…and yes, that’s Wilmer Valderrama directing
Voto Latino is becoming a major political force in election-year politics. Founded in 2004 by Rosario Dawson and Maria Teresa Kumar, this dynamic non-partisan organization has already reached an estimated 55 million Latino households nationwide. The concept: “Latino issues are American issues and American Issues are Latino issues; Voto Latino is dedicated to bringing new and diverse voices into the political process by engaging youth, media, technology and celebrities to promote positive change.”
“Unemployment among Latinos is higher than the national average,” Dawson says. “More than 25% of our community live in poverty. Our family and friends continue to be deported at record numbers. Politicians neglect the Latino community, or worse, attack us by passing immigration laws that promote racial profiling. Texas and Florida, two states with the largest Latino populations, passed restrictive voting laws that intimidate people from going to the polls. There’s never been a more pivotal time for us to flex our collective power and move our country forward. Despite our economic difficulties and educational needs, Latinos profoundly believe in America. We’re excited for the road ahead, and look forward to hearing your voices as part of the national conversation. The quality of our future depends on our ability to mobilize today.”
One of Voto Latino’s smartest techniques is to use young Latino celebrities in PSAs that you actually want to watch. So far, the technique and technology has resulted in registering more than 120,000 young Latinos and increased participation in the 2010 census.
Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama are both members of Voto Latino’s artistic coalition, and Lovato turned it way up when it was her turn to produce one of those hugely effective PSA’s. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the PSA and the photo shoot that followed…and yes, that’s Vilmer Valderrama, looking entirely too classy, directing.
You can see more of the completed PSAs, get the latest news, and join up and join in at Voto Latino.
