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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We made it, friend! We have pulled through another year of advocating for what our community deserves and growing as changemakers. This year marked historic strides to celebrate the contributions of ALL of our members, and capacitate emerging RGV trailblazers to advocate for the issues that matter most to them, whether that’s basic needs like running water and paved roads in the colonias, LGBTQ visibility and education, or fighting against anti-immigrant legislation. LUPE could not be more proud of your amazing organizing efforts. This year, we hosted marches from Brownsville to the Capitol, demonstrating our pueblo power and demanding that the voices of our community continue to be heard on the issues we care most about. You have helped amplify our pueblo's agenda by signing petitions and pledging to exercise your voice at the ballots this election. You showed up and showed out for our community, and we couldn't have done it without you, friend.
We know this year wasn't always the most gentle (or kind) to our gente, but we pushed through together. That is why in this edition of the newsletter we are highlighting the top 10 most impactful moments of 2024. Your continued support helps us shape the Rio Grande Valley into a place that celebrates our community’s contributions. Thank you once again for your commitment, passion, and dedication to justicia. As we embark on a new year, let’s use 2024 as a reminder of our pueblo power.
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In solidarity, Estefania and the LUPE Team ❤️ |
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This year the organizing department at LUPE helped keep our communities informed about their pueblo power! From organizing the biggest LUPE march, and the Annual Cesar Chavez March, to helping hardworking families all across the RGV receive the adequate living conditions and basic infrastructure. We know that when we stand together, we are stronger together. The fight does not stop there; the organizing team is prepared to continue to advocate for humane immigration policies and issues that matter most to our gente.
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| ⭐ Monthly Junta Generales! |
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| ⭐ Colonias organized and counting! |
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You can read more about our members' 2024 organizing achievements below! |
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The Story Continues: Organizing Colonia Victories |
| Bridging the Digital Divide Gap in the RGV! |
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2024 was a BIG year for the Education Department at LUPE! After noticing the lack of youth involvement at LUPE, former Education Equity Specialist Carla Ocadiz advocated for creating a space for youth involvement. Thus the creation of LUPE Youth! Today, LUPE continues to help keep students informed about their right to access higher education and empower youth to take control of their future to create the change they want to see in the RGV.
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⭐ In 2024, with the amazing work and vision of Education Equity Specialist, Carla Ocadiz, LUPE Youth was born and with it the start of the Undocu Adulting Sessions. Throughout the year, Carla collaborated with partner organizations to host informative sessions catered to undocumented youth in the RGV. |
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⭐ Perhaps one of the Education Department's greatest accomplishments was the creation of the Al Colegio Si Se Puede: Undocumented Student Guide, a 7-chapter guide for undocumented students that want to pursue higher education after high school. Filled with valuable information regarding financial aid to highlighting local RGV gems.
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For more than 22 years, LUPE has provided low-cost services to our 8,000+ members. As a non-profit organization, our membership base is the driving force of our movimiento. Today, our experienced social services staff continues to assist members on their pathway to citizenship. LUPE’s immigration services and advocacy will continue without interruption. We will keep our doors open to those who seek support, safety, and solidarity.
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| ✅ Our membership offers exclusive perks like free English classes and citizenship classes. And in 2024, for the first time ever, LUPE introduced free basic computing classes to all members! |
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In 2024, we served over 18,729 people. 💼 |
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This 2024 election season, despite the spread of disinformation and countless attacks on our Latinx vote, our civic engagement team helped keep our members informed on the importance of casting a vote. Thanks to the help of our canvassers, our civic engagement team was able to go door to door across the RGV to inform voters on what they can expect at the polls. Today, we are met with the reality of another four years of an administration that incites hate and divides our community. In 2025, we are committed to supporting and defending the rights of everyone, no matter their status, race, gender, or origin. This legislative season we are prepared to uplift the voices of our community all the way in the Capitol. ¡Si Se Puede!
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For the first time, LUPE visits detention centers to register eligible inmates to vote! The truth is there are over 400,000 eligible voters across the nation who were able to cast their vote this year. By making voting accessible to people in detention, they are given the fair opportunity to vote for a better future. |
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We Are Excited to Announce The Launch of Our Podcast!
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The 89th Legislative Session has begun, and with it the launch of our new podcast, 140 Days! Our Civic Engagement team will keep you updated on the latest bills that could impact the RGV. Check out the first two episodes by clicking the link below! |
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‘Know Your Rights' Trainings |
In light of the recent attacks unjustly targeting our immigrant communities. Amidst the chaos and fear tactics, the rise of disinformation threatens our community with the intention of pushing us back into the shadows and staying quiet.
LUPE will continue to empower our community by informing them about their rights. We will be offering Know Your Rights sessions at our San Juan, Alton, San Benito, and Rio Grande LUPE offices. |
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Resilience & Resistance: Movie Night |
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Join us for a magical Valentine’s night to enjoy Wicked! 💚 In light of recent attacks on our community that seek to scare us back into the shadows, isolate, and divide us, we’re choosing to center community care and joy. In this second edition of our Resistance & Resilience campaign, let’s celebrate by bringing our neighbors together for a special movie night during Valentine’s weekend! 🩷
🗓️ February 15, 2025.
📍 1601 US-83 BUS, San Juan, TX—LUPE San Juan.
🍿 Free popcorn and community resources!
🚪 Doors open at 4:30PM.
🎥 Movie begins at 5PM sharp.
No better way to portray your love for your friends, loved ones, and community, than defying gravity together! ✊
ENG Audio with SPA subtitles.
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Save The Date: 22nd Annual Cesar Chavez March |
Join us for LUPE’s 22nd Annual César Chávez March on Saturday, March 29th as we honor his legacy and continue the fight for justice. Now more than ever, we must celebrate our roots, uplift our communities, and stand in solidarity for the rights of workers, immigrants, and all who fight for a better future.
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La Union del Pueblo Entero
1601 US-83 BUS
San Juan , TX 78589
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