WHAT YOU CAN DO
			Fax or email a letter, or call NOW in support of NMAC’s demand for community representation on the Board of Directors of El Museo del Barrio. Address it to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Tony Bechara, and to the Executive Director of El Museo del Barrio, Julian Zugazagoitia. We want 30 percent! (See a full list of demands). If you are a member of an organization, also express your support on your organization’s letterhead. The board of directors will meet Tuesday, January 28, 2003, so it is important to send your statement TODAY. El Museo del Barrio 1230 Fifth Avenue NYC - 10029 t: 212.831.7272 f: 212.831.7927 e: info@elmuseo.org To add your name to an online list of endorsers, email us at: endorse@nuestromuseo.org Sample letter: Tony Becharra Chairman El Museo del Barrio 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, NYC - 10029 t: 212.831.7272 f: 212.831.7927 e: info@elmuseo.org Dear Chairman Bechara: We recognize that Nuestro Museo Action Committee is committed to achieving community representation in the Board of Directors of El Museo del Barrio. This is a goal to which the Board of El Museo del Barrio publicly committed itself during the September 26, 2002 townhall meeting organized by the cultural affairs committee of Community Board 11. But to date, procedural details for the designation of seats for community representation have not been forthcoming. By “community representation,” we mean, residents of El Barrio and members of the Puerto Rican and Latino community in New York and beyond who are dedicated to the inclusive representation of Latinos across class, race and nationality. The board of directors of El Museo del Barrio has repeatedly ignored claims for community involvement in the past. It has also failed to observe term limits of its members. We must reiterate the message that only a representative board can ensure that El Museo maintains its unique history and inclusive vision. We emphasize that our concern is not to pit Puerto Ricans versus other Latinos. Our concern is the inclusive representation of the Puerto Rican and Latino community culturally, historically and artistically and to ensure that El Museo’s growth does not lead to the marginalization of community involvement or the institution’s Puerto Rican past. In this spirit, we support the goal of assuring community participation in the board of directors. Sincerely, Cc: Julian Zugazagoitia, Director, El Museo del Barrio Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields Councilman Phil Reed State Senator David Paterson State Senator Olga Mendez Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV Kate Levin, Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs Patrick Gossett, Special Assistant to President & CEO, American Association of Museums ------------------------------ Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields/Attn: Luther Smith, Fax: 212-669-4305 Councilman Phil Reed, Fax: 212-722-6378 State Senator David Paterson, Fax: 212-678-0001 Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, Fax: 212-828-2807 State Senator Olga Mendez, Fax: 212-831-0530 Kate Levin, Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs, Fax: 212-643-7780 Patrick Gossett, Special Assistant to President, fax: 202-289-6578 pgossett@aam-us.org • 1575 Eye Street NW, Suite 400 • Washington DC 20005