By SHIRLEY ROMERO OTERO
As the Executive Director of the Move Mountains Youth Project Inc., I have been a supporter of the Chicano License Plate Initiative since its inception. Many of us testified before the Colorado State Legislature several times in support of this bill, which passed with bipartisan support. The fact that purchase of these license plates will fund youth programs across Colorado, is an added benefit. Seeing these license plates throughout the state will give our youth a sense of cultural identity, appreciation for their deeply rooted presence in the state and pride for who they are, an important part of Colorado history.
I am an educator of thirty-five years working on graduation and retention of students of color and taught Ethnic Studies for many years. I also coordinate social justice and culturally relevant youth programming with middle and high school students through Move Mountains.
In the twelve years of providing activities and experiences for hundreds of youth in San Luis, CO, we see the benefits of such programming. It helps facilitate brain processing and problem-solving skills, strengthening racial and ethnic identities, sense of safety and belonging, all which help youth understand different perspectives, appreciate and respect each other while building empathy. This translates into academic achievement, cultural competence and sociopolitical consciousness, which allows youth to connect to the larger world community.
Funds from the Chicano License Plates will assist nonprofits across Colorado to continue doing the needed work with our youth. I encourage everyone to buy your license plates and display them proudly.
