Immigration Acuerdo

The Latino Policy Forum has developed a concept to build the policy making and advocacy capacity of Latino organizations and leaders called Acuerdos. (Acuerdo is a Spanish word meaning mutual understanding, agreement, or accord.) Acuerdos have one fundamental and important function: to work together to develop and execute priorities and a common agenda. We do this by making sure that information, policy, and advocacy on specific issues represent the Latino perspective and its community needs.

Acuerdos add value by:

• Developing an educated, issue-specific Latino voice;
• Building strong leaders who promote a common agenda;
• Advancing Latino access and inclusion;
• Generating positive engagement with the non-Latino community; and
• Making recommendations that improve the quality of life for all.

Co-chaired by Luis Gutierrez of Latinos Progresando and Maria Velazquez of Telpochcalli Community Education Project, the Latino Policy Forum's Immigration Acuerdo consists of the following member organizations:

• Alianza Americas (formerly NALACC)

• Association of Latino/as Motivating Action (ALMA)

• American Jewish Committee

• Brighton Park Neighborhood Council

• Cambiando Vidas/Access Living 

• The Center for Latino/a Mental Health at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Centro de Información

• Erie Neighborhood House

• Family Focus Nuestra Familia

• Hispanic American Community Education and Services (HACES)

• Latinos Progresando

• League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

• Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund (MALDEF)

• Mil Mujeres Legal Services

• Open Communities

• Telpochcalli Community Education Project

• SGA Youth and Family Services

• Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project (SSIP)

• West Town Leadership United

For additional information on the Acuerdo on Immigration issues, contact Julian Lazalde.