History

Latinos Unidos Siempre (L.U.S.), Spanish for "Latinos United Forever," started in September 1996.  The idea originated and was implemented by the Mano a Mano Family Center in Salem, Oregon.  Since then, youth from the Salem area have come together in support of many political issues as well as in support of each other. The organization now has over 150 members and is still growing.  Together the youth from LUS are affecting political change, change in the community, their family and friends, and their own lives.

Accomplishments

• Annual Thanksgiving Dinner since 1996
• Annual Easter Basket giveaway for children living in shelters since 1996
• Conferences to promote higher education
• 4th of July Parade
• Community Dances
• Fund Raisers
• 1997- March with 38,000 others in support of Strawberry Farm Workers in Watsonville, CA
• 1997- Eliminated the Gang Intervention Project manual because it discriminated against Latino youth.
• 1997- March against immigration raids.
• 1997- LUS testified to the Oregon Legislature for a raise in minimum wage
• 1998- March against police brutality
• 1999- LUS testified to the Oregon Legislature against lowering the minimum wage for farm workers, youths and tip earners.
• 1999- March against police discrimination.