El Comercio de Colorado

By Christian Chavez Balbuena

Summary: The purpose of this internship was to support Spanish-speaking communities in Colorado by providing accessible and reliable information on political events, health programs, education resources, and anti-immigration policies. Through collaboration with El Comercio de Colorado, I worked under the supervision of Jesús Sánchez, where I contributed to the collection, synthesis, and publication of critical information in both print and digital formats. This project was aimed at reaching populations that often lack access to digital media, ensuring that important updates were delivered in Spanish and tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, the project highlighted the importance of paper-based media in immigrant communities, where access to technology remains limited.

My work focused on increasing awareness and engagement within the community, empowering individuals with the information they needed to make informed decisions during election cycles, access health programs, and understand their rights in the face of anti-immigration policies. This report outlines the impact of these initiatives, the challenges faced during the process, and the valuable lessons learned throughout the internship experience.

The internship opportunity began in the Spring of last year as part of a class project through the Department of Spanish at the University of Denver. Under the supervision of Jesús Sánchez, who works for a Spanish-speaking journalism company called El Comercio de Colorado, I had the chance to work closely with the community, delivering critical information through print and digital media. My main role was to collect, synthesize, and prepare information for publication, focusing on political events, elections, health programs, and anti-immigration policies.

One of the unique aspects of this internship was the emphasis on print media. Many members of the Spanish-speaking community, particularly older generations or recent immigrants, still rely heavily on newspapers for information due to limited access to digital technology. This made our work especially impactful, as it allowed important information to reach people who might otherwise remain uninformed about political events, local resources, and changes in immigration policies.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of accessible journalism and the critical role that language plays in keeping communities informed. In a context where misinformation and lack of access can severely impact decision-making, providing reliable and understandable information in Spanish became not just a task, but a responsibility. This project report will detail the different areas covered during my internship, the methods used to reach the community, and the outcomes achieved through consistent, community-focused journalism.

During my internship at El Comercio de Colorado, I took on the role of Information Coordinator, focusing on gathering, analyzing, and presenting information relevant to Spanish-speaking communities. My work was divided into several key areas:

Electoral Coverage: I researched and synthesized information on political candidates, voter registration, and local elections in Colorado. The main objective was to ensure that Spanish-speaking communities were well-informed about their voting rights and the impact of local and national elections. This was particularly important for populations that often face barriers to political participation due to language limitations and lack of access to reliable information.

Health Programs: I worked on articles and reports that highlighted free and low-cost health programs available to immigrants and Latino families in Colorado. The focus was on making healthcare information accessible and understandable, especially for those who may not have health insurance or access to regular medical care.

Anti-Immigration Policies: One of the most critical areas of focus was the coverage of anti-immigration policies and their impact on local communities. Through clear and straightforward articles, I helped break down complex policies, explaining their implications and providing resources for those affected.

Print and Digital Media: Given the reliance on traditional media within these communities, much of the work was distributed through printed newspapers and local bulletins. I also collaborated on digital platforms to extend the reach of the content, ensuring that both older generations and younger, tech-savvy readers could access the information.

Integration of Spanish Language Media Production Skills: My participation in the Spanish Language Media Production micro-credential at the University of Denver allowed me to apply multimedia skills in real-world settings. I utilized strategies for bilingual content creation, media production, and content distribution, enhancing the quality and reach of the articles I worked on.

Community Engagement through Ballot Discussions: As part of my internship, I also participated in community events, including brewery-hosted ballot discussions and debates. These events allowed me to connect with local community members, understand their concerns, and report on their perspectives regarding proposed laws and policies. I conducted interviews and synthesized information to help Spanish-speaking communities understand the implications of these initiatives, contributing to more informed civic participation.

The combination of traditional journalism and modern media strategies allowed the information to be accessible, culturally relevant, and impactful for Spanish-speaking communities across Colorado.

The impact of my internship at El Comercio de Colorado was visible through various community-centered outcomes. One of the key achievements was the increased awareness of political and social issues among Spanish-speaking communities. Through print and digital articles, information about elections, voter registration, and political candidates reached populations that are often underrepresented and uninformed due to language barriers.

Additionally, the reporting on anti-immigration policies provided clarity and guidance during times of political tension. Many families, including mine, expressed gratitude for having straightforward information in Spanish that explained the legal implications of new policies, as well as the rights and protections available to them.

The integration of my skills from the Spanish Language Media Production micro-credential also enhanced the quality and reach of the articles. The use of multimedia elements in online publications and the strategic distribution in print allowed the information to reach a broader audience, including those without regular access to digital platforms.

My internship experience at El Comercio de Colorado not only deepened my understanding of journalism and media production but also reinforced the power of accessible information in empowering communities. Working directly with Spanish-speaking populations showed me the critical role that language and reliable information play in bridging gaps and promoting civic engagement.

Through articles that covered political events, educational opportunities, and anti-immigration policies, I saw firsthand how journalism can serve as a tool for advocacy and community empowerment. Providing clear, accurate, and culturally relevant information allowed community members to make informed decisions, participate in local processes, and understand their rights amidst complex political changes.

This experience has solidified my commitment to community-focused journalism and the importance of accessible media for marginalized populations. Moving forward, I am determined to continue contributing to projects that prioritize community engagement, information accessibility, and social justice for Spanish-speaking communities.

Lastly, I believe that there is potential to implement digital literacy programs that empower individuals to navigate online news platforms safely and effectively. Increasing digital access and technological fluency can bridge the gap for those who traditionally rely on print media, allowing for a broader dissemination of information.

I am committed to furthering this mission through community-driven storytelling and advocacy, using journalism as a tool to promote equity, justice, and civic participation in Spanish-speaking communities across Colorado and beyond.

Link to internship portfolio