Pro-liberty non-profit empowers Latinos through education

Empowering Latinos who call the United States home by teaching the principles of human progress and the proper role of government in a free society—that’s the goal of the LIBRE Institute and they do that through education.

“Education is critical to what we do. We promote lifelong learning and provide tools that help individuals break barriers so that they can reach their full potential,” Ivette Diaz, foundation director for the LIBRE Institute, told ADN America.

“We have made numerous efforts in various parts of the country to help Hispanic communities through ESL (English as Second Language), financial literacy, parenting, citizenship and civic classes. We also provide community workshops on various issues like homeownership, public speaking and educational freedom.”

The LIBRE Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose goal is to keep the Hispanic community informed about what it truly means to have a free and open society, built on four pillars: economic prosperity, education, faith and family.

Diaz said the institute offers free English classes for various levels of beginner English. Classes vary depending on location, but are currently offered in Texas, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia and Virginia. She recommends contacting a local LIBRE chapter to find out what’s available nearby.

“For many Latino immigrants, the language barrier makes it all the more difficult to integrate into their new communities, find employment or become engaged civically,” Diaz said. “English classes help our newest Americans sharpen their skills, gain confidence and purse better opportunities for employment, to open businesses, communicate with their student’s teachers, connect with neighbors, and find a sense of belonging in their new home.”

The LIBRE Institute also challenges Latinos to become lifelong learners through book clubs. The books, which focus on topics of betterment, such as liberty and personal development, are designed to make people stop and think about the role they play in the nation.

“Through our conversations, participants expand their understanding of the roles of key institutions of society such as government, community, business, and education and create more informed leaders,” Diaz shared. “We think it’s important for our community to recognize how valuable they are to the strength of our nation. Through these book clubs, we are able to challenge one another about our role in the American story and hold stronger convictions about our role in our local community and the broader society.”

They also provide education advisement to Latino families looking to broaden their children’s educational opportunities. The LIBRE Institute helps Latino parents navigate school relationships through workshops and parent engagement classes. The non-profit also conducts backpack giveaways to help families with the high costs of school supplies.

Diaz said they offer all these opportunities because Latinos are valuable to the future of the country, so they want to be able to provide them with the knowledge and means necessary to make a difference in the world.

“This belief in the power of our community and love of freedom is what drives us to break barriers and equip our community to understand how freedom drives progress in every aspect of society, so that they can more readily take their place in their communities, become civically engaged and pursue that progress for themselves, their families, their communities and our nation at large,” Diaz added.