The Census Bureau of the United States estimates that as of July 1, 2013, there lived approximately 54 million Latinos in the United States. This means that of the total population in the United States, Latinos made up 17 percent of the population.

A significant issue that we Latinos face is the lack of action. I say "we" because I consider myself among the guilty. We make up 17 percent of the population, and lately, we have seen how the media has increased the discourse about matters pertaining to our race and our culture. Finally, right? It seems all fine and dandy,except that there is a problem; the majority of the discourse is stemming from politicians calling us criminals, and murderers, among other obscenities, and we are letting it fly!

Instead of taking advantage that the world is finally bringing attention to our issues, we sit and hope that others finish the job for us. The problem is not that we are unable to act. On the contrary, the number of people who have the ability to make significant changes today only grows. As a minority populace, we have been conditioned to expect that the "man behind the TV" will do the work for us. However, with those getting up on stage speaking negative things about us, can we really rely on them to make a change for the better? I mean seriously? Look at this guy.

Whether we hear words beyond our understanding, or we are intimidated by those that are more educated than us, we act as if we were children hiding behind our parents. We need to put an end to the excuses that prevent us from taking action and stand up and begin to do something beneficial for the future of Latinos, and the generations that are to come.

I think more than anything, it is very important to know that our voices do make a big difference. The more involved we are, the more informed we are about things of importance. We want an immigration reform? We want to put an end to racism? We want our struggles to be taken into account? Then let us do something about it.

In addition, it is crucial to let those advocating for us know, that we are appreciative and that their decisions and efforts do have an impact on our lives as Latinos. They have to know that we are grateful, but at the same time, that we are willing to stand next to them and fight, and not behind. This fight does not have a single owner. This fight is for all of us Latinos. More than anything, this fight has power and potential to increase, but we must stand up and accept the challenge understanding one thing-- it is not easy.

Voting time is approaching, and whoever wins the election will have a direct impact on the Latino community without a doubt. If you have the privilege to vote, please do so. I cannot stress it enough how important it is that you do so.

We care about our families we have close to us, and the ones we left behind pursuing the American Dream. We care about the safety of our jobs and our lives as minorities in this country, especially during times like these where it seems that as minorities, we are losing our voices, more and more every day, but we can not give up, we have not been defeated.

Our battle has just begun. Our numbers are large, and they continue to grow along with our voices. The voice of the Latino only becomes stronger as we unite. We are known for being workers, fighters, and for having a perseverance that is difficult to beat.

It is time to remind everyone around us that we are not invisible, and we are no longer hiding behind the shadows of yesterday. It is time to remind everyone around us that we are not just some, pinata-making, border-crossing, criminals.

We are people with dreams.

You want to see a difference in the world? I encourage you to no longer rely on your neighbor. Get up. Do something about it. Also, if you are not a Latino, and want to know how to help, remember that we are always happy to have you on our side. We love you, you love us, deal? Lastly, ask yourself, If not now, when? If not us, who?