Civic Engagement
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The Civic Engagement Program is designed to equip the Latine community with the tools, training, and resources necessary for active and equitable participation in the democratic process. Through a focus on civic education, volunteer training, and voter engagement, the program aims to enhance self-efficacy, social cohesion, and the community’s voice in shaping policies that affect health, well-being, and social inclusion.
Democracy Presentation Bank: A Comprehensive resource hub designed to enhance civic engagement through interactive trainings and educational materials. These can support individuals and organizations in fostering democratic participation and developing advocacy skills.
Community Civic Dinner Series: Fosters learning and dialogue around the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). This series encourages community engagement and collaboration to learn about and address health disparities.
Electoral campaigns: Voter and civic engagement through door, phone and event canvassing.
Why This Work Matters
Latine communities are among the fastest-growing populations in Ohio, yet remain significantly underrepresented in civic participation and political decision-making.
Barriers such as limited culturally relevant outreach, language access gaps, and minimal investment in community-based civic infrastructure continue to limit participation.
Most voter outreach only happens during election cycles. Our approach focuses on building long-term civic participation that extends beyond elections.
Our Approach
We invest in year-round civic engagement through:
- Community-based voter outreach
- Civic education and leadership development
- Volunteer and neighborhood organizing
- Data-informed engagement strategies
- Coalition partnerships across Ohio
- Investment in electoral program infrastructure
Growing Electoral Engagement
Across two election cycles, the Young Latino Network’s Somos Cuyahoga relational organizing program has reached thousands of residents across Cuyahoga County. Since launching Somos Cuyahoga 2024, our electoral organizing has:
- 15,274 doors knocked
- 15,000 phone calls
- 6,200+ electoral conversations at community events
- 2,411 pledge-to-vote commitments
- 252 voter registrations supported
- 137 vote-by-mail applications assisted
This outreach focuses on Cleveland neighborhoods with growing Latine populations including Clark-Fulton, Stockyards, Brooklyn Centre, Cudell, and Central.
Through our Somos Cuyahoga, we are building one of the few culturally grounded voter engagement infrastructures focused on Latine communities in Northeast Ohio.
Our Work In Action
YLN & AU Host Advocacy and Legislative Engagement Training
On Thursday, March 20, community members gathered at the Young Latino Network (YLN) office for Llamado a la Acción: Building Community Power, an empowering evening dedicated to advocacy and legislative engagement. This training equipped attendees with the knowledge...
Sabor a Justicia: Reclamando Nuestro Futuro
YLN & AU Unite Organizations, Nonprofits, and Community Members for Their First Civic Dinner on ImmigrationOn Wednesday, February 12, the Young Latino Network (YLN) and Avanzamos Unidos (AU) hosted their inaugural community civic dinner, bringing together...
SOMOS CUYAHOGA — The Campaign That Turned The Tide of Latine Voter Engagement and Reached Over 3,200 People
The Somos Cuyahoga campaign, Young Latino Network (YLN)’s second electoral effort, blew expectations out of the water with close to 11,500 doors knocked, over 15,000 phone calls, and over 3,200 conversations. Today, we celebrate the hard work of our community...
INVISIBLE NO MORE — In Four Weeks, Somos Cuyahoga Has Talked To Over 900 Latine Voters
On Sunday, September 8th, the Young Latino Network (YLN) began canvassing for Somos Cuyahoga, a nonpartisan initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of Latine voters in Cuyahoga County. With clear skies and high energy, 15 canvassers eagerly set out to contact...
Cleveland: “Sabroso y Poderoso”
Mijente Teams Up with Young Latino Network and Avanzamos Unidos for “El Chisme 2024” Nationwide Tour On Saturday, August 24, Cleveland, Ohio, played host to Mijente’s “El Chisme 2024 Tour” with a vibrant event titled “Cleveland Sabroso y Poderoso.” In collaboration...
YLN Shines at Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade
The vibrant streets of Clark-Fulton came alive last Sunday, August 4, as the Young Latino Network (YLN) proudly marched in the Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade. With our banner "Unidos Somos Más" (United We Are More) leading the way, our members carried signs urging the...