Meet Dolores Huerta
What does it take to make a change in the world? Dolores Huerta, labor leader and civil rights activist, has dedicated her life to exactly this. Born in New Mexico in 1930, she spent most of her childhood in the farming community of Stockton, California. There, her mother, Alicia, ran a hotel that often provided affordable rooms to workers. Alicia’s compassion and involvement in the local community gave Dolores a deep sense of justice.
While working as a teacher, Dolores witnessed the struggles of farmworker families. Many of her students came to school hungry and without shoes. Taking the lessons her mother taught her, Dolores set out to make a change. In 1962, she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) with César Chávez to advocate for farmworkers' rights. The NFWA later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). Dolores led boycotts, negotiated contracts, and famously created the rallying cry "¡Sí, se puede!" (Yes, we can!). Her work helped launch a movement that still inspires people today.
Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta (center) with State Senator Nancy Skinner (second from left), student speaker Jamarie Crawford (right of Skinner), and supporters. Image courtesy of the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
Dolores Huerta Foundation
Dolores has just celebrated her 95th birthday! Her dedication to justice continues through the Dolores Huerta Foundation. She and her daughter, Camila Chavez, created the foundation to help communities come together for change. The Dolores Huerta Foundation's goal is to build strong leaders and empower those most affected to stand up for their rights. It organizes community members to this day!
Dolores Huerta, Camila Chavez, and the Dolores Huerta Foundation in action. Image courtesy of the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
Be a Changemaker
Dolores’ work reminds us that when we come together, our voices can truly be heard. Is there an issue you’re passionate about? No action (or person) is too small to make a change.
Here are 4 ways kids can make a difference:
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Learn: The first step to changing the world is understanding it. Read books, watch videos, ask questions, and listen to people who are affected. The more you know, the better you can think about solutions and share what you've learned.
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Talk to friends and family: Talk to your friends, parents, grandparents, and other adults you trust about the issues you care about. Explain why it matters to you. You might find out they care too, or you might even teach them something new!
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Help at local events: Many communities have events or organizations working on causes you might care about. Look for opportunities to volunteer at food drives, park clean-ups, or school fundraisers. Even small tasks like setting up chairs or handing out flyers make a big difference and show that you're there to help.
- Write and draw about issues that are important to you: Your creativity is a powerful tool. Write stories, poems, or letters expressing your thoughts and feelings about an issue. Draw pictures or create posters to bring attention to a cause. You can share your work with your family, classmates, or even local newspapers to spread awareness and inspire others.
Photo by yasara hansani on Unsplash
Cover image of Dolores Huerta: "Dolores Huerta celebrating her honorary doctorate from USC" by Rafa213. Image from Wikimedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.