Dear LCLAA Members and Allies,
I am honored and humbled to address you as the newly elected President of our remarkable organization. As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with a deep sense of pride and commitment to represent the interested and aspirations of our vibrant Latino workforce. I pledge to serve you and our community with passion, integrity, and the utmost determination.
First and foremost, I want to extend a personal thank you to our previous leadership. Our National Executive Board lead LCLAA through a difficult time in our nation's history, and with Yanira at the helm, our organization was able to harness our collective power to help workers nationwide. Their legacy has made our organization stronger than it has ever been before.
I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me, along with our new National Executive Board with the responsibility of leading our organization. Together, we stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of our Latino workforce. Our united voice holds the power to shape the course of our nation's democracy, as well as to advocate for the rights and dignity of every worker.
I extend a thank you to each and every one of you who joined us at our 24th National Membership Convention. Together we strategized ways in which to create justice for women, workers, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ workers. It is through events like these that we come together, share our experiences, and forge bonds that will undoubtedly propel us forward.
Our newly elected board has already begun its work to amplify the representation of Latino workers in all sectors of the workforce, to provide comprehensive educational resources to our members, and to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment of all workers.
Once again, thank you for your trust, your support, and your unwavering commitment to our cause. Let us move forward, hand in hand, as we shape a future that honors our past and embraces the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
In solidarity,
Evelyn DeJesus
National President of LCLAA
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On Saturday, August 5th, our newly elected board, Executive Officers, and National President was sworn in and welcomed. As we welcome a new era for our organization, we would like to thank the previous Executive Board and National President for their leadership, guidance, and firm commitment to our cause. Our newly elected National President, Evelyn DeJesus, and appointed slate promise build on the progress we have made, and to usher our organization into a brighter future.
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Together towards Tomorrow
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The first general plenary session inspired and sparked conversation with many of our members in attendance. With speakers Fred Redmond, Secretary Treasurer of AFL-CIO touching on the need to strengthen the labor movement on the island, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers speaking on the importance of unions in promoting democracy, and Terry Melvin, Leader of the Progressive Worker Coalition talking about the ways our labor movement can truly bring us towards a brighter future, they perfectly kickstarted our National Membership Convention. With such topics being discussed, the audience was revved up to collaborate with one another and engage in all the events scheduled for the week.
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For our Day of Service, LCLAA members and allies from all over the United States came together and held service projects with local organizations: Casa Rosana, Egida del Maestro, Casa Protegida Julia de Burgos - FTPR, and WIN-IBEW. Our membership worked closely with these organizations and cleaned, repaired, and redecorated allotted locations, paving the way for better available resources and environments.
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Moving our Organization Forward
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We are deeply grateful for all the members and unions who took the time to draft, discuss, and debate resolutions and constitutional amendments for LCLAA's 24th National Membership Convention. By creating and passing resolutions and amendments, our members have used their voice to make our organization reflective of their goals and ready to face the new challenges that will come our way.
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Working Towards a Brighter Tomorrow
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Working towards a brighter tomorrow, our convention featured a series of impactful workshops that catered to the diverse needs of our membership.Through the workshops, members and allies learned effective strategies to recruit women into the trades, address the challenges facing LGBTQ+ workers, and to advocate for protections for immigrant workers. These sessions provided valuable knowledge, support, and tools to help our members to thrive in their respected fields and create a more inclusive and equitable labor force.
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Creating Solutions for Latinas
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During the Women's Leadership Luncheon, a truly captivating fireside chat was hosted by our MC Janella Hinds allowing the audience to delve into the insights and experiences of three esteemed panelists. Evelyn DeJesus, representing AFT, Lupe Valles from OPEIU, and Gina Rodriguez from the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau. The fireside chat served as a powerful reminder of the remarkable impact that Latina leaders can have when they unite their voices and work towards common goals.
We also had the honor of recognizing exceptional Latina leaders of their outstanding contributions. The highlight of the award ceremony was the prestigious Maria Portalatin Women’s Leadership Award and the LCLAA’s Trabajadoras Award, which celebrated the remarkable achievements of three remarkable honorees -- Monica Lee Silbas and Jessica Tamayo and Xochitl Cobbraruvias respectively.
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Workers in a Global Economy
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The second plenary session was a thought-provoking and impactful discussion that delved into some crucial issues. Moderated by Lucia Gomez, Political Director of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, the four panelists of Mayra del Pilar, Rosana Fernandes, Carlos Alarcon, and Iris Munguia touched upon four critical topics: migration, solidarity work, violence against women in the workplace, and the experiences of Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities.
In the closing moments of the session, Yanira Merino, in her heartfelt retirement speech from the national presidency shared her valuable insights and experiences. Her words of wisdom and service to the community will be cherished and remembered as a guiding light for the future endeavors of LCLAA.
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LCLAA | Digital Communications and Programs Coordinator: To learn more about the position click here. All candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references and a writing sample. Please send materials to Karla Pineda, Deputy Director at headquarters@lclaa.org. The deadline to apply is August 31st, 2023.
LCLAA | Chapter Development and Field Coordinator: To learn more about the position click here. All candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references and a writing sample. Please send materials to Karla Pineda, Deputy Director at headquarters@lclaa.org. The deadline to apply is August 31st, 2023.
LCLAA | Advocacy, Communications and Policy Internship Program: LCLAA’s Internship Program exposes interns to administrative, communications, research, and legislative advocacy work. For more information email kpineda@lclaa.org.
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El Avance is published by the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the leading national organization for Latino(a) workers and their families. Since its inception in 1972, LCLAA has remained a grassroots organization driven and directed by Latino labor leaders who understand the importance of unionization in helping workers secure rights and protections on the job, empowering them to become voices for justice and change in their communities. To help us continue our support for workers, please consider donating to LCLAA and becoming a member. Thank you!
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