Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs
Launches OLAnet at Library Program for Hispanic Community

YOUNGSTOWN (October 10, 2007) - The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is partnering with the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA) to announce the launch of a new technology tool for the Hispanic community.

OCHLA will hold two workshops in the Computer Center of Main Library, 305 Wick Ave. to demonstrate OLAnet, a web-based technology tool that will enable everyone across the state to find, distribute, and communicate information of interest to Latino and Latino serving organizations in each community.

Main Library's OLAnet Training Workshops will be held on November 16, 2007. Two sessions are available: Session 1: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. or Session 2: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Reserve a place by email to: Lilleana.cavanaugh@ohio.gov or by calling 614-466-8333.

“OLAnet will bring together resources, information and knowledge from across the State. We believe this tool comes at a critical time for Latino and Latino serving organizations, to take advantage of technology to close the gap and open our communication channels across Ohio ,” expressed Ezra Escudero, OCHLA 's Executive Director.

The workshop will include an overview presentation on OLAnet and the OCHLA Community Alliance Network model. During this event, OCHLA will conduct a hands-on demonstration of the OLAnet technology. Participants will have the opportunity to register their respective organizations into the OLAnet database, post news and events relevant to each group's activities.

The purpose of the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs is to advise state government on issues affecting Hispanic Ohioans, to connect the diverse Latino communities across the state, and to build the capacity of community organizations so they may better serve the fast growing Latino population of Ohio.