| Hello,
We hit the ground running in 2022 energized with passion, motivation, and drive to strengthen Hispanic and Latinx voices and visibility in public lands advocacy and decision making. Even though we are still holding out hope for the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) to be passed into law in D.C., we continue to work in our communities to develop a vision for future protections in special places like the Caja del Rio and the Upper Rio Grande in New Mexico, and we are celebrating an amazing win for equitable access and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with this year’s hunting rules and regulations in New Mexico, which are now available to Spanish-speakers.
This month, we also celebrated Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and reflected on his legacy of service and relentless pursuit of justice, recalling that “all life is interrelated” and that “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
We carry this critical lesson with us as we advocate for environmental justice, and work to ensure that important habitat restoration and resiliency projects also protect and restore access to nature, clean air, and clean water for communities. You can read more about some of these successful projects in Arizona in our blog here.
Below is a quick round-up of what we have been up to:
- HECHO has continued to support the Build Back Better Act that would provide the necessary funding to put people to work to help curb the impacts of the climate crisis, mitigate wildfires, protect forests and watersheds, and address drought impacts and land and water issues, and reform the broken federal oil and gas program. This month, we share Mesa City Councilmember Francisco Heredia’s blog, discussing what the City of Mesa is doing to make sustainable improvements for residents and why the BBBA is important.
- In November of 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA included transformative financial investments in drinking water infrastructure that will eliminate lead pipes and service lines across the country and make necessary improvements for Arizonans. We shared a blog about how the clean water provisions in the reconciliation bill help Arizonans and how we must build on the momentum of the IIJA by supporting the BBBA. You can read more about it here.
- HECHO has long advocated for the reform of our nation’s outdated oil and gas leasing system that has impacted the health of our communities and our public lands for decades. Earlier this month, we highlighted New Mexico’s toxic relationship with the oil and gas industry, influencing the state’s politics, climate and conservation policies, education, public health, and economy. Learn about its impacts on these sectors by clicking here.
- In December, Coconino County Supervisor for District 2, Jeronimo Vasquez, shared his story about how connections to the outdoors can empower our communities and instill a legacy of stewardship. Read his blog, “Building the Community We’d Like to See in Coconino County, Arizona,” by clicking here.
- Last month, the Biden-Harris Administration issued its initial report on the America the Beautiful Initiative, highlighting the vital steps taken in year one of this important effort to conserve and restore 30% of our nation’s lands and waters by 2030, and achieve more equitable outdoor access for American communities. Read our statement of support by clicking here.
- Earlier this month, HECHO’s New Mexico Senior Field Coordinator, Max Trujillo, authored an LTE thanking the New Mexican Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) for publishing their Hunting Rules and Information Booklet in Spanish. You can read more about this initiative below and find the LTE here.
Wishing you a wonderful winter season.
Sincerely,
Camilla |
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ICYMI
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Featured Guest Blog: Building the Community We’d Like to See in Coconino County, AZ
In December, Coconino County Supervisor for District 2, Jeronimo Vasquez, shared his story with us about how connections to the outdoors can empower our communities and instill a legacy of stewardship. He writes: “The time I spent outdoors left a profound impact on me, instilling a legacy of stewardship that I hope to pass on to my children, and to my community.”
To read this blog post, click here. |
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 New on the blog: The Safety and Resilience of Our Communities Depends on Bold Investments in the Build Back Better Act
This month, Mesa City Councilmember District 3 representative, Francisco Heredia, wrote about the need to prioritize solutions to curb the impacts of climate change to help build the safety and resilience that our communities deserve. He writes: “We’ve witnessed wildfires ravage Arizona as a result of dry seasons that span longer and longer time frames, and other extreme weather events that underscore that the climate crisis is here. The time to act is now. “
To read this blog, click here. |
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Resources & Opportunities
HECHO receives wonderful engagement opportunities that we’d like to share with our readers. If an opportunity speaks to you, click the link to learn more.
HECHO is hiring! | Join a vibrant team dedicated to protecting public lands for all people. At HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors), we are looking for a Communications Manager who will develop compelling messages, uplift strong messengers, and use targeted communications vehicles to support our advocacy and education campaigns. This person will serve as HECHO’s lead communications staffer on all issues. Learn more about the position by visiting our employment opportunities page on the HECHO website.
Albuquerque Academy | Albuquerque Academy is an independent day school serving grades 6-12. Diversity is a core value at Albuquerque Academy, and we seek candidates who demonstrate an abiding commitment to equity and inclusion. Albuquerque Academy is hiring for teaching fellows. Open positions include:
- Experiential Education Department: The Experiential Education Fellowship will provide a comprehensive experience in the workings of one of the most developed and well-resourced outdoor experiential education programs in the country.
Arizona Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) Opportunity | What does outdoor recreation in Arizona look like in the next five years? The answer is up to you! Arizona State Parks and Trails is currently seeking public input for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and it’s so easy to get involved. The SCORP provides a shared vision for all public outdoor recreation in communities across Arizona for the next five years. Learning what Arizona residents want helps identify priorities and distribute grant funding to get projects done and make outdoor recreation in Arizona even better. There are a variety of ways to participate, and varying levels of engagement to fit your busy lifestyle. Plus, you could win some cool outdoor recreation prizes! Click here to learn more.
The National Wildlife Federation | The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. The National Wildlife Federation believes that in order to save wildlife and ourselves, we need to ensure that everyone in America has clean air and water, safe communities, easy and equitable access to the daily benefits of nature, and protection from the ravages of climate change. Open positions include:
- Senior Coordinator, Riparian Connectivity: Join our regional team to implement habitat projects and advocate for policies that improve riparian and aquatic connectivity. This is a new position, aimed at fulfilling our priorities for restoring beavers and improving riparian corridors and watersheds in Montana and beyond.
Vaccine and Boosting Opportunity, New Mexico | First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe is hosting vaccine and booster clinics throughout January. Eligible youth ages 5-18 can receive their vaccine with their parent/legal guardian’s permission. Boosters are available for eligible youth 12 and up. Event details here.
TNB Faith-based Roundtable: Grounded in Faith, Rooted in Nature | Join the Audubon Naturalist Society and the U.S. Forest Service’s Office of Urban and Community Forestry for the first Taking Nature Black Faith-based Roundtable: Grounded in Faith, Rooted in Nature. This compelling discussion will happen virtually, via Zoom, Thursday, February 10, 2:00 – 3:30 pm and is FREE and open to the public. Registration here.
Southwestern Conservation Corps Opportunities | Southwest Conservation Corps is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, communities, and environment through hands-on work on our public lands. SCC Crews work with local land management agencies, municipalities, and non-profits to complete impactful conservation work. Applications are now being accepted for youth leaders. Open positions include:
Latino Heritage Internship Program | The Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) is a partnership with the National Park Service and is a summer program that focuses on engaging young Latino professionals. They are recruiting for 32 position across the country. Applications will be accepted until February 6, 2022. You can read more about the program and apply here.
Draft Wildlife Corridors Aciton Plan for Public Review | The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) are releasing the Draft Wildlife Corridors Action Plan for public review. The plan has been prepared in accordance with New Mexico Senate Bill 228, the Wildlife Corridors Act. The comment period runs from January 12, 2022 to March 12, 2022. During this time period, two live virtual public meetings will be hosted. Register and join either the meeting on February 1st or February 3rd, review the draft Action Plan, and share your comments.
The Colorado Energy Office is hiring! | The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is hiring for two new positions that will be housed in CEO, but serving the entire state of Colorado. These are the opportunities:
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