While issues such as crime, domestic violence or forced labor and sexual exploitation should be of concern to all members of society, it is a fact that the poorest and the most vulnerable among us are also those who more often find themselves in the role of the victim. Hispanics are no exception, as almost one in every two gang member is Hispanic, and Hispanics report higher levels of domestic violence than non-Hispanics whites. Even more, those Hispanic individuals and communities who face more intense violence in their environments often have less access to the relief resources they so desperately need.

The Self Reliance Foundation's peace and justice campaigns seek to raise awareness among U.S. Hispanics about dangerous and criminal behavior, discourage violent behavior, encourage positive alternatives:

2Cooltura: Anti-gang Violence Campaign

A national multi-media project supported by the U.S. Department of Justice that uses television, radio, and an Internet web page to inspire Hispanic parents and their youth to reject gangs, resist recruitment, and become aware of resources and youth programs that help youth exit gang culture and become involved in posit-

ive alternatives. The 2Cooltura campaign is effective not only for its influential messages, but also for its notable spokespersons, including the Grammy-nominated musical group, La Secta Allstar. Therefore, 2Cooltura's messages resonate powerfully within the Hispanic community, and are subsequently reinforced through a grassroots network of community organizations that can provide Hispanic families with critically needed information about delinquency prevention and juvenile justice programs.

¡No mas Silencio! (Break the Silence)

In partnership with the Mark Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, this campaign raised awareness about domestic violence within the Latino community. Throughout October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this campaign used radio PSAs, newspaper columns, 6 live hour-long radio programs, and a dedicated helpline to encourage women to break the patterns of
silence that allow domestic violence to remain a devastating plague within their communities. The hour-long radio programs were particularly compelling, reaching local Hispanic communities and opening up the channels for them to call in and share how domestic violence affects their communities. These shows aired on radio stations in Los Angeles, Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, Chicago, and New York.