Representatives of the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans and participants at the Planting Seeds Conference pose during the Kearney event, where community leaders and organizations discussed resource access, community engagement and connecting with multicultural communities.By Hola Nebraska
The event brought together leaders, service providers and community advocates to discuss engagement, access to resources and new ways to serve Nebraska’s diverse communities.
Kearney, Nebraska — The Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans team took part in the Planting Seeds Conference on Wednesday, April 29, joining leaders, service providers and advocates in Kearney for a gathering focused on strengthening support systems across Nebraska.
A gathering focused on strengthening community partnerships
The Commission’s delegation included Chair Maria Whitmore and Commissioners Evelyn Haro and Aida Evans. The conference was organized by a collaborative planning committee made up of several community organizations, including the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans.
Throughout the day, participants discussed community engagement, access to resources and strategies to better respond to the needs of Nebraska’s increasingly diverse population. The event also gave organizations from different fields a place to share experiences, challenges and practical ways to work with the communities they serve.
“Bridging Voices” addressed the challenges of connecting with multicultural communities
As part of the program, the Commission’s executive director, Maria Arriaga, and Marketing and Communications Specialist Ricardo Alcala led the session “Bridging Voices: Connecting with Multicultural Communities in Nebraska.” The session explored the real challenges organizations face when trying to reach multicultural communities, especially when language, culture and access to information create barriers.
The Planting Seeds Conference brought community leaders and organizations together in Kearney to discuss resources, collaboration and connection with Nebraska’s multicultural communities.
Teresa Ibach highlights the importance of investing in communities
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from Senator Teresa Ibach, who served as the keynote speaker. In her remarks, Ibach underscored the importance of collaboration, leadership and continued investment in Nebraska’s communities.
Planting Seeds aims to create impact beyond the event
More than a series of sessions, Planting Seeds gave participants time for meaningful conversations and relationships that can continue beyond the event itself. For the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans, the conference was an opportunity to keep strengthening partnerships and supporting work that helps resources and services reach communities across the state more effectively.
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