Organizaciones Latinas Aliadas/Allied Latino Organizations (OLA)

Nuestra Historia/Our History

The Latino/a community in Nebraska have been growing steadily since the 1980s.  From 1990-2000, the population grew by 155%, now making up 5.5% of the state’s population.  By the end of 2010, according to the U.S. Census, Latinos/as grew by 77% in that ten-year period, as a result of natural increase (birth and death rates), now constituting 9.2% of the population.

As the population has grown, so, too, have its needs as a community.  In order to respond to these needs, a variety of Latino/a-led organizations have begun to emerge over the last four years, ranging from organizations focused GED and English classes to small business and worker rights.  And in their beginning stages, they were serving the needs of the community, yet as time passes, the community’s needs become so great, that one organization cannot address them alone.  For that reason, the Heartland Workers Center took the lead at the end of 2010 to speak with the different Latino/a leaders about organizing themselves.  On January 8, 2011, representatives from 26 different organizations met to discuss how to begin to work collectively on issues affecting the community, especially regarding immigration and politics.  Since that time, the number of organizations has grown to 40.  This alliance took on the name Allied Latino Organizations (OLA for its name in Spanish) and has developed mission and vision statements.  It has met with elected officials to discuss the agenda of the community; they were Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, State Senators Burke Harr, Brenda Council, Jeremy Nordquist, and Brad Ashford.

As we enter into 2012, a political year, OLA will continue its work in the public life by sponsoring a Get-Out-The-Vote Campaign, promoting, educating and informing citizens and non-citizens alike about the importance of voting, the legislative process, and the view of all candidates, regardless of party affiliation.

Nuestra Misión/Our Mission

To create political, social and economic power in order for the voice of the Latino/a community to be heard, promoting civic participation, through education, capacity building, and the dynamic integration of Latino/a Leadership.

Nuestra Visión/Our Vision

To be an Alliance of Latino/a organizations that, through civic participation, will gain consciousness and political representation.

Las Comisiones de OLA/OLA Commissions

-L-Voto y Educación/L-Vote and Education

-Organización/Organizing

-Relaciones Públicas y Medios de Comunicación/Public Relations and Media