National Council of La Raza

Gallery

Description

Every day Latinos work to make America stronger. They energize the economy and strive to make better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our mission is to improve their opportunities for success in achieving the American Dream.

Since 1968, the National Council of La Raza has remained a trusted, nonpartisan voice for Latinos. This is the community we serve through our research, policy analysis, and state and national advocacy efforts, as well as in our programs work in communities nationwide.

We partner with 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. We believe in fighting for our community and for an America where economic, political, and social advancement is a reality for all Latinos.

Details

Video

Contact

Social connections

facebook twitter instagram youtube

FAQ

What is the National Council of La Raza?

About Us > FAQs about NCLR Questions and answers about NCLR Who we are and what we do What is the National Council of La Raza? The National Council of La Raza (NCLR)—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to build a stronger America by creating opportunities for Latinos. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 37 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1968, NCLR is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Washington, DC, serving all Hispanic subgroups in all regions of the country. It has state and regional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

What does the term “La Raza” mean?

The term “La Raza” has its origins in early 20th century Latin American literature and translates into English most closely as “the people” or, according to some scholars, “the Hispanic people of the New World.” The term was coined by Mexican scholar José Vasconcelos to reflect the fact that the people of Latin America are a mixture of many of the world’s races, cultures, and religions. The full term coined by Vasconcelos, “la raza cósmica,” meaning “the cosmic people,” reflects an expansive, inclusive view of the mixture inherent in Hispanics and that Hispanics share a common heritage and destiny with all other people of the world.

Whom does NCLR serve?

We serve all Hispanic nationality groups in all regions of the country through our formal network of nearly 300 Affiliates—reaching millions of Hispanics each year. NCLR welcomes affiliation from independent Hispanic groups that share NCLR’s goals and whose work aligns with NCLR issues. NCLR also assists non-Affiliate groups that serve Latino communities through issue networks on health, education, housing, leadership, and other areas.