ORANGE COUNTY VOICES : Ready, Willing and Able : Leadership: Program that trains Latino professionals has produced a vast pool of talent. The county could use them now.

The face of leadership literally is changing in Orange County. A new leadership structure is beginning to develop which will allow more Latinos to actively participate in civic, community and political affairs. It will also reflect the dynamics of the diverse community and turn the traditional portrait of an older, Anglo male leader to one that includes Latinos, other minorities and women.

A quick look at the recently released census figures tells the changing story. The Latino population in Orange County grew by 97% to 565,000 people during the last decade. Latinos now make up 23% of the county’s total population. As demographics change, so must the face of local leadership change to include individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences and contributions. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) has begun an advanced leadership development training program for mid-career Latino professionals because the organization strongly believes that the leadership of Orange County and the state must reflect the dynamics of a diverse society. And the reasons are clear and simple.

When the leadership in a given community reflects the different segments of its populace, the groups who are represented believe that they are an important part of the democratic process; they want to participate in all facets of our society whether it be in the political arena, government service, the business sector or the academic world. Conversely, when certain racial and ethnic minorities are excluded from the leadership of this county and state, they become disenfranchised, disillusioned and disconnected from the opportunities and challenges that are available. There comes a time when these individuals may turn their backs on any civic or community involvement. We shouldn’t allow that to happen. We should provide every opportunity for individuals who are willing and able to participate, to be prepared to do so. Active participation can only make our communities, government and society stronger.

Participation and inclusion are two of the primary objectives of the leadership program as envisioned and implemented by MALDEF over 11 years ago. In response to the grave need to improve Latino representation on decision-making boards and commissions, MALDEF established its leadership development program in selected cities across the United States. Since its inception, the program has graduated more than 1,300 participants and has placed more than half of them on policy-making boards and commissions throughout the country. That’s a clear indication of the need and the desire for Latino leaders.

Orange County is filled with talented and committed Latino men and women who need only to refine their leadership skills or build the ever-important “networks” to make inroads into the leadership circle. We know these individuals want to contribute to their community and that they are eager to learn how to best achieve that goal.

MALDEF works closely with each of the cities that has hosted its leadership program to assist it in meeting the leadership needs of the local community. We work with many groups--local and regional government, businesses, individuals, educational institutions, the media, the corporate and foundation world--to develop interest and support within the local community critical to the success of the program. We have begun to do the same in Orange County.

The challenge for the future is to continue our progress in producing Latino leaders. There remains a tremendous need for vibrant and thoughtful Latino leadership. We must work to ensure that as the Latino community continues to grow, and as its leaders begin to test the waters of opportunity and to heed the call of service to their community, that we are prepared to provide the kind of leadership the Latino community expects and deserves.

The success of MALDEF’s program means that more Latinos will assume leadership positions and be able to help provide their community with the desperately needed representation on important policy-making boards and commissions. Equally important, all of Orange County will benefit tremendously from the enthusiasm and commitment of the individuals who seek to provide an additional voice to the policy-making process for the good of the entire community.