LULAC: All For One And One For All

Mauricio Almanza: President of UH LULAC Council #4688

Houston, Tx- Mauricio Almanza, who originally grew up in Napa, California, has lived in Houston since he was ten. Almanza has held the position of presidency for the past two years for UH LULAC. He recently graduated from UH in May 2009 with a BS in Economics.

Almanza has been involved with LULAC for quite a while and shares his experiences with us.

What does LULAC stand for and what does it mean to you?

LULAC stands for the League of United Latin American Citizens. LULAC to me means opportunity. I’ve been able to meet congressmen and women, local politicians, and travel around the country because I am in LULAC. I’ve also been able to network with people from different industries in both the private and public government sector. Without LULAC, I wouldn’t have these or as much of these opportunities.

How long have you been in LULAC? What positions have you held?

Including high school, I’ve been in LULAC for a total of 4 years. I’ve been Vice President for a semester and President for 2 years. I am also currently the Deputy District 8 Director for Young Adults.

What activities/events have you participated in through LULAC?

Painting a mural in Chicago; the mural in Chicago was a Youth and Young Adult project that helped bring communities together. We painted on a graffiti wall that the owner of the building donated to us. Kids from the neighborhood that were painters and actual graffiti artists came out and helped create a very detailed mural that promoted education in the Hispanic and minority community. It was a lot of hard work and long hours, but in the end, it was well worth it. It felt great knowing that you were a part of the mural project and hope that it inspires young Hispanics to go to college. Our group has also adopted a park on the eastside, mentored middle school students, and hosted a district convention.

Do you feel you’ve made a difference?

I would like to think so. In talking to younger Hispanics, I hope I have changed someone’s mind into going to college that was on the fence whether to attend or not. I hope that I was at least able to break the cycle that a lack of education brings.

Who is a person you admire the most from LULAC?

The person I most admire in LULAC is Herlinda Garcia. She is the Deputy District 8 Director. Within LULAC, just like any other organization, there are some people that have the wrong objectives and agendas. Herlinda is the person that I’ve never seen have an alternate agenda. She is a nice and genuine person. She is always a neutral and unbiased party and willing to help out whenever needed.

What conventions have you took part in? What was your experience?

I’ve been to Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico for National Conventions. I’ve been to district conventions held at both UH and Prairie View A&M. Conventions are great to experience because   it can be hectic, but you can learn so much. You get to meet some celebrities and many politicians that attend. As a Young Adult, you get to meet other Young Adults from other colleges and universities around the country. Conventions also allow for councils and its members to become closer and tighter knit. When traveling to other cities you get to experience different sites the city has to offer.

LULAC’s 80th National Convention San Juan Puerto Rico

What are some of the events that took place at the convention IN PR?

In Puerto Rico, some of the events that took place were seminars on higher education, continuing education after college, the DREAM Act, civil rights and immigration reform. There were also several banquets with guest speakers that took place.

Which events did your council take part in?

Our council participated in the DREAM Act, civil rights, and immigration reform workshops. I moderated a workshop about higher education and internship, which was a little scary, but rewarding at the same time. We also were responsible for the hosting the Young Adult Caucasus.

 What was the main event in your opinion? Why?

I thought the main event, at least as a Young Adult, was the seminar about higher education. Pursuing an education after college is very important. As more and more people go and graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree, people need something else (Masters, PhD, etc.) that will set them apart from the rest of the crowd. It’s good that Latinos understand this early so they don’t get left behind and have to play catch-up.

 What did you gain from the convention?

I gained a new sense of independence. I didn’t go along with how other councils around me were voting on issues and I didn’t let others influence me and my way of thinking.

 How did your council feel about it?

Of the 7 council members that went, 3 of us have been to previous national conventions on a Young Adult setting. They know what national conventions can be like. The rest of the council members that were new to this did enjoy the convention. They were able to see what goes on and meet new people.

 Did you create friendships?

Yes, I created new friendships with people from other councils. Within my own council, I feel like I became closer friends with most of the people that were on the trip.

 What is one sentence that summarizes the convention?

After everything that goes on in front or behind the scenes, good and bad, we all need to work together if we want anything accomplished.

Getting Involved with UH LULAC

 How can students become involved? 

 To get informed about UH LULAC students can email me at mauricioa12@yahoo.com for more information and   meeting dates.

 What are the benefits of joining?

Students have the chance to do something good for their community and make a difference. They also have a chance to travel to different locations for conventions.

*For more information or to find a council near you visit www.lulac.org.