LULAC Virtual Summit

LULAC

Plus Three Produces LULAC Virtual Summit

Plus Three and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) joined forces to present LULAC’s first large multiday virtual event during the COVID-19 crisis. “All for One, One for All: United in Action to Transform America” ran from August 13-15, 2020 and drew the largest continuous online audience in LULAC’s history. Spread over nearly 30 hours of programming from over 80 content experts, speakers, and elected officials, the Virtual Summit brought together hundreds of thousands of people from across the country interested in hearing directly from business, government, and civic-sector leaders about issues important to the wellbeing, safety, and security of the Latino community.

Latinos are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 with the highest infection and morbidity rates; they are also suffering from devastatingly high unemployment numbers and inadequate unemployment compensation. Latino small businesses failed to receive sufficient PPP funding, and many are struggling to stay in business. As a result, Latino net worth has seen all of the gains over the last decade of prosperity wiped out in a matter of months. It could take a decade or more for Latinos to regain their financial standing in society as a result of the dual impact of COVID-19 and economic depression.

Since its inception 20 years ago, Plus Three has invested widely in the development of the Latin American community, making their involvement in the LULAC Virtual Summit a perfect fit. And at a time when that very community is so thoroughly jeopardized, it was more important than ever that we have a secure, reliable, and efficient platform through which people from the world over could come together to learn, discuss, and strategize.

We are seeing our youngest and most vulnerable Latino community members fall further into risk. Latino parents face major uncertainty about sending their kids back to school. The accessibility gap is greater than ever, with most low-income households lacking adequate Internet connectivity and technology equipment for distance learning.

Latino essential workers have also been losing their lives at a staggering rate. LULAC has been on the frontlines fighting for Latino essential workers in the meat processing industry to guarantee that appropriate steps are being taken to ensure social distancing, PPE, and testing. Many essential workers are undocumented immigrants living in mixed-status households. Many lack health insurance or are afraid to seek medical care because they are at risk of being deported.