LCLAA 24th Convention: Together Towards Tomorrow/ Trabajadores Para un Futuro Justo

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) held their 24th National Membership Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Aug. 2 - 6, 2023. The following members of the DC 37 Retirees Association attended: Julia Jorge, Aurea Mangual, Isabel Figueroa, Nellie Gonzalez-Arce and Milagros Crispín.

The theme of the convention was "Together Towards Tomorrow: Trabajadores Para un Futuro Justo" signifying that “Success for our communities and laborers across this country will be realized when we as a community galvanize our efforts to make our voices heard."

Consistent with the theme of unity and the struggle to maintain essential services, Aurea Mangual noted that "the conference was an educational and informative event especially with regards to what's going on in other states. Pennsylvania is going through the same situation as NYC regarding the privatization of their healthcare services."

During the convention, members participated in LCLAA's traditional Day of Service. According to Sister Mangual, “The Day of Service was a planned rally at La Fortaleza, the Governor's Mansion. Over 3,000 union members, plus the LCLAA members and others, participated in the well-organized rally, which the public applauded. The street was packed with participants and police closed traffic throughout the march. We walked under the scorching sun in 112º F weather. They had a good representative speaking on behalf of their members. A great double-hot rally!”

While in Puerto Rico, a special invitation was extended to the DC 37 Retirees Association delegation by the Comité Noviembre Annual Dinner to thank the DC 37 Retirees Association for their generous donation to support services in Puerto Rico. They indicated that Comité Noviembre will be able to give grants to seven-to-eight nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico that worked directly with the community.

In a special ceremony, Isabel Figueroa, Julia Jorge and Aurea Mangual were celebrated along with other LCLAA members for twenty-five years of dedicated services to the organization. Newly elected National Officers and Executive board Members were also introduced to the attendees on the last day of the Convention. Below are photos from convention. To learn more about LCLAA, click here.