La Liga: Weekly Newsletter
October 15, 2020

Issue No. 27
LULAC.org

Hello John,

Here’s what we have for you. A federal appeals court has upheld voter suppression in Texas. We help bring Hispanic Heritage Month to a close tomorrow, and invite you to join a panel discussion on the future of innovation and work. Also, October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.

Here’s what else you will find in this issue:

• Take a moment to check in with yourself and find mental health resources with the How Right Now Initiative.
• Look back at our discussion on empowering Latinos in higher education.

By Diego Tum-Monge

LULAC is Headed to the U.S. Supreme Court After a Federal Appeals Court Allows Voter Suppression in Texas

Voting rights suffer during early voting in Texas.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) said Tuesday it is taking its lawsuit to the U.S. Supreme Court after a ruling late Monday by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals panel upheld a proclamation by Texas Governor Greg Abbott which means Texas voters will only have one drop-off location per county for absentee ballots.

“We’re going to the Supreme Court because this is clearly a setback for Texas voters,” says Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. “The ruling by the appeals court sends a strong message that voter suppression is allowed even when it threatens all Texans and our nation’s democracy. It is offensive to every reasonable American to allow a politician the power to stifle lawful votes and essentially rig the outcome to an election, especially during a pandemic,” he added.

Early voting is underway and record levels of mail-in and absentee ballots are already being seen from voters anxious to avoid the risk of contracting COVID-19 if they vote in person.

“LULAC is fighting to protect the right of every voter in this critical election,” says Luis Roberto Vera, Jr., General Counsel for the League of United Latin American Citizens. “Abbott and Paxton are rushing ahead at all costs because they know 5.6 million Hispanic votes are on the line,” adds Vera.

A new poll from the University of Houston and UNIVISION forecasts more than 90% of Hispanic voters in Texas are likely to vote in this election. “LULAC is non-partisan and what is important to us is transparency and integrity in the voting process,” says Linda Chavez, LULAC National Board Member and Vice-President for the Southwest.

Meanwhile, Hispanic civil rights leaders are focused on continuing get-out-the-vote efforts even as the court battle intensifies. “This only motivates us more,” says Rodolfo Rosales, Jr., State Director of Texas LULAC. “The final countdown is on and we're working nonstop through November 3rd when the polls close. LULAC members are

committed to urge every Hispanic who is able to vote to do so and the sooner the better,” stated Rosales.

Innovation and the Future of Work in the Wake of COVID-19

Register! | TODAY, October 15th at 4 p.m. ET

Technology innovation has the potential to transform virtually every aspect of our lives. Yet, for Latino communities those changes may be a double-edged sword unless we’re prepared to deal with them.

Register now at LULAC.org/futureofwork. We invite you to join us as we discuss the importance of STEM education. Also, how changes through innovation and the future of work will impact underserved communities.

In a post-COVID world, rapid innovation in the healthcare sector is likely to lead to massive changes surrounding our well-being. These will enable doctors and hospitals to provide unprecedented levels of care to the greatest number of people. At the same time, technology will transform our workplaces in ways that have the potential to be both empowering, yet profoundly disruptive. How have our communities navigated the opportunities presented by technology innovations so far, and how should we prepare for even greater changes ahead? What will innovation look like in the ways we work, heal, and live? These are the questions we aim to answer. Join us for this timely and insightful event.

Moderator:

• Eric T. Gonzalez, Cybersecurity Compliance Specialist, Ridgeline

Panelists:

• Sindy Benavides, National CEO, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
• Dr. Gabriel Encontrías, Jr., Director, Health Equity at the American Psychiatric Association
• Ramiro A. Cavazos, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)
• Maurita Coley, President & CEO, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC)
• Eduardo Cetlin, President, Amgen Foundation

Opening and Closing Remarks:

• Rosa Mendoza, President & CEO, ALLvanza

Celebrate the impact of our community.

"How can I chip in?"

Today is the end of Hispanic Heritage Month! We invite you to look back at a month of stories from our members and program participants in honor of the strengths and inspirations of our unique heritage.

Our ask is simple. Please help support your communities by chipping in to our national programs and services. We are VERY close to our goal in donations. Donate today and double your gift thanks to a generous match from Walmart.

Follow LULAC on social media and never miss our notifications for live events!

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed?

See more. | How Right Now Initiative Shares New Tools to Help with Coping and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

LULAC has partnered with How Right Now to address people’s feelings of grief, loss and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. How Right Now is an initiative that offers information and support to help each of us cope and be resilient during this time. This program is made possible with funding through the CDC Foundation. Visit www.howrightnow.org to explore the resources. Additional resources are being developed and will be made available soon. So don’t wait. Check it out today.

Also, join us TODAY for a day of action. Taking care of yourself means taking time for yourself. We encourage you to take at least 10-15 minutes every couple of hours to help ease your stress, worry or sadness. For support, access How Right Now’s resources at https://lulac.org/r/E/MjE0NDcz/MTkxMzcy/0/0/YmlnamFja2J1bHdhcmtAZ21haWwuY29t/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaXQubHkvM2w2eEJYYyMhIyE/2923/1.

Latina/o Equity in U.S. Higher Education

Stream it here. | Just in case you missed it!

According to the Hispanic Equity Report at UT Austin, Latino employees and students experience vast inequalities around student enrollments, disparities in employee compensation, the lack of diversity in positions of leadership, and more. You can watch the recorded live stream on our Facebook page.

This webinar sparks the discussion to formulate a strategy to address Latina/o Equity in higher education as a partnership with LULAC, the Texas Center for Education Policy (TCEP) at The University of Texas at Austin, and local organizations, including the National Latina/o Education Research and Policy Project (NLERAPP). The Independent Equity Committee at the University of Texas at Austin has proposed to extend the Latina/o equity initiative to other colleges and universities in Texas and California. Together, our aim is to build a national campaign and develop a plan of action for equity assessment policies in higher education.

Submit your local event or stay up-to-date with our LULAC Calendar.

19

DAYS LEFT UNTIL ELECTION DAY

LULAC+ Lyft Presnet Ride to Vote

No matter how you choose to cast your vote, access to transportation should not be a barrier. This year LULAC has partnered with ridesharing service Lyft to get our Council and community members out to the polls during Early Voting and on Election Day. Lyft has provided LULAC an exclusive promo code that can be redeemed for a credit valid from 10/3/2020 - 11/3/2020.

Request your Lyft credit while spots last here: LULAC.org/lyft

A confirmation email with the promo code will be emailed to you. Limit one Lyft credit per user.

Volunteer for our Bilingual Voter Protection Hotline

In partnership with the NALEO Educational Fund, LULAC will be organizing nationwide voter assistance hotlines. Volunteers need to be English-Spanish bilingual and have access to their own laptop, phone, and wifi connection. Stipend may be available to volunteers who can work a full 8-hour shift per day. Voter Assistance Hotlines will operate from 7am - 7pm on Monday, November 2nd and from 7am - 8 pm on Election Day (November 3rd) LOCAL TIME. No prior experience required, volunteers will be provided training.

Volunteer to join one of our three hubs (Texas, California, or Washington DC) remotely here: LULAC.org/ourvote

Plan Your Vote with this trusted tool!

NBC News has important dates and information you need to know about mail-in and early in-person voting. Find your state and make a plan to vote!

Support these programs and others by donating today!

Grant opportunity for Latino-owned businesses

EXTENDED DEADLINE: October 28

Google.org announced a $3M grant to Hispanics in Philanthropy’s PowerUp Fund! Together with Ureeka—a community built to support and grow underrepresented small businesses—the PowerUp Fund helps grow Latino small businesses and assists entrepreneurs in building the skills to continue that growth in the future.

If you’re a Latino small businesses in California, Texas or New York, apply now at powerupfund.org/powerupfund.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day!

October 15th, 2020

Join us in continuing the conversation on raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in the United States and its territories. On this National Latinx AIDS Awareness day, LULAC is sharing the story of Raul, a brave individual who opened up about his experience after being diagnosed with HIV. Take a moment to read more about Raul on our LULAC Blog.

#SaludTues Bilingual Tweetchat

See it here! | “Advancing Precision Medicine for Latinos”

Despite the many advances in gene technology and the biomedical sciences, not everyone benefits from the latest medical treatments. Precision medicine is a type of medical treatment that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle.

A recent published study reveals many Latinos have never even heard of precision medicine. So how then can they benefit from these new types of treatments? Together, we can spread the word about precision medicine and change this!

Look back to the latest #SaludTues Bilingual Tweetchat on “Advancing Precision Medicine for Latinos” to spread this issue and invite discussion around solutions for our community. We were joined by UnidosUS; LAMDA; The Mexican Coalition/ Coalicion Mexicana; National Association of Hispanic Nurses; The National Alliance for Hispanic Health; National Hispanic Medical Association; The National Hispanic Council on Aging.

Visit https://lulac.org/r/E/MjE0NTYx/MTkxMzcy/0/0/YmlnamFja2J1bHdhcmtAZ21haWwuY29t/aHR0cHM6Ly9zYWx1ZC50by9wcmVjaXNpb24jISMh/2923/1 for more information about this tweetchat and Salud America.

Support these programs and others by donating today!

LULAC Councils

What are you doing to “Get Out the Vote”?

Share your photos with us at [email protected]!

43 Ark. college students receive scholarships from LULAC [Council 750]

Friday, October 9—KARK.com

Tell us what you’re doing to support your communities! Email us at [email protected].

National Partners

PhRMA's President & CEO condems Presidential Executive Order restricting diversity training

Stephen Ubi said, “Biopharmaceutical companies are pushing for necessary, positive and long-term systemic change to better meet the needs of Black and Brown communities in America. Follow our progress at phrma.org/equity.”

Take part in supporting our communities by donating today!

News and Updates

Trump urges Congress to "go big or go home" on coronavirus stimulus bill

Wednesday, October 14—CBS News

Small gatherings causing new COVID-19 infections, CDC director warns

Wednesday, October 14—The Hill

Vote Aquí: Join Us for a Live Event on the Latino Vote.

Tuesday, October 13—The New York Times

The 'untouched mass power' of Latino voters

Tuesday, October 13—The Guardian

Being Latina and the struggle of the dualities of two worlds

Monday, October 12—NevadaToday

Why some Latino essential workers remain overlooked amid racial reckoning protests

Sunday, October 11—ABC News

The $700 billion Hispanic business market in the U.S. is now at the tipping point

Sunday, October 11—CNBC Small Business Playbook

New reporting shows dark origins of Trump administration’s ongoing migrant family separation policy

Saturday, October 10—MSNBC

Hispanic families in Louisiana flee Hurricane Delta

Friday, October 9—CNN

LULAC in the News

Appeals court grants stay to Texas AG in mail-in ballot case

Sunday, October 11—The Associated Press

Federal Judge Blocks Texas Governor’s Move to Limit Ballot Drop-Off Sites

Saturday, October 10—The New York Times

A memorial for slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen was vandalized

Tuesday, October 6—CNN

Our Press Releases

Read our latest press releases published at LULAC.org/news/pr. The following are selected highlights:

Federal Appeals Court Blocks LULAC In Texas Voter Suppression Case—Tuesday, October 13

LULAC Denounces ICE Agents Posing As Police Officers And Calls For Their Firing—Monday, October 12

LULAC: View Native America Story Tapestry On Indigenous Peoples’ Day—Monday, October 12

LULAC Wins Federal Court Ruling In Texas Voter Suppression Case—Saturday, October 10

LULAC Files Lawsuit To Stop Texas Governor Voting Rules Changes—Saturday, October 3

Do you have a special story? Connect with us via email!

Latino Discovery Hub
Look here to find new authors, stories, artists, podcasts, and social influencers who helped shape the identities, cultures, and thoughts of your fellow readers.

This week is about: LATINO PODCASTS

Estrella, Revisited

In February of 2017, ICE agents detained Estrella inside an El Paso courthouse. Estrella, who is an undocumented trans woman, was there to testify in a domestic abuse hearing against her U.S. citizen ex-boyfriend. Her arrest made national headlines—until then courtrooms had been respected as off limit sanctuaries for undocumented people. Estrella was eventually sentenced to serve nine years behind bars for check fraud. In 2018, Latino USA released part one of Estrella’s story, documenting the months after her arrest. This is Estrella’s story—what she wants the world to know about her life behind bars and the ways the system continues to fail her.

How Majo Molfino Helps You Break the Good-Girl Myth

The writer and life designer warns about five self-sabotaging tendencies that prevent us from connecting to our purpose and true strength. In this intimate conversation, she holds nothing back as she talks about how being the daughter of immigrants put pressure on her to be “a good girl.” And breaks down the frameworks that keep so many of us trapped in other people's notions of who we should be.

ITT Sound Off: Organized Chaos

Maria and Julio discuss the highs and lows of the vice presidential debate. They hear from special guest Tauhid Chappell, an executive board member for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and Philadelphia Project Manager for the Free Press’ New Voices project, on what it means to see Kamala Harris in the limelight. They also discuss the superspreading event in the White House and the recent domestic terrorism plot in Michigan.

Next time, our topic will be on the LATINO VOTE. Do you have an idea for something we can feature? Email us at [email protected]!

Engage with us online.

Use @LULAC and #LULAC for a chance to be in the next issue of La Liga!

That’s all we have for this week. We’ll have one more edition before the November 3rd elections. VOTE!

WHAT’S NEXT?

• Chip in what you can to help us defend the right to vote in Texas and across the country.
• Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events.
• Look ahead to the end of Hispanic Heritage Month and look back at the shared stories of community members and leaders.

Did a friend share La Liga with you? Sign up to receive it here.

What do you think of the newsletter? What would you like to see in the next issue? Email us with your suggestions or questions at [email protected].