Focus on the Family Targets Hispanic Americans
With the Message to 'Vote Your Values'

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of a multi-layered campaign, Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family on Monday announced the official launch of the Hispanic Voter Education Initiative, targeting the nation's largest minority group with the "I Vote Values" message through its many Spanish- speaking outlets and resources. Through extensive radio, television, print, and Web site outreach, the nation's premier pro-family organization called the campaign "only the beginning" of a commitment to serve the overwhelmingly conservative Hispanic American population.

Leading the campaign is International Human Rights attorney Yuri Mantilla, now Director of International Government Affairs at Focus on the Family. His work abroad and in the United States makes him uniquely qualified to lead an effort to rally Hispanic Americans.

"We know that 93 percent of our people are Christians," said Mantilla. "The two pillars of our organization are family and faith. We want to serve our constituents by bringing them the tools they need to vote their values, while mobilizing the Hispanic community into the most powerful pro-family influence in the United States."

Focus on the Family is well-known for its service to people who put their beliefs into action. The international ministry consists of a variety of different outreaches and, through its radio programs, reaches 220 million listeners each day in more than 160 countries. Of the United States' 533 Hispanic radio stations, 187 air the Enfoque a la Familia broadcast (Numbers: Bacon 2001). Enfoque a la Familia is popular throughout Latin America and is carried on 1,738 facilities worldwide.

The Hispanic Voter Education Initiative makes use of Spanish-language television spots and programming, as well as radio broadcasts and Public Service Announcements prepared for all Hispanic radio and television outlets. Materials will be distributed through pastors, priests and other religious leaders and via its Web site (www.enfoquealafamilia.com).

This initiative incorporates a strong, community-based approach. Mantilla will be creating a clearinghouse for Hispanic leaders and will be working to serve Hispanic Americans as a point person. Key contacts and materials will be used to communicate a message urging Latinos to allow their personal beliefs and core values to guide their votes.

For more information on this campaign or to request interviews or materials, please contact Focus on the Family at the numbers listed below.

Project components include:

UN MOMENTO DECISIVO - 28:30

A program discussing the importance of voting for your values. Subjects include gay marriage, abortion, cloning, euthanasia, and embryology.