Where Are the Advocates?

By Felix Alvarado

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), chartered by the State of Texas, often highlights its accomplishments. Many of those achievements are indeed noteworthy. What is far less impressive is how the organization continues to mask questionable internal practices, particularly the long‑standing issue of paper councils.

A Meeting Turned Upside Down on May 22, 2021, I was presiding over a peaceful Executive Board meeting of District 21 in my role as District Director. Without warning, the meeting was disrupted when a group of unfamiliar individuals—strangers to most of us—entered and were immediately declared legitimate voting members by the district treasurer and the state parliamentarian.

The parliamentarian then allowed the deputy director to seize control of the meeting. These individuals began making plans for the future of the district, effectively erasing my authority as District Director. What followed was chaos—no order, no adherence to procedure, and no respect for the constitution, bylaws, or Robert’s Rules of Order. When control was finally returned to me, I canceled the meeting and invalidated all actions taken.

The Constitutional Issue the LULAC Constitution is clear: VI.7b(2) – To declare Local Councils defunct if they fail to fulfill the requirements of an active council and to report such action to the State Director with full details.

The disruption on May 22 was driven by the fear that I intended to address the problem of paper councils that exist only on paper and are often used to influence elections or secure organizational advantages. Paper councils are not new; Elaine Ayala of the San Antonio Express‑News wrote about their role in LULAC elections as far back as May 30, 2018.

The State Director offered this definition: “The Constitution is clear on removal of individuals, not dues‑paying councils. Even if you were to place them as defunct, that status would be inaccurate as they paid their dues and as such have every right to all that comes with membership including their right to send delegates to the district convention.”

This interpretation ignores the intent of the constitutional provision, which was designed for councils that no longer function—not as a shield for councils that exist only to manipulate outcomes.

A Coordinated Intrusion The events of May 22, 2021, were not accidental. They were made possible through the collaboration of the National Board, the State Board, and several members of District 21. Their actions constituted a serious violation of the LULAC Constitution and the sanctity of our democratic processes.

I filed multiple grievances with the National Board regarding paper councils and the issues within District 21. None were answered. Not one.

As a longtime member of LULAC—a Tejano, a senior citizen, a Vietnam veteran, a retired Air Force senior non‑commissioned officer, and a District Officer—I expected at least the respect of a response. Silence was their answer.

LULAC Deserves Better The behavior I witnessed is not new. It has persisted for years, eroding trust and weakening the integrity of the organization. Every member of the National and State Boards should resign for violating the responsibilities of their positions.

Based on my understanding of the LULAC charter, this matter must be brought before the National Assembly for resolution. LULAC’s members deserve transparency, accountability, and leadership that honors the organization’s mission—not political maneuvering behind closed doors.

/s/ Felix Alvarado A Proud Tejano, Senior Citizen, and Defender of Homegrown Values

(please note Felix Alvarado is the author of this article, Hola Texas assumes no responsibility)