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The Hispanic Public Relations Association’s New York Chapter (HPRA-NY) Announces The Julie E. Mendez/HPRA-NY Scholarship

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NEW YORK, May 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Public Relations Association’s New York Chapter has announced today the Julie E. Mendez/HPRA-NY Scholarship Program in honor of the organization’s Treasurer Julie E. Mendez who passed away suddenly on Monday, May 2, 2016.  

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“Julie’s dedication to HPRA over the past several years has not only elevated the organization but also furthered the Hispanic communications industry as a whole,” said Melissa Carrion, president, HPRA-NY. “She was a trusted colleague, mentor and dear friend to many and will be dearly missed.”

Mendez lived in New York City and most recently worked at Tractenberg & Co. as Associate Vice President leading the multicultural division for the company. She began her career at Edelman after graduating from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University as magna cum laude with a B.A. in Public Relations and Spanish Language, Literature & Culture. Mendez is survived by her mother, sister, niece and fiancé.

The Julie E. Mendez/HPRA-NY Scholarship will be awarded yearly. In 2016, two tristate area students will be recognized with a $1,000 scholarship and an invitation to attend the national organization’s Bravo Awards this fall. The recipients will be announced prior to the 2016/2017 academic school year and also receive complimentary 2016/2017 student memberships to HPRA-NY.

The application deadline for the Julie E. Mendez/HPRA-NY Scholarship is Friday, June 10, 2016. In order to qualify, student applicants must be/maintain:

  • A resident of the State of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut
  • A New York, New Jersey or Connecticut student at a four-year accredited college or university (undergraduate sophomore or junior or accepted into a graduate program)
  • Of Hispanic heritage
  • A minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA and 3.0 specific public relations, communications, journalism, advertising or marketing GPA
  • A public relations, communications, journalism, advertising and/or marketing major

For more information and to apply for the Julie E. Mendez/HPRA-NY Scholarship, please visit: http://www.hpra-usa.org/nyR/scholarships/.

About the Hispanic Public Relations Association:
The Hispanic Public Relations Association’s (HPRA) mission is to help Hispanic professional communicators enter and advance within the public relations and marketing communications fields by: 1) creating an exchange of information and ideas that empower public relations practitioners to be experts in their fields; 2) promoting professional development through educational programs; 3) providing financial and internship assistance to students entering the field; and 4) advocating responsible coverage of issues and images affecting the Hispanic community. Established in 1984, The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) is the largest network of public relations, marketing and advertising professionals from agencies, government, nonprofit and corporate companies in the US. The New York Chapter was established in 2010. HPRA-NY is a non-profit 501c3 organization.

Send Money to Mexico this May with Sharemoney’s Mother’s Day Promotion

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ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., May 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sharemoney is the online money transfer service of Omnex Group, a licensed remitter with over 25 years of experience transferring money from the United States to countries around the world, including Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam and the Philippines. Sharemoney’s mission is to help immigrants who live and work in the US transfer money to loved ones back home quickly and securely.

There are over 11 million Mexican immigrants living in the United States. Many of them regularly send money to their family and friends in Mexico to help support them. This Mother’s Day, Sharemoney wants to help them say “thank you” to their moms by adding an extra $20 to their money transfers.

Remittances account for about 2.5% of the GDP and act as a vital driver of consumer spending in Mexico. With over 42% of the population living below the national poverty line, many families rely on money transfers from abroad to put food on the table.

Mother’s Day is an emotional time for many people living abroad whose parents remain back home. Missing those who raised you, taught you, and gave you everything is tough during any holiday, but especially Mother’s Day. Everyone wants to do something special for their moms, and living so far away can make it complicated. Sending a package, a bouquet of flowers, or a simple money transfer are some of the great ways Mexican Americans honor their moms on their special day despite the distance.

Senders transferring money to other countries through Sharemoney.com can also take advantage of this Mother’s Day special. The Mother’s Day promotion is open to anyone sending $100 or more in their first transfer through Sharemoney.com. By entering the code MOM20, a sender will get an additional $20 in their money transfer at no extra cost to them. New customers can take advantage of this offer from 5/5/16 until 5/29/16.

ABOUT SHAREMONEY® 
Sharemoney® is the online money transfer service of Omnex Group, Inc., a licensed remitter. With over 25 years in the money transfer industry, Omnex and its Sharemoney service offer flexible money transfer options to over 41,000 payout locations around the world. Servicing major countries including Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines and Vietnam, Sharemoney allows for families and loved ones to send money in as little as two minutes with the great exchange rates and low fees. To learn more about online money transfers through Sharemoney visit http://www.sharemoney.com.

Latest FAU Poll Finds It’s Harder for Hispanics to Afford Healthcare but More Covered Since Obamacare Enacted

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The Business and Economics Polling Initiative (BEPI) at Florida Atlantic University conducts surveys on business, economic, political, and social issues with main focus on Hispanic attitudes and opinions at regional, state and national levels. (PRNewsFoto/Business and Economics Polling..)

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — An increasing number of Hispanics are finding it harder to afford healthcare and the percentage of those without any health insurance is up slightly over a year ago, but a majority still have a favorable view of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) and for the first time more women are insured than men, according to a new survey by the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI).

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More than 43 percent of respondents in the April poll said it is harder for them to afford healthcare, up almost 6 percentage points from a similar survey in March 2015. Only 13.7 percent said it was easier, down more than 9 percent from last year. Those saying they had no health insurance increased 5 percent, from 7.8 percent in March 2015 to 12.8 percent last month.

However, Hispanics have still benefited overall since the enactment of the ACA, resulting in 4 million adults gaining coverage, according to the Department of Health & Human Services’ March 2016 report.

According to the BEPI survey, it appears Hispanic women are increasing their access to health insurance through the ACA with 52 percent of females saying they have government healthcare coverage compared to only 23.3 percent of males.

An analysis published in late 2015 by consulting firm McKinsey & Company found premiums for the lowest-cost ACA plans are expected to increase by a median of 10-13 percent in 2016. The report also found that more than half of the government-sponsored nonprofit insurance co-ops have now failed, leaving more than 750,000 families and individuals scrambling for new health insurance.

“The increased healthcare costs compared to last year is probably making it harder for Hispanics to afford health insurance,” said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., director of the BEPI.

Political partisanship appeared to play a part in influencing respondents’ opinions on healthcare topics. Republicans and Independents were significantly more likely (50 and 53 percent, respectively) to think it was harder to afford health insurance as compared with Democrats (41 percent).

Overall, 51 percent of Hispanics gave Obamacare a favorable rating, compared with 35 percent unfavorable.

The poll was conducted nationally April 1-30.

(Español) Pablo Soria de Lachica – Describe Como Desarrollar Transacciones Programadas En Forex

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https://es-us.finanzas.yahoo.com/noticias/pablo-soria-lachica-efectos-crisis-235100910.html

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(Español) Comenzó con gran éxito la preventa para uno de los conciertos más esperados en el área de la bahía, La Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga el 12 de agosto, 2016 en Oracle Arena en Oakland, CA

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Comenzo con gran exito la preventa para uno de los conciertos mas esperados en el area de la bahia, La Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga el 12 de agosto, 2016 en Oracle Arena en Oakland, CA

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

National Alliance for Hispanic Health statement on FDA Action on Tobacco: Will Save Lives And Help Reverse Hispanic Tobacco Tipping Point

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WASHINGTON, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “Today’s action by the FDA will save lives by finally including cigars, hookah tobacco, pipe tobacco and e-cigarettes as regulated products. No form of tobacco use is safe and the rise of smoking among Hispanic youth, particularly use of e-cigarettes, has created a tobacco tipping point that unless reversed will result in a generation of tobacco related disease and early death,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance), the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule extending its authority to all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco and pipe tobacco, among others. This rule helps implement the bipartisan Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009.  Before today, there was no federal law prohibiting retailers from selling e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco or cigars to people under age 18. Today’s rule changes that with provisions aimed at restricting youth access, which go into effect in 90 days, including:

  • Not allowing products to be sold to persons under the age of 18 years (including online);
  • Requiring age verification by photo ID;
  • Not allowing selling covered tobacco products in vending machines (unless in an adult-only facility); and
  • Not allowing the distribution of free samples.

According to data published last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 4.7 million middle and high school students were current users (at least once in past 30 days) of a tobacco product in 2015. Among middle school students, Hispanics were the group most likely to be current tobacco users (10.6%) compared to non-Hispanic white (6.3%) and non-Hispanic black (6.6%) students. The data also showed that e-cigarettes are now the most common tobacco products used among youth and use escalated from 1.5 to 16.0 percent between 2011 and 2015 among high school students.

“Hispanic adults have always had smoking rates below the national average, resulting in lower rates of heart disease and other smoking related illness. However, the data released last month show that Hispanic middle school students are now more likely than their peers to use tobacco. It’s a tobacco tipping point, but actions like today’s historic move by the FDA will help families reverse this threat to the health of our children and communities,” emphasized Dr. Delgado. Dr. Delgado concluded, “If you need support talking to your children about not smoking or you or a loved one needs help quitting, we are here to help. Call our toll-free Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645. Together we can build a healthier and smoke-free America.”

About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance) — The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States with a mission to achieve the best health outcomes for all. For more information visit us www.hispanichealth.org.  

Nuestras Voces (Our Voices) — Nuestras Voces is a national network of over 100 organizations working for a tobacco-free world and to eliminate disparities in cancer prevention and treatment services. You can be part of this effort being led by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health! Join us at www.nuestrasvoces.org/join.

The Bayat Foundation Partners With The Starkey Hearing Foundation To Bring Hope, Healing And Hearing To The Dominican Republic

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A young girl in the Dominican Republic celebrates hearing for the first time with Bayat Foundation Chairman Ehsan Bayat

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Fulfilling its mission to serve people in need—wherever they may live—The Bayat Foundation, Afghanistan’s leading health and social development organization, completed a three-day hearing care mission April 18-20 in the Dominican Republic in support and sponsor of the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160505/364234

The senior leadership of the Bayat Foundation volunteered to give the gift of hearing to people in need. Dr. Ehsanollah Bayat, Chairman, and Ms. Leah Bayat of the Bayat Foundation joined the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s hearing health specialists and mission team to provide hearing health care to more than 1,200 people living in the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros.

Joining the Bayat and Starkey Hearing Foundation service teams was world champion boxer Evander Holyfield who inspired the patients to achieve their potential.

Following the Santo Domingo hearing mission, the mission team traveled to Santiago de los Caballeros, the capital of Santiago Province. There, from April 19-20, the mission team established a Hearing Health Care Center at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, and provided hearing devices for more than 350 people living in Santiago de los Caballeros and the surrounding area.

The ages of the patients ranged from one year of age to 115 years old. A survey of the patients in Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros, indicated that 35 percent didn’t know the cause of their hearing loss and about 24 percent of the patients had experienced hearing loss at birth.

In each location, the hearing mission team—supported by scores of local volunteers, utilized a meticulous intake process, which prepared each patient to receive the most appropriate and effective type of hearing care. The intake process included recording the name, residence and vital statistics of each patient, conducting an examination cleaning of the ears and auditory system. Then each patient was fit with a set of ear molds—clear, wear-resistant plastic discs used to house the hearing aids provided without cost to each patient.

After completing intake, volunteers escorted each patient into the treatment area, where the Bayat and Starkey hearing care teams, together with specially trained volunteers fit each patient with the hearing devices that empowered each patient—many for the first time in their lives—to use the precious, powerful gift of hearing, sound and their voices to connect with their families, their communities and the world.

In the Dominican Republic, Starkey Hearing Foundation, working with its strategic partners, has held eight hearing missions, distributing more than 37,000 hearing devices so that individuals of every age can receive the gift of hearing and the power of caring.

“Our service in the Dominican Republic—helping people escape a life of silence and hear again—was amazing and transformative for recipients and volunteers alike” said Leah Bayat, a mission volunteer. “In three days, we were able to help nearly 1,300 hear—many for the first time in their lives. This work with the Starkey Hearing Foundation is a powerful example of how we, as individuals, can be the change we want to see, and hear, in the world.”

“More than 360 million throughout the world are affected by deafness or some sort of hearing loss,” said Dr. Ehsanollah Bayat, the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Bayat Foundation. “In Afghanistan, our two organizations work side by side to provide hearing to thousands of Afghans, so we are honored to help the Starkey Hearing Foundation continue this vital work, in the Dominican Republic, in Afghanistan, and all over the world.”

About the Bayat Foundation:
Since 2005, the US-based Bayat Foundation, a 501 c (3) charitable organization, has promoted the well being of the Afghan people. Founded and directed by Ehsanollah Bayat and Fatema Bayat, the Foundation has contributed to more than 300 projects dedicated to improving the quality of life for the youth, women, poor, and elderly of Afghanistan; including construction of 13 maternity hospitals that have now treated over 1,600,000 mothers and babies.  Projects have included the construction of new facilities and sustainable infrastructure in needy regions, and the promotion of health, education, economic, and cultural programs. In addition to his charitable initiatives, Ehsanollah Bayat founded Afghan Wireless (AWCC) in 2002, which was the first GSM wireless and Internet Service Provider in Afghanistan, and later established Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which includes Ariana Radio (FM 93.5). For more information, please email [email protected] or call 904-686-1470.

About Starkey Hearing Foundation:
Starkey Hearing Foundation, a public charity founded by William F. Austin, gives the gift of hearing to people in need in the U.S. and around the world. Disabling hearing loss affects more than 360 million people, including 32 million children, yet many do not have access to the hearing devices that improve lives and promote understanding. The Foundation focuses on hearing health missions, education, and recycling, as well as grants to mission-aligned organizations. Connect with Starkey Hearing Foundation on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org. 

New Generation of Head Lice Treatment Tackles Super Lice

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MORRISVILLE, North Carolina, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As fears circulate around the term “super lice,” misconceptions about the effectiveness of over-the-counter treatments are also spreading. Newer non-toxic, pesticide-free solutions such as Vamousse have developed innovative ways to tackle super lice head-on.

Super lice have developed resistance to certain pesticides used in traditional treatment products, according to a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)1. These super lice are genetically resistant to permethrin and pyrethrin, the active ingredients in many traditional lice treatments. Super lice can survive even despite proper use of these products, which can cause frustration with parents.

Pesticide resistance means a need for a new generation of products. “Vamousse Lice Treatment works differently to kill lice and eggs, avoiding pesticide resistance issues,” says Jason Schmidt, an entomologist and Director of Product Development for TyraTech. “The active ingredient, natrum muriaticum, dehydrates the lice without using a pesticide.”

Vamousse is clinically proven effective against pesticide-resistant super lice2. Unlike many traditional products, Vamousse uses a physical mode of action to dehydrate lice and eggs by contact, to end an infestation fast.

Vamousse Lice Treatment was tested in clinical trials and lab studies using internationally recognized ASTM testing protocols.3 Following these industry standards, the product was tested against head lice and head lice eggs. Testing showed that Vamousse Lice Treatment, applied per product instructions, can kill both lice and eggs with a 15-minute exposure. While efficacy is critical, the AAP reports that treatment ideally should also be safe, free of toxic chemicals, easy to get without a prescription, easy to use, and affordable.1

“Parents want to be able to kill lice fast, but they also want the treatment to be safe and non-toxic,” says Schmidt. “Fortunately, this new generation of treatment starts working on contact and is available over-the-counter, typically in the first-aid or hair care section, making even super lice control accessible.”

Additional information and resources can be found at www.VamousseLice.com.

About Vamousse

Vamousse Lice Treatment:

  • Clinically proven to kill lice and eggs in 1 treatment2
  • Safe, non-toxic, and pesticide-free
  • Proven effective against pesticide-resistant super lice2
  • Easy-to-use mousse is quick and precise, rinses easily
  • Available over-the-counter nationwide at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kmart, and in some regional chains, including Harris Teeter and HEB, and online at Walmart.com, CVS.com, Walgreens.com, Amazon.com and Drugstore.com.
  • MSRP $24.99

Vamousse Lice Defense:

  • Non-toxic daily shampoo defends against head lice
  • Shown in lab studies to kill lice
  • Great for use by the whole family during:
    • Lice outbreaks at school
    • Summer camp, sleepovers
    • Treatment of a sibling
    • Risk of re-infestation
  • Available over-the-counter nationwide at Walmart and in some regional chains, including Harris Teeter, and online at Walgreens.com, Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and Walmart.com.
  • MSRP $12.99

Vamousse Lice Elimination:

  • Powder home cleaning aid eliminates lice on non-washable household items
  • Kills by contact
  • Safe, non-toxic, no synthetic pesticides
  • Clean scent
  • Available online at Amazon.com
  • MSRP $10.99

About TyraTech
Established in 2004, TyraTech, Inc. (AIM: TYR and TYRU) is a life sciences company focusing on nature-derived insect and parasite control products that are as effective as traditional chemical options while providing a new level of safety for people, animals, and the environment. TyraTech’s Nature’s Technology® leverages its patented scientific platform to provide a full range of biocides, head lice treatment, and insect repellent solutions, including Vamousse.

1 American Academy of Pediatrics (2016) Report on lice Retrieved from http://www.aappublications.org/news/2016/04/11/Lice041116
2 Clinical trial conducted at Lice Source Services, Plantation, FL, Dec. 2015
3 Scientific study information is available at http://www.vamousselice.com/scientific-studies

Contact: Chris Shigas
(919) 308-1816

March of Dimes Applauds FDA Deeming Rule on Tobacco Products

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WASHINGTON, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The March of Dimes, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization advocating for maternal and child health, today commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for deeming e-cigarettes to be tobacco products subject to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as Amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.  This decision will empower the agency to regulate e-cigarettes like other tobacco products, such as traditional cigarettes and cigars.

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“E-cigarettes are clearly tobacco products, and they should be strictly regulated as such,” stated March of Dimes President Dr. Jennifer L. Howse.  “Lack of regulation has allowed these products to be marketed and sold without limits, including to pregnant women and youth.  The March of Dimes praises the FDA for moving to protect public health, including the health of women and infants, by regulating these products appropriately.”

The FDA’s decision is a critical step toward imposing appropriate regulations on the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes.  With this announcement, manufacturers will be required to comply with a range of current regulations for tobacco products.  Manufacturers may only make claims of lower risk if FDA confirms that adequate, appropriate scientific evidence supports that claim.  In addition, manufacturers and vendors will be prohibited from selling these products to underage youth or distributing free samples.

“The March of Dimes is especially concerned that e-cigarettes are being pitched by some as a ‘safe’ alternative for pregnant women,” Dr. Howse added.  “Absolutely no evidence exists to indicate that e-cigarettes are safe for pregnant women.  The March of Dimes urges pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid e-cigarettes and all other tobacco products to reduce the likelihood of preterm birth, low birthweight, and other health consequences.”

The FDA’s deeming rule would cover not only e-cigarettes but also cigars, pipe tobacco, waterpipe (hookah) tobacco, and novel products like nicotine gels and dissolvables. The March of Dimes has urged FDA to prioritize research into the effects of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products on pregnancy and birth outcomes.  One study indicated that 40 percent of pregnant women surveyed believed electronic cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes; only 57 percent believed that e-cigarettes contain nicotine; and fewer than two-thirds of the women thought that e-cigarettes could be addictive.  No data exists to indicate that e-cigarettes are safer or less addictive than traditional tobacco products, and many versions of e-cigarettes contain considerable levels of nicotine. 

About March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose volunteers and staff work to improve the health of infants and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

2016 Mayors Challenge Entries in Latin America and the Caribbean Reveal a Focus on Addressing Social Inclusion, Sustainability, and Economic Growth – with a Strong Emphasis on Engaging Citizens in These Efforts

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NEW YORK, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced that 290 cities across Latin America and the Caribbean have submitted ideas to solve major challenges and improve city life for the 2016 Mayors Challenge. The ideas offer insight into the needs of communities and priorities of local leaders in the region.

Seven in ten ideas aim to address a social or economic challenge, while the remaining 30% focus on improving government effectiveness and efficiency.

  • 71% of cities generated ideas to address major social or economic challenges such as:
    • Social inclusion for vulnerable populations (23%)
    • Sustainability (20%)
    • Economic growth (13%)
    • Education (9%)
    • Public health (8%)
  • 29% of city ideas focus on improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of government

The 290 Mayors Challenge applicants represent over 172 million citizens in 19 countries across the region. Participating cities span the entire region with 71% from South America, 20% from Mexico and 9% from Central America and the Caribbean.  Seventeen capital cities in the region submitted ideas to the competition – from Santiago to Brasilia to Mexico City to Kingston. With applications from 80 Brazilian cities and 59 Mexican cities, Brazil and Mexico had the largest number of cities that submitted applications.

5 cities from Haiti submitted applications and are now competing for $9 million dollars in innovation funds: Cap-Haïtien; Jean Rabel; Jérémie; Les Cayes; and Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite.

Applicants for the 2016 Mayors Challenge proposed innovative solutions to address a wide range of urban challenges. A series of themes emerged in the ideas, including:

  • Leveraging technology and citizen engagement to improve government performance
  • An emphasis on public education initiatives, citizen participation and digital solutions to prepare for and address natural disasters
  • An interest in entrepreneurship and digital learning to improve education
  • Promoting the inclusion of new or vulnerable populations through job creation, better use of public spaces and technology
  • Improving public health through wide-ranging citizen engagement strategies

“Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean are some of the most innovative in the world, and they are proving it with their entries in our latest Mayors Challenge. The hundreds of proposals present exciting new ways to tackle problems across the region, and they have the potential to have a big impact on the lives of millions of people.” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term Mayor of New York City.

Additionally, a survey taken of participating cities showed significant city hall interest in innovation, but a lack of resources needed to experiment.

  • More than half of participating cities report regularly borrowing ideas from cities in the region or even from around the globe when faced with a tough problem.
  • Three out of 5 cities said they usually or always crowdsource ideas from citizens when they are faced with a tough problem.
  • Just 1 out of 5 participating cities report usually having access to public or private funding to test new ideas.

“This is a region of the world with a rich history of public sector innovation. The ideas coming from the Mayors Challenge build on that legacy. We see a stronger focus in this year’s ideas on citizen engagement, which is both a trend in governments worldwide as well as an area in which Latin American cities have been clear leaders,” said James Anderson, the head of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Government Innovation program.

The current applicants emerged from more than 900 Latin American and Caribbean cities who were invited by the Mayors Challenge in January 2016 to compete. Cities had until April 15, 2016 to generate and submit their innovative ideas to improve city government and city life. Modeled on successful competitions in the United States and Europe, the 2016 Mayors Challenge will award $5 million USD grand prize and four $1 million awards to four other cities that generate the most powerful and transferable ideas.

To learn more about the Mayors Challenge, visit www.mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org and @BloombergCities on Twitter and Instagram. Bloomberg Philanthropies has proudly partnered with the Centre for Public Impact (CPI) to implement this year’s challenge, provide related supports to city participants, and oversee coordination with other program partners. CPI is a not-for-profit, funded by The Boston Consulting Group, and dedicated to improving the positive impact of governments.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies works in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2015, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed over half a billion dollars.  For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter @BloombergDotOrg.

Media Contact
Bloomberg Philanthropies, Rebecca Carriero, (212) 205-0182, [email protected]

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