Non-profit organizations are a crucial element in building healthy and thriving communities. It’s not about demagogic philanthropy or fiscal stratagems; it’s a real support network that ends up becoming the voice of the people they serve.
As the National Council of Nonprofits explains, America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture people of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond.
“They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth, and strengthen the fabric of our communities. Every single day,” the NCN adds.
Especially after four years of the Trump administration, the work of vote mobilization and rights organizations in communities of color has been vital in the effort to change the direction of the country.
These are the five Latinx organizations you should have on your radar, know, and support to see real change become a reality.
United We Dream
This organization seeks to transform the fear of undocumented status into an engine of motivation and work, empowering young Dreamers to develop their leadership and organizing skills and build a network of campaigns that fight for justice and dignity for immigrants and all the people. With a digital reach of over 4 million and with half a million members nationwide, United We Dream is also one of the most diverse and intersectional organizations in the U.S., where 60% of its members are women, and 20% identify as LGBTQ.
Voto Latino
With more than 15 years of organizing and mobilizing the Latinx community, Voto Latino is today one of the most important grassroots political organizations in the country. To create a more inclusive and robust democracy, Voto Latino works from innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs, and functions as a platform for authentic voices to help the Latinx community fully realize its political power.
Latino Equality Alliance
The Latino Equality Alliance (LEA) mission is to advocate for equity, safety, and wellness for the Latinx Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ community. As a non-profit organization with a strong focus on family acceptance, LGBT equality, and immigration reform; LEA engages Latina/o LGBT community leaders and organizations in direct action organizing to address issues of bullying, homophobia, xenophobia, family separation, violence against youth, homelessness, high health risk behaviors, and HIV/AIDS.
National Alliance For Hispanic Health
Since the mid-1970s, it is the premier science-based and community-driven organization that focuses on the best health for all. Community-based members provide services to more than 15 million Hispanics throughout the U.S. every year, and national organization members offer services to more than 100 million people annually.
Unidos US
Since 1968, UnidosUS – formerly known as the National Council of La Raza – has remained a trusted, nonpartisan voice for Latinos. They serve the Hispanic community through research, policy analysis, state, national advocacy efforts, and program work in communities nationwide. They partner with a national network of nearly 300 Affiliates across the country to serve millions of Latinos in the areas of civic engagement, civil rights and immigration, education, workforce, and the economy, health, and housing.