GALEO has accomplished a lot in 2016! Take a peek at all that has happened. Join us and make more happen in 2017!
#GALatinoVote progress made in 2016
- Total Latino electorate in 2016: 244,190, 25% increase from 2012 (2012: 183,966)
- Voter Participation in 2016: 53.3% (2012: 47%)
- 4.5% of total electorate (2012: approx. 3%)
- Registered to vote 1,800 new voters (342 were registered online through our website).
- Over 4,000 voter registrations at naturalization ceremonies.
- 9,742 homes contacted and we had 2,776 door conversations.
- 22,457 phone dial attempts and we had 4,595 phone conversations.
- Despite depressed national voter turn out, Georgia’s voter turnout rose 4% in 2016.
- 58% voters cast ballots EARLY, up from 50% in 2016.
- Collaborative ProGeorgia Election Protection: 150 volunteers covering 300 precincts
(NOTE: Final analysis is being completed to be released soon.)
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January 5: GALEO Program Manager Samuel Aguilar attended the Georgia Rural Urban Summit to discuss GALEO’s 2016 legislative agenda with progressive groups.
January 8: Jerry Gonzalez met with Carlos De Los Santos from the Latin American Motorcycle Association.
January 7-10: Sea Island, GA, GALEO Program Manager Samuel Aguilar was selected as a young ambassador to attend the 2016 Awakening Conference, a private gathering of top conservative donors, strategists, and elected officials.
January 11: Jerry Gonzalez was a guest lecturer for several classes of students the Westminster High School on the topic of immigration and the 2016 election cycle.
January 11-13: GALEO Program Manager Samuel Aguilar and Executive Director Jerry Gonzalez met with veteran GOP officials to discuss GALEO’s legislative agenda.
January 12: GALEO Leadership Council meeting.
January 13: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended a Citizenship ceremony Tucker administrative building. Meanwhile, J. Gonzalez attends the Latino Reception for the Global Forum.
January 15: J. Gonzalez interviewed by 11AliveNews.com regarding Spanish language ballot access for Gwinnett and Hall Counties; and Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended a Citizenship ceremony Tucker administrative building.
January 16: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attends Plaza Fiesta, Univision and Kuck immigration forum voter registration event.
January 18: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended the MLK Parade Gainesville (Butler Center) and Lawrenceville.
Jan. 19: J. Gonzalez participated in a committee meeting phone conference with the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation.
January 20: Press Statement: GALEO releases statement on the news of denying Judge Dax Lopez the blue slip for a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing. & Statement from Judge Lopez.
January 20: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, Citizenship ceremony Tucker administrative building and a Pro-GA meeting for the voter registration plan.
January 21: Voter registration drive during University of North Georgia’s climate change forum.
January 22: Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Senator Perdue for Blocking First Latino Federal Judge in Georgia
January 22: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attends a Federal citizenship ceremony to register new Americans to vote.
January 26: J. Gonzalez attended the Georgia Trend Luncheon recognizing the 100 Most Influential Georgians for 2016, which he was named for the fourth time.
January 27: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, Calhoun Bowling Alley Voter registration training of volunteers. GALEO Program Manager Samuel Aguilar met with the Georgia House Democratic Caucus to discuss GALEO’s 2016 legislative agenda.
January 28: GALEO Executive Director Jerry Gonzalez presented at Lambda Day at the Capitol in recognition of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
January 28: Atlanta Jewish Times: Our View: Perdue’s Betrayal and in support of Judge Lopez.
January 29: J. Gonzalez met for breakfast with Marcelo Zapata, Roswell Councilman-Elect and was interviewed by Bill Nigut for the “Political Rewind” show on Georgia Public Broadcasting regarding Judge Lopez and his nomination for federal judgeship. Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, conducts a presentation of a GIL module.
January 30: Interviews were held for the 2016 GALEO Institute for Leadership Cohort.
Jan. 30-31: GALEO and GALEO Latino Community Development Fund Board retreat and meeting.
February 1: J. Gonzalez participated on a panel discussion hosted at the Center for Civil and Human Rights by the Leadership Council on Civil Rights on “A Conversation on Civil Rights & Religious Exemptions.” Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, had a voter registration drive during the flavors of India presentation at University of North Georgia.
February 2: J. Gonzalez, along with Chris Perlera, participated on WABE’s show “A Closer Look” with Rose Scott & Jim Burress. The interview was on the Latino vote.
February 3: GALEO registers New Americans at a Citizenship Ceremony Tucker administrative building.
February 4: GALEO Leadership Council Executive Meeting.
February 5: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, registered voters at Aurora Theater.
February 6: GALEO Institute for Leadership Class of 2016 interviews.
February 9: Jerry Gonzalez had an interview with Telemundo Atlanta regarding SB6, a legislative initiative to ban access to driver’s licenses for DACA students. GALEO opposed this legislation.
February 10: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended a Citizenship ceremony at the Tucker administrative building.
February 11: GALEO Leadership Council Public Speaking workshop where over 25 people participated and learned important skills of public speaking facilitated by Genny Castillo. This was led & coordinated by GALEO Leadership Council members, Juliana Henao and Ivette Betancourt.
February 12: The Georgia State University Institute for Leadership program attended a field trip at the Georgia State Capitol. GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker and that afternoon, GALEO filmed the Public Service Announcement for the #GALatinoVote at Azteca America.
Feb. 16: GALEO Leadership Council Lobby Training Day at the State Capitol followed by legislative visits by GALEO members where over 20 people participated. This was led by GALEO Leadership Council members Jaime Rangel and Estela Martinez.
February 17: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended a Citizenship ceremony at the Tucker administrative building.
Feb. 18-20: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation trustee meeting in Chapel Hill, NC.
February 18: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, Mega Social Mixer to host a voter registration drive.
February 19: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, registered New Americans at a Federal Ceremony. Also, The GALEO Institute for Leadership class of 2016 had its opening reception
February 20: The GALEO Institute for Leadership class of 2016 first session was presented by Pegui Mariduena and a leadership panel featuring Charles Kuck, Jason Esteves, Shirley Anne Cruz and Yovany Jerez.
February 22: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, Living the American Dream forum at the University of North Georgia to tell his story as a Latino immigrant success story and to register voters.
Feb. 24: GALEO participated in a forum held by Bibles, Badges, & Business on Immigration Reform.
February 25: GALEO registered New Americans at a Citizenship Ceremony Tucker administrative building and – Program Manager Samuel Aguilar and student intern Brenda Mercado skyped into a leadership session with middle school students at Dacula Middle School in Gwinnett County. GALEO attended the Latin American Chamber of Commerce’s Monthly featuring Georgia’s Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Lastly, J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in Telemundo’s Live coverage of reaction to the GOP Presidential Debates.
February 26: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, registered voters at the Aurora Theater.
Feb. 29: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by WRFG radio on GALEO activities and by CNN Español on the 2016 Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Preference Elections.
March 1: Voter protection conducted in Hall and Gwinnett Counties. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Univision Atlanta regarding Latino voter participation on Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Elections.
March 1: Press Release: Georgia Legislature moves forward ‘Trump-like’ anti-immigrant agenda
March 3: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by the Atlanta Journal Constitution regarding the Latino vote and the 2016 elections, and GALEO hosted #GeorgiaLatinoVote Committee meeting.
March 4: GALEO and volunteers registered New Americans at a Citizenship ceremony Tucker administrative building.
March 8: GALEO Leadership Council Monthly meeting.
March 9: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, attended an event hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on the “Cuba & the United States: What’s Next?”
March 10: GALEO participated in a White House Regional Convening on New Americans in Atlanta, GA hosted by the Mayor of Atlanta. GALEO also had a Board meeting.
March 11: GALEO and volunteers registered New Americans at a Citizenship ceremony Tucker administrative building.
March 11: Georgia Civil Rights Leaders Urge Their Senators to Do Their Job on Supreme Court Nominee
March 12: The GALEO Institute for Leadership class met to discuss community diversity and Georgia’s shifting demographics.
March 14: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, hosted visiting students from Armstrong Atlantic State University in a conversation regarding policy and DACA at Kilpatrick Townsend in Atlanta.
March 15: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, visited with U.S. Senators staff and attended the 2016 NALEO Edward R. Roybal Legacy Gala in Washington, D.C.
March 16: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, trained Forsyth County volunteers at the community room behind the McDonald and Sons Funeral Home.
March 18: GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by a college student regarding the impact of HB-87, Georgia’s “show me your papers” anti-immigrant law passed in 2011.
March 21: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, hosted an event called “How Deportations Tear Families apart (I am DACA series)” and a voter Registration Drive. GALEO met with officials of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.
March 22: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with community leaders at La Isla Magazine in Hilton Head, SC, to discuss leadership initiatives for SC Latinos.
March 23: GALEO met with Mundo Hispanico on efforts to educate and inform the Latino community about voting.
March 24: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, invited speaker for the Marietta High School H.O.P.E. Latino student group organizational meeting where he encouraged their engagement with the 2016 elections and encouraged them on their educational goals.
March 25: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with El Alacran at La Raza radio station regarding the #GALatinoVote. Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended a citizenship naturalization ceremony in Rome, GA. Meanwhile, The Georgia State GALEO Institute for Leadership met with Program Manger Samuel Aguilar to discuss group projects and civic engagement.
March 26: GALEO attends the Meadow Creek High School HoPe annual leadership conference. Univision and Kuck immigration forums at Plaza fiesta which served as a voter registration drive
March 30: GALEO hosted a voter registration drive at Marie de Marquedt at the Gainesville Campus of UNG.
March 31: Cesar Chavez Day at the Capitol lead by Leri Argueta and Karla Vasquez. GALEO also attended a Cesar Chavez celebration in Rabun County High School in Tiger, GA, where elementary school children read their essays about Cesar Chavez.
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April 1: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with a member of the Gwinnett County Human Rights Commission.
April 7: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended a Night of Nations voter registration drive.
April 9: The GALEO Institute for Leadership met to discuss group dynamics and present their cohort project proposals.
April 14: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Que Onda Spanish rock radio program and he attended the Latin American Association’s 27th Annual Compañeros Award Luncheon at the Georgia Aquarium. GALEO Board meeting. Lastly, GALEO hosted a Voter registration drive during Marco Barrientos concert in Gwinnett County.
April 15: GALEO and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta social.
April 16: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, hosted a voter registration drive at Food-o-Rama festival in Fulton County.
April 17: GALEO hosted a voter registration drive at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church. Voter registration drive at Wal-mart in Lawrenceville
April 18: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, interviewed by Buzzfeed.com on municipalization efforts in Metro Atlanta and impact on minorities.
April 19: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, provided keynote address to the Latino Student Summit at Paideia on the Latino Vote.
April 20: GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
April 21: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, interviewed by Telemundo Atlanta, 11 Alive News, Univision 34 Atlanta and CBS 46 News regarding the firing of a racist poll worker in Gwinnett County. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was also invited to the University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus to provide a speech at one of their monthly meetings to discuss the 2016 elections. GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
April 22: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, on live drive-time radio at La Raza to promote the #GALatinoVote . GALEO Institute for Leadership hosted the graduation of the Georgia State University Goizueta Scholars. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with Leadership Atlanta to discuss the evolution of Race Day to include other minority communities. GALEO and the GSU Institute for Leadership graduated 25 new student leaders and GALEO also attended a USCIS ceremony in Tucker.
April 25: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, interviewed by Telemundo Atlanta regarding the upcoming deadline for voter registration. GALEO and other nonprofit leaders met with the new BB&T Multicultural Banking Officer. GALEO also participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
April 25: Jerry Gonzalez: Register to Vote Today for the May 24th Elections
April 28: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, attended the trustee meeting of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership. GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
April 29: GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
April 30: The GSU Institute for Leadership class went on a field trip to Stewart Detention Center and El Refugio to learn about immigrant detention practices.
May 1: GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
May 1: Letter to Georgia Trend Magazine: Latinos won’t forget U.S. Sen. Perdue’s blocking of Judge Lopez
May 2: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, participated in the Make It Work Training.
May 3: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, attended the Leadership Atlanta social.
May 5: GALEO participated in the Appling County Board of Education Comprehensive Needs Assessment and also in the Kiwanis Meeting: Senate Candidate Forum lunch meeting in Lyons, GA.
May 6: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a live show of La Raza radio station to promote the #GALatinoVote.
May 7: The GALEO Institute for Leadership met to discuss managing conflict and heard from guest speakers Charles Kemp (FBI), Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry and Senator Vincent Fort
May 8: Alejandro Ramirez, GALEO, attended La Raza Fest and hosted a voter registration booth.
May 9: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a welcome dinner of Dina Seigel Van, Director, Latino and Latin American Institute, with the American Jewish Committee Atlanta Chapter.
May 9: Press Statement: Asking for the labor of immigrants but BLOCKED immigration reform?
May 12: GALEO board meeting.
May 14-15: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in the AIDS Vaccine 200-mile bicycle ride to raise funds for the Emory Vaccine Center and Jerusalem House. Both he and his husband were top fundraisers raising over $35,000.00 for the event.
May 18: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Univision 34 Atlanta on the #GALatinoVote’s growth and expected size based upon a CUNY research study that estimated it to be as large as potentially 300,000 for the 2016 elections.
May 19: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Univision 34 Atlanta on the successful participation on the AIDS Vaccine 200-mile bike ride and raising funds for an AIDS vaccine. He also spoke about the importance of Hispanics being tested and informed about available treatments.
May 20: 13th Annual GALEO Power Breakfast with keynote address by Sylvia Manzano, Ph.D., Principal, Latino Decisions, “The Latino Vote in 2016.”
May 21: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, provided keynote address to Eastbrook Middle School Latino festival in Dalton, Georgia, where he encouraged students and family to encourage education options. GALEO attended the Univision and Kuck immigration forums and hosted a voter registration event.
May 23-25: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in the Funders Committee for Civic Participation conference in Minneapolis, MN, as a representative of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation.
May 24: Voter protection conducted in three counties.
May 26: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Mundo Hispanico on the #GALatinoVote and its growing influence in Georgia’s 2016 election cycle. GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
May 27: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was participated in live broadcast with La Raza Spanish radio station. GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. local office in Tucker.
June 8-10: Voter registration and coordination training session.
June 10: New Americans Campaign kicks off in Atlanta at the Latin American Association, bringing together groups to assist LPR’s to become U.S. citizens. GALEO is an active participant of this coalition.
June 11: GALEO Institute for Leadership met to discuss effective communication and public speaking.
June 12: GALEO registered voters at the Coca Cola Cup 2016 in partnership with Telemundo.
June 14: GALEO participated in the voter registration efforts at the naturalization ceremony at U.S.C.I.S. offices in Tucker.
June 14: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Univision 34 Atlanta regarding the mass shooting in Orlando. GALEO participated in the We Are Orlando: Vigil and Community Gathering at the National Center for Civil & Human Rights.
June 16: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated as a trustee for the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation meeting in Charlotte, NC.
June 18: GALEO volunteers registered voters at the ConnectHome pilot program launch with the City of Atlanta.
June 18: Samuel Aguilar, GALEO Staffer to Work at FWD.us on Immigration Reform
June 21: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, provided remarks to the Latin American Associations Latino Youth Leadership Academy at Cross Keys High School in Brookhaven. He spoke about the importance of the #GALatinoVote.
June 22: GALEO recruited candidates for employment at the Latin American Association’s Career Fair and also registered voters.
June 23: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, recorded a podcast with Better Georgia regarding the growing influence of the #GALatinoVote.
June 23: Andres Parra, GALEO Intern: Legal Permanent Residents as Peace Officers
June 24-25: GALEO participated in the ProGeorgia retreat at Unicoi State Park in Helen, GA, to provide strategic planning updates for ProGeorgia.
June 27: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with the new Mexican Consul General, Javier Diaz de Leon.
June 28: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, in Dalton, Georgia to meet with local community leaders and provide #GALatinoVote training.
June 30: GALEO phone conference with Legislator regarding upcoming legislative session.
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July 5: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with representatives from ABLE on potential collaborative works. GALEO participated on a phone conference briefing with ImmigrationWorks.
July 6: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in the ProGeorgia Board meeting.
July 8: GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony in Gainesville and attended the kick off meeting for the New Americans Campaign Atlanta site.
July 8-10: GALEO staff participated in WellStone training.
July 11: Maria Palacios, Program Coordinator for Leadership Development & Policy, and Harvey Soto, Program Coordinator for Civic Engagement, began work at GALEO. Univision 34 Atlanta interviewed J. Gonzalez, GALEO, regarding the run-off elections and the importance of the #GALatinoVote. GALEO Board meeting by conference call.
July 16: Harvey Soto, GALEO, hosted a Voter Registration Drive at Talpas Supermarket in Norcross. Meanwhile, GALEO Institute for Leadership, Local Government module with facilitator Kelli Persons, along with guest visits from Georgia State House Representative Taylor Bennett and Atlanta Regional Commission’s Elizabeth Sanford.
July 17: GALEO and its canvassers attended and registered people at the annual Colombian Independence Day Festival in Duluth, Georgia.
July 19: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, interviewed by Kiplyn Primus for the radio show “The Local Take” on WCLK radio station regarding the #GALatinoVote.
July 20: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, presented remarks regarding immigration and civic engagement efforts at the John Lewis Fellowship with the National Center for Civil & Human Rights at CARE. Maria, GALEO, participated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) IGA Grants Webinar.
July 21: Maria, GALEO, attended the Latin American Association’s “Portraying the Undocumented Experience” high school art contest showcase. That night, Harvey Soto, GALEO, was at the opening show for the fall season at the Aurora Theatre and hosted a Voter Registration Drive. July 21: AAAJ-Atlanta Coalition meeting for voter registration for collaborative of various minority community groups. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated as a trustee at the Atlanta Beltline Partnership Board meeting at the City of Refuge in Atlanta.
July 22: GALEO, with ProGeorgia partners, registered new American citizens at two different Naturalization ceremonies at USCIS in Tucker.
July 23: Harvey Soto, GALEO, continued efforts in voter engagement efforts with supermercado Talpas in Chamblee.
July 24: Harvey Soto, GALEO, conducted voter engagement/registration at the Annual Peruvian festival in Chamblee, GA.
July 25 – August 2: Maria, GALEO, competes in 9 rounds of international Parliamentary-style debate in Spanish in Cordoba, Spain at the Universidad de Cordoba, along with University of North Georgia student Cristian Ramos. The two-person team ended with winning records in top half of international competitors.
July 25: GALEO met with Michelle Jones, Candidate for State Representative. GALEO met with LatinoJustice representative on social media on the #GALatinoVote and planned coordination.
July 26: GALEO records Public Service Announcement for National Voter Registration Day at Univision 34 Atlanta to promote the #GALatinoVote.
July 27: GALEO, with ProGeorgia partners continues its efforts in registering and engaging new citizens at Naturalization ceremonies.
July 28: GALEO met with representatives of Wholesome Wave Georgia on potential Latino outreach efforts. CPAC/AAA-J host a civic engagement training in the start of a new coalition amongst diverse organizations for civic engagement.
August 1: Harvey Soto, GALEO, train new canvassers to increase its voter engagement and registration efforts in Gwinnett, Hall, and Cobb county.
August 2: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with Director of the Georgia State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. GALEO & the American Jewish Committee ACCESS group hosted another successful Charla & Challah conversation “Immigration in our Changing Political Climate” Featuring: Richard Foltin, AJC Director of national and Legislative Affairs; Judge Dax Lopez, State Court Judge of DeKalb County; Moderated by: Mariela Romero, Director of Community Affairs at Univision.
August 3: ProGeorgia hosts a gender frame workshop to illustrate how many issues could be further addressed using a gender lens.
August 3-7: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in the New Americans Campaign Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA.
August 5: GALEO, with ProGeorgia partners continued efforts in registering and engaging new citizens to vote at Naturalization ceremonies in Tucker.
August 6: GALEO Institute for Leadership, Group Problem Solving and Decision Making module with facilitator Beverly Isegohi, and the Conducting Successful Meetings module with facilitator Kelli Persons.
August 8: GALEO staff with coalition partners plan for Citizenship Day. An event to assist Legal Permanent Residents attain free Citizenship application help. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by WSBTV and the Gainesville Times on the lawsuit against Gwinnett County for minority voter dilution in district make up for County Commission and School Board.
August 9: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Mundo Hispanico & the Washington Post on the lawsuit against Gwinnett County for minority voter dilution in district make up for County Commission and School Board. GALEO Leadership Council meeting.
August 10: GALEO with coalition partners participate in registering New Americans Citizens to vote at USCIS Naturalization Ceremony. That afternoon, Maria, GALEO, attends Atlanta Police Department’s Active Shooter Training at Atlanta City Hall. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a ProGeorgia Board meeting as well as a GALEO Board meeting.
August 11: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, interviewed by Univision 34 Atlanta on the lawsuit against Gwinnett County for minority voter dilution in district make up for County Commission and School Board.
August 12: GALEO participated in the Welcoming Atlanta Advisory Board meeting. GALEO participated in voter registration at a naturalization ceremony at the U.S. federal courthouse in Atlanta. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with Univision social media representative regarding the #GALatinoVote.
August 15: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was on RockRadioAndMore.com with Eduardo Fernandez to discuss the #GALatinoVote. GALEO member raffle winner selected, Paul Hopkins.
August 17: GALEO with coalition partners participate in registering New Americans Citizens to vote at USCIS Naturalization Ceremony.
August 18: GALEO staff attended the LACC monthly breakfast and met the General Consul of Mexico Javier Diaz de Leon. The breakfast was to discuss the trade relations between the State of Georgia and Mexico. Harvey Soto and Maria Palacios, GALEO, attended GGC’s student involvement fair to connect with student organizations and register students to vote for the General Election.
August 19: GALEO with coalition partners participated in registering New Americans Citizens to vote at USCIS Naturalization Ceremony.
August 21: Maria, GALEO, attends DACA Education Drive at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta to support GALEO Institute of Leadership participant’s group initiative.
August 22: Gainesville Voting Rights Committee meeting at the University of North Georgia.
August 23: Maria, GALEO, meets with University of North Georgia Students to advise on 5th annual Spanish-speaking debate tournament, The Great Latino Debate. That day as well, Harvey Soto, GALEO, met and presented at the first OLAS meeting at Georgia Gwinnett College. Presentations discussed the importance of Latino and millennial vote and how they can volunteer with GALEO and our Civic Engagement efforts. GALEO Board meeting phone conference.
August 24: Maria, GALEO, meets with GALEO Institute of Leadership program participants to advise on leadership of group project efforts over voter education plan for Dalton, GA.
August 25: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, interviewed by Univision Conexion regarding the concern for voting rights and potential conflict with Trump activists at polling locations. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was invited to be a panelist hosted by the National Center for Civil & Human Rights on the importance of voting and the #GALatinoVote.
August 26: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by the Washington Post regarding the U.S. Senate race in Georgia. GALEO’s efforts in Georgia were highlighted at the New American Media ethnic media briefing on the 2016 elections in Atlanta. GALEO with coalition partners participated in registering New Americans Citizens to vote at two USCIS Naturalization Ceremonies at 8AM and 1PM. GALEO staffers, Maria and Harvey, attend Women Working Ahead: An Economic Opportunity Agenda for Georgia conference.
August 27: Harvey Soto, GALEO, set up a table at the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association’s Expo at the LAA building to inform attendees of GALEO’s efforts and to register them to vote.
August 28: GALEO, and a large number of volunteers attended the 16th annual Peachtree Latino Festival at Piedmont Park to help register people to vote. We were able to assist 110 people to register to vote that day. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, attended a house party with other nonprofit organizations to coordinate volunteers for the #GALatinoVote.
August 29: GALEO has farewell lunch to intern Andres Parra.
August 30: Maria, GALEO, meets with University of North Georgia student-led committee to advise on 5th annual Spanish-speaking debate tournament, The Great Latino Debate. Harvey Soto, GALEO, attended a meeting with the newly forming Georgia Immigrants for Civic Engagement to discuss Civic engagement plans such as voter registration and Get Out The Vote efforts for the election season.
August 31: GALEO with coalition partners participate in registering New Americans Citizens to vote at USCIS Naturalization Ceremony. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, chaired a phone conference meeting of the Georgia State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The same day, GALEO staff, interns, and volunteers film our Get Out The Vote PSA for Early Voting and the November 8th General Elections. Maria, GALEO, attends the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Hate Crime Coalition meeting and also attends Department of Homeland Security’s Roundtable in Alpharetta.
September 3: Harvey Soto, GALEO, teamed up with the Latin American Student Association of Dalton State College and went canvassing Door-to-Door to encourage people to register to vote and encourage them to vote in the General Elections
September 7: Maria, GALEO, meets with Georgia State University LASO Office regarding the 2016-2017 GALEO Institute of Leadership for GSU Goizueta scholars.
September 8: Harvey Soto, GALEO, partnered with the Rialto Center for the Arts of Georgia State, to host a voter registration drive during their two-week run of In The Heights. This partnership produced many registrations and pledges to vote for students who came to watch the show.
September 9: GALEO Institute for Leadership at Georgia State University Goizueta scholars: Understanding Community Leadership module with facilitator Christian Bello Escobar.
September 10: GALEO’s GIL class participated in Door-to-Door canvassing event in Lawrenceville. All candidates were put into teams and were tasked with knocking on about 30 homes and encouraging voter registrations and pledges to vote.
September 12: Harvey Soto, GALEO, attended UGA’s Latino Heritage Month kickoff event to encourage students to register to vote or change their address to their University address so they can vote more conveniently.
September 13: GALEO participated in a dinner with voting coalition partners.
September 14: GALEO participated in site visit for ProGeorgia from the Sapelo Foundation and there was a GALEO Board phone conference meeting.
September 15: GALEO with coalition partners participate in registering New Americans Citizens to vote at a Naturalization Ceremony hosted by Georgia Perimeter Technical College in Clarkston. At the same time, Maria, GALEO, attends Telemundo’s 2016 Todos Somos Héroes luncheon. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, provided remarks to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at Dalton State College for the Latin American Student Organization and encouraged engagement with the #GALatinoVote
September 16: GALEO with coalition partners participate in registering New Americans Citizens to vote at a Naturalization Ceremony hosted at Turner Field where there were 700 participants and we were able to register 330+ New Americans to vote for the General Election.
September 17: GALEO hosted a Citizenship Drive at the LAA with AILA, Catholic Charities and the LAA to help Legal Permanent Residents to fill out their Citizenship application. We were able to service 100+ attendees with about 90+ legal and non-legal volunteers.
September 19: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, provided a guest lecture on immigration, the 2016 elections and the growing influence of the #GALatinoVote at Kennesaw State University on Constitution Day.
September 20: GALEO attended the AAAJ-Atlanta Coalition Press Conference at Liberty Plaza at the State Capitol in Atlanta.
September 24: Maria, GALEO, attends the University of North Georgia’s College Assistance Migrant Program’s (UNG CAMP) mentor training to serve as mentor for UNG CAMP students. Harvey Soto, GALEO, went down to Stockbridge to the city’s Hispanic festival to host a voter registration drive and help its attendees update their voter information as well.
September 24 – September 26: Maria, GALEO, serves as Adjudication Core for Annual Chicken & Egg Spanish Worlds’ Debate Division at the University of North Georgia.
September 25: GALEO was invited to host a voter registration booth at La Raza’s 102.3 Fiesta Mexicana. We were able to register 50+ attendees for the General Election.
September 26: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Mundo Hispanico on the impact of Latinas in the #GALatinoVote this year and also interviewed by Univision 34 Atlanta on the changing demographics in Georgia. GALEO participated in the New Americans Campaign Atlanta meeting at the LAA.
September 27: GALEO and its staff hosted National Voter Registration Day in many locations, most notably at Plaza Fiesta with the help of Univision 34 to promote any new registrations and help with any questions over voting. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, interviewed on Spanish radio, La Que Buena, to discuss the #GALatinoVote and National Voter Registration Day.
Sept 28: GALEO participated in a Public Service Announcement video coordinated by La Que Buena, Spanish radio station. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in the Learning and Partnerships Committee meeting of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by NPR Latino USA on the #GALatinoVote impact in 2016.
September 29: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was invited to a panel discussion on the 2016 election for Georgia Power Latino employee resource network. Other panelists were: DeKalb County State Court Judge Dax Lopez; Mariela Romero, Univision 34 Atlanta; and Rep.-elect Brenda Lopez. GALEO staffers Maria and Harvey participate in Webinar – Cada Voto Cuenta GA Voter Protection Pro Bono Training.
Sept 30: 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon hosted by GALEO. Keynote speaker: Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Special remarks provided by: Brenda Lopez, Representative-elect, Georgia House of Representatives, 1st Latina in the Georgia Legislature. Special remarks provided by: Omar Rodriguez, Current Member of the GALEO Institute for Leadership Class of 2016. Master of Ceremonies: Sergio Carlo, Telemundo Atlanta Acceso Total. Video online at http://2014old.galeo.org/2016-hispanic-heritage-month-luncheon/.
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October 2: GALEO and its staff attend Radio Vida’s Vida Fest 2016 and host a voter registration booth. A total of 10 canvassers and volunteers came out and 60+ citizens were helped with their voter registration.
October 3: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, meets with Savannah Latino Chamber of Commerce representative to discuss 2017 collaboration in Savannah, GA. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by NPR Latino USA regarding Hall County school segregation.
October 4: GALEO staffers Harvey and Maria attend Georgia Power’s annual Hispanic Leadership Luncheon. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Don Logana, WTOC in Savannah regarding the #GALatinoVote. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a panel discussion on the #GALatinoVote to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA. Finally, J. Gonzlaez provided the keynote remarks at Armstrong Atlantic State University’s efforts on promoting Latino male students and their completion of college studies at the The Beach Institute African American Cultural Center in Savannah, GA.
October 5: Harvey Soto, GALEO, hosted a voter registration drive at Discover High School in Lawrenceville to educate and register eligible seniors to register to vote.
October 6: GALEO hosted press conference on last efforts to register eligible voter before the deadline. #GALatinoVote.
October 7: GALEO staff met with Senior Analyst from the British Foreign Office regarding discussion on issues pertinent to the Latino community in the state of Georgia. GALEO Institute for Leadership at Georgia State University Goizueta scholars: Valuing Community Diversity module with facilitator Estela Martinez.
October 8: GALEO’s canvasser, Maria Rios, attends the Bartow Latino Fest in Cartersville to register its attendees to vote.
October 10: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by 11AliveNews regarding the #GALatinoVote and issues with online voter registration.
October 11: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, provided keynote address for U.S.D.A. federal employees in Athens, GA, with the theme of the celebration is “Embracing, Enriching and Enabling America.” J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Georgia Latino News and Univision 34 Atlanta on the growth of the #GALatinoVote. GALEO Leadership Council meeting.
October 12: GALEO and canvassers attend the first of many phone banking session with CPACS in their building to contact voters and remind them to vote in the General Elections.
October 13-15: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a trustee meeting of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation in Charlotte, NC.
October 14: Press Release: Georgia Voters Challenged to Vote Early Starting TODAY and #PostThePeach in 2016
October 15: GALEO Institute for Leadership participants at Georgia State University visited Stewart Detention Center and El Refugio in Lumpkin, GA. GALEO and canvassers attend a phone banking session with CPACS in their building to contact voters and remind them to vote in the General Elections.
October 17: GALEO and coalition partners started their #PostThePeach campaign to encourage voters to go out and vote early form October 17th until November 4th. GALEO participated in the Asian American Coalition Public Service Announcement video filming.
October 18: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was invited to Marietta High School to provide remarks in Spanish to two AP classes and ESL students on the importance of education to their future, community service and political engagement. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was part of a panel discussion on immigration at Reinhardt University in Waleska, GA.
October 20: GALEO staff attends and recruits for GALEO Institute for Leadership at annual Atlanta Latina Style Business Series. Oct 20: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was on RockRadioAndMore.com with Eduardo Fernandez on the #GALatinoVote and #PostThePeach. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a trustee meeting of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership.
October 21: GALEO Institute for Leadership at Georgia State University Goizueta scholars: Leadership Panel Public Speaking Workshop with facilitator Genny Castillo. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Univision 34 Atlanta on the #GALatinoVote. Later in the afternoon, GALEO and canvassers attend a phone banking session with CPACS in their building to contact voters and remind them to vote in the General Elections.
October 22: GALEO staff and canvassers meet in Norcross to canvass in many neighborhoods and encourage citizens to go out and vote early and on Election Day. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, met with the Hispanic Institute representatives in Washington D.C. to discuss the #GALatinoVote.
October 24: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed on La Raza, Spanish radio, to promote the #GALatinoVote. GALEO met with Michelle Gates & Allan Buckley, Candidates for U.S. Senate. Lastly, GALEO participated in the New Americans Campaign Atlanta meeting.
October 24: GALEO & The Hispanic Institute Partner to Ensure a Strong Latino Voter Turn Out in Georgia
October 25: Maria, GALEO, meets with University of North Georgia student-led committee to serve as alumni advisor on 5th annual Spanish-speaking debate tournament, The Great Latino Debate.
October 25: Univision Conexcion: Votaciones Adelantadas y el #GALatinoVote
October 26: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by the Washington Monthly & REVEAL on the #GALatinoVote. GALEO and canvassers attend a phone banking session with CPACS in their building to contact voters and remind them to vote in the General Elections.
October 27: Maria, GALEO, attends the Latin American Chamber of Commerce 2016 Latino Business Summit. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was on RockRadioAndMore.com with Eduardo Fernandez on the #GALatinoVote. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, also was hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters for a tour and meeting on future collaboration.
October 28: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by CCTV-America on the #GALatinoVote. GALEO and canvassers attend the phone banking session with CPACS in their building to contact voters and remind them to vote in the General Elections.
October 29: Maria, GALEO, is invited to speak on the Students for a Progressive Society Summit at the University of North Georgia. GALEO and its canvassers go out and do Door-to-Door knocking in both Lawrenceville and Gainesville to encourage registered citizens to go out and vote.
October 31: Maria, GALEO, is invited to speak at both the University of North Georgia’s Dr. C. Thomas Preston’s Media, Culture, and Society and Intro to Communication classes on communication with diverse populations, as well as the University of North Georgia’s College Assistance Migrant Program College Success class on overcoming personal obstacles in pursuit of higher education. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed on La Raza, Spanish radio, promoting early voting. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Matthew Thielke, Macon TV station, and Telemundo Atlanta regarding #GALatinoVote.
November 1: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was on RockRadioAndMore.com with Eduardo Fernandez on the #GALatinoVote.
November 2: #GALatinoVote phone banking.
November 3: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was on RockRadioAndMore.com with Eduardo Fernandez on the #GALatinoVote.
November 4: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, was interviewed by Mundo Hispanico with Daniel Viotto regarding #GALatinoVote. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, attended the Leadership Georgia gala. GALEO Institute for Leadership at Georgia State University Goizueta scholars: Effective Communication module with facilitator Christian Bello Escobar.
November 5: GALEO and its canvassers go out and do Door-to-Door knocking in both Lawrenceville and Gainesville to encourage registered citizens to go out and vote the weekend before Election Day.
November 6: GALEO and its canvassers go out and do Door-to-Door knocking in both Lawrenceville and Gainesville to encourage registered citizens to go out and vote the weekend before Election Day.
November 7: GALEO and canvassers attend the phone banking session with CPACS in their building and with student organizations at the University of North Georgia, to contact voters and remind them to vote the next day, November 8th, on Election Day and give them the information of which polling place to go to. GALEO participated in a press conference with Rev. Joseph Lowery regarding the importance of voter participation by minority communities in Atlanta.
November 8: Election Day. GALEO staff had volunteers with Latino Justice conduct Election Protection in Latino heavy districts in Gwinnett and Hall counties. Staff answered phone calls from citizens with voting questions and concerns in their area. We had a remote office in Hall counties in order to serve that community in north Georgia. GALEO Leadership Council Election Results watch party in Atlanta.
November 9: The Rundown on Latino Voter Election Eve Polling and Latino Exit Polls
November 10: Harvey Soto, GALEO, attended a table meeting with the Department of Labor and other community leaders about the state of equal pay within the Latina community and what steps can be made to decrease the wage gap.
November 10: GALEO meets with Georgia State University Student Government Association officers over DACA legislation. GALEO staff Maria and Jerry met with a Police Chief to discuss the Georgia Latino community.
November 10: 115th Congress to Feature 38 Latino Members
November 12: The GALEO Institute for Leadership graduated the Class of 2016 at the Kilpatrick Townsend in midtown Atlanta. Keynote address was provided by GALEO Executive Director Jerry Gonzalez and first Latina Georgia State House Representative-elect Brenda Lopez. GALEO participated in the New Americans Campaign Citizenship Day workshop at the Latin American Association where we assisted over 90 people with their citizenship paperwork.
November 13: Maria, GALEO, attends Expo Mujer at the Infinite Energy Center and recruit applicants for the 2017 GALEO Institute for Leadership. GALEO participated in a Veteran’s Day celebration with LULAC at the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, GA.
November 14: GALEO attends LULAC’s Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Honoring Veterans at Coca Cola. GALEO participated in the American Jewish Committee’s annual Thanksgiving diversity breakfast at the Selig Center in Atlanta, GA.
November 14: GALEO Institute for Leadership Graduated the Largest Class in the Program’s History
November 15: GALEO Announces the 10th Annual Cesar Chavez Essay Contest
November 15: NALEO: Historic Number of Latinos to Serve in State Legislatures Following Election 2016
November 16: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in a Leadership Atlanta trustee meeting. GALEO with coalition partners attended a Federal Naturalization ceremony and registered New Americans to vote. Even after election night we assisted 60+ naturalized citizens to vote. GALEO hosted a canvasser appreciation dinner to thank our canvasser for all the hard work done for the year of 2016 and for helping GALEO knock on 10,000+ doors and make 20,000 phone calls.
November 18: GALEO with coalition partners attended a Federal Naturalization ceremony and registered New Americans to vote. Even after election night we assisted 60+ naturalized citizens to vote. GALEO Institute for Leadership at Georgia State University Goizueta scholars: Group Dynamics module with facilitator Kelli Persons.
November 21: Maria Palacios and Harvey Soto, GALEO, attended USGLC’s luncheon which discussed the U. S’s contribution in AID worldwide and its international involvement. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, participated in the retirement party for Phyllis Bowen, Sapelo Foundation, at the Inn at Serenbee.
November 23: Maria, GALEO, meets with University of North Georgia student-led committee to serve as alumni advisor on 5th annual Spanish-speaking debate tournament, The Great Latino Debate.
November 27: Maria, GALEO, invited to serve as judge for annual Georgia State University Lambda Theta Alpha’s Mr. Unstoppable Pageant.
Nov 29: Latino Leaders Magazine invited some Latino leaders in Georgia to discuss collaboration and next steps for Latino leadership in Georgia. The event was hosted by the Coca-Cola Company and sponsored by Northwest Mutual.
November 30: Harvey Soto, GALEO, presented to the Latino Student Association at UNG over our upcoming Lobby Day and the importance to be engaged and discuss your concerns with Elected Officials. J. Gonzalez had an interview with Dalton State College student regarding Latino leadership in Georgia.
December 1: Maria, GALEO, meets various organizations to discuss the upcoming legislative session at the Latin American Association.
December 2: GALEO Institute for Leadership at Georgia State University Goizueta scholars: Managing Conflict module with facilitator Damian Bedoya. Maria, GALEO, is invited to serve as judge for the University of North Georgia’s Individual Events competition.
December 3: GALEO hosted Lobby Day at the LAA building. We discussed the legislative concerns for 2017 and the new presidential administration. There was a panel of Lobbyists and DACA students who had experience and knowledge of how to appropriately lobby and raise concerns to public officials in addition to a guest appearance by the Consul General for Mexico of Atlanta.
December 6: Harvey Soto, GALEO, attended GMAC (Gwinnett Multicultural Advisory Committee) Holiday Luncheon and connected with other non-profits serving Gwinnett. It was a great networking event for minority leaders who live and serve in Gwinnett County.
December 7: Harvey Soto attended ADL’s program on law and Civil Rights which had representatives from the FBI, GBI, US attorney’s office, and local law enforcement. There was discussion over the processes to report and prosecute Civil Rights infringements and which statutes defend those civil rights against Hate Crimes as well. GALEO and coalition partners met at a Full Table meeting over the results of our Civic Engagement efforts in Georgia. J. Gonzalez, GALEO, attended the Funders Coalition for Civic Participation: Post Election De-Brief in Washington, D.C.
December 8: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, attended the “Voting in America 2016” de-briefing session hosted by the Pew Charitable Trusts at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
December 12: GALEO participated in the New Americans Campaign Atlanta meeting and had a meeting with legislator on upcoming legislative session. A celebratory luncheon with AAAJ-Atlanta was had on the work of collaborative voter engagement in minority communities.
December 14: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, provided commencement address for the Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Commencement exercise at the Georgia World Conference Center. Maria, GALEO, meets with University of North Georgia student-led committee to serve as alumni advisor on 5th annual Spanish-speaking debate tournament, The Great Latino Debate.
December 15: J. Gonzalez, GALEO, chaired a meeting of the Georgia State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. J. Gonzalez, also participated in a trustee briefing of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership on affordable housing. ProGeorgia Holiday social. Maria, GALEO, participated in FWD.us Webinar on Dealing with Anti-Immigration Issues.
December 16: Maria represents GALEO at Welcoming Atlanta Advisory Board Meeting.
December 19-20: GALEO participated in a post-election de-brief session for collaborative partners and started planning for future engagement.
December 21: GALEO Board phone conference meeting.
December 27: GALEO staff meeting and planning.
December 29: GALEO meetings with legislator and police chief on upcoming legislative session.