Latinos@Work

Latinos And The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: How Are You Participating?

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve . . .” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 16, 2012, our nation celebrates the 26^th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with a “Day of Service” and to encourage ongoing action throughout the year.

Dr. King had a strong history of reaching out to and collaborating with the Latino community. He publicly and privately supported the efforts of the National Farm Workers Association (today’s United Farm Workers of America), as well as, many other Hispanic movements.

Hundreds of Latino organizations are reciprocating by supporting this national initiative. “Dr. King has inspired people from around the world to advocate for equal opportunity. Honoring his legacy through service pays tribute to his dream,” said National Council of La Raza (NCLR) President and CEO Janet Murguía.

What are your plans for today and participating in our evolving generation of service?

Below are a few links to help you find some great projects that need volunteers in your area:

MLKDay.gov 

Servir.gov 

NationalService.gov 

National Council of La Raza community affiliates

In January,1992, César Chávez wrote Lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- “My friends, today we honor a giant among men: today we honor the reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.…If we fail to learn that each and every person can make a difference, then we will have betrayed Dr. King's life's work. The reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. had more than just a dream, he had the love and the faith to act.

Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias

Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC and MulticulturalResumes.com

Authors, Barron’s The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos

Also at http://twitter.com/LatinosAtWork

Contact: Murray@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com or rmb@GlobalDiversitySolutions.com

Career Resolutions Latinos Can Keep In 2012 - Part 1

For Immediate Release (for those who have not figured it out yet): 2012 has been designated as the Year of the Latino Professional. Prominent players that contributed to this selection include:

• Employers must be competitive locally and/or globally and have set significant goals for Latino recruitment, retention, and upward mobility.
• Colleges and Universities are evolving programs to address the needs of Latino students, alumni, and the companies that employ us.
• Mainstream and Latino Professional Organizations for launching more major initiatives to improve our professional growth and career advancement.
• YOU who is dedicated to your professional evolution

In the spirit of the New Year and the Year (decade or millennium) of the Latino Professional, we encourage you make career resolutions that are a combination of those that challenge you to grow, some that are easily achievable, and an anti-resolution or two. Successful resolutions are founded in results-driven S.M.A.R.T. goals which are:

Specific

Measurable

Action Oriented

Realistic

Time-Constrained

The 2010 Resolution that will Rock Your World: MY CAREER IS JOB #1

This is a big, life-changing resolution. It requires that you take an active role in your career awareness on a day-to-day basis. When the "career management mentality" becomes second nature to you, you'll not only achieve your goals but will become a better, more effective and more valuable asset to your employers.

To develop S.M.A.R.T. goals and make your career a priority:

• Internalize the mantra "tu eres el arquitecto de tu propio destino - you are the master of your own destiny." Read Twelve Characteristics of Latino Career Success and Latin@Work's other job search and career management aricles.
• Take a project management approach to your career and adopt the mindset that YOU are the client or assignment. Write out your plan, assess your options, analyze your resources, and focus on activities that will help you achieve your goals.
• Define career success on your own terms.
• "Envision" your career -- one, five, ten, and 20 years out. Visualize in detail the work you do, your physical surroundings, the people in your professional circle, and the feelings you have at this stage of your career.

To be successful in your career, you must be willing to invest in yourself and take a proactive approach to career development and management. Like anything that is worthwhile, it will take action, persistence, and time. The steps to achieving your MY CAREER IS JOB #1 resolution will be discussed in detail in our next article.

Easy Resolutions that Latino Professionals Can Keep

Put the following items on your "to do" list: