Q. Why is the issue of smart money management important to Latino leaders like myself?

By 2005, Hispanic Americans will be the largest minority group in America, with more than $400 billion in purchasing power. However, only 63% of Hispanic adults are taking advantage of financial services, compared to 88% of the general population. By understanding basic skills and practices involved with smart money management, you will be able to teach members of your community, who in turn will pass that information on to family and friends. Your contribution to the education of a handful of individuals has the ability to change the financial opportunities of many more people.

Q. What is the best way to ensure that I will have a good turn out at my workshop?

During the pilot phase of the program, Trainers had the most success securing attendance by partnering with an existing SER or LNESC class. By doing this, you are taking the workshop to an already formed audience.

You can also look to your church or local school council to find out if they have groups that regularly meet…there may be a way for you to make your presentation to a group that is already planning to get together.

Q. What should I do to prepare for my workshop?

To be sure that you have made all the necessary plans, review the "Getting Started" section of your trainer's guide. Also, rehearse your presentation in front of a mirror and then try it on your family and friends. Practice until it comes easily and you have no problems making adjustments.

Q. What is the maximum number of people I should have in my workshop?

Generally groups of 20 work best because it gives the Trainer a chance to interact with participants and work through the budget and Q&A portions of the session.

Q. Should I bring both the Spanish brochure and English brochures to distribute at my presentation?

Yes. For example, you may know that your audience speaks mostly Spanish, yet participants may request brochures for friends or family members who only speak English. It's better to have both versions.

Q. What should I do if I run out of brochures?

You can always contact the Help Desk or the LULAC national office to request more. If you're in a bind, you can go to the LULAC Website and download a PDF version of the brochure in either English or Spanish.

Q. What other tips are there for helping me get people to my workshop?

Start planning early. As mentioned before, take advantage of any existing events and try to get your presentation inserted in the program. Invite your friends, family and co-workers. Look for opportunities to promote your workshop: make an announcement at your LULAC chapter meeting and contact your newspaper to see if they'll cover the event.

Q. If I want to get the local newspaper to run an announcement telling the community that I will be hosting an "Art of Building a Financial Future" workshop, what should I do?

You should telephone the Community News writer and be prepared to give him/her all of the details about the upcoming workshop. It is best to call them 2-3 weeks in advance of the event. Be sure to mention that it is free and that it is not a promotional/sales event.

Q. What do I do if I do not know the answer to a question asked by a workshop participant or by a reporter?

We strongly encourage you to refrain from attempting to answer a question you are not sure about. Remember that you have a series of tools (brochure, Website information, phone numbers) that you can share with workshop participants to help them get their questions answered. You will be doing them a disservice by giving them incorrect information. Also, feel free to submit the question to the Help Desk and we can help get you an answer.

Q. What is a good tool for getting the workshop group engaged in my presentation?

The best tool we have found to energize participants is asking them to respond to questions. For example, you can ask for a show of hands of people who have ever created a budget for their family, or how many people in the room have credit cards. It's an easy way to get people to pay attention.

Q. Is it all right to bring along someone to help me when I'm giving a presentation?

Of course it is, and we encourage you to do so whenever possible. You will have materials to pass out, a PowerPoint or overhead presentation to manage and questions to field – you'll surely be able to make use of help if you can get it.

Q. How important is it that I distribute, collect and send in the evaluation forms included in my Trainer's Guide?

It is vital that we (LULAC and MasterCard) receive the completed evaluation forms. Without them, we will not be able to improve the materials and know if we are making an impact.

Q. What type of information should I record during the workshop and report back to the program?

To give us an idea of the number of people we are reaching, you should do an accurate head count and be sure that everyone who attends signs in. Write down any questions that are raised. Make notes about specific ideas you have to improve the presentation or the program.

Q. What else can I do to provide this information in the community?

Look for opportunities to distribute the brochures. Hand them out at local community events. Work with your local SER or LNSEC to make sure they're distributing brochures. Publicize your workshops so that they are well attended.

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