Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person is an activist, every minute is a chance to change the world!– Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder of La Union del Pueblo Entero |
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Welcome to our August newsletter. In this edition, we want to spotlight some new LUPE faces and share some exciting ventures our LUPE Communications and Civic Engagement team helped bring a virtual space to life.
Read on to learn more about how LUPE is combating the increased presence of ICE raids in the RGV and how we are helping spread facts, not fear. After learning more, you would want to make sure to RSVP to some inspiring upcoming events you won't want to miss. In times when our voices, stories, and history are threatened with silence, we invite you to join us in honoring our shared experiences and uplifting the powerful legacy we have built together.
And if you make it to the end of the newsletter, check out a special message from our LUPE Gala Keynote speaker.
Happy reading! |
In solidarity, Estefania and the LUPE Team ❤️ |
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| ICE is attacking our entire community in the RGV — immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. From family-owned businesses to everyday neighbors, fear and harassment are spreading.
Act now and help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors by signing up for one of our free ‘Know Your Rights' virtual training sessions at www.lupenet.org/kyr. Our upcoming session is on Tuesday, September 9th at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
Read our full statement on our Instagram, click here. |
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Sign Up to Testify at the Texas Capitol Against Harmful Bills! |
| On Monday, the Governor of Texas announced that he will be extending their second special session until September 13th. What’s on their agenda? Voter suppression bills! Sign up for our next trip to the Capitol at www.lupenet.org/movimiento. |
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Shout out to our Summer Interns! |
This summer, we welcomed three new members to our LUPE team. Liliana, Koraiza, and Eduardo joined our internship program and supported staff in different departments. For years, LUPE has welcomed students eager to get involved in their community. By interning with us, you can learn about social justice, community organizing, and how to work for positive change. Here's what the students had to share about their experience interning with LUPE this summer: |
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Lilian Escuerdo Development Intern |
| “Hi everyone! My name is Lilian Escudero and I was born in Mexico but grew up in Edinburg, Texas. I'm currently attending The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, majoring in both Marketing and Accounting, with a minor in Criminal Justice.
Outside of school, I really enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes, especially meals I can share with my family and friends. I also love playing volleyball at the local city league. When I’m able to, I love to volunteer in the community, which is what prompted me to become more involved in LUPE. Before interning, I would remotely volunteer by attending meetings or preparing supplies for several of the Marchas.
During my internship, I helped the Development Team organize and hand out funds to the recipients of the Dando La Mano application, fund research, and prepare for the upcoming Gala. My time interning at LUPE showed me just how powerful the organization is and how essential it is to the community. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and my team whose commitment to the cause inspired me to keep pushing even during difficult times. ”
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Eduardo Legorreta Administrations Intern |
| “My name is Eduardo Legorreta. I’m majoring in Business Finance at Austin College,
and I’m from Brownsville, Texas. Something people should know about me is that I’m always open to helping others whenever I can. I learned about LUPE from one of my wonderful professors at Austin College, Cate Bowman. She often brings students to the Rio Grande Valley to explore and learn about the culture here.
I primarily helped in the Administration Department, and I also supported the Social
Services Department whenever they needed an extra hand.
One of my biggest takeaways is seeing how strong and connected the LUPE community is. Everyone works together toward a common goal helping and uplifting the people of the Rio Grande Valley. I also learned how much administrative and logistical work goes into making everything run smoothly at LUPE. |
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I want to thank the community for being so welcoming and inspiring. The dedication and hard work I’ve seen at LUPE make a real difference, and I encourage everyone to stay involved and continue supporting one another.” |
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Koraiza Chavez Communications Intern |
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“My name is Koraiza Chavez, and I am a Junior at UTRGV majoring in public relations. I was born In Houston TX but raised in the RGV since I was 5yrs old. I have always been super passionate about making a change in my community. Every Christmas, I take part in donating to children through the Angel Tree program. When I was younger, I always dreamed of visiting hospitals during the holidays to bring gifts to both children and adults. My dream became a goal that I’m working on and hope to accomplish.
This Summer I helped the communications department with promotion videos and informative flyers; as well as researching on important Hispanic activists and cultural significant moments.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity and the experience I was blessed with. Some of the key takeaways I will take with me is how much work the team puts in for all the things that are done for the community. Every email, every event, every call is made with passion and prioritizing the people that surround us. |
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Overall, this internship reminded me of the power of working together for something bigger than ourselves. I leave inspired to keep building towards justice, help and opportunity for all.” |
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| Earlier this month, we joined forces with local organizations and across departments to build a virtual reality replica of the Austin Capitol on the gaming platform Roblox. Together we built a space to host our first ever virtual rally! Read all about this exciting venture on our recent blog post! |
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A few words from our Gala keynote speaker, Paola Ramos. We invite you to join us for our 7th Biennial LUPE Gala,
Sowing seeds of change: “Our roots, Our Power”, on October 16th, 2025.
Join us on MAYRIN EVENT CENTER
📍1117 Alberta Dr, Edinburg, TX 78542
There is no charge to RSVP, limited seating available, click the button below for more information. |
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At our upcoming Juntas Generales, we will talk about the rights that workers have on the job and what you can do when those rights are not respected. ⚖️✊
If you want to learn more about labor rights, how to protect yourself in cases like wage theft, and what resources are available to workers, join us at any of our upcoming juntas to hear more about your rights as a worker. 🦺👩🏭👨🍳🥾 |
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Visit from Jim Harrington |
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Join us at LUPE San Juan for a special event with Jim Harrington, nationally recognized civil rights attorney and fierce community advocate.
Come hear inspiring stories from his decades of work for justice alongside local justice fighters, farmworker families, and activists. |
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American Agitators Panel Discussion |
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Join us for a powerful night of storytelling & organizing!
American Agitators tells the story of legendary organizer Fred Ross Sr., icons like Dolores Huerta & Fred Ross Jr., and today’s movement leaders who continue fighting for justice and equality.
Stick around after the film for a panel discussion on organizing and the meaning of Labor Day |
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La Union del Pueblo Entero
1601 US-83 BUS
San Juan , TX 78589
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