[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 103 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1417-E1418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO LORRAINE GRANADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2000

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the splendid 
efforts and notable accomplishments of an extraordinary woman in the 
1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper 
that we recognize this community leader for her exceptional record of 
civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this 
outstanding citizen that I rise to honor Lorraine Granado.

[[Page E1418]]

  Lorraine Granado has been on the frontlines of progress in Denver for 
decades. She has been an organizer and powerful advocate in work she 
describes as ``real life stuff.'' Throughout her life, Ms. Granado has 
promoted the well being of all people, including Latinos. As an 
organizer, she describes herself as ``a person who works with people 
who have a real need, a willingness to do something about it, and a 
passion for social justice.''
  Presently, she is the Executive Director of the Cross-Community 
Coalition in the Globeville, Swansea and Elyria neighborhoods in 
Denver. People in these communities have weathered tremendous change 
over the years and through Ms. Granado's efforts, they are able to 
better address issues related to economic empowerment and environmental 
justice because of her common sense approach to problem solving. 
Through her leadership, the Cross Community Coalition continues to 
bring tangible benefits to disadvantaged people through their Family 
Resource Center which offers job training and placement, various social 
services, and after school programs.
  Lorraine Granado has helped build a number of organizations through 
her work in board development, non-profit management, media relations, 
leadership development, advocacy, teaching organizing techniques, and 
public policy participation. She has served as an organizing member of 
various organizations including: the Colorado Women's Lobby; the 
Elyria/Swansea Economic Development Corporation; Hispanics of Colorado; 
the National Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign; the Better Jobs for Women 
Project; the Colorado People's Environmental and Economic Network; 
People of Color Consortium Against AIDS; and the Colorado Coalition for 
Full Employment Project. Her accomplishments include: helping to re-
write Denver's Industrial Zoning Code to include residential buffer 
zones; working with members of the National Chemical Manufacturers 
Association to develop guidance for community outreach; helping stop 
the placement of a regional medical waste incinerator in the community; 
developing a conference with the Environmental Protection Agency to 
address Brownfields issues and explore ways in which community members, 
developers and government can work together to redevelop communities.
  It comes as no surprise that Lorraine Granado received the Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award because of her beliefs, values, 
philosophy and determination to forward non-violence as a means of 
achieving peace and justice.
  Please join me in commending Lorraine Granado. It is the strong 
leadership that she exhibits on a daily basis that continually enhances 
our lives and builds a better future for all Americans. Her life serves 
as an example to which we should all aspire.

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