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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Resources

WOU Campus Groups / Resources

	Multicultural Student Services & Programs The office of Multicultural Student Services & Programs is committed to the recruitment, retention and graduation of historically underrepresented & underserved populations by providing educational opportunities and outstanding programming for ethnically and culturally diverse students. MSSP strives to enrich the undergraduate experience and foster a supportive environment for students of color to live, learn and grow as active members of the Western Oregon University community and as individuals.
	Multicultural Student Union The mission of the MSU is to promote diversity and cultural awareness throughout the Western Oregon University campus and the surrounding community. MSU gives students, faculty and staff an opportunity to share their cultural background while learning about others.
	Multicultural Representatives Program The MCR (Multicultural Representative) mentors are a selected group of students who are strongly committed in assisting in the retention of historically underrepresented & underserved students. They promote and strengthen Western Oregon University by providing a personal perspective and guidance to new students from first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented backgrounds. Through this experience, the MCR mentors grow and develop leadership skills as active campus members and as individuals.
	Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (MEChA) De Western Oregon University MEChA was founded on the principles of self-determination for the liberation of our people. We believe that political involvement and education is the avenue for change in our society. Each word in MEChA symbolizes a great concept in terms of la causa. Movimiento means that the organization is dedicated to the movement to gain self-determination for our people. Estudiantil, identifies the organization as a student group for we are part of our Raza's future. At the heart of the name is the use of the identity: Chicanx. At first seen as a negative word, now taken for a badge of honor. In adopting their new identity, the students committed themselves to return to the barrios, colonias, or campos and together, struggle against the forces that oppress our gente. Lastly, the affirmation that we are Indigenous people to this land by placing our movement in Aztlan, the homeland of all peoples from Anahuak.

Local Groups / Organizations

	Casa Latinos Unidos Casa Latinos Unidos was founded in 2009 as a community-based 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. We provide services to people residing in Benton and Linn Counties. Although there are other agencies that provide services to Latinos, Casa Latinos Unidos is the only community-based organization that is culturally-specific in both counties. We provide free or low-cost basic needs services and culturally-specific programs exclusively to the Latino and Latinx community.
	Oregon Latinx Leadership Network We are a network of Latino/a/x-led and serving organizations and leaders who are working collectively to advance equity for our communities. Our network is statewide (urban and rural), multigenerational, multilingual (Spanish and Indigenous languages), and diverse (including Black, Afro descendant, Mesoamerican Indigenous, queer, disabled, neurodiverse, and other marginalized members of Latinidad). The Latino/a/x community has been part of The State of Oregon and our contributions pre-date back to the sixteenth century. Oregon is our home and we are proud to identify as Oregonians, taxpayers, and contributors to the economy of Oregon. OLLN’s work is housed within and supported by CAPACES Leadership Institute in Woodburn, Oregon.

History & Research

	Oregon Historical Society - Hispanics/Latinos in Oregon The late eighteenth-century Spanish explorations of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest were generally more concerned with territorial rights and Spain’s dominion in the region than treasure or commerce. They came to Oregon as part of a conquering and imperialistic empire. Mexican independence in the early nineteenth century brought a new phase for the Latino presence in Oregon...
	OSU Multicultural Archives - Latino/a People and Culture The OMCRC is an artificial collection containing items of interest about multicultural communities within Oregon State University and to a lesser extent, the city of Corvallis, and the state of Oregon.
	UO Archives - Oregon Latino Heritage Digital Collection The Oregon Latino Heritage digital collection showcases materials Latino heritage collections from University of Oregon Special Collections & University Archives. The foundation of the collection is from student collected and created materials as part of the Latino Roots courses taught by Professors Lynn Stephen and Gabriela Martinez. Forthcoming additions to the collection include materials from PCUN: Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste.
	Grounded in This Place: A Deep History of Latino Activism in Oregon The deep history of Latinos in Oregon begins in the early nineteenth century, when the current southern state line was actually the northern border of Mexico, and continues through today, as new immigrants arrive and Latino Oregonians of many generations continue to shape the state. During the twentieth century, Latino Oregonians engaged in labor activism that resulted in founding significant, ongoing organizations—such as PCUN—that continue to provide leadership in the state today. This program will explore that long history of labor organizing within national, and international, context and will consider the ongoing political impact of that work today.
	Smithsonian Institute - National Museum of the American Latino For centuries, diverse Latino communities have played foundational roles in building the United States and shaping its national culture. Their rich histories and legacies predate the nation's establishment. They are deeply rooted in this country's pursuit of democracy, freedom, multiculturalism, and economic opportunity. Their stories and perspectives deepen our understanding of the United States and what it means to be American.