2015–2016 IMPACT REPORT ONE YEAR IN
Dear Friend, The Latino Texas PAC’s journey started just over a year ago. Since then, our collective efforts have given way to an organization that belongs to each of us, and which amplifies our individual voices and collective power. Our organization’s vision, your vision, is one where Latinos are more fairly and proportionally represented in elected positions throughout government and where those in elected office are accountable to the Latino community regardless of their political party affiliation. It assumes our community is at its best when we seek opportunities and overcome challenges juntos. This vision will not be accomplished in one or two years but with your continued support of Latino Texas PAC will be the institutional force that accelerates the change necessary so that our elected leadership reflects all of us. I thank you for your investment in our PAC and enthusiasm in recruiting your friends, family and colleagues to join our cause. It is your commitment that has propelled forward our organization. To borrow a quote from U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, “The future of America depends in part on the success of the Latino community, and this opportunity is just one more signifier of that.”
HOUSTON PUBLIC MEDIA:
Join us in seizing this opportunity for today’s generation and future generations to come.
“Hispanic residents account for roughly 40% of the Texas population. Yet politically, Latinos as a group tend to punch well below their weight. Latino Texas PAC is trying to change that.”
Adelante, Luis Elizondo-Thomson Board Chairman
WE EXIST TO… increase the representation of the Latino community in elected positions and the accountability of all elected officials to the Latino community regardless of political party affiliation. THE PROBLEM The Latino population grows every day— and has nearly doubled in Houston in the last 20 years— yet Latino political representation is shrinking.
THE SOLUTION Members unite as a PAC to pool financial resources to fund our next generation of political representatives.
OUR MISSION Through collective action we aim to increase the amount of Latinas and Latinos serving in elected office thereby balancing the scales.
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WE WORK TO… take the wealth that we have in the Latino community, aggregate that wealth, and then deploy it to candidates who we believe can make an impact and represent us well in elected office. WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF FINANCIAL POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT, WHICH IS A DIFFERENT FORM OF TRADITIONAL SOCIAL ACTIVISM.
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AGGREGATE MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS
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FIND AND SCREEN QUALIFIED CANDIDATES
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CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR CAMPAIGNS
The Latino Texas PAC is registered with the State of Texas. Our by-laws call on Board Members to have tight control over our finances. This year our organization spent $1,663 on administrative fees and $6,324.39 on data infrastructure and events. We contributed $11,700 to political campaigns for a total of $19,687.39 in contributions and expenses. We took in a total of $33,078.58 from individual membership contributions. At the printing of this report, we have $13,391.19 on hand.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES: $11,700 2015 Contributions
2015 Run-Off Contributions
2016 Contributions
Amanda Edwards, candidate for City Council At-Large Position 4 ($1,000)
Sylvester Turner, candidate for Mayor ($1,500)
Ed Gonzalez, candidate for Sheriff ($2,000)
Chris Brown, candidate for Controller ($500)
Tom McCasland, candidate for City Council, At-Large Position 1 ($1,000)
Jason Cisneroz, candidate for City Council Position District H ($1,000)
Tanya MakanyRivera, candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1 ($1,700)
Adrian Garcia, candidate for Mayor ($2,500)
Amanda Edwards, candidate for City Council At-Large Position 4 ($500) 2
MEMBERSHIP Our 71 members represent a cross-section of Texans. Professions range from lawyers, doctors, bankers, civil servants, non-profit professionals, and engineers, to former and current elected officials. MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
$150
1 nomination, no voting privileges
$250
1 nomination, 1 vote
$500
2 nominations, 2 votes
$1,000
3 nominations, 3 votes
$1,500
4 nominations, 4 votes
$2,000
5 nominations, 5 votes
LOOKING AHEAD The first full year of our existence has been a foundation building year. We have been methodically putting the pieces in place to help us evolve from gritty and frenetic start-up to stable and sustainable organization. Many of those accomplishments have been highlighted on page 4 of this impact report. While we have reached some important milestones, there is plenty of work ahead to achieve our long-term goals. To that end, we want to take this opportunity to give you a glance at the year ahead. It will include rolling out the PAC’s five-year vision for success which details how we will change the political landscape in Harris County and Texas, expanding the board and appointing a new board Chair, re-working our bylaws to fit the demands of our growing organization, launching an aggressive membership drive and candidate recruitment effort, and finally continuing to host events to network and build our collective knowledge. You can become a member at www.latinotexaspac.com. Sincerely,
Latino Texas PAC Board Members: Daniel Ramirez, Michele Leal, Jerry Michael Acosta, Luis Elizondo-Thomson, Victoria Cordova and Carlos Paz, Jr. Not Pictured: Madyson Chavez and Tanya Makany-Rivera
SHARING & INFLUENCING NEWS Our Facebook page has become a place where Latino news is shared. In one year, our reach has extended to facebook.com/ LatinoTexas 700+ followers. Follow us and join the conversation. 3
FIRST YEAR MILESTONES In 2015, a group of Houstonians formed the Latino Texas PAC to provide a financial platform for supporting and engaging the next generation of aspiring elected Latina and Latino leaders in Texas politics. When our founders came together in a conference room a year ago, we recognized and appreciated the coordinated efforts of all of our members who share the vision, create the goals, lead the efforts and generate the success we enjoy today and in the future. AUG 2015
PAC Launch Reception with Special Guest Congressman Joaquin Castro
OCT 2015
First Membership Drive and Endorsement Meeting
NOV 2015
Friends & Family Membership Mixer
DEC 2015
Holiday Party with Endorsed Candidates
DEC 2015
Campaign Days of Action
JAN 2016
Board Elections
FEB 2016
2016 Primary Endorsements Released
MAR 2016
Conversation with Special Guest Congressman Joaquin Castro
APR 2016
Partnership Formed with Latino Center for Leadership Development
MAY 2016
Membership Drive & Meet Our Candidates Event and Campaign Days of Action
JUN 2016
Conversation with Houston City Controller Chris B. Brown
JUL 2016
Interview with Houston Public Media
SEP 2016
Campaign Days of Action and Formation of Candidate Recruitment Committee
OCT 2016
PAC Website Soft Launch
NOV 2016
Annual Impact Report Released
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NEARLY 100 PAC MEMBERS
11 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
$40,000 8
RAISED NEARLY $40,000
8 PAC EVENTS
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12 MONTHS OF EXISTENCE 4
CONTINUED PARTNERSHIPS City of Houston Controller Chris B. Brown “The Latino Texas PAC’s endorsement of my candidacy for Houston City Controller was a ELECTED testament to the trust vested in CANDIDATE me to provide more accountability to—and empowerment of—the Latino community in Houston and abroad. I am committed to remaining fervent in these pursuits as we work to increase Latino participation not only at the community and neighborhood levels but also in city halls, the courts, and the legislatures.”
City of Houston Council Member Amanda K. Edwards, At-Large Position 4 “The Latino Texas PAC endorsement signals an ongoing partnership I ELECTED will continue to cultivate with the CANDIDATE Latino communities of Houston. This group of leaders will aid me in keeping my finger on the pulse of the community, and I will do my best to make sure we promote opportunities for empowerment for the community, as well. I look forward to working alongside the Latino Texas PAC for many years to come!”
Harris County Sheriff-Elect and Former City of Houston Council Member “I am proud to have the support of the Latino Texas Pac for this ELECTED year’s very important election. Their CANDIDATE financial support and endorsement is an honor, and I truly feel that with this support we will be successful this November. The Latino Texas PAC endorsement creates an opportunity to engage and receive the support of its membership, which includes highly successful Latino leaders and young professionals. As the next sheriff, I will continue to work with the Latino Texas PAC to further our efforts in Latino outreach.” 5