I also encourage you to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities that we have brought together for this year’s conference. You will hear from our nation’s top leaders including U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solís; New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson; U.S. Treasurer Rosie Ríos; NAACP President Ben Jealous; and Congressmen Ben Luján, Silvestre Reyes, Joe Baca and Martin Heinrich among many others. Over 70 workshops and seminars will inform and inspire you to tackle some of the pressing issues facing the Latino community including immigration, health care, education, employment, the environment, technology, civil rights, financial planning, and civic engagement. Our youth will participate in a week of workshops and leadership exercises as well as explore our college fair and career forum.

The LULAC Expo will feature more than 150 exhibitors from corporations, government agencies, colleges and universities, labor unions and non-profit organizations. You can view important products and services, explore employment opportunities in our job fair, receive a free check-up in our health fair and purchase works by local artists in our mercado.

We are delighted to welcome those attending the LULAC Federal Training Institute. This intensive career development program for government and private-sector workers will help participants advance their careers by providing information and tools needed for success in today’s competitive and fast-changing work environment.

Of course no one should miss our wonderful entertainment featuring local New Mexican performers and two special events giving world-renowned artists a chance to raise their collective voices in support of immigrant rights. On Thursday night Paul Rodríguez and Latin Breed will perform in a comedy show with the proceeds dedicated to supporting LULAC’s lawsuit against Arizona SB1070. And on Saturday evening LULAC will present a free concert to the New Mexico community, Voces Unidas Por America, featuring top Latin recording artists Pee Wee, Ozomatli and Cristian Castro which will be broadcast on a Telemundo immigration special.

As most of you know, due to LULAC’s term limitations, this will be my last year as your National President.

These past four years have been a tremendous experience for me and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support that you have given to me and to LULAC. Being at the helm of LULAC during the election of our nation’s first President of color, the appointment of our nation’s first Latina to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the passage of universal health care reform was exhilarating. After 81 years of service and advocacy, I am so proud that LULAC was at the forefront of these historic achievements.

I am also proud that LULAC has grown dramatically during my tenure with more members, more councils, more programs, more staff and more financial resources than at any time in our 81-year history. I am so thankful to our members, staff and supporters that we could experience this growth even during challenging financial times for our nation. As I turn over the LULAC Presidency to my successor, who will be elected by the assembled LULAC delegates at this convention, I convey a strong and vibrant organization with a legacy of success and a future full of promise.

I wish to thank my Convention Co-chair, Pablo Martínez, the New Mexico host committee, the FTI committee, our sponsors, and the LULAC national staff for all of their hard work and dedication to making this an exciting, informative, and star-studded 81st National Convention.

Sincerely,

Rosa Rosales
LULAC National President

NEW STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: NEW LEADERSHIP THROUGH ACTION

Make History: The LULAC Convention is an exciting, history-making convention because it convenes the national delegates of LULAC to discuss issues, set policies, and elect the organization’s leaders. The convention is covered extensively by national and local media. It is the only convention in which representatives from Latino communities from across the country determine the positions and strategies of a national Hispanic organization.

Reach out to Hispanic America: The LULAC Convention is well attended by major corporations and government agencies who recognize the importance of reaching out to Latino leaders and influential community members directly. There are opportunities to sponsor workshops and events, to showcase products and services, and to recruit Hispanic professionals. All proceeds from the convention support the dedicated work of LULAC to improve the quality of life for Latinos.

Federal Training Institute: The LULAC Convention hosts the LULAC Federal Training Institute (FTI), an intensive and structured career development program for government and public sector employees. In partnership with the OPM Management Development Center and the USDA Graduate School, the Federal Training Institute offers workshops and plenary sessions that enable mid and senior level government employees to enhance their leadership skills and develop the Executive Core Qualifications required for entry to the Senior Executive Service.

Career Fair: Hot jobs, top companies, live interviews. Whether you are an employer looking for top talent or a professional looking for your next job, you will want to attend the LULAC Career Fair. This three day event features great employment opportunities from over 250 top companies and federal agencies that are ready to hire.

College Fair: Your path to higher education starts at the LULAC College Fair. More than 30 representatives from the nation’s top colleges and universities are ready to speak with you about postsecondary plans and beyond.

Youth Conference: The convention also includes the LULAC Youth Conference—a three-day event for Latino youth, featuring workshops and discussions about education, career opportunities, community service and leadership.

Young Adults Conference: The Young Adult Conference features four-days of leadership development and policy workshops for college students and young professionals.

FTI Youth and Collegiate Federal Careers Exploration Forum: A free, fun-filled, day-long event to showcase career and employment opportunities available to middle, high school, college and university students. Expert presenters introduce students to resume writing, online resources, student programs, scholarships and internships.

About LULAC: Founded in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens is the nation’s oldest and largest Latino organization. With thousands of members organized into more than 700 LULAC Councils in virtually every state of the nation, as well as Puerto Rico, LULAC has tremendous outreach into the Hispanic community. With a rich legacy of advocacy in civil rights, education, economic development, immigration and equal opportunity, LULAC is uniquely positioned as the voice of the Latino community.