The Formation of LAUP
Opening
Holland, Michigan holds tight to its namesake Dutch heritage. Yet the population represents people from a much wider and more diverse set of cultures. How does one of the largest subsets of the community - the Latinx community - create a sense of belonging? In 1974, a group of community activists came together to answer that question. The Latin American Society was born and registered as a nonprofit in the state of Michigan. The merging of the Latin American Society with other Latinx serving organizations of the time would give birth to Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) in 1974. LAUP was founded as an organization to advocate and support Latinx and other minority communities in the Holland area. LAUP established multiple outreach programs to expand the community's knowledge and create equal opportunity for Latinx and other minority communities in the area.
Article on History of LAUP's Beginning
In 1964, Tino Reyes, Lupita Reyes, and Ray Gutierrez Sr. gathered with others to discuss the starting of an organization to address the needs of Hispanics within the community. This organization was soon created and called “Latin American Society”.
In the early 1970s, another organization was established, La Raza Unida, to tackle many of the same issues as the Latin American Society.
In connection to Hope College, the organization Bilingual-Bicultural Awareness Committee was founded to promote education among Hispanic children.
LAUP History Document
LAUP was founded in 1974 by the merging of Bilingual-Bicultural Awareness Committee, Latin American Society, and La Raza Unida. It was created with the intent to bring the City of Holland and its Latino community closer together. "[LAUP] is an organization promoting goodwill among all residents in the Holland area, and working for the betterment of the entire community." It is an organization comprised of caring individuals working together on common goals, ideas, and endeavors which are achieved by working with local agencies and programs.
LAUP Founding Members
Image of committee members at the founding of LAUP. The people shown in the picture from left to right are:
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Back Row: Edwardo Sosa, Andy Fierro, (unknown), Alfredo Gonzalez, Gladys Cortez
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Front Row: Charmaine Stegenga, Elida Almanza, Rebecca Rivera (Arenas), Lydia Villagran, Marta Ruiz
LAUP Mission and Vision Statement
The purpose of LAUP is to empower and develop the quality of life of Hispanics in the Holland area through the improvement of education, jobs, housing, legal system, and socio-economic status. "In doing this LAUP seeks to empower Hispanics to become active participants in this community and help to make changes, which will ensure a better community for all people."
The organization works to bridge the cultural values of the Hispanics and non-Hispanics in the Holland community. "It is the vision of LAUP to encourage collaborative relationships between Hispanics and non-Hispanics thereby developing a community where cultural diversity is valued and respected."
Today, LAUP's mission continues to be to empower Latinos to participate in creating a better community for all through advocacy, celebration & education, and they hold steadfast to their vision to be the center of influence in the Holland Latino community that builds bridges to opportunities and creates pathways to success for all.
History of LAUP Board
The first recorded meeting that LAUP held was on February 17, 1974 at the Holland Civic Center. At the meeting, they made elections to LAUP’s board and filled many important positions such as President and Vice-President. Within the first year of LAUP some disagreements occurred to voted members and resulted in multiple special elections to re-elect some positions in 1975. In the following years, the LAUP board remained stable and special elections did not occur.
LAUP Newsletter
This is the first newsletter that LAUP ever published. The Newsletter was used to inform and show the importance of what was happening in the Hispanic community at that time. It was written in both English and Spanish to reach a larger audience.
Take Away
LAUP brought together three organizations to advocate and educate. LAUP represents the hope for change in Holland for minority communities and demonstrate the progress that is possible. Since the origins, LAUP has provided services to many in the community, opened lines of communication, and created strong connections.