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Latinx Advisory Committee

The Latinx Advisory Committee (LAC) is a subcommittee of the Community Action Board of Directors, charged with advising the agency on how to better serve and develop leadership among low-income Latina/o community members.

The LAC network includes 150+ representatives of 20+ nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and individual community members who serve the Latino community in Skagit and Whatcom counties. The LAC democratically elects a representative to the Community Action Board of Directors, who serves in a Client Sector position.

The Mission of the Latinx Advisory Committee is: 

  1. Networking and relationship building
  2. Advising Decision-Makers
  3. Strengthening Community through Supporting Leadership Growth

Monthly meetings are held 8:30-9:30 a.m. on second Thursdays of every month, and include  networking, issue discussions, and public policy listening sessions. Members share events and resources via email throughout the year. To get on the Latinx Advisory Committee Listserv, email lac@communityactionskagit.org.

Monthly meetings are held 8:30-9:30 a.m. on second Thursdays of every month, and include  networking, issue discussions, and public policy listening sessions. Members share events and resources via email throughout the year.

  • January 11
  • February 8
  • March 14
  • April 11
  • May 9
  • June 13
  • July 11
  • August 8
  • September 12
  • October 10
  • November 14
  • December 12

Skagit Latinx COVID Prevention Team

Farmworkers demonstrate 6 feet of social distance 

Special Project April 2020- June 2021
The Skagit Latinx COVID Prevention Team was an offshoot of the Latinx Advisory Committee (LAC). At the request of Skagit County Public Health and the Northsound Accountable Communities of Health, Community Action convened community partners, people impacted by COVID, government officials, and business leaders to address the disproportionate spread of COVID among Latinx, Spanish-speaking and indigenous Skagitonians. The group met monthly April 2020-June 2021, and the work continues through relationships built in the LAC. The Skagit Latinx COVID Prevention Team earned national recognition as a National Community Action Partnership Innovation Showcase. Learn more here.

Mission: Intervene in and advocate against racial, language and economic injustice of COVID-19

  • Acknowledge history & truth of poverty inequities in Skagit County: 
    • In May 75% positive COVID-19 tests = 19% Skagit County population: Latino & Hispanic
  • Take collective action: Share wisdom and experience, develop community organizing models & resources for services, and advocacy strategies for systemic change.

Strategy:

  • Reduce inequitable transmission of COVID via a grassroots organizing model and three key messages:
    • How are you helping your family to stay safe at home?
    • What can you tell others what to do if someone gets sick?
    • How can you help people stay safe at work?
  • Advise Skagit County Public Health and other decision-makers about on-the-ground community needs and questions.

Community Organizing Model:

  1. Direct client contact by a trusted source: By phone, or socially-distanced distribution of supplies.
  2. Three key messages: Using the “why” it’s important to the individual/family. Use simple Spanish.
     – How do I help my family stay safe at home and in the community?
     – What can you tell others what to do if someone gets sick?
     – How can I stay safe at work?
  3. Provide safety and health items: PPE, masks, soap, etc.
  4. Demonstrate by example! Show, not just tell. Myth bust, tell stories of impacts.
  5. Confirm understanding & mobilize others to educate: Empower families to spread the word.

The Skagit Latinx COVID Prevention Team earned national recognition as a National Community Action Partnership Innovation Showcase.
Learn more here.