Every year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. We celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. DCCU celebrates our Hispanic staff and community throughout the year. We are proud to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month Origins
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded to 30 days by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 – starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. Later, it was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively.
DCCU’s Commitment
Dane County Credit Union recognizes the importance of hiring Spanish speaking staff and the development of unique financial products. Our goal is to help our Latino and Hispanic members feel comfortable and important. We are involved in many community events that promote the well being and progress of our local Latino and Hispanic community year round.
DCCU staff comments on some of these recent and upcoming events below.
Maria – Centro Hispano
Centro Hispano’s mission is to empower youth, strengthen families and engage the community. They strive to make Dane County a community where Latino families can reach their personal goals and dreams because they feel engaged and strengthened with the tools for success.
Dane County Credit Union supports Centro Hispano by giving financial literacy presentations and by participating in Centro Hispano’s finance career pathway program, “Caminos – Finance”. DCCU staff participates in employer panels, gives presentations, holds mock job interviews and hosts tours of our credit union.
We are fortunate to have hired a number of staff directly from this program.
Luis – Multicultural Center
The Catholic Multicultural Center helps and supports people in need, particularly our Madison [email protected] Community. This year DCCU staff held a a “Jeans Day” to raise funds. On a “Jeans Day” each staff person can choose to wear jeans to work for a $5 donation. All donations from this internal fundraiser where used to purchase hygiene products that were then delivered personally, to help fill their Personal Essentials Pantry.
Edith – Amigos en Azul
Amigos en Azul (Friends in Blue) is an organization composed of City of Madison Police Officers and other Dane County Law Enforcement agencies. The objective is to build trust and relationships within the Latino Community. Dane County Credit Union proudly supports these efforts by participating in their annual Southside Soccer Series. While building community relationships this event also promotes the goal of keeping kids active.
DCCU staff also supports Amigos en Azul’s annual Christmastime “host a family” event by using “Jeans Day” funds to purchase holiday gifts.
Jessie – R.I.S.E (Revolution in Student Empowerment)
DCCU’s Latino Outreach Group is hosting a staff jeans day to support this unique organization. Each $5 donation from staff members goes directly to the R.I.S.E. youth group lead by Crusaders of Justicia.
They are a call-to-action non-profit organization that helps mobilize and educate the community on current civil rights and social justice issues. These include worker, immigration, and LGBTQ rights as well as other important local issues in our Latino Community. They host meetings weekly and raise funds through bake sales to help support their causes.
Ericka – Cash Mob
Dane County Credit Union is having a cash mob* by hosting a food truck for the first time ever!
Leo, the “Elotero Man” is a privately-owned local food truck. Leo offers a variety of authentic Mexican snacks. He has worked in the Madison area for over 15 years, driving his food truck during evenings and stopping at various locations in town. He will be at 2 DCCU branches on Friday Oct 11th. Join us at 2160 Rimrock Road from 3-4pm and from 4-15-5:15 at our Struck Street branch!
————————————————
Dane County Credit Union continues to focus on the unique perspective and needs of Dane County’s Latino community. We proudly recognize the richness and diversity that Hispanic and Latino Americans bring to our community.
*A cash mob is an intentional gathering for the purpose of boosting business of local merchants. People gather at a business to purchase goods, bringing attention to the business as well as boosting sales.
