CLARO - Coalition of Latin American Republican Organizations

The Coalition of Latin American Republican Organizations was formed by local Latino community leaders.

For more information on CLARO, send an e-mail to: tdominy@redshift.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1).       Why was CLARO formed?      

The most obvious and practical reason addresses mere statistics; we live in a state with a large and growing Latino population that by mere cultural accounts should have more of an affiliation with the Republican Party, but as it stands we "Latinos" typically do not. Which leads to the most important reason as to why "CLARO" was formed, which is...to break down stereotypes associated with the Republican Party by helping to better discern political issues and to better communicate them to the Latino community.   

2).        What are CLARO’s objectives?

The most important is to provide channels of communication to the Latino community. 

CLARO’s specific objectives are as follows:

*      Provide information to Latinos on current Republican issues and candidates;

*      Participate/Sponsor activities that will increase awareness of Republican issues and candidates within the Latino community;

*      Establish a forum to constructively discuss concerns and issues that impact the Latino community;

*      Increase voter registration within the Latino community;

*      Promote citizenship; and

*      Establish camaraderie and network with individuals that share similar political views and objectives.

3).        What is the reason for forming a separate Latino group within the local Republican Party?

While many social issues are not specific to one’s cultural origin, there are issues that are more specific to Latinos, for example bilingual education or affirmative action.  CLARO serves as a mechanism to inform and collaborate with the broader Republican Party on issues that are of specific concern to Latinos.  This is particularly important since Latinos have not been historically affiliated with the Republican.  CLARO ultimately seeks the integration of all citizens, and in no way excludes participation in its events and activities of non-Latinos. 

4).        How does CLARO propose to meet its objectives?

CLARO will meet its objectives by making current and accurate information regarding Republican policies and candidates available to Latinos, by providing a forum to raise and constructively discuss political issues of concern to local Latinos, and by sponsoring and organizing events that support its objectives.

5).        What impact does CLARO expect to have on the Latino community?

There are many myths and misinformation surrounding the policies supported by Republicans.  We hope to dispel those myths and misinformation.  We hope that Latinos come to realize that the Republican Party shares many common values with Latinos, such as those surrounding family and work.  We hope to have Latino representation within the local Republican Party.  Ultimately, we want individuals to make informed political decisions, to increase their participation in the political process, and to exercise their right to vote.

6).        What types of community activities does CLARO sponsor/support?

In general terms, "CLARO" supports community activities and participates is community events that speak to or engender in its participants strong family values. CLARO participates in local yearly events such as the Monterey County Fair and the “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta” in Salinas .  CLARO is also committed to activities that require longer-term involvement, such as the sponsorship of a local youth soccer team, issuance of scholarships to graduating seniors, and support of the Juvenile Impact Program for at-risk youth, which CLARO helped re-establish in Monterey County .

7).        Why should Latinos support the Republican Party?

Republicans, like Latinos, believe in the value of hard work, and believe in the concepts of family, private property, fiscal prudence and personal accountability.  The Republican Party supports policies based on these values.  Such policies empower the citizens of this country to become owners of their personal destiny. 

8).        What is CLARO’s view on government involvement in our day-to-day lives?

Individuals are best suited to make decisions regarding their day-to-day lives.  Thus, the most effective government is that which governs least.  The proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations.  In addition, the most effective government is that which is local since it is closest to the individual.

9).        What is CLARO’s position on immigration policies?

CLARO understands the value that law-abiding and hard-working immigrants bring to this country.  CLARO promotes citizenship, and does not support policies that indirectly or indirectly reward or encourage illegal immigration.

10).      What is CLARO’s position on affirmative action?

CLARO believes in personal integrity and the ability of the individual to realize and work toward the achievement of its goals.  Creating differences or allotting privileges solely based on race creates further cultural division and marginalization within this country.  CLARO appreciates and believes in the value of heritage and culture as a tool to enhance Latinos’ ability to perform and prosper.  Representation of Latinos within the political process and in our day-to-day lives is ultimately our collective responsibility as Latinos.  This can only be achieved through increased education, valuing our personal worth, embracing our rights, and through increased participation in the political process.

11).      What is CLARO’s position on bilingual education?

While one’s heritage and culture should definitely be preserved by speaking the native language at home, children should be taught in the English language while at school.  Language is one of the primary unifying factors of a society, and if immigrants are to enter the mainstream, attain success, and prosper it is imperative that their communication skills be well taught and facilitated.  This is best accomplished by teaching in English only.

12).      What is CLARO’s position on the gang issues involving Latino youth?

CLARO believes that instilling good beliefs and values in young people is critical to their future, and to the future of our society.  With over 330,000 gang members in California (according to Dept. of Justice statistics), gang membership is increasing at an alarming rate.  Trends also indicate that the highest rate of increase in gang membership is attributed to Hispanic gangs. 

In an effort to help prevent gang and violence problems that are plaguing our local community, CLARO sponsored and hosted the Juvenile Impact Program (JIP) to help positively redirect at-risk youth.  JIP was formerly sponsored by the Monterey County ’s Sheriff’s Department, but was eliminated in 2002 due to budget cuts.  JIP is now a non-profit organization that is separate from CLARO. 

JIP’s intent is in line with the Republican philosophy of helping individuals help themselves so that they become productive citizens within the community, and in line with CLARO’s support of activities that engender strong family values within the local Latino community.

13).      Does CLARO take positions on current political issues?

While individual members of CLARO espouse and support particular policy initiatives and political candidates, CLARO does not take positions on issues and candidates that are not directly related to its objectives.  This is consistent with CLARO’s objective to provide information to Latinos on current policy issues and candidates thereby enabling Latinos to make independent and informed decisions.

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