Mission
The National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to focus the nation’s attention on Latino children and empower communities for the full and healthy development of young Latinos in a culturally relevant environment. Founded in 1997, it is the only national Latino organization with a primary focus on children. NLCI has as its foundation the National Latino Children’s Agenda, a statement of principles essential for the healthy development of Latino children. It was developed in 1994 by 48 national organizations and endorsed by hundreds of individuals and organizations since then.

Strategies
NLCI continues to implement the Agenda to build healthy communities in the following ways.

La Promesa de un Futuro Brillante
Every other year, NLCI selects outstanding community-based programs as exemplary models of “what works” in the Latino community. Nominated by local elected officials, board members, and community leaders, the La Promesa Programs prove that negative statistics can be turned around when appropriate strategies are used for outreach and services. One hundred and fifteen organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico have been selected for this distinction and are promoted as experts. To highlight their work, a yearbook describing their programs is published and distributed to policymakers and foundations.

Community Action Initiatives
NLCI works with community-based-organizations and national partners to provide them the tools and the training they need to use the principles of the Latino Children's Agenda to generate support for young Latino issues and a blueprint for effecting change on behalf of those who will build the future - the children. Currently these initiatives focus on child passenger safety, early childhood development, HIV prevention, home fire safety, and healthy lifestyles.

Public Education
NLCI develops public education campaigns that create awareness of the needs and potential of Latino children. Most campaigns target the Latino community, although occasionally NLCI works to inform non-Latino groups about how to work with the Latino community. In 1997, NLCI staff worked with the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Commission to develop a Spanish-language video and curriculum for preschool children. In 1998, staff designed a Hispanic Outreach Plan for the U.S. Department of Education’s America Goes Back to School Initiative.

Voices of Children
The milagros exhibit is a cultural vehicle designed to provide a forum for the voices of children. The word “milagros,” or miracle, represents an ancient tradition of hanging small photos, symbols, and supplications in the churches of Latin America. Children design and create artistic messages about their wishes, dreams, or desires. Over 12,000 children’s messages have been received since 1996 and are exhibited at conferences and special events; more milagros are added each year.

Leadership Development
NLCI provides training and technical assistance on programs and policies that value young Latinos and help build healthy communities. Community work groups receive tools and support to assess their community’s capacity to promote the healthy development of children. During Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., NLCI hosts the groups at roundtable discussions with congressional representatives, federal officials, Latino experts, and youth from around the country to explore policy with national leaders. Staff, working with a team of experts, develops curriculum, materials, and training strategies.

El Día de los Niños Celebrating Young Americans
NLCI has launched a national initiative to establish April 30 as El Día de los Niños Celebrating Young Americans in the United States. The day is a celebration to uplift young Latinos and all children. This holiday, already observed by many Latinos, is an opportunity for parents to strengthen relationships with their children, schools to connect with their students, and communities to include young citizens in their planning. A parade, feria (fair), and press conference in San Antonio, Texas, on April 30, 1998, kicked off the initiative. In 2002, more than 100 communities in the United States and Puerto Rico celebrated children on April 30.

Anyone can celebrate El Día de los Niños. However, official sites receive materials and technical assistance from NLCI, are authorized to use the official logo, become part of the national network and are included in national press releases. To get involved, complete the signup form.