The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) is a national membership organization that addresses the professional needs of Latino/Latina independent producers. NALIP is the first such effort aimed at Latino production in thirty years, and it is the first to last more than one year and to provide ongoing support for the Latino independent film and video makers. We stand as the premiere Latino media organization, addressing for nine years the most underrepresented and the largest ethnic minority in the country.

NALIP's mission is to promote the advancement, development and funding of Latino/Latina film and media arts in all genres. NALIP is the only national organization committed to supporting both grassroots and community-based producers/media makers along with publicly funded and industry-based producers. NALIP's values are:

• Commitment to Latino/Latina media and filmmakers, regardless of the form or content of their work
• Commitment to respect for diversity based on a code of ethics open to and respectful of differences, including gender, geography, color, class, age, ethnicity, language, sexuality, religion, genre or physical abilities
• Commitment to solidarity and accountability, applying our code of ethics to the selection, funding and mentoring process
• Commitment to raise the question of historical and cultural relevance and awareness of Latinos and Latinas
• Commitment to solidarity, alliance building and multiple visions of Latina/Latino experiences within the local, national, international and global context

NALIP has had success holding nine national Conferences, plus five other National Initiatives: a Latino Writer's Lab™, a Latino Producers Academy™ and a published/on-line Latino Media Resource Guide™, our "Doing your Doc: Diverse Visions, Regional Voices" documentary development workshops plus the fourth Latino Media Market™ held during our 2008 Conference 9. We are now fundraising to support and expand these programs in 2009, plus solidify the infrastructure of our organization to better serve our membership and community.

Founded in 1999 by a group of Latino producers, academics and media activists, NALIP is emerging as the premiere Latino media organization. During the first NALIP conference in San Francisco in June 1999, NALIP was established by the conference participants, and the above mission and organizational guiding principles were adopted. A Steering Committee was created and approved with a mandate to implement the mission.

Different organizational models were discussed: membership, trade/professional development, and advocate. It voted to develop a structure that embraced power-sharing, that provided decision-making opportunities to the membership at large, that facilitated effective communication, and that promoted an efficient running organization. National Council of La Raza agreed to serve as NALIP’s fiscal sponsor.

During 1999, the founding organizations (NLCC, NCLR, LPBP and NHFA) were represented on the Steering Committee. This body transitioned into a committee of individuals, until incorporation and By-laws were completed. The operational principles adopted included:

• Transparency of operational principles
  
• Accountability
  
• Creation of reasonable timelines and workplans
  
• Communication among the Steering Committee and its members

In June 2000, NALIP held a second conference in Miami, an event which has become an annual staple in the organization's expanding list of Signature Programs. With an initial attendance exceeding 300 media makers, academics, media activists, and supporters, the conference has grown in scope and audience. The highlights include exploration of workshops themes, support by local governmental agencies, diversified funding, and an incredible show of star power.

For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions!