The Nebraska nonprofit community is grateful to have Unity in Action, a Latinx led support hub in South Sioux City, providing civic education opportunities and citizenship courses for the immigrant Latinx community, building pathways for these communities to be more involved and connected. Their motto, “¡Para un mejor mañana!,” is reflected in all their work. Unity in Action's Executive Director Olga Guevara describes the better tomorrow that is being cultivated in the South Sioux City community.
The organization recognizes the shift of demographics in population, as Latinos are the fastest growing populace at this time, making up 52% of South Sioux City's population. "The population growth is not reflected in the leadership of our town," Olga shares. "Let's train and let's educate and let's build leadership in communities of color!"
Olga acknowledges that immigrant communities face challenges in recognizing the power in their voices. "We know that our immigrant community struggles with just reaching out and really expressing what they're feeling." People in the community often stay quiet out of fear of causing trouble, not feeling like they belong or that their thoughts matter. Unity in Action's multitude of programs and resources quells those fears and empowers individuals and families to reach their maximum potential.
The courses offered do not just help integrate people into their community but to be active participants in it. The civic health course promotes workers' rights, civic engagement, justice, and advocacy, uplifting in its students the power and rights they have. The citizenship program is another course offered to help navigate the way to citizenship for immigrant community members. The program includes classes on immigration resources, U.S. history, government structure on all levels, voter education, and mock citizenship interviews. These courses are offered both in English and Spanish, focused on information retention and regular application.
Empowerment is just one focus of Unity in Action. Community building is foundational to the organization as change is a group effort. It is empowering to be with a group of people who look like you and have similar experiences, knowing that you are not alone. Unity in Action helps create space for the Latinx and immigrant community to unify in celebrating each other's company and building the courage to speak up for one another.
A great celebration of community and culture was held at Celebrate Siouxland from September 15 - 22, hosted by Unity in Action, marking its biggest community engagement success this year. The celebration has grown significantly since its start in 2018, going from a block party for the Latinx community to the week-long event recounting the history and culture of the immigrant population of the South Sioux City area.
The highlight of the week was the Sunday festival, calling back to many cultural traditions of families coming together on Sundays. This reminder brings back a sense of home to many community members, unifying to enjoy traditional cuisine, listening to music and dancing together. Olga recognizes the impact of the festivities. “We’re making a huge impact and the community wants this. It reinforces that we have to continue to do this work.”
Ultimately, Unity in Action believes in creating and advocating for safe inclusive spaces in which people feel that they belong for a better tomorrow.
“Our mission was not about the numbers, it was only about building community and creating that safe space and really just celebrating us and our people. There's a lot of people in our community who are unable to go back to their home countries, so we give them a little bit of community to connect with.”
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