The Story

Photo from the LAUP archives of a member helping other Latinx individuals register to vote.

LAUP Voter Registration Drive

Direct connection to the community is a foundational pillar of the LAUP, and initiatives like this showcase that. LAUP set up this voter registration drive for the Latinx community so that they could better access voting and actively participate in local government. A community that had until then been silenced was now beginning to have a voice.

Article from The Holland Sentinel attempting to mobilize Latinx voters.  

Inspiring Voters to Act 1986

LAUP continued to push the Latinx community forward, this time by inspiring action. An article was written encouraging Latinx members to not only register to vote but to also exercise their right to vote. Mobilizing the group, changing the mindset from the first step: registering to vote, to the second step: taking action that can make change. These are steps that needed to be taken in order to create local change that the Latinx community was desperately trying to cultivate.

Postcard from Holland Public Schools to the Holland community about their Bilingual Education Program, that was initiated in part by LAUP.

Bilingual Education Postcard 1977

One of the main issues that the Latinx community faced was the difficulty of learning the english language and learning in school. The LAUP acted to get schools in Holland to start bilingual education programs that provide access to education for those who otherwise would face language barriers. This is now a more common offering by public schools, however, in 1977 this a was a milestone for this community.

LAUP Newsletter 1993

The organization was now providing opportunities and resources in all areas of life, for all people of Latinx culture. Displaying the wide variety of different opportunities, events, and news, this letter sent by the LAUP shows forward movement of the community as a whole. This is practical evidence of different initiatives LAUP has created on behalf of the Latinx community, such as the scholarship fund in the top right of the letter. 

News letter sent by LAUP to the Holland community showcasing the news, opportunities, events, and resources that are being provided to the Latinx community by LAUP.

Letter to LAUP from Holland Public Schools supporting multiple scholarships for low-income students looking to pursue higher-education.

Scholarship Assistance 1983

One problem the Latinx community faced and continues to face has been financial difficulty when pursuing college education. Holland Public Schools responded to the LAUP's call for financial assistance for young latinos and latinas pursuing higher levels of education. LAUP has helped to provide scholarship opportunities through reaching out to Holland area schools, and other organizations. LAUP continues to broaden the horizons of youth in the community by providing economic opportunities, and opening doors that have previously been shut.