A young girl holds an American flag during a stand for immigrants' rights in Chicago, May 1, 2006

Seeking the Common Good in an Election Year: Responses from U.S. Latinos

In a polarized nation during a contentious campaign season, the idea that politics can help achieve the common good seems surprising. Politics too often appears to be about struggle over control rather than collaboration. The interests of the few are too often privileged over the interests and needs of the many, inequalities are sustained by unequal access to ballots and influence, and cultural values often clash in destructive ways.

In the United States, the history of Latino participation in politics emphasizes collective efforts and solidarity as central parts of political activity. This dialogue will explore the concept of the common good in our current political context, drawing especially from the experience and lives of Latino leaders in U.S. politics and the U.S. Catholic Church. It will explore questions such as: 

  • What kinds of social and political participation are necessary to ensure common efforts toward a common good? 
  • How are the Harris and Trump presidential campaigns talking about the common good? What specific policies from these candidates advance or neglect the common good?
  • How can democratic norms in electoral politics support the common good? 
  • How should ideas about the common good take into account the most vulnerable in our society?

Participants:

  • Lia Garcia is the director of Hispanic Ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the former vice president of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM).
  • Aleja Hertzler-McCain is a reporter for Religion News Service covering Latino faith and American Catholicism. She has previously reported at National Catholic Reporter and Sojourners.
  • Santiago Ramos is the executive editor of Wisdom of Crowds, a project of the Aspen Institute’s Philosophy and Society Initiative, and a contributor to Commonweal and Plough magazines.
  • Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, is a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal based in the Bronx, New York. He is the founder of Corazón Puro and Latinos por la Vida. Every year, Fr. Torres speaks to more than 25,000 youth and many more through television and other media.
  • Christian Soenen, projects manager of the Initiative, will moderate the dialogue.

This gathering will have three parts:

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Welcoming Happy Hour 

Meet and network with other young leaders over food and drink

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Dialogue

A conversation on “Seeking the Common Good in an Election Year: Responses from U.S. Latinos” with four leaders

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Reception

Continue the conversation with other young leaders over food and drink

This Latino Leader Gathering is for young Latino Catholics and others to come together to explore key issues and personal stories involving faith and public life with respected Latino and other leaders.

Photo credit: Joseph Voves via Flickr

Recording and Accessibility​

For those who cannot join us in person, the dialogue starting at 7:00 p.m. EDT will be livestreamed and posted online for later viewing.

All in-person accommodation requests should be sent to cathsocialthought@georgetown.edu by October 3. A good-faith effort will be made to fulfill requests.