We Are UnidosUS

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PHOENIX—Today, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization, announced it will change its name to UnidosUS.

The announcement was made at the close of its Annual Conference, where thousands of national and community leaders gathered for this significant moment in the organization’s 49-year history. “Unidos” is the Spanish-language word for “united;” the new brand spotlights the organization’s commitment to uniting all communities across the United States, reflects its history and role in uniting diverse communities, and reinforces Latinos’ role as a unifying force.

“We are excited to announce that we are now UnidosUS. As we have over the course of the past 49 years, we will continue embracing change and ensuring that our organization is evolving and addressing the critical needs of the Latino community,” said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía. “In unity there is strength, and in strength there is power. Unidos is a call to action for all Latinos, but also signals a message for others to join us and to come together united in the best interest of the country and all Americans.”

After nearly 50 years as NCLR, the change is the culmination of a three-year-long process of evaluation that included extensive community engagement. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, the UnidosUS name more accurately reflects the increasing diversity within the growing Latino population in the United States and the need to join forces to ensure the community continues on a road to progress and prosperity.

UnidosUS’s mission remains the same—to build a stronger America by creating opportunities for Latinos. The organization will continue its research, policy analysis, and state and national advocacy efforts, as well as its program work in partnership with our powerful national Affiliate network of nearly 300 community-based organizations.

“We are building on a strong foundation of legacy of impact and positive change that we can be proud of, like the major changes in education, housing, immigration and the various policies that have lifted Hispanics. Our history and heritage will not be lost,” Murguía continued. “We are simply expanding our reach to accomplish more on behalf of the community, and this is particularly timely as we are being increasingly challenged with new policies aimed at rolling back the progress our community has fought so hard to gain.”

“Moving forward as UnidosUS, we are confident that we can continue to broaden our reach and impact in Latino communities across the United States. With this name change, voted on unanimously by our Board of Directors, we embrace the legacy of the past 50 years and are looking forward to the next 50 with optimism and enthusiasm for what this community can accomplish by working together, united—unidos,” said Renata Soto, UnidosUS Board Chair.

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers at the national and local levels. For almost 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our country stronger.