
We had an inspiring experience with Poderistas during their Cafecito Chat, which highlighted the power of our vote. Led by Poderistas co-founder America Ferrera and a group of Latina leaders (including our very own Chispa Digi manager Alexa Aispuro-Loaiza), we explored the important issues impacting our community. Leaders discussed what’s on the line for our families and future in this crucial election year.
Chispa Convivio in New Mexico
After many years, we were elated to host our Chispa family in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during Latine Heritage Month. We had representation from all of our state programs and were able to share work happening across our network, as well as envision the upcoming years. Our time together included workshops and deep dive sessions on lessons and highlights from the past decade. During the gathering, we also visited Los Jardines Institute and are grateful participants got to learn from local climate justice leaders and build community. Check out more photos on our socials.
Protégete at Conservation Colorado celebrated 15 Latina graduates from Climate Leaders Academy During Hispanic Heritage Month!
Latine communities often face disproportionate environmental impacts, and making their voices heard is essential in developing environmental justice laws and policies. The 15 women who graduated from the Climate Justice Leadership Academy are paving the path for lasting change in their communities. And check out Protégete Colorado’s Latino Conservation Week highlights here!
Vote Solar Shines a Spotlight on Chispa for Latinx Heritage Month
In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, Vote Solar highlighted Chispa’s work within the Latinx community! Across their LinkedIn and social media platforms, they shared our efforts to empower Latinx voices in the fight for clean energy and environmental justice. We are proud to be recognized for our work in advocating for climate solutions that protect our families and future generations. Check out the post and join us in celebrating the power of community action!
Climate Power En Acción and El Tiempo Latino Celebrate “Tierra Mia” docuseries
Chispa celebrated the launch of “Tierra Mía,” a docuseries highlighting Latinos’ climate stories, on October 8th in Washington, DC. “Tierra Mía” features leaders from Chispa Arizona and Chispa Nevada. It is a powerful series that highlights the challenges Latines face due to climate change and the solutions to address them. The series unveils real stories from the community embracing renewable energy in their daily lives and in job opportunities in the clean energy sector, showcasing a sustainable, innovative employment frontier.
Chispa Attended GreenLatinos Advocacy Week
Chispa Arizona and Chispa national staff attended GreenLatinos Advocacy Week events during Latine Heritage Month in Washington, DC, including the release of an updated edition of the Latino Climate Justice Framework. To celebrate and uplift this updated resource and its significance, GreenLatinos hosted panel discussions led by on-the-ground environmental justice partners.
And coming up: Protégete Colorado Teams Up with GreenLatinos for Eco Fiesta and Climate Action
Join Protégete Colorado and GreenLatinos to close out the heritage month on Saturday, October 19th, all day, from 10:30 am-9 pm, in Denver, where environmental leaders and community members will come together to discuss shaping future climate policies. Attendees will also learn how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) benefits Colorado communities through rebates and tax credits. The event will feature interactive policy discussions, engaging panel conversations, live music, and food, creating a perfect opportunity to network with climate justice advocates. Location: 3800 Morrison Road, Denver, CO 80219. Confirm attendance here.
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