Community Mobilization

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Increasing Latina Visibility in the Reproductive Justice Movement

We educate and develop leaders to build regional networks of activists that inform and support our national policy agenda. Our Community Mobilization Program is centered around our LOLA Training Series and our Latina Advocacy Networks.

Latinas Organizing for Leadership and Advocacy trainings (LOLA)

Our LOLA trainings seek to build a group of Latina leaders, strengthen the voices of Latinas and enable them to be seen as a powerful group who can influence policy decisions that directly impact our lives, our families and our communities. We welcome activists from varying levels of social justice experience, LOLA is designed to be a space where we can share our experiences, learn new skills, and strategize around reproductive justice campaigns.

Specific training components¹ include:

  • Latina Reproductive Health & Rights
  • Organizing 101: Introduction to Social Change Theory & Strategies
  • Building a Latina Movement
  • Communicating for Reproductive Justice
  • Starting a Reproductive Justice Campaign

¹For more information about our upcoming LOLA trainings, email Miriam@latinainstitute.org

Latina Advocacy Networks (LANs) Primer

What is a Latina Advocacy Network (LAN)?

The National Latina Advocacy Network is an association of regional Latina Advocacy Networks (LANs) developed in coordination with NLIRH to advance reproductive rights on a local and national level. The National LAN serves as our main way to mobilize Latinas and involve them in national campaigns.

How are Latina Advocacy Networks established?

The National Latina Advocacy Network is an association of regional Latina Advocacy Networks (LANs) developed in coordination with NLIRH to advance reproductive rights on a local and national level. The National LAN serves as our main way to mobilize Latinas and involve them in national campaigns.

Who can join a LAN?

LANs are founded by dedicated Latina activists living in the same area, many of whom have attended NLIRH’s LOLA trainings. Group membership is open to all activists, and we welcome and a diverse set of experiences.

What kind of activities have LANs done in the past?

Each LAN gets to decide what events and campaigns they want to participate in, and what makes sense and addresses the needs of their community. NLIRH provides materials and support.
Past events:

  • Workshops on Emergency Contraception
  • Rallies & Marches
  • Tabling at Health/Cultural Fairs
  • Cafecitos (informal discussions at coffee shops)
  • Hot lines
  • Advocacy Campaigns (letter writing, lobbying)

Protecting Latinas' Reproductive Rights in the Courts

Know Your Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the United States, has played an essential role in protecting our reproductive rights, including the right to contraception and abortion. The courts have also failed to protect women’s reproductive rights in a number of cases. The U.S. Supreme Court recently had two justices appointed to the bench who have in the past been openly anti-choice. However, it is crucial that all justices of the court uphold women’s constitutionally protected right to choose. Now, more than ever, is the time for us to pay attention to any constitutional challenge to our reproductive freedom.

Challenges to Choice

On November 8, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed Gonzales v. Carhart and Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood. Carhart and Planned Parenthood, argued by the Center for Reproductive Rights, two challenges to the Federal Abortion Ban, also known as the "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003."

What next?
We wait for the Justices to make their decision and issue an opinion.  Check back for updated information as we continue to monitor these cases and support legal efforts to protect  reproductive rights.

Learn more:

National Latina Agenda for Reproductive Justice

The agenda lays out a set of policy recommendations for improving the reproductive health and rights of Latinas at the federal and state level.  It is our hope that the agenda will serve as a useful contribution to the Latina reproductive justice movement, as well as the national efforts to broaden the reproductive rights movement.

National Advisory Committee (NAC)
NAC is a resource entity and sounding board for our policy program.  The Committee assists in moving our policy agenda forward by advising on specific strategies and policy solutions.  The Committee also serves the purpose of participating in strategy discussions around politically engaging Latinos by addressing reproductive rights, health care access and immigration policy. 

Learn More: NAC Members and Committee Objectives