Alianza Ecuatoriana Internacional- Press Profile
2010 Union Square Award Recipient
54-15 35th Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
www.alianzaecuatorianaint.org
Media Contact: Walter Sinche, Founder
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (347) 684-7340
Alianza Ecuatoriana Internacional/International Ecuadorian Alliance (AEI) is dedicated “to strengthening Ecuadorian identity and motivating the active participation of the Latin American immigrant community in their development and in finding solutions to problems.” About 76,000 Ecuadorians lived in New York City in 1990; today, 170,000 residents live primarily in Queens and represent the City’s fourth-largest Latino group.
When several Ecuadorian immigrants were killed by perpetrators of hate crimes, AEI organized to bring attention to growing violence against Latino immigrants. The organization provided support to the families who were directly affected by the hate crimes, kept the issue alive in the media, and worked with public officials and community members to develop a response. The hate-motivated attacks propelled AEI to unite with other Ecuadorians and educate the broader society about Ecuadorians. Toward this purpose, AEI is developing services to meet the community’s long-term needs in the areas of immigrant rights, education, employment, health and culture.
Immigrant Rights. AEI seeks to educate Ecuadorians about the U.S. system of government, immigration laws and procedures and is a member of the New York Immigration Coalition, an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for more than 200 groups in New York State that works with immigrants and refugees.
Community Health. Since 2008, AEI has sponsored an annual Run-Walkathon called “El Chasqui,” which means “the messenger” in the Quechua language. Well-known Ecuadorian athletes and celebrities participate to promote a healthier lifestyle and heighten identity for the Ecuadorian community in the City.
Cultural Preservation. Since 2008, AEI has sponsored large public events that promote traditional culture and language from several Andean countries - Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. This year, the free event organized in conjunction with the walkathon at Flushing Park presented traditional dance, singers and musical performances and was attended by approximately 4,000 people.