Young Hispanos and the Republican Party: Building a Bond

By Melissa Blair.

In this series (Young Hispanics and the Republican Party,) I said the Republican Party needs to accept, or at the very least understand, why young Hispanos hold such negative ‘perceptions’ regarding the Republican Party. I also mentioned generation Y and Z Hispanics have virtually no relationship with the Republican Party. I stated some reasons behind the political disengagement of young Hispanos, and stressed the need for the Republican Party to immediately extend a welcome and establish a relationship with the next wave of American leaders. If we want them to be successful, and confident in their abilities to lead this country then we better step up, educate, and inspire. Let’s lead through hard work and example. Cicero said “what greater or better gift can we offer the republic than to teach and instruct our youth”…get to it Republicans!

Young Hispanos disengagement has severe ramifications and must be addressed immediately, actually years ago but now it’s imperative. Let’s look at a couple of findings:

- Today’s youth is the “least Republican generation”, only one-third identified themselves Republican and nearly half Democrats. The percentages for young Hispanics are even more dismal for the Republican Party; it was way less than a third

- Only 19% of Hispanic college students voted for McCain

I’ve been asked by many, “so what do we do to reach out to young Hispanics?” Well, let’s take it one step at a time. For starters let’s initiate some dialogue. We need to really listen to their concerns, issues and ideas. Let’s not ignore their views, instead let’s build on their creativity about issues. Opening up the lines of communication will: enable us to hear them out and learn about key issues they find important, it will allow the Republican Party to present itself and break stereotypes and misconceptions (like Republicans are anti-minority and don’t care), it will give us a chance to state our principles and positions, we get to define who we are and our views, and we take the power away from the Liberals who have incessantly and unfairly bashed us!

Let’s inform young Hispanos why we believe the things we believe, and why we might vote the way we do. When they hear, in the media, Republicans saying no to Obama’s health care plan that’s all they hear…No. They might not know enough about the subject matter or the Republican Party to really understand the key factors or why we are not in favor of Obama’s particular plan. All they hear are Liberals in their ears telling them we don’t care. It’s time Republicans start conversing with young Hispanos to help them comprehend our Parties positions. If we don’t take the initiative and educate them on what we’re all about, then how will they know to support our Party? We can learn a lot about them and vice versa if we take the time to get out there and talk to young Hispanos in their communities, the time for being withdrawn is over. Take action and quick!

Here’s a confidence booster for any ‘scared’, hesitant or panicky Republicans. I have interviewed many young Hispanos over the years and I ask them who they identify with, Democrats or Republicans, and most quickly say Democrats. Then I ask them what they think politicians should focus on, and almost all of them say: equal education for all, creating jobs, smaller government, and for the government not to spend a lot of money! Does this sound like a Democrat in the making to you? Red Alert: Republicans wake up you’re on offense and the Democrats are on defense…changes things to look at it from this perspective doesn’t it?

Alright, so Republicans have broken out of their cocoons and are engaging young Hispanos by creating dialogue. Now what, what else should we do? We create opportunities for young Hispanos to become politically aware and engaged. Encourage memberships in youth councils, organizations and clubs. It’s important for the Republican Party to encourage a service spirit and volunteerism. Organize and mobilize young Republicans from high schools, universities and communities, and let them serve as mentors. Youth-oriented organizations attached to the Republican Party will provide a great opportunity for young Hispanos to learn about our ideology whilst simultaneously engaging in political participation. Encourage development of projects at the local and community levels and give recognition to those who do. By being more active young Hispanos are more likely to have a better sense of their American identity, a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and it’ll give them some patriotic pride!

Don’t be afraid to get in touch with your ‘hip’ side; we’re all young at heart! We should reach young Hispanics not only through traditional means but via the internet, and mediums familiar to them and that they enjoy. We must be present and consistent figures in their lives. We can’t just outreach and go! Republican leaders, on all levels, need to be committed to establishing this new relationship and make efforts to engage young Hispanics. Establish and nurture a Vow of Commitment – why and how they can support our Party, and how we will encourage and support them. No coddling or empty promises to get votes, we have to stay true to our credo of hard work and personal responsibility. We help them succeed via support, access to resources, mentoring, guidance, and respect. Remember we’re not the ones calling young Hispanos ‘little guys’ or creating the illusion that they’re inferior and can’t achieve success, that’s Liberal Democrats!

Finally, the most vital outreach component of all is to have a strong and united force of educated, successful Republican Hispanics, 40 years old and below, reaching out and serving as mentors. Do not, I repeat do not opt for fanatical, bulletin-board-slogan slingers just because they are Republicans or Hispanic; it will do more harm than good in a myriad of ways. Even if it takes a little extra time and effort, bring together Hispanics with success stories showcasing their dedication to hard work, their education and who are articulate, approachable and passionate about our principles, issues and stances. A Hispanic Republican mentor will tell a young Hispano: Edúquese y Muévete! Educate yourself and get moving! The Republican Party can and will – Educate, Empower, Inspire, Encourage, and Uplift young Hispanic Americans!

Melissa Blair is a Doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas. She holds Masters Degrees in Hispanic Studies and Public Administration from Auburn University.

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