OUR MISSION: “To enhance the quality of life for all communities through a collective effort that recognizes the richness of the Latino culture, its contributions to society, and its challenges for the future.”
The Latino Institute, a program of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is an alliance of individuals, government agencies, businesses and community organizations dedicated to ensuring the quality of life for all. Through a unique design that includes various special events and community outreach, the Institute seeks to present lectures, panels, workshops, and/or multimedia presentations that will actively engage participants of all age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds in meaningful dialogue that contributes to the heart of our community.
Since its inception in 2000, the Latino Institute has successfully provided programs that truly celebrate inclusion. The Latino Institute reaches out not only to the Latino base of the City of Phoenix, but to its entire community within our great City. Through this outreach, the community receives value, respect, and is supported with information to enhance their quality of life.
The Executive Committee of the Latino Institute is grateful to the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department for having the foresight to grow and nurture this most valuable program. The Latino Institute continues to draw other city departments, organizations, educators, schools, area agencies, volunteers and generous sponsors allowing the program to be recognized as an award winning design. It has been honored with the “Best of Phoenix” Latino Program from the New Times Magazine and Art Journal and the “Arizona Parks and Recreation Association” Outstanding Community Program.
Yearly Events include:
El Dia de los Niños: April 26th, 2013. (En español) The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s Latino Institute will celebrate the joys and wonders of childhood, regardless of linguistic and cultural background, at El Dia de los Niños. The city will honor its most valuable asset, its children, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park located at Second Street and Moreland. This day is set aside to promote the importance of literacy and education for children. More than 50 booths hosted by schools, colleges, youth and nonprofit organizations, and city libraries will offer interactive games, hands-on art activities, a reading village, live entertainment, giveaways and lots of fun. For information contact Carmela Ramirez at 602 262-7424, e-mail at carmela.ramirez@phoenix.gov. NOTE: El Dia de los Ninos exhibitors are at capacity, no more applications will be accepted. Everyone is welcomed to attend!
City of Phoenix Back to School and Health Fair: July 13th, 2013. The Latino Institute presents its Annual Back to School and Health Fair. Featuring free backpacks for the first 1000 children (grade school age only). Over 50 informational tables covering back to school resources, recreation and lifestyle for families. Health screenings and free immunizations. Entertainment, free light lunch and fun activities for all ages. An ending plenary is designed to open up discussions for the surrounding neighborhood with panel members in specialty areas such as parks services, law, health, school issues, consumer products and much more.Information Table Application
If you have an interest in becoming a partner, presenter, information table, booth or sponsor,contact Carmela Ramirez at (602) 262-7424 or e-mail: carmela.ramirez@phoenix.gov
Thank you to our generous sponsors
Individually, people can make an impact, however, working together, we can move mountains! Please join us. For information regarding Latino Institute or any of it's events, call Carmela Ramirez 602 262-7424, or e-mail us here.
