 | Mauricio Gastón Institute
for Latino Community Development &
Public Policy
University of Massachusetts
|
|---|
101 Morrisey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125-3393
phone #: (617) 287-5790
fax # (617) 287-5788
email: latino_2@umbsky.cc.umb.edu
Director: Edwin Melendez
The Mauricio Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development and
Public Policy was
established at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, in 1989, through the
initiative of Latino community activists, academicians, and the Massachusetts
State Legislature, in response to a need for improved understanding of Latino
experiences and living conditions in Massachusetts. The task of the Institute
is to inform the public and policy makers about issues vital to the
Commonwealth's growing Latino community and provide the information and
analysis necessary for the effective participation of the Latino community in
public policy development.
Through a range of activities, the Institute works to increase the number of
Latino researchers and professionals with expertise in areas relevant to
community development and public policy; to focus the expertise of Latino and
non-Latino researchers on areas vital to the Latino community of their state;
to develop mechanisms to make academic research relevant and useful to policy
makers and Latino groups; to develop ways to remain in touch with the needs and
the issues facing Latinos in the state; to provide technical assistance to
community-based organizations; and to become a vital part of academic life at
the University of Massachusetts.
Research and Public Policy Analysis
The Institute's priorities for its research program include:
- the analysis of economic issues such as employment, economic development, and
poverty; the analysis of the education issues that face Latino children
including educational rights and entitlements, the effects of school reform,
bilingual education, and achievement and retention of Latino children in the
public schools;
- the analysis of Latino health policy issues and concerns such as health
status, the availability, accessibility and adequacy of medical care services,
and health care utilization patterns;
- the analysis of demographic trends, migration, settlement and community
development patterns, and political participation;
- the analysis of the interface between the Latino community and social
institutions, particularly institutions involved in education, human services,
and health care; and
- the documentation of the history ofthe Latino community in the Commonwealth.
Data Center and Technical Assistance
The Data Center collects and disseminates data and information on
Latinos locally, regionally, and nationally. The Institute also provides
technical assistance to community-based organizations, public agencies, and
other institutions interested in the status of Latinos.
Library and Historical Archives
The Institute collects and catalogues historical documents about the
Latino community in Massachusetts. These materials, as well as the Institute's
research collection, are available to the general public in the library located
at the Institute and open during normal business hours.
Dissemination of Information
The Institute disseminates its research findings and policy analyses
through periodic conferences, seminars, and discussion groups, a working paper
series, and major institute publications. It also publishes brief reports on
research findings, policy issues, and other matters-for the benefit of
legislators, state and local administrators, and Latino community
organizations.
Research Centers
Currently there are three fully operational research centers within the
Institute The Economic Development Center, chaired by Dr. Edwin Melendez,
Institute Director conducts research on labor markets employment and training and community economic development; and
operates an Economic Development Center serving Latino and other
community-based organizations in Boston and other cities in Massachusetts. The Public Health Center, chaired by
Dr. Ralph Rivera,
conducts research on a variety of public health policy issues, provides
evaluation and technical assistance to Latino health organizations, and is
operating, with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a
pilot program to develop the institutional capacity of Latino community-based
organizations. The Education Center, chaired by Dr. Martha Montero-Sieburth, is
developing research, on parental involvement in public school policy, and has
been working with and providing technical assistance to Latino parents
organizations in Boston
IUP Member
Since 1992 the Institute has been a full member of the Inter-University Program
for Latino Research (IUP) and participated fully in the activities of the
organization. The Institute has received IUP capacity building grants for its
Economic Development and Public Health Centers. The Institute hosted the IUP
Seminar on Grant and Proposal Writing for Latino Researchers, and Currently
operates one of IUP's Latino Leadership Opportunities program site, The
Institute's Director, Dr. Edwin Melendez, serves in IUP's Board of
Co-Directors, in the Political Economy Task Force, and chaired the
Interdisciplinary Research Grants Panel.