How to be an Ally: A Practical Guide
Being an ally is a conscious choice to stand with and support the Latino community beyond Hispanic Heritage Month. Here’s a guide to get you started.
By Christina Fernández-Morrow
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” — Dolores Huerta, Activist
1. Educate Yourself: Documentaries
One of the most powerful ways to be an ally is to educate yourself on the history and experiences of Latinx people. Watch films that highlight their lives and contributions in the Midwest.
Hero Street: Located in Silvis, a part of the Quad Cities, Hero Street is a powerful example of patriotism. The documentary “Hero Street USA“ explores how more than 100 men from one block—mostly of Mexican descent—served in World War II and the Korean War, with eight making the ultimate sacrifice. There are YouTube videos and an NPR series that tell the story from various angles.
The Silvis Public Library is screening Hero Street USA as part of their Veteran’s Day events on Sept. 27 at 1 pm. Check www.silvislibrary.org for details.
AbUSed: The Postville Raid chronicles the 2008 immigration raid at a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, which was the largest single-site immigration raid in U.S. history at the time. It highlights the devastating impact of such events on families and communities and can be streamed for free on Kanopy for all library card holders.
Iowa PBS also aired a series on the raid: Postville: When Cultures Collide and Postville: Five Years Later, free on their website and app.
A Little Salsa on the Prairie: This documentary tells the story of how the Latino community revitalized Perry, Iowa, after a meatpacking plant moved into the area, offering a powerful example of how a community can be transformed through immigration. It is available via most Iowa libraries.
Additional impactful documentaries include:
Harvest of Empire - Traces Latino immigration history and U.S. foreign policy connections
Which Way Home - Follows unaccompanied children migrating north
The Invisibles - Chronicles undocumented workers’ experiences
Dolores - Biography of labor leader Dolores Huerta
2. Give Your Time and Resources: Local Charities and Events
Supporting Latino-serving organizations is a direct way to make a difference. These groups are on the front lines, providing essential services and advocacy.
A quick search for these in your specific city can find volunteer and donation opportunities:
· Hispanic/Latino community centers
· ESL programs and adult education centers
· Legal aid agencies serving immigrants and Spanish-speaking communities
· Youth mentorship or leadership programs
· Food banks in Latino neighborhoods
· Migrant farmworker programs.
There are lots of events honoring Latinx culture. Seek out:
Cultural festivals and events like Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Art exhibitions featuring Latino artists
Educational panels and lectures
Community theater productions
Music and dance performances
3. Use Your Voice!
Advocating for legislative change is a crucial form of allyship.
When writing to representatives about immigration and anti-deportation bills, focus on:
Economic contributions of immigrant communities
Family unity and humanitarian concerns
Due process protections
Community safety (mixed-status families often underreport crimes)
Local economic impacts
Specific asks and calls to action:
Support comprehensive immigration reform
Oppose mass deportation programs
Fund legal representation for immigrants
Protect DACA recipients and TPS holders
Support sanctuary policies
Protect employee and worker rights
Key Representatives to Contact:
Senators and congressional delegation
House of Representatives
City, County and State legislators
Regional Issues:
Meatpacking and agricultural industry worker protections
Rural community immigration policies
Educational equity in smaller cities
Healthcare access in Latino communities
Economic development in Latino business corridors
Letter Template to a Legislator:
Subject: My concern about [Bill Name/Number] - From a Concerned Constituent in [Your City, State]
Introduction: State that you are a constituent writing to oppose the bill.
Body: Explain how the bill would harm the community. Mention the positive contributions of Latino immigrants to your state’s economy and culture.
Call to Action: Urge them to vote against the bill and support humane immigration policies.
Closing: Thank them for their time.
4. Money Talks: Support Local Economies Through Latino-Owned Businesses
Putting your money where your values are is a tangible way to support the Latino community.
Use directories like the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce business listings
Seek out Latino-owned restaurants, markets, and specialty shops
Support Latino entrepreneurs and vendors in your community and online
Choose Latino-owned service providers when possible
Share positive reviews and recommendations on social media
Find Latina-owned businesses at www.jefasmagazine.com.
5. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Books, Social Media, and Websites
Books: Reading fiction and non-fiction by Latino authors can provide a deeper understanding of the community’s experiences. Consider books like:
· Solito by Javier Zamora
· I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez.
· My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
· American Like Me by America Ferrera
· Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias
· Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
Ask your local librarian for recommendations, and check out local museums and bookstores.
Websites and Media: Follow reputable news sources like Hola America News, which specifically covers the Latino communities in Iowa and the Quad Cities, and the new Hola Nebraska.
National resources like the National Museum of the American Latino, UnidosUS, LULAC (check for local branches), Hispanic Federation, Hispanic Heritage Foundation are just some of the national agencies working with Latino communities across the country.
· Regional Latino newspapers and media outlets
· Academic research on Latino migration to the Midwest
· Community-specific oral history projects
· Latinx-based podcasts
· Mango or DuoLingo for Spanish language learning
· Support Latino-created content on streaming platforms
Visit www.aclu.org for national and local actions you can take to help them defend rights for all.
Social Media: Follow Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations on social media. They often share a wealth of information about events, community needs, and ways you can help. Look for local hashtags and groups in your area to stay informed.
· Follow Latino journalists, activists, and creators on social media
Year-Round Allyship
The most effective support extends beyond Heritage Month:
Learn about Latino history and contemporary issues
Amplify Latino voices rather than speaking for the community
Challenge stereotypes and misinformation when you encounter them
Support policies that benefit immigrant families
Build genuine relationships within Latino communities
Use your privilege and platform to advocate for equity
Support the ACLU in your state
Hear from Latinos in Iowa:
Joaquin Ramirez-Andrade, Marshalltown:
Being an ally means using your everyday voice, supporting Latino-owned businesses, amplifying our stories, and advocating for policies that protect immigrant families. Real change comes through small, consistent actions: listening first, speaking up in difficult settings, and investing in Latino youth, culture, and leadership. Allyship isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about steady actions: attending our events, supporting our spaces, and contacting your legislators when our rights are at risk. Support us where decisions are made: in classrooms, boardrooms, and capitols—representation and respect are built daily.
Vanessa “CueponiCihuatl” Espinoza, M.Ed., West Liberty:
Non Latinos can be strong allies during these times. The first step is take a humble approach and remember that they are not experts in the Latino experience. They must ask themselves what they feel, believe and know. Then ask themselves what they can do.
Actions, big or small, make a difference every time.
Right now, it is important to write character witness/affidavits for our neighbors and friends who are being targeted by ICE. Volunteering and donating to the food pantry is crucial. If they are landlords, waiving one month of rent or lowering rent can really help people.
Most importantly, non Latinos must see the Latino community as a part of themselves. When we cannot see each other as oneself, we become disconnected and harmony disappears.
This article is available in Spanish on the Hola America News website.
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