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As women we need to get more involved with our political process. There is no way we can afford to ignore it anymore. Whether it's healthcare, immigration, the economy or any other number of important topics - they are all interrelated and affect us all.

The healthcare gamble 

A study by the Commonwealth Fund showed that in 2011, 1 in 4 working-age Americans went without insurance at some point due to unemployment and job changes. You or one of your friends probably went without insurance at some point last year. In an effort to cut spending because, well we have less money to spend, we gamble and go without insurance. We go without coverage for a month or two, or maybe even a whole year. We often wait until slapping a band-aid or getting some concoction from a local culandero no longer works, and then go to the hospital with an infection or disease that has had ample time to spiral out of control. The scary reality is that one serious injury or accident during this time could mean years of debt or even bankruptcy for us.  How is it that we as a society still have not found a way to provide affordable health coverage for all of our citizens?

Our true influence

Scan different news websites, listen to TV commentary and you will probably hear something along the lines that Latino/as are the "new majority". That means Romney and Obama must want my Latina vote right? Then how come all I continue to see are the same speaking points and commercials that are more about attacking each other then discussing what they're going to do for us all? Then again, if we have the numbers to swing an election, but don't actually make it to the polls - why should they work any harder to get our votes? In Florida alone, according to the Pew Research Center, there are 2.1 million Hispanic eligible voters, 25% of which are between the ages of 18-29. 

Voto Boricua

This Sunday the 55th annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade  takes place right here in New York City down the streets of fifth avenue. An initiative founded by board member Rafael Dominguez called Voto Boricua, will attempt to register thousands of people who come to participate or watch the parade. There will be local college volunteers making their way through the crowds wearing the "Voto Boricua" T-shirts than will be able to register you on the spot. Take advantage of this opportunity. You have the right to complain and be upset - but you also have the right to vote.