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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With Summer vacation in full swing and rainbow flags on full display, I am excited to bring you this special HOT-TO-GO edition of our Summer Newsletter. In this edition, we're highlighting the queer Latinx voices in our community and the work they are doing to create an RGV that celebrates authenticity, love, and empowerment.
We are also taking the time to honor the rich contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities–past and present–who have worked tirelessly to make the Rio Grande Valley a place where everyone can thrive regardless of their place of origin. Their resilience and dedication to justice continue to shape the movement and inspire the next generation of leaders, including you, friend.
Read on to learn all about our Pride Committee's hard work and dedication planning this year's 2nd Annual Pride Celebration, find community resources to help navigate encounters with ICE or other state officials, and discover ways to get involved during your Summer free time. Don't forget to check out the exciting upcoming events at the end–like our Roblox Virtual Rally Event that's just around the corner.
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In solidarity, Estefania and the LUPE Team ❤️ |
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SHOUT OUT TO OUR LUPE PRIDE COMITÉ |
LUPE proudly and loudly celebrated our 2nd Annual Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 28th. Before the celebration and behind the scenes of the discoteca planning was our dedicated Pride Committee.
Through monthly meetings, stories, and laughs shared during our art sessions, our comité went above and beyond to make another successful Pride Celebration. The comité was recognized and crowned at our Pride Celebration for their efforts and for being the queens that they are! Read more about our LUPE Pride Celebration and more information on how to join our Pride Comite on our blog! |
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UPLIFTING QUEER VOICES IN THE VALLEY |
Luis Castillo, an activist for education equity, LGBTQIA rights, and LUPE Pride Comité member, shared a few words with our community on the importance of advocating for inclusive spaces, and his experience as an undocumented, queer individual living in the Valley. “I had to come out of the closet twice. Once because I was undocumented and the other because I [am] gay.”- Luis
In his speech, Luis also brings awareness to the daily challenges and violence our community faces, and calls out the current administration for the passing of recent anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation that takes away essential health care access, and promotes homophobia on school grounds. To hear Luis' full speech, click the link below. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ESL, CITIZENSHIP AND COMPUTER LITERACY STUDENTS! |
Recently, our ESL, Citizenship and Computer Literacy LUPE students completed their courses and were awarded their certificates at a ceremony celebrating their effort, dedication and willingness to learn. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments and applaud our LUPE teachers for their unwavering support and guidance. Did you know that these classes are free to all members? Learn more about the next class cycle on our social media post.
Don't forget to leave a congratulatory comment for our amazing students and teachers! |
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CELEBRATING COLONIA SAN CLEMENTE ON THEIR PUBLIC LIGHTING WIN |
Today we are highlighting the work of our members of Colonia San Clemente. Community leader and San Clemente Colonia resident, Beatrice Camacho, had this to say about victory:
“After 11 years, our colonia is finally able to access public lighting. We worked together to collect signatures and met with local leaders to discuss the challenges we were facing due to the lack of public lighting in our neighborhood.” Behind every great leader there is a great mentor and LUPE Organizer Marcela was there every step of the way, providing support and guidance to the colonia residents. She shared her thoughts on the community's recent accomplishment:
“This win reaffirms our mission at LUPE: the most important thing someone can do for themselves and their community is to participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives.”
Now, Beatrice and her neighbors at the Colonia San Clemente are one more lit-up colonia. Like most changes, this did not happen overnight–this was all made possible through their collective action and civic engagement. San Clemente's next organizing venture? Organizing for street signs for special-needs youth in their neighborhood! Together, we are building stronger and healthier communities across the Valley! Si Se Pudo!
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LUPE will continue hosting monthly virtual Know Your Rights Sessions. Our first session brought over 20 participants who shared questions and concerns that our expert staff was able to help answer. The next session will be on Tuesday, August 12, through Zoom.
We encourage everyone, regardless of your immigration status, to join these sessions. When we stay informed, we can better protect one another. To receive text message notifications and reminders for the next meetings, sign up using our button below or by visiting our website at www.lupenet.org/kyr25.
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A compiled list of community resources in case of an encounter with ICE or other state officials. |
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Print your own Red Cards and share them with family, friends, and loved ones! Click the link below to download Red Cards available in both Spanish and English. |
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LUPE’s dedicated organizing team is calling on the community to unite around the long-neglected issues of drainage and infrastructure—challenges that LUPE and its members have been addressing for years. Long before the March flood, LUPE members have been advocating at commissioner courts, gathering signatures, and demanding the improvements our neighborhoods deserve. Now, as the effects of climate change affect more people across the region, it’s time to build even stronger collective power for lasting change. Join our efforts to create an RGV that prioritizes the necessary infrastructure our community needs.
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LUPE Votes: Roblox Capitol Rally Round Up |
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The time is NOW to organize and let our voices be heard about the issues that matter most to us. Join our Roblox Rally Round Up happening on Roblox on Wednesday, August 6th at 5 p.m. We will be sharing youth resources, updates on the 89th Lege session, and have special guest speakers joining us. |
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The Cost of Cuts: A Community Conversation on the RGV's Future |
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Recently, major organizations in the Valley have been affected by the recent cuts to federal funding. Now our community faces another threat to Medicaid coverage, SNAP, and other assistance programs following the passage of the Big Ugly Bill. Come and hear directly from some of these organizations and county officials at our panel. RSVP at www.lupenet.org/cuts.
Friday, August, 15, 2025 5 P.M
702 Cullen St., 78541, Edinburg, Tx. |
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We invite you to stand with our youth and to stay informed by joining our upcoming Junta General at our LUPE San Benito office on August 8th at 6 p.m. We’ll be discussing recent legislative updates and keep our community informed on how these new laws will impact our students and hard working families in the RGV. |
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7th Biennial LUPE Gala
Sowing Seeds Of Change: “Our Roots, Our Power” |
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SAVE THE DATE for October 16th 2025.
Join us for our 7th Biennial LUPE Gala. Sowing seeds of change: “Our roots, Our Power”, helps us reflect on the deep connection of our history and the collective power we wield to build a just future.
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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