L.U.L.A.C. (League of United Latin American Citizens), is a well known and well respected popular and sophisticated organization that has brought attention to many Latinos across America and even to some other ethnicities. LULAC is the largest Latino civil right and advocacy group in the United States. “We are 80 years and going strong. LULAC works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans from every region looking for freedom and an honest way of life.” – Alicia Rios.
Serve and Protect
Serving, uniting, rejoicing, and protecting the LULAC tradition is no easy job for Indiana’s L.U.L.A.C. Deputy State Director of Women’s Activities, Alicia Rios. In fact she is not only one of the most important people to know in the LULAC community but also the perfect example of a Latina immigrant who grew up in Mexico and came to the United States. She moved from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to East Chicago, Indiana in the 50’s and although she resides in Crown Point, Indiana, she will always consider herself a “harbor girl.” She attended East Chicago Washington High School and but ended up graduating from Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Indiana. Her and husband (Oscar Rios) have been married over 40 years and have three adult children (Dora Alicia, Raquel Elisa and Oscar Rios Jr.) Between those children they have seven grandchildren.
Rios stands as the Immediate Past LULAC National Vice President for the Midwest Region. “As a member of LULAC it is my duty and responsibility to serve the Hispanic community to the best of my ability.” Rios wants nothing but the best for Latinos across the nation. Just as many believed and have hope that one day equality will soon rein over American soil, Rios has a great belief that one day that will happen.
“As an officer of LULAC it is my responsibility to work with women and to support the issues that concern all women at the State and Local levels,” Rios said. LULAC was one of the first national organizations to place emphasis on the role of women. Its first council #9 was created on February 22, 1934, in El Paso, Texas.
Her Path
Rios grew up in East Chicago Indiana Harbor, and heard the great things LULAC Council #349 was doing for the Hispanic community back in the 1960’s. “I grew up as an individual; married, worked ( all my life ) moved to a different community while raising my children and burnt out by all of my labors. By then my family was growing up in Merrillville, Indiana, where we lived for 23 years. Once my children began their lives, I was left with an empty nest and at this time in my life, LULAC found me. I have been a member of LULAC for 20 years. I have followed the LULAC protocol and served as a member, Council officer, District officer, State officer and was a member of the LULAC National Board of Directors as a National Vice President.”
Rios believes in the mission and wants to attain the value of Civil Rights and the importance of equality. With National Women’s Rights Month here, what a better way to appreciate all the women in the world who have made a difference one way or another. “Women’s Rights is still a huge issue and we should still be focused on it.” LULAC’s impact with women’s rights has made a huge difference in its communities around the nation and continues to succeed. LULAC holds women conferences throughout the year, and each time they do, the numbers grow. “We encourage women to take part in these conferences so they too can be heard in their communities
and region.”
With 19 years under her belt as a member of the LULAC organization, Rios explains the importance of gaining more of the youth’s attention into groups such as LULAC. “We give scholarships, internships, and sometimes positions that look great on resumes but yet I still feel like Hispanic students are not turning to us for these special offers.” “Offering a range of opportunities are our goal and we encourage students to take advantage of them. I remember growing up and not having opportunities like these, especially with people telling me about them. It is so easy to do and the help is there, all they need to do is ask.” LULAC seeks highly motivated students and employees who want to help improve the quality of life for Hispanic Americans.
Rios admits that growing up as a young latina, the discrimination level was high and sometimes had a hard time at school because of it. Because of all of this, it drove her to reevaluate of what she thought young Hispanics needed in their life. Role models, organizations, social groups, were all targets that young Hispanics were ignoring. Even in today’s world some teens do not take advantage of these helpful organizations that can give them the opportunity to grow into a young adult. “We need the youth…bottom line,” said Rios.”We can learn so much from them and we have to turn to them to understand what we as the older generation need to do, to make sure that we can have them want to interact and involve themselves in organizations such as LULAC.”
- Alicia Rios
3 Comments on "Protecting Her League"
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Is it okay to post some of this on my site if I post a link to this page?