“In Search of the American Dream –
A Guide to Success” Program
Presentations Organized by Latino Non-Profits

A broad variety of Latino organizations offer programs and services for immigrants who have been in the United States for 15 days or 15 years. These organizations provide courses and information on education, job placement, skills enhancement, home ownership and small business resources.

LIDER’s “Guide to Success” Program works directly with Latino non-profits that are supporting their communities to build a more productive future, to inspire them to dream bigger dreams, to become financially savvy and to accept full responsibility for their own success.

Two-hour workshops stress the importance of developing an action plan and identifying the strategies and resources for meeting the goals outlined in that plan. The seminars are based on the “In Search of the American Dream – A Plan for Success in 30 Days” multimedia collection, which contains books, manuals, audio programs and a resource CD-ROM. LIDER donates one complete American Dream Kit to the sponsoring organization.

Pilot Programs launched in Florida On August 21, 2004, two “In Search of the American Dream – Guide to Success” presentations were organized in Florida by two of the most important Latino organizations in the region. Early in the morning, the Colombian American Service Association launched their Professional Fair at Miami-Dade College with a seminar by Dr. Camilo Cruz. Later that evening Hispanic Unity organized the success seminar with the support of their sponsors, NOVA Southeastern University (NSU) and the Sun-Sentinel.

Approximately 700 people attended these events to learn specific steps for developing the success habits that are needed to build a fulfilling personal and professional life.

Both events were widely supported by local media and the results were powerful and touching.

We wish every immigrant could have the opportunity to attend such a quality event by an organized and entertaining speaker like Dr. Cruz. We learned that it’s not enough to want to get ahead – you have to write down all of your dreams, big and small. We left with the inspiration we needed to fully commit to this beautiful and challenging adventure of reaching our own American Dream. Thank you. – Antonio Couce and Rocio Cuellar.

Seminar Information: Who participates? These presentations are valuable for Latinos of all ages and experiences. We have received positive feedback from professionals and entrepreneurs, teenagers and retirees, housewives and corporate leaders. The seminars can be tailored to your specific audience. Messages can be directed toward students, business or leadership groups.

How does our group benefit? Providing your community with a high degree of motivation and specific steps for reaching well-defined goals is an essential part of empowering them to lead successful and productive lives.

Your group can organize a seminar by Dr. Camilo Cruz designed to do exactly that, at little or no cost to the organization. Dr. Cruz does not charge honoraria for these events and organizations are entitled to 100% of the sponsorships obtained for the seminar. In addition, the American Dream collection can be utilized as an income generator for the organization.

Due to Dr. Cruz’s experience, the importance of the message, and the quality of the Kit, local groups have been able to garner in-kind support from venue and media partners who are eager to contribute to a program that offers valuable and long-term support to Latino communities.

What is our commitment to the event? Sponsoring organizations are responsible for securing an appropriate venue and ensuring widespread promotion and coverage of the event in local media that will result in an average of 500 participants.

LIDER will fully support your media efforts by providing full access to a complete media kit, graphics, and PSAs. Dr. Cruz is available for telephone radio interviews prior to the event as well as print and television interviews on site.

Hispanic Unity sponsored Dr. Cruz's workshop because his message is one of empowerment --of hope-- of possibilities. And, he did not disappoint us, or the audience. He encouraged and cajoled, and reminded us that our dreams are possible. He showed us how to eliminate obstacles so that we can, as our agency's mission states: 'help lead productive lives.' And happy ones too.” Josie Bacallao, CEO, Hispanic Unity of Florida