LULAC Council Guide 2012

7/29/2019 LULAC Council Guide 2012

1/64LULAC CoUnCiL GUide

League of united Latin american citizens

LULAC Council Guide

to by Luis Nuo Briones


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Generous Support or the LULAC Council Guide was provided by:


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LULAC Council Guide

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2012


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6/64League ofunited Latin american citizens

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so 1: LuLac 101

LuLac mo & Hoy 8

LuLac mlo 11

th LuLac co 14

th LuLac Py 14

LuLac Phloophy 15

LuLac a Ppo 15

nol Ool s 16

s Ool s 17

d Ool s 17

col Ool s 18

so O rvw 19

so 2: LuLac mbhp

LuLac mb Pvl & rpobl 20

LuLac m Ho rl 22

LuLac col do 22

spl mbhp ro 24

a sh 25

m a 26

m th 27

Ppl moo rob rl o O 29

mb r s 32

F s 33

How o W rolo 35

so two rvw 38

tbl o co



tbl o co

so 3: ev avoy

coo tool 40

W co L 40

mk co Pho cll 41

s el m 41

i Po m 42

mx yo ip: sh nb 43

How o i elo thoh cv e 45

Pl ev 47

tp o Pl ev o co 48

Oh i o e sl ev 48

e h m 49

d Yo m Ol 50

W P rl 52

spl P rl 53

L o h eo 54

spl L o h eo 55

Pl P co 56

sol m 60

colo 61

co ioo 61



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LuLac mo:To advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political inuence,health, housing and civil rights o the Hispanic population in the United States.

LuLac Hoy:The League o United Latin American Citizens, ounded in 1929, is the oldestand most widely respected Hispanic civil rights organization in the UnitedStates o America. LULAC was created at a time in our countrys history whenHispanics were denied basic civil and human rights, despite contributions

to American society. The ounders o LULAC created an organization thatempowers its members to create and develop opportunities where they are

needed most.

When the United States o America annexed a third o Mexicos territoryollowing the Mexican War, nearly 77,000 Mexicans became U.S. citizens. Forgenerations, these citizens were to be plagued by prejudice that would result inovert acts o discrimination and segregation. This led to the curtailment o many

civil rights.

In Texas, prejudice and acts o discrimination had reached such extremeproportions that Mexican Americans began organizing to deend themselves.

There were three main organizations: The Order o the Sons o America, TheKnights o America, and The League o Latin American Citizens.

Ben Garza, leader o Council #4 o the Order o the Sons o America in CorpusChristi, united all Mexican American organizations under one title, set o

objectives, and constitution. The frst in a series o attempts to do so occurredon August 14th, 1927, when delegates rom The Order o the Sons o America,

The Knights o America, and other allied organizations traveled to Harlingen toofcially orm The League o Latin American Citizens. The President General o

The Order o the Sons o America invited the League o Latin American Citizens,then under the leadership o Attorney Alonso S. Perales o Harlingen, to unite

with them in order to uniy Mexican American organizations. The idea wasapproved by The League o Latin American Citizens and a resolution to bring

about the merger was adopted.

There were serious doubts regarding the merger due to dierences betweenthe leaders o The League o Latin American Citizens and the President Generalo The Order o the Sons o America. Thus, The Order o the Sons o Americaand The Knights o America decided to join together regardless o The Leagueo Latin American Citizens actions. Council #4 o The Order o the Sons o

th L ofu

L a c



America and The Knights o America considered the proposed merger or a

year.

During this time, Alonso S. Perales and Ben Garza were constantly discussinghow to bring about the merger. However, the President General o The Ordero the Sons o America never called a unifcation convention. This led Council#4 o The Order o the Sons o America to withdraw on February 7, 1929. They

voted to have a uniting convention on February 17, 1929, at the Obreros Hall onthe corner o Lipan and Carrizo streets in Corpus Christi.

Delegates rom Alice, Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Encino, Harlingen, LaGrulla, McAllen, Robstown, and San Antonio opened the unifcation convention.

They elected Ben Garza as chairman pro tem and M.C. Gonzalez as secretary.The delicate task o uniting these groups was assigned to Juan Solis and MauroMachado, members o The Knights o America, Alonso S. Perales and J.T.

Canales, members o The League o Latin American Citizens, and E.N. Marin, A.DeLuna and Fortunio Trevino, members o The Order o the Sons o America.

Alonso S. Perales initially proposed the name Latin American Citizens League.

In response, Mauro Machado suggested they use the word United as a wayo dierentiating the title rom The League o Latin American Citizens. Thus,Juan Solis motioned that the union be United Latin American Citizens. J.T.Canales amended the motion so that the name read League o United Latin

American Citizens. The amended motion was unanimously passed.

Ben Garza and other LULAC members. Dated 4/21/1929.



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The committee proceeded to adopt the motto, All or One and One or All, to

serve as a reminder o the difculties o unifcation and as the basis or all utureactivities o LULAC.

Temporary rules were drawn up until a constitutional convention could be heldin May 1929, in Corpus Christi, Texas. An executive committee was established

to administer LULAC until the convention. The executive committee included

Ben Garza as chairman, M.C. Gonzalez as Secretary, and J.T. Canales and J.Luz Sena as committee members. On May 18, 1929, at the Allende Hall in

Corpus Christi, Texas, the frst LULAC General Convention was called to orderby Ben Garza. The assembly promptly adopted a constitution proposed by J.T.Canales and based on the one used by The Knights o America. Ben Garza waselected President General, M.C. Gonzalez was elected Vice President General,

A. DeLuna was elected Secretary General, and Louis C. Wilmot o CorpusChristi, Texas, was elected Treasurer General. These ofcers guided a neworganization that would ace prejudice and skepticism.

The three organizations which would eventually become LULAC were not the

only Mexican American organization o that era. At the time, many citizenswanted to revolt and regain the territories which Mexico had ceded to theUnited States ater the Mexico-Texas War. Others wanted to engage inwidespread civil disobedience against local authorities. There were manyMexican Americans that could not understand why LULAC members wouldembrace an Anglo society that had been so cruel to Mexican Americans.However, the ounders o LULAC had seen many Mexican Americanorganizations ourish and disappear within a couple o years, without

accomplishments. LULAC ounders were determined not to let this occur toLULAC. Thereore, the ounders o LULAC orewent many o their convictionsin order to avoid suspicions o un-American activities and serve as a sae haven

or its members. Many o the ofcial rites that LULAC adopted had never beenadopted by any other Mexican American organization. LULAC adopted the

American Flag as its ofcial ag, America the Beautiul as its ofcial song, andThe George Washington Prayer as its ofcial prayer. Also, LULAC adoptedRoberts Rules o Order as its governing rules during meetings and conventions.

The ounders envisioned LULAC as an organization that would be stronglyaccepted by Mexican Americans throughout Texas. In this regard they werecorrect. However, they were not prepared or the rapid growth o Mexican

American councils in the states o Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and

Caliornia, all within the frst three years o LULACs ounding. LULAC wouldeventually go on to serve citizens in 48 states; populations rom Puerto Rico,Mexico, South America; and the armed service base in Heidelburg, WestGermany. This was something LULACs ounders had never envisioned. The

guiding philosophies o the League o United Latin American Citizens supportedthe inclusion o anyone o Hispanic origin.

Since its ounding, LULAC has ought or ull access to the political processand equal educational opportunity or all Hispanics. LULAC councils across theUnited States are active in a number o dierent initiatives, such as: holding



voter registration drives; citizenship awareness sessions; sponsoring health

airs; creating tutorial programs; and raising scholarship money or the LULACNational Scholarship Fund. This und, in conjunction with LNESC (LULACNational Educational Service Centers), has assisted almost 10 percent o the 1.1million Hispanic students who have gone to college.

LuLac mloThese milestones represent many difcult struggles at times lie threatening that LULAC and its members have endured to improve the status o employment,housing, health care, and education or all Hispanics.

1929 LULAC was ounded in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 17th.

1930 LULAC desegregated hundreds o public places in Texas, such as barbershops, beauty shops, swimming pools, restrooms, water drinking ountains,restaurants, and hotels.

1931 LULAC provided the organization and fnancial base or the Salvatierra vs.Del Rio Independent School District case, the frst class action lawsuit againstsegregated Mexican Schools in Texas.

1933 LULAC ormed a committee in San Antonio which led to the ormation o theLiga Deensa Pro-Escolar, later known as the School Improvement League

that ought or better schools and better education.

1936 LULAC pressured the U.S. Census Bureau to reclassiy persons o Mexicandescent rom the designation o Mexican to White. The 1940 censuscount reected the change.

1940 LULAC played a major role in fling discrimination cases or the FederalEmployment Practices Commission, the frst ederal civil rights agency.

1945 LULAC successully sued to integrate the Orange County school system,

which had been segregated on the grounds that Mexican children weremore poorly clothed and mentally inerior to white children.

1946 LULAC helped fle the Mendez vs. Westminster Lawsuit in Santa Ana,

Caliornia, ending 100 years o segregation in Caliornias public schools. Thisbecame key precedent or Brown vs. Board o Education.

1947 LULAC protested the reused burial o veteran Felix Longoria in Three Rivers,

Texas; in response, then Senator, Lyndon B. Johnson, arranged or his burialat the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

1947 LULAC Council 1 in Corpus Christi, Texas, and its Veterans Committeeacilitated the ormation o the American G.I. Forum organization orMexican American veterans.



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1948 LULAC attorneys fled the Delgado vs. Bastrop I.S.D. Lawsuit which ended

the segregation o Mexican American children in Texas.

1950 LULAC and the American G.I. Forum fled fteen school desegregationlawsuits in Texas.

1954 LULAC attorneys took the Hernandez vs. The State o Texas Lawsuit Case

to the Supreme Court, winning the right or Mexican Americans to serve onjuries.

1957 LULAC Council 60 in Houston, Texas, piloted the Little School o the 400project, a pre-school program dedicated to teaching 400 basic Englishwords to Spanish speaking pre-school children.

1960 LULAC Council 60 in Houston, Texas, worked to change the Little Schoolo the 400 project to Project Headstart under the Lyndon B. Johnsonadministration.

1965 LULAC Council 60 in Houston, Texas, piloted a job placement center whichled to the ederally unded SER Jobs or Progress.

1966 LULAC marched with and fnancially supported the United Farm Workers intheir struggle or minimum wages and dignity.

1967 LULAC and the American G.I. Forum joined orces to organize SER - Jobs orProgress, now the largest and the most successul work power program in

the nation.

1968 LULAC created the Mexican American Legal Deense and Education Fund(MALDEF), the legal arm o the Latino com munity.

1970 LULAC fled the Cisneros vs. Corpus School District Lawsuit which defnesHispanic Americans as a minority or the frst time.

1973 LULAC in San Francisco, Caliornia, piloted a project known as the LULAC

Educational Service Center to advance the educational needs o Hispanicstudents.

1973 LULAC ormed the LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc

(LNESC), modeled ater the successul project in San Francisco, Caliornia.The goal o this project was to provide educational services to Hispanicstudents. Today LNESC serves more than 20,000 students a year throughits network o 16 educational centers.

1975 LULAC ormed the LULAC National Scholarship Fund in order to centralizeits scholarships gits which dated back to 1932.

1980 LULAC fled numerous lawsuits with MALDEF and the Southwest VoterEducation Project calling or single member districts.



1986 LULAC took the lead in defning a Mexican American position in the

Immigration Reorm and Control Act o 1986.

1987 LULAC fled the LULAC vs. INS class action lawsuit to orce INS to processeligible amnesty applications.

1989 LULAC fled the LULAC vs. Mattox Lawsuit, challenging the selection o

judges throughout urban Texas.

1990 LULAC fled the LULAC vs. Clements Lawsuit, challenging the allocation ounds to Texas Universities.

1994 LULAC elected its frst woman president, Belen Robles.

1995 LULAC established the Commitment with America to better serve HispanicAmerican communities.

1996 LULAC establishes the LULAC Institute to provide model volunteer programs

or Latino communities.

1998 LULAC fled a brie in support o sampling techniques or the 2000 census.

2000 LULAC issues the LULAC Challenge to candidates or elective ofcein order to establish their positions on the top ten issues o concern orHispanic Americans.

2003 LULAC attorneys settled the LULAC vs. INS class action lawsuit, providingan avenue or 100,000 immigrants to become permanent legal residents.

2004 LULAC announces the LULAC Leadership Initiative to revitalize Hispanicneighborhoods rom within by creating innovative grass roots programs inover 700 Hispanic communities served by LULAC Councils.

2005 LULAC submitted to the Supreme Court the LULAC vs. Perry lawsuitchallenging the Texas legislatures redistricting plan, on the grounds that it

violated the Voting Rights Act o the Latino community in Texas, impactingHispanic Representation.

2006 LULAC joined orces with its allies rom the civil rights community or the

reauthorization o the Voting Rights Act. LULAC mobilized millions around thenation to march or the rights o immigrants and their amilies.

2008 Three Presidential Candidates speak at the LULAC National Convention

(Senator Barack Obama, Senator John McCain & Senator Hilary Clinton).LULAC Councils register over 50,000 Latino voters or the general election.

2009 LULAC works with various coalitions to support the nomination o SoniaSotomayor as the frst ever Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice.



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2010 LULACs Latinos Living Healthy initiative was part o the coalition that

championed the passage o the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act o 2010.

2011 LULAC National opens its frst ever Regional Ofce in Sacramento, Caliornia.

th LuLac co

Respect your citizenship and preserve it; honor your country, maintain its traditionin the spirit o its citizens and embody yoursel into its culture and civilization.

Be proud o your origin and maintain it immaculate, respect your glorious past andhelp to deend the rights o all the people.

Learn how to discharge your duties beore you learn how to assert your rights;educate and make yoursel worthy, and stand high in the light o your own deed;

you must always be loyal and courageous.

Filled with optimism, make yoursel sociable, upright, judicious, and above all thingsbe sober and collected in your habits, cautious in your actions and sparing in yourspeech.

Believe in God, love Humanity and rely upon the ramework o human progress,slow and sound, unequivocal and frm.

Always be honorable and high-minded; learn how to be sel-reliant upon yourqualifcations and resources.

In war serve your country, in peace your convictions; discern, investigate,

meditate, think, study, and at all times be honest and generous. Let your frmestpurpose be that o helping to see that each new generation shall be o youth moreefcient and capable and in this let your own children be included.

th LuLac Py

Almighty God, who has given us this good land or our heritage, we humblybeseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindul o Thy avorand glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learningand pure manners. Save us rom violence, discord and conusion; rom pride and

arrogance, and rom every evil way. Deend our liberties and ashion into oneunited people the multitudes brought hither out o many kindred and tongues.

Imbue with the spirit o wisdom those to whom in Thy name we entrust the

authority o government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and thatthrough obedience to Thy law, we may show orth Thy praise among the nationso the earth. In the time o prosperity fll our hearts with thankulness; in the day o

trouble suer not our trust in Thee to ail; all o which we ask through Jesus Christour Lord. Amen.



LuLac Phloophy

We believe in the democratic principle o individual, political and religious reedom,the right o equality o social and economic opportunity, and in the cooperativeendeavor toward the development o an American Society wherein the culturalresources, integrity and dignity o every individual and group constitute basic

assets o the American way o Lie.

We believe that as American citizens we must assume our duties andresponsibilities and assert our rights and privileges in pursuit o a uller and richercivilization or our country.

We believe that education is the oundation or the cultural growth anddevelopment o this nation and that we are obligated to promote, protect and

assure the right o our people to an education that is in accordance with thebest American educational principles and standards; that we must deplore anyinringement o this right wherever it may occur and regardless o whom it mayaect.

We accept that it is not only the privilege but the obligation o every member o thisorganization to uphold and deend the rights and duties vested in every Americancitizen by the letter and spirit o the Law o the Land.

LuLac a Ppo

Based on the spirit o philosophy o our League and having unequivocal aith in its

righteousness, we propose:

1. To use all constitutional means at our disposal to implement with social actionthe principles set orth in our philosophy;

2. To oster the learning and uent use o the English language so that wemay thereby equip ourselves and our amilies or the ullest enjoymento our rights and privileges and the efcient discharge o our duties andresponsibilities to our country, at the same time, it is important to exert equaleort to oster the uent mastery o the Spanish language, which is part oour heritage and a means o extending the cultural horizons o our nation.

3. To constitute the League into a service organization to actively promote andoster suitable measures or the attainment o the highest o our Americansociety, and to establish cooperative relations with civic and governmentalinstitutions and agencies in the feld o public service.

4. To exert our united eorts to uphold the rights guaranteed to every individualby our state and national laws and to assure justice and equal treatmentunder these laws.



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5. To combat with every means at our command all un-American tendencies

and actions that deprive American citizens o their rights in educationalinstitutions, in economic pursuits and in social, civic, and political activities;

6. To maintain the League ree o all involvement in partisan politics as anorganization; however, we shall oppose any inringement upon theconstitutional political rights o an individual to vote and/or be voted upon at

local, state, and national levels;

7. To oppose any violent demonstrations or other acts that dey constitutedlaw and authority, desecrate the symbols o our nation, and threaten thephysical and spiritual welare o individuals or institutions;

8. To promote and encourage the education o youth and adults throughscholarships, the constant vigilance o administrative and instructionalpractices in schools which deprive persons o educational opportunities,

the sponsorship o classes in citizenship and other areas, and through thedissemination o inormation about available training opportunities;

9. To make use o every medium o communication at our disposal and to exertour combined eorts to promulgate and propagate the principles o theLeague, and augment its inuence and numerical growth;

10. To support the eorts postulated in our Aims and Purposes with the overallobjective o creating among our ellow citizens, through example and amutual exchange o concepts, an understanding and recognition o and an

appreciation or the dignity, worth and potential o the individual.

nol Ool s

el Of:The ollowing positions are flled by majority vote o the General Assembly each year:

National PresidentNational Vice President or Women

National Vice President or YouthNational Vice President or Young AdultsNational Vice President or the ElderlyNational Treasurer

National Vice President SouthwestNational Vice President MidwestNational Vice President FarwestNational Vice President Southeast

National Vice President NortheastNational Vice President Northwest



appo Of:The National President shall nominate any qualifed member in good standing to the

ollowing appointed positions subject to confrmation by majority vote o the National Board

o Directors or National Executive Committee:

National SecretaryNational Legal AdvisorNational Parliamentarian

National ChaplainNational Director o PublicityNational Sergeant-at-Arms

Any other Ofce designated by the President with theapproval o the National Board o Directors or NationalExecutive Committee

s Ool s

el Of:

State DirectorDeputy State DirectorState TreasurerDeputy State Director or the ElderlyDeputy State Director or WomenDeputy State Director or Young AdultsDeputy State Director or Youth

appo Of:State SecretaryState Legal Advisor

State ParliamentarianState ChaplainState Director o Publicity

The most recent past State Director is a voting member of this board.

d Ool s

el Of:

District DirectorDeputy District Director

District TreasurerDeputy District Director or the ElderlyDeputy District Director or WomenDeputy District Director or Young AdultsDeputy District Director or Youth



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The most recent past District Director is a voting member of this board.

col Ool s

el Of:President

Vice President or YouthSecretary

TreasurerParliamentarianChaplainSergeant-at-Arms

appo Of:Director o Youth ActivitiesDirector o PublicityOthers- as the Local Constitution/Bylaws may establish

LuLac Ool ch



so rvw

You should now know:

LULACs mission How LULAC was founded How LULACs inuence has expanded over time The distinguished role of women in LULAC

The National, State and District organizational structure of LULAC

Here are some questions that you should now be able to answer:

1. What is LULACs mission?

2. When and where was the frst League o United Latin American Citizens

Convention held?

3. What were the three Mexican-American groups that merged to orm theLeague o United Latin American Citizens?

4. Who was the frst President General o the League o United Latin AmericanCitizens?

5. True or False?

Women have historically played an important role as LULAC activists.

6. True or False?The League o United Latin American Citizens has an established organiza-tional structure on the national, state, and district levels.

aw:1. To advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political inu-

ence, health and civil rights o the Hispanic population in the United States.

2. The frst LULAC Convention was held on May 19, 1929, in Corpus Christi,Texas.

3. The Order o the Sons o America, the Knights o America, and the League

o Latin American Citizens.

4. Ben Garza

5. True

6. True



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LuLac mbhp

mbhp Pvl rpobl

gl mb:Persons who ulfll all qualifcations or membership, are actively afliated with

a local Council and have paid the ull assessment o local, district, state andnational dues will be enrolled as Members o the League.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. To participate in all meetings and activities o their respective councils;

2. To abide by the Constitutions and Bylaws established by the National,State and District Assemblies and their local Council;

3. To deport themselves in keeping with the Philosophy, Aims andPurposes and Code o the League;

4. To exert their eorts individually and cooperatively on behal o thosewho need the help and protection o the League;

5. To work or the extension o the membership and services o theLeague within their respective communities;

6. To subordinate their personal eelings and desires to the generalwelare o the League;

7. To rerain rom using the name, acilities and inuence o the League orpolitical, personal aspirations and aggrandizement;

8. To be alert to and report to the proper authority any improper use thatmay be made o the name, inuence or acilities o the League bymembers or others outside the organization;

9. To maintain their membership in orce by paying their dues accordingly

to the schedule set by the Council.

rh Pvl:All General Members in good standing shall be entitled:

1. To the protection, counsel and guidance provided by the League;

2. To participate in all meetings and other activities o their respectivecouncils and to have access to the acilities provided by saidcouncils or their membership, subject to such regulations as may beestablished;



3. To propose, discuss and vote on matters o interest to and or thewelare o the Council or League;

4. To vote and be candidates or an ofce in their Council or National,State or District Conventions, provided that in the case o ofces atlevels higher than their Council, they are certifed as delegates to

the conventions, have the support o their respective Council andotherwise ulfll all requirements or the ofce sought;

5. To receive upon being initiated as members, copies o the Nationaland Council Constitutions and Bylaws, Membership Certifcates,Identifcation Cards and LULAC Pins whose cost shall have beencovered by the initiation ee as set by this Constitution;

6. To receive a quarterly issue o LULAC News, the ofcial literary organ othe League;

7. To have their membership transerred to another Council upon writtenrequest to their home Council and the approval o the receiving one.Such transer may be temporary or permanent and all details odues, honors, membership classifcation, etc., shall be handled by thesecretaries o the respective Councils;

8. To appeal to their respective Councils and/or District, State andNational Ofcers and Assemblies cases involving their suspension or

expulsion as members o the League o any situation which in theiropinion constitutes an inringement on their rights and privileges asmembers o the League. Such appeals must be in writing and presentall details.



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LuLac m Ho rl

Eective LULAC meetings require members to work together as a team. Allparticipants should create an atmosphere o mutual respect and work to achievea common goal. Avoiding disrespectul behavior is a must or all LULAC Councils.

The LULAC National Ofce has compiled a list o suggestions or proper decorum

during council meetings.

gl rl:1. Good order must be maintained i business is to be carried out. This is the

responsibility o both the ofcers and the whole council.

2. There should be no whispering or commotion while a speaker has the oor.

3. Do not speak too requently, whether you are an ofcer or a member.

4. Note the question at hand and note who is presenting and what you think othem.

5. As much as possible, state acts rather than opinions.

6. Be tactul and respectul.

7. Respect the opinions o others. Remember that although not everyoneagrees, everyone has a right to have their own opinion as well as the right tostate it.

8. Speak your ideas and opinions while the motion is pending, when in order

and ater being recognized. This is the only acceptable time to debate.You should not voice ideas ater the act or ater vote has been taken andespecially not ater the meeting is over.

9. Local councils may have their own specifc decorum, protocol and rules oconduct. These are oten the result o many years o experience. Ofcersand members should be careul not to inringe or steer away rom thoserules and traditions unless it is a consensus o the assembly to do so.

LuLac col do

LULAC Councils are most eective when members cooperate. The LULACNational Ofce urges members to be active in their local councils, but to do so in arespectul and courteous manner. Although certain issues within a community maybe controversial, it is important to ollow proper decorum.



th o Kp m:

Do Not Personalize Issues

Be Courteous and Respectful of Others

Be Prepared - Do Your Homework

Give Everyone a Chance to Participate

Avoid One Person Monopolizing Discussion

Be Nice After a Vote Move on to the Next Issue

Ask Signicant Questions

Have Fun Keep Your Sense of Humor

Be Honest Keep Your Word

Disagree Respectively

Listen Before Judging



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spl LuLac col mbhp ro:

Name Address Mem

Since

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Dues

Initiation

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attendance sHeet

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LuLac meeting agenda

I declare this meeting duly convened and qualifed to consider andtransact such business as may come beore this Council. Let us nowrise and extend an invitation to our Chaplain to give the ofcial Prayer

o the League

PRAYER: Chaplain or other designated member.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Sergeant-at-Arms or other designated member.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Secretary (all members and guests must signthe attendance sheet provided by Secretary. It must be datedand attached to the minutes o the meeting.)

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS OR NEW PROSPECTS: President or escort

READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: Secretary

TREASURERS REPORT:Treasurer

OFFICERS REPORT:All Council Ofcers, District, State, and National etc

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: Committee Chair or designated member

UNFINISHED OR OLD BUSINESS: May be brought up by President ormembers (President may bring up the business and inorm but

cannot take part in the debate without giving up the chair)

NEW BUSINESS: May be brought up by President or members (Presidentmay present and inorm but cannot take part in the debatewithout giving up the Chair)

ELECTIONS, NEW APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP, INSTALLATIONS:

President

GOOD AND WELFARE OF THE LEAGUE: Any member recognized by the Chair

ADJOURMENT: President

The meeting is adjourned and the time is: ______________



m th

m m o: LULAC Council #: _____________ Date: __________

m ll o o : ___________by_________________

Py By:________________

Pl o all r By:_____________

roll cll o Of:_________________________________________________________________________________

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(Attendance sheet is circulated or sign in)

ioo o g o nw Pop:_________________________________________________________________________________

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s co rpo:_________________________________________________________________________________

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nw B:_________________________________________________________________________________

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elo nw applo:_________________________________________________________________________________

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goo Wl o h L:

ajo:_________________________________________________________________________________

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Ppl moo rob rl o O

gl rl:

1. A motion must be made to the Chair ater you have been recognized by theChair.

2. In general, all important motions should be seconded, which may be donewithout rising or addressing the Chair.

3. When a motion has been made, seconded and stated by the Chair, theassembly is not at liberty to consider any other business until the motion has

been disposed o.

4. The mover cannot withdraw the motion ater it has been stated by the Chair.

5. The presiding Chair may participate in the debate o a motion only ater

releasing the chair to the appropriate ofcer. The Chair should release thechair only to make pertinent points on the debate and not give personalpreerences on either side o the question beore the assembly.

Ppl moo:

1. To Amend: This motion is to change, add or omit words in the original mainmotion, is debatable, and requires a majority vote to pass. To amend

the amendment is a motion to change, add or omit words in the frst

amendment and is debated and requires a majority vote to pass.Method: the frst vote is on changing words per the amendment, the

next vote (i frst vote adopts change) is on adopting the main motion aschanged. I the frst vote DOES NOT adopt the change, the next vote is on

the original main motion.

Note: No motion can be changed or voted on with changes without goingthrough the amendment procedures. This includes Friendly Amendmentswhich must still go through the same procedure. There are no Friendly

Amendments.

2. To Commit: This motion is used when it becomes necessary or a motion

to be studied or investigated urther. Then, it can be moved To Committhe original motion to committee or urther consideration. This motion isdebatable, amendable, and requires a majority vote. The Committee mustbring up this motion.

3. To Lay on the Table: The object o this is to postpone the subject underdiscussion in such a way that is can be taken up at some time in the

uture. This motion is not debatable or amendable and requires a majority

vote to pass.



30

4. To Postpone: A motion to postpone the question beore the assembly tosome uture time is in order and can be made anytime during discussionexcept when a speaker has the oor. This motion is unlike to lay on the

table in that it is debatable and amendable which allows discussion onwhen to reconsider. It requires a majority vote to pass. Original motion canbe brought up again just as regular Old Business.

5. To Reconsider: This motion is to reconsider a motion that was lost on a

vote o the assembly. This motion is in order only i made on the SAMEDAY and must be made by the person that voted on the prevailingside. This motion is debatable and requires a majority vote to pass. Noquestion can be twice reconsidered. This motion requires two votes; frst toreconsider and then a vote on the original motion being reconsidered.

6. The Previous Question: This motion is to close debate or discussion onthe pending question beore the assembly. This motion is in order anytime

during debate but must be recognized by the Chair. The correct orm is

Mr. Chairman (or other) I move the previous question. The motion is notdebatable. Chairman asks shall debate be closed and questions to votenow put and a vote is taken on the previous question motion frst. Itrequires two-thirds (2/3) vote to pass. I adopted, a vote on the questionbeore the assembly is immediately taken and no urther discussionwhatsoever is allowed.

7. Point o Order: This motion is always in order but can be used only to

present an objection to ruling o the chair or some method o parliamentaryprocedure. The correct orm is Mr. Chairman (or other), I rise to a point oorder. The Chair answers, Please state your point o order. Only at this

time does the member state the objection. The Chair then answers: Yourpoint is sustained or your point is denied. I any member is not satisfed,

then they may appeal the decision o the Chair. The Chair must address theappeal to the assembly. It is treated like any other motion and is debatable.On this motion, the chair may discuss it without leaving the chair. A majority

o no votes reverses the ruling o the Chair.

8. To Adjourn: This motion is used to adjourn a meeting and is always in orderduring a meeting. When a speaker has the oor; when a vote is being

taken; immediately ater this motion has just been voted down; and when

the assembly is in the midst o some business which cannot be abruptlystopped. The motion is not debatable and requires a majority vote to pass.

When the motion is made to adjourn to a defnite place and time then themotion is debatable and requires a majority vote. Note: A common mistake

is or the Chair to adjourn without a motion. At the end o the meeting, theChair should ask Do I hear a motion to adjourn? and a vote is taken.



noo elo:1. When allowed by the Council, a nomination committee can be used to

present candidates or ofce to the council. The committee makes itsreport and presents a slate; one name or each ofce to be flled by a vote.

The committees nominations are treated just as i made rom the oor bymembers. No vote is taken in accepting the nominations o the committee.

2. Ater the committee presents the slate, the Chair asks i there are any morenominations. I there are more nominations rom the oor, the names areadded to those submitted by the committee. The nominations are taken bypreerence o the assembly; ofce by ofce or all at one time.

3. Nominations are not seconded and thus seconds are not recognized.

4. A motion to close nominations is in order only ater the council has had

reasonable time to add nominations. It is not debatable and is incidentalonly to nominations. It may be amended only to time o closing nominationswith no other subsidiary motions applied to the motion. It requires two thirds

(2/3) vote to pass. A motion to reopen nominations is in order any timebeore voting begins. It is not debatable and requires only a majority vote. Itcan be amended only at that time and with no other motions applied to it.

5. A member may withdraw their name rom nomination because they cannotserve, but no member can withdraw in avor o another member.

6. Each member may vote or any eligible person whether nominated or not.

7. Ater nominations are closed, the assembly proceeds to the election. Voting

is done as described in the by-laws or by the decision o the assembly.

8. The candidate with a majority o votes (or plurality i stated in the by-laws)is elected to fll the ofce. Majority means more than hal o the votes cast.

Voting may continue until one candidate reaches this number.

9. Chair Votes: On a ballot vote, the Chair marks his ballot and turns it in withthe others. From the Chair, the presiding ofcer votes in a tie, casting thedeciding vote. In elections, in case o a tie, the balloting continues until acandidate receives a majority.

10. To move that an election be made unanimous is a mistaken courtesy andvery common mistake. It orces those who did not vote or the candidate

to unwillingly transer their vote, thus making it look like a unanimous votewhen it was not. One negative response deeats this motion and the votecannot be unanimous.

11. An election takes eect immediately ater the business session is completedunless previously stated in the by-laws speciying a dierent date. This doesnot mean that ofcers assume at the meeting. It just means that electionsare over and ofcial.



32

mb r s

The LULAC National Ofce encourages LULAC councils to actively recruit newmembers. Recruiting allows Councils to expand their membership and betterinuence public policy in a given community. A Council with a large constituency

can better mobilize to pressure local politicians, legislators, etc. Below are somestrategies to recruit new members.

mb dv:

Member drives are an easy and eective way to recruit new members. Besure to have all membership materials on-hand. Brochures, pamphlets, andmembership applications are a must. Remember, you should make it easy or

people to fnd out about your LULAC council and become members. Plan inadvance or membership drives.

B F rq:

Councils should urge members to bring riends to local meetings and events.The riend requests technique is a simple way o engaging current membershipand recruiting new members. Sometimes simple things such as inviting a riend

to a meeting are surprisingly eective orms o recruitment.

H O Boh evy avy:

Every activity is an opportunity to expand your Councils connections. Be sureto use these events to recruit new members by handing out materials aboutLULACs mission, programs, local meeting times, etc. Aim your brochures at

a wider audience. It is important or people to know about LULAC and whatyour council has done in the community. This will help you reach out to otherindividuals and/or groups in the uture. Remember that well publicized eventsoer a high potential or recruitment. Think o all undraisers and activities asopportunities to recruit new members.



F s

th ipo o FI LULAC Councils are to increase their impact on local communities they mustlearn how to raise money. This guide is intended to provide helpul tips or Councils

to improve their undraising strategies.

Who c F?Local Councils are encouraged to undraise on their own or in cooperation withother acceptable organizations as long as they do not violate or contradict theprinciples o the League. In addition, Councils are permitted to establish localmembership dues and a schedule o payment, and to collect and remit District,State and National dues.

thq o ev FThe key to successul undraising is planning. There are some strategies thatCouncils can use to raise money more eectively and efciently:

Set Goals: Set goals or each year and every event. The more precisely you canset your goals, the better you will be able to plan undraisers to meet them.

Create a Budget and Stick to It: The purpose o undraisers is not to break even.Every undraising activity must be well planned. You should have a good senseo how much an event will cost and how much money you can raise rom it.Remember, a ew larger well-organized events are better than many less-organized events.

Be Organized: Organization is the key to successul undraising. The earlier you

plan, the better your chances or success are. Make sure to plan on paper sothat you can reerence and revise it.

Keep Records: Keep records o budgets, event details, and other pertinentinormation used or event planning. Events can be improved rom year to year,but only i there are notes rom a past event to work o.

Divide Responsibilities: Nobody can plan an eective undraiser alone. Distributeresponsibilities and have regular meetings to keep everybody on the same page.

Appoint sub-committees to be in charge o various aspects o the undraiser. This

way each person can ocus on their specifc assignment to ensure an eective

undraiser.

Maintain Active Communication: Details o events should be known both by thoseplanning the event and others in the community. People should be able toeasily fnd out when and where an event will take place. Plan or Public Service

Announcements (PSA) and church announcements to be sent out at least 30days out.



34

Fo ev F LWell-crated solicitation letters are a great way to raise unds.

ev l hol:

1. Make a Good First Impression: Never send a letter or announcement withouthaving it prooread by someone other than the author. Choose someonewho has editing skills to review all correspondence beore it is sent.

2. Be Personal: The people that you are writing to probably receive othersolicitations. Speak directly to your audience to engage them. Dont bearaid to appeal to personal experiences and/or concerns. Address yourletter to a specifc individual. Never send a letter that is addressed DearSir or To whom it may concern, Dear Supporters or address any other

generic group!

3.Appeal to Your Audience: You should have a good idea o who you are soliciting

to. Tailor your letter to the intended recipient. Remember to thank them ortheir generosity and loyalty.

4. Be Visually Appealing and Easy to Read:The reader o your letter should beable to understand LULACs mission and what you are asking or. Use plain

language and concise and emotion-flled words.

5. Relate to a Larger Cause: Make the recipient eel like they will be contributing toa larger cause by donating money.

6. Be Specic:You are writing a letter or money, so ask or it. Dont hesitate to

ask or it within a certain time period and/or or a specifc purpose.

7. Provide Background inormation: Remember that the person or group you are

soliciting may not know what LULAC is. Be sure to include any pertinentinormation about our organization including brochures, act sheets, annualreports, and inormation about LULAC programs. The letter is only oneaspect o the packet, do not ignore the rest!

8. Make it Easy to Contribute:The easier it is or people to contribute, the morecontributions you will receive. Make sure that all o the inormation about

the date, time and place o the event, the amount requested and thedeadline are included in letters and response orms. Whenever you sendout invitations or solicitation letters be sure to include everything necessary

to contribute in the packet. A prepaid envelope and reply orm are a must.Make contributing to your Council as eortless as possible.

9. Timing is Important: Communicate early and oten. Solicitation letters shouldbe sent at least ninety (90) days beore the event.

Follow-up letters should be sent 60 days and 30 days out. Also,



remember to send thank you letters within seven (7) days o the event.

Fl ro al rpoA council shall maintain current, true and accurate fnancial records with ull andcorrect entries made with respect to all fnancial transactions o the council,including all income and expenditures in accordance with generally acceptedaccounting principles.

All councils are required to electronically submit Form 990-N also known as the

e-Postcard with the IRS. I a charter ails to fle they will automatically lose its tax-exempt status. The e-Postcard is due every year by May 15th. To fle electronically

you can go to the IRS website or type http://epostcard.orm990.org.

How o W LuLac rolo

Wh rolo?

th 3 yp o olo:

1. Legislative: those dealing with laws or bills o interest or aecting the Leaguesarea o activity. Copies o laws or bills shall accompany the resolution;

2. General: those resolutions expressing an opinion with regard to individuals,groups, ideologies or institutions and their actions or eects, with situations

or conditions o interest or concern to the League and its work, or with settingor determining policies o the League.

3. Special: those resolutions expressing an opinion with regard to congratulations,

memorial observances, condolences, and similar recognitions.

Resolutions that pass the national assembly become the binding position othe entire LULAC organization and or this reason must be well researched,

air and accurate, well worded and serious. The resolution must deal with asituation that is national in scope while issues that pertain to only one state orlocal community as well as minor or trivial issues should be dealt with at thelocal, district or state levels.

Why W rolo?

Resolutions are a good way to express an opinion on a given issue and pressuregroups to take action. All LULAC councils in good standing may present resolutions

to be voted on at the National Convention. Individual members should consultwith a Council i they wish to drat a resolution.

rq o Popo rolo1. When submitted, all resolutions must be typewritten via electronic mail or

postmarked to the national ofce 60 days beore the National Conventiondate, which shall be when the National Assembly is scheduled to convene tobe certifed and vote. The National Ofce in turn shall send a summarization



36

o the resolution or the resolved portion to all Councils in good standing thirty

days prior to the said date. Councils are considered to be in good standingi they have paid all o their dues on time and have not deamed the League.

2. At the Convention, the Chairman o the Amendments and ResolutionsCommittee shall read each resolution once and oer the recommendationso the committee beore the National Assembly discusses and votes on the

resolutions.

3. A simple majority vote by the certifed delegates at the National Convention isnecessary or the approval o a resolution.

4. No resolution shall be accepted by the National Board o Directors i it isimproperly prepared, in conict with existing provisions, or submitted past theestablished deadlines. In case o emergencies or situations arising ater theNational Assembly in session, resolutions may be accepted by the National

Assembly when presented by a Council in good standing, i properly preparedin text and typed.

How o W ev roloAll LULAC resolutions must ollow a common ormat. Resolutions have threeparts: the heading, the perambulatory (whereas) clauses, and the operative(be it resolved) clauses. These parts are linked with commas and semi-colons

throughout the resolution with one period at the very end. A sample resolution isincluded on the ollowing page.

1. The Heading: The heading should describe the topic o the resolution and listthe Council sponsoring a given resolution.

2. Perambulatory Whereas Clause: The perambulatory clause should outline thehistory o the problem and demonstrate the need or a solution. It should reer

to prior incidents and/or other pertinent resolutions. The perambulatory clauseshould appeal to humanitarian concerns as well as basic principles o LULAC.

3. Operative Be it Resolved Clause: Operative clauses are the core o a resolution.They oer a clear position on the issue at hand. They can encourage, commend,condemn, or otherwise comment on an existing situation. This imperative canrange rom a denunciation o a person or event to a clear position on a pieceo legislation. Operative clauses recommend a shit in policy and they are ully

debatable and amendable.

so vb o opv l l:Accepts, Afrms, Approves, Authorizes, Calls Upon, Condemns, Congratulates,

Confrms, Considers, Deplores, Draws Attention (To), Designates, Emphasizes,Endorses, Proclaims, Requests, Reafrms, Recommends, Requests, Resolves,Urges, etc.



spl rolo

CELEBRATING LULACs 80TH ANNIVERSARY

WHEREAS, 80 years ago, the ounders o the League o United Latin AmericanCitizens, better known as LULAC, joined together to establish an organization thatwould become the largest, oldest, and most successul Hispanic civil rights and

service organization in the United States; and

WHEREAS, since its inception on February 17, 1929 in Corpus Christi, Texas,LULAC has championed the cause o Hispanic Americans in education,employment, economic development, and civil rights; and

WHEREAS, LULAC has developed a comprehensive set o nationwide programsostering educational attainment, job training, housing, scholarships, citizenship,and voter registration; and

WHEREAS, LULAC members throughout the nation have developed a

tremendous track record o success advancing the economic condition,educational attainment, political inuence, health, and civil rights o the Hispanicpopulation o the United States; and

WHEREAS, LULAC has adopted a legislative platorm that promotes humanitarianrelie or immigrants, increased educational opportunities or our youth, and equal

treatment or all Hispanics in the United States and its territories including the

Commonwealth o Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS, this year, the League o United Latin American Citizens will celebrate

eighty years o community service to increase educational opportunities andimprove the quality o lie or Hispanic Americans;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the _______________________ that theweek o February 15-21, 2009 be designated as;

NATIONAL LULAC WEEK

and that the citizens o _______________ are asked to join the LULAC Membershipin observing the organizations eighty years o service and the outstandingcontributions that LULAC has made to our country.

SIGNED, this the 17th day o February 2009.



38

so rvw

Yo hol ow kow: How to become a LULAC member The duties and privileges of a LULAC membership How to nd a local council The role of LULAC Councils and how to effectively manage a council

The recommended Standing Committees for all councils Proper LULAC council decorum and Roberts Rules of Order How to recruit new members How to fundraise for your local council

H o qo h yo hol ow b bl ow:

1. Who can become a LULAC member?

2. How does somebody become a LULAC member?

3. True or False?

LULAC members are expected to participate in all meetings andactivities o their respective councils

4. Name two o the standing committees that the LULAC National Ofcerecommends all councils have.



aw:

1. All persons o either sex who are residents o the United States o America,or citizens o the United States residing abroad, and are eighteen years oage or older, and whose loyalty to our country is unquestionable, are eligible

or membership.

2. By signing up at https://action.lulac.org/membership or calling LULACMembership Service at (915)577-0726 and paying LULAC membershipdues.

3. True.

4. You could name any o the ollowing: membership, education, issues, publicrelations/media, undraising, and civil rights.



40

ev avoyAdvocacy is successul when you are able to eectively support a cause, idea, orpolicy. Successul advocacy depends on several strategies, no matter what issue

you are arguing or or against. Familiarizing yoursel with the most powerul dataand arguments to meet your situation and making sure that your message is aimedat the right audience are important. Advocates should take the time to consider

the most eective means to communicate directly with elected ofcials as well asways to maximize their impact by working with others or working indirectly to aectFederal ofcials views. Organization, preparation, and planning are very important i

you want to be successul in your advocacy eorts.

coo tool

Once you have your basic background inormation and arguments in hand andknow who your audience is, its time to decide how you are going to communicate

to your elected ofcials. Remember that the most appropriate strategy may change,

depending on the timing o the communication: a general rule o thumb is that theshorter the time rame, the more acceptable less ormal communications become.

It is also important to remember that in all communications with elected ofcials andtheir sta, be sure to introduce yoursel, provide afliation inormation, and provide amailing address so that your ofcials can respond to you.

W co L

Without question, letters are the most eective orm o communication with elected

ofcials. Letters create a sense o seriousness, due in part to the time they take towrite, that cannot be captured in e-mails. Association or business letterhead alsohelps lend a visual distinctiveness and credibility to your concern. Because o newsecurity measures in Washington, DC, U.S. mail delivery delays to Congress o up to

three weeks are the norm. As a result, it is becoming more common to ax lettersto ofces.

Below are a ew guidelines to keep in mind when writing a letter:

Use personal or business letterhead, if possible. Be sure your name and returnaddress is on your communication some times letters become separated

rom the mailing envelope.

Identify your subject clearly. Refer to a bill number if you are writing aboutspecifc legislation.

State your reason for writing. Your personal experience is usually the strongestreason. Explain how the issue aects your school district, your students, or



your child. Do you represent a group o parents or teachers? Be sure to

include that as well.

Be reasonable and constructive. If you oppose a measure, clearly state yourconcerns about the measure. I possible, oer an alternative. Include examplesor data where possible, being careul not to make any unsupportable claims.Misinormation casts doubt on you and your views.

Ask your elected ofcial to provide his/her position on the issue in a writtenreply.

Be sure to thank the ofcial if he/she votes the way you requested or indicatesstrong support or your issue. Every one appreciates and remembers acomplimentary letter.

mk co Pho cll

A telephone call can be eective when you want to record your views on an upcomingvote or when your opinion can be stated very concisely. Calls are not an eectiveway to educate legislators, nor do they provide the opportunity to demonstrate yourexpertise on an issue. In most cases, receptionists handle the calls and their goalis to simply make a record o the call. In some Congressional ofces, it may bepossible to speak directly with a sta member working or your elected ofcial toprovide a bit more inormation.

When making a telephone call to elected ofcials, keep the following in mind:

State your views clearly and succinctly.

Conclude your message with a request for action.

Remember to leave your name, address, and phone number.

s el m

Although email has become standard business practice, the simplicity o email insome cases makes it less eective because o the time it takes or ofces to wade

through the volume o email that arrives on particular issues. Additionally, becauseall email looks alike, communications rom organizations with many members in

the district or state (e.g., local parent groups and statewide associations)are unableto distinguish themselves easily via email, which should carry additional weightbecause o the numbers o constituents represented by the communication.

Email is defnitely better than not communicating at all. When there is an urgentissue, such as when there is less than 72 hours to reach your elected ofcialsabout an upcoming vote, emails, phone calls, and axes are the only means toreach an ofce in time. LULAC recommends that i possible, email should be used

only ater a relationship with the elected ofcial has been established, reserved or



42

communications with sta, or used when time is o a premium.

Again, i you do use email, always be sure to include your ull name and your completemailing address so that the ofcial can respond to you.

i-Po m

Face-to-ace meetings are the most eective means to convey a message. Meetingsoten are the beginning o a long-term relationship with your elected ofcials and theirsta. Keep in mind that successul advocacy requires a sustained eort, not simplyone letter, phone call, or meeting. Depending on the distances involved, you maynever have had the opportunity to meet your elected representatives in your statecapital or in Washington, DC. However, your elected ofcials also have local ofces,sometimes staed by part-time employees. Your local school board members alsohave ofces where they meet with constituents. You can fnd the ofce locations

and phone numbers online through local, state, and Congressional websites or in aseparate government section o your phonebook.

No matter which ofcial youre trying to see, there are several steps to take and youshould plan as ar in advance as possible.

mk appoCall your elected ofcials ofce and ask to speak with the person who sets up

appointments. Be prepared to provide inormation about yoursel (or your group),the topic youd like to discuss, and a range o days (or times) that you would liketo meet. Be prepared to send the ofce a request in writing, particularly i it is witha Member o Congress. I the ofcial has more than one ofce, and you can be

exible about where and when you meet, be sure to let the appointments secretary

know. I your legislator is completely unavailable, but has a sta person who isknowledgeable about education issues, ask i you can make an appointment with

that sta member; they are oten very helpul, and meetings can be very productive.

Pp o h mHave your inormation ready in a concise orm, just as you would when writing a letteror making a telephone call. Prepare the strongest two or three reasons why yourlegislator should support your views and practice your conversation with a riend.Know the opposing argument so that you can respond to questions. Develop apacket o inormation, i possible, to leave behind so that the legislator or sta personcan begin a fle on your issue. Bring a business card i you have one.

a h m:Be on time, o course. But dont be surprised i your legislator is running late. Making

visits to Congress requires exibility and patience.

Once the meeting begins:

State the reason for your visit in one sentence.



Take your cue from the legislator or staffer: if he/she seems familiar with theissue, move right ahead with your request or support or a specifc vote, etc.I not, use the time to inorm him/her to the key elements o the issue.

When possible, give local examples and make local analogies so that you arebuilding a case on constituent needs.

If you are asked a question you are not able to answer, tell the legislator orstaer you do not know, but that you will fnd out the answer and get back to

him/her.

Never make up an answer; wrong or misleading information will permanentlydamage your credibility.

At the end of the meeting be sure to thank the legislator for his/her time,reiterating that you will ollow up with any inormation you may have promised.

If you are meeting on behalf of a state or local group, you can ask to have your

picture taken together.

mx Yo ip

sh nbIt is evident that multiple letters and phone calls have a greater eect than does asingle communication. Thereore, your challenge as an advocate is to get others tolet your elected ofcials know about the need or various reorms.

You might try the ollowing:

Ask others in your community to support local, state, and federal initiatives. Insome circumstances, it may be appropriate or students to contact electedofcials or to testiy at a hearing about their experiences.

Business leaders in your community may be supportive they too couldbeneft rom new initiatives in your community. They may not be aware o the

issues in your community, state, or in the nation.

Make contact with organizations in your state. Offer to do a short presentation(to the executive committee, legislative committee, etc.) on how policychanges and/or new initiatives in your state and in Congress would make a

dierence in your community and state. Additionally, it may be possible toappeal directly to their members or support by writing.

Recruiting VIPs. Although every constituent letter carries weight in alegislators ofce, the reality is that some citizens have more inuence onspecifc issues or with specifc elected ofcials than others. For example, alegislators lielong riend, relative, or ormer business associate is likely to haveinuence. Likewise, a ormer state superintendent o education generally hasbuilt-in credibility on education issues, even when he/she does not know the



44

legislator personally. Generating letters rom these VIPs is usually a mattero asking them and then providing them with sufcient inormation to crat ahigh-impact letter.

Whenever possible, work with other groups in support of an issue. Developingcoalitions not only increases the numbers o supporters on specifc state or

local issues, but it also broadens awareness o your issue with the membership

o the other groups.

Fo expl:A local education group can partner with a business organization to sponsor aninormational meeting or parents and policy makers. Two groups supportingincreased services or dropout prevention is stronger than one because the school

board realizes that this is an issue o concern to more than just a dozen amilies. Asemployers, business owners and managers need employees with more than justbasic skills, they are pleased to support education programs designed to reach

that goal. As they learn more about the students in their communities, the businessleaders may also initiate internships and mentorships or many o the students in

their area.

Think about coalitions as broadly as possible there are many groups in yourcommunity and state that have an interest in Latino issues, child issues, and

business issues that you can partner with.

Past National President Rosa Rosales and President Margaret Moran addressed hal a million

immigration supporters at the March for America on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

LULAC called or immigration laws that strengthen our economy and recognize our proud

tradition of immigrants seeking the American Dream. 3/21/2010

Photo by Luis Nuo Briones



How o Lo elo thoh

cv e

co Vo ro dv

Although the Hispanic population is now the nations largest minority community,voter participation lags behind the U.S. population growth. Disproportionatelylow voter turnout comprises a large part o the underrepresentation o the Latino

voice in the United States. This is why voter registration is important. Holding voterregistration drives expands the electorate and is the frst step to holding electedofcials accountable or the citizens they represent.

Bo h dv1. Please notiy LULAC National that you are interested in conducting a voter

registration drive. LULAC National will provide materials and will provide trainingabout your state rules and best practices. Please contact LULAC NationalsCivic Engagement Manager at 202-833-6130.

2. Make sure you ollow your State/County voter registration guidelines. Ruleschange by state, please consult with your Secretary o State Ofce and/orCounty Election Ofcials. Please keep in mind: (a) Does the state require voterregistration organization to register or fle other inormation detailing its voterregistration activities? (b) Does the state require any training in order to conduct

voter registration drives? (c) Does the state have restrictions on who may helpother register to vote?

Pp o yo dv1. Recruit LULAC members and other volunteers to participate. The ollowing

positions are essential or a successul voter registration drive: (a) Data Captain

(this person is in charge of entering data and reporting), (b) Quality ControlCaptain (collects and reviews orms rom volunteers, makes quality control

phone calls to ensure that the people we registered are real, and submits ormsto the respected ofce on time), and Canvassers Captain (this person(s) trainsother volunteers on how to collect voter registration application and goes out

to the feld to collect orms).2. Choose a location where all volunteers will meet.3. Get ready or your drive the day beore: (a) Identiy where you are going to send

your volunteers. (b) Make sure your voter registration packets include: (i) Mapwhere the voter registration drive will take place. (ii) Print the rules and tips or

your volunteers. (iii) Make sure you keep an inventory o the orms that were

checked out to your volunteers. (iv)Your packets should include a clipboardand a pen. (v) I you are able to register voters on-line, please make a yer todistribute to individuals.

d yo dv1. Make sure that your voter registration drives are non-partisan. We register

people rom all parties; we cannot endorse any politicians or any specifc law.2. Please keep in mind: (a) Are there special rules requiring the registration drive

workers to sign their name to the completed voter registration application?



46

(b) Are voter registration groups prohibited rom putting identiying marks

on completed voter registration applications? (c) Are there any restrictionson copying completed voter registration application prior to submitting them

to the registrar? (d) Are voter registration groups subject to time limits orsubmitting the voter registration applications they have collected? (e) Whatare the consequences or ailing to submit voter registration applications on

time? () Make sure you track the voter registration applications. What orms

are checked-out, completed, and voided. (g) What are the rules or correctingincomplete applications?

a h dv1. When canvassers return, the Quality Control Captain will make sure that all

forms are ll-out correctly. If needed, the Quality Control Captain will coach eachvolunteer i they made a mistake.

2. Make sure you turn in all orms on time.3. Please report all data to LULAC National.4. Make sure you schedule your next voter registration drive and ask your volunteers

to help again.



Pl ev

r aw o i Yo coyOne very powerul way to impact your community is to plan an event to raiseawareness o a specifc issue. Public events are a great way to involve other

members o your community in your pursuit or policy changes. Everyone beneftsrom the positive publicity and its an excellent way to get your message across as

well as a way to begin building a relationship with the elected ofcials ofce.

What is important is that the elected ofcials have the chance to interact with memberso the community. These individuals are articulate advocates or themselves and

their programs, oten acting as their own best advocate.

Once you have planned the event with other advocates in your community, ensurethat the event complies with all local, state, and national regulations. It is also a goodidea to let local ofcials know what you have in mind and ask or some guidance onelected ofcials schedules and any other suggestions to ensure a successul event.Be prepared to ollow up quickly with a written invitation outlining the details.

LULAC National President, Margaret Moran, and LULAC members joined community leaders

from across the country in a march to Alabama to protect workers rights, voting rights, public

education, and immigration reform. Dated 3/8/12.



48

tp o Pl ev o co

Planning a conerence or event can reap tangible benefts or your local council,such as increased exposure and a more engaged membership. However, it takeshard work and dedication.

Here are some tips to help plan successul events:

Come up with a topic for discussion with your group that you would like topresent to the public or other organizations.

Break down topics into key points. Consider turning these key points intoseparate workshops.

Actively recruit speakers and/or presenters that are knowledgeable on agiven topic.

Find a location, time, and date to have the conference.

Find sponsors and/or other means of fundraising for an event or conference.Write letters to companies stating who you are, what you are doing, and whatyou need rom them.

Publicize your event or conference. Some effective ways to publicize an eventare to use online sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and throughe-mails. Posting yers is a must. Also consider sending out personal invitations

to certain special guests.

The day o the event:

Have speeches ready, greet guests, and be professional as you arerepresenting yoursel and your organization.

Have a schedule in place for the event or conference.

Following the event:

As soon as possible, send thank you letters to your sponsors and guestspeaker(s) or their time and help ater the event concludes.

Give yourself a pat on the back.

aol i

g o Kow sAs issues become more complex, many elected ofcials have sta that coordinatethe ow o inormation on various topics. As a result, well-inormed sta can bekey to gaining support or new legislation or or increased unding. Members oCongress have sta in their district and state ofces that are responsible or keepingup with issues that are o importance to constituents, which oten includes making

local visits or attending meetings. Plan to contact the sta person responsible or a



specifc issue and ask or a meeting to discuss reorms. I you represent a local orstate organization, you might invite the sta person to attend your annual conerenceor attend an advocacy event.

Follow pThe maxim once is not enough applies to communications with elected ofcials.

Regular, thoughtul communications have an impact and can leave a positive

impression with ofcials and their stas. Take every opportunity to share inormationthat supports policy changes in your community.

e h m

co Yo a

To successully leverage the inuence o the media to inorm, engage, or persuadeyour audiences, you must frst understand and get to know where these audiencesget their news generally, and in particular, where they access news related to your

topic.

Think about how your audiences consume media to help you identiy the newsoutlets on which to ocus your outreach. This will narrow down the type o mediastrategy that will be most receptive to your outreach.

s o e h m

H w oo o h :

Set realistic expectations. Not all news is national news, and not all news isbroadcast news. Beore embarking on your media adventure, set realistic goalsabout the type and quantity o coverage you expect.

Understand the role of media in your community. Before approaching one outletover another or a big local story, consider which local media will have the mostimpact in your community. Also, it is important to be aware o past relationshipswith, past coverage o, and attitudes toward LULAC, as this may aect how yourpitch is received.

Know your market. It is important to understand how your media market ts intothe grand scheme o local, regional, and national news coverage. Some news

outlets service small media markets and ocus primarily on local news. Othernews outlets eel that they are the providers o regional and national news, aswell as local news. Finally, some outlets might identiy themselves primarily assources or national or even international news, sometimes making it hard to tella local story. Top media markets typically present this challengeNew York City,Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.



50

Wh nwwohy?

Here is a list o qualities to help you determine the newsworthiness o your story.Each o these elements alone may not make your story newsworthy, but i severalapply, you probably have a story worth pitching to reporters. Its newsworthy i:

Its newsomething that no one has ever said or heard before.

Its timelyyesterdays news is old news. It involves a public gure, a celebrity, or a well-known organization. It has a strong human-interest angle. Its visual. It centers on an event or happening. It affects a large number of people. Its dramatic or compelling. Its a variation of a theme already receiving media attention. Its interesting on an otherwise slow news day.

It benets a large number of readers, viewers, or listeners. It pulls at peoples heart strings.

Its unusual or ironic.

d Yo m Ol

Here are some tips or determining which type o media outlet would be mostappropriate to share your newsworthy story:

Television. Do you have a good visual? Can your story be told in pictures and notwords? Can your message get across in a 30- to 60-second spot? Do you havea spokesperson prepared or television?

Radio. Do you have a quotable quote? Does your spokesperson have a goodradio voice? Are there background sounds you can provide to the station tomake your story sound multidimensional?

Newspaper. Does your story require some in-depth discussion of a topic? Doyou have the supporting resources to help the reporter write a better story? Willyou be able to provide interviews and statistics on a deadline?

dvlop Yo Ph

Just as you advocate or the Latino community, a reporter can advocate or yourstory with newsroom decision makers. But frst you must convince the reporter that

the story is worth covering.

H l o p o k yo oy o ppl:

Incorporate common angles found in national and local media and connect themwith stories impacting the Latinos community.

Provide local details about Latinos that can be related to new studies, reports,



fndings, discoveries, and trends appearing in other sections o the paper.

Localize national data. Reports and studies are often the catapult tonewsworthiness. Make sure your pitch hits home by including comparative localdata within the context o national fndings.

Plan ahead for annual holiday and seasonal stories. Each year such stories offer

new opportunities to inorm and educate your community about issues importantto the Latino community. Use these observances as a chance to get creative and

fnd interesting ways to incorporate messages about high school equity into othernewsworthy events and activities.

Provide a local perspective on a national issue. Anytime the national media picksup on a story that can be related to the situation in your community, let your localmedia know that you can add an important perspective that impacts many peoplein your community.

dlv Yo Ph

Now, its time to contact the reporter. The ollowing questions and steps will helpyou prepare a pitch that you can deliver eectively:

What are the most compelling elements of the story? Do you have interesting visualopportunities or video? Have you confrmed and prepared interviewees such as

amily members, local LULAC representatives, or

LULAC Council Guide 2012

Documents

Transcript of LULAC Council Guide 2012