Unión del Barrio is an independent political organization with an all-volunteer membership base. We are dedicated to overturning the oppression of la Raza: Chicanas/Chicanos, Mexicans, Indigenous Nations, and Latin-Americans within the current borders of the United States. We struggle every day to build a disciplined “organization of organizers,” developing the science, strategy, and structures needed to consolidate Unión del Barrio as an organization capable not only of resisting migra/police violence, but also of defending La Raza’s democratic rights and working-class interests.
Since August 29, 1981, Unión del Barrio has worked tirelessly to unify the collective power of Raza workers, women & men, educators, students, barrio youth, indigenous communities, and prisoners to build a powerful social and political movement for self-determination. We unconditionally uphold the right of self-determination of indigenous peoples and support the struggles for freedom of all our sisters and brothers across Latin America, which we call “Nuestra América.”
We are not a non-profit or charity-based organization. Our barrio-based work is entirely self-financed through membership dues, community contributions, and local fundraising. Now, more than ever, we need you to join Unión del Barrio to help build this movement for Raza Liberation!
Membership in Unión del Barrio begins with individual discipline and collective accountability. Before applying to be a member of Unión del Barrio, prospective members must agree with the UdB Political Program, be ready to adhere to collective involvement and responsibility to UdB, and agree to be actively involved in organizational meetings, community projects, and barrio-facing activities. The Constitution of UdB requires current members of UdB to be honest, committed, and principled when working within the community. When members of UdB are found to be in violation of these ideals, any member of the community has the right to criticize the work of that member by submitting a signed statement to the relevant UdB body.
Unión del Barrio is actively organizing across California – in Los Angeles, Oakland, North San Diego County, San Diego, and Santa Barbara/Goleta. If you reside in one of these areas and want to get involved, email your request to <info@uniondelbarrio.org> and someone from Unión de Barrio will follow up within a week. If you do not receive any notification from us, please contact us again via email and leave a voicemail at 619/398-6648. We are an all-volunteer group and sometimes can’t move as quickly as we wish we could – mainly because we need more members!
If you live in an area where Unión del Barrio is not currently active, we ask that you gather at least 10 additional people who are interested in defending our communities. If you can do that, we will commit to presenting an information session (online or in person, depending on the location) on how to start organizing in your area. If you already have at least 10 people (total) in your area interested in joining the fight for community self-defense, please email us at <info@uniondelbarrio.org>, and we will provide you with logistical information on how to establish Unión del Barrio in your area. In the meantime, please follow us on social media – @UniondelBarrio. Thank you for reaching out.