This Latino Leader Gathering discussed how principles of faith-based grassroots organizing could be applied to national politics, voters, parties, and political leaders as the United States looks forward to the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. The conversation highlighted how this era of dramatic change in U.S. national politics had exposed new tensions and worsened old ones between political institutions and the people they were meant to serve. Participants considered how faith-based partnerships could provide communities, voters, and political parties a way out of elite-driven politics and renew a focus on the common good.
Motivated by a diverse set of issues, Latinos are often positioned as decisive voters who can drive the course of national electoral politics into the future. Yet some of the United States’ most fertile political activity occurs at ground level, and grassroots mobilization has long served as a way to address local needs through unified action. Latino communities, especially those motivated by the Catholic faith, remain at the forefront of grassroots organizing for people-powered change, drawing from a rich tradition informed by Christian scriptures. This ongoing tradition continues to inform politics driven by and in service to the people, especially society’s most vulnerable members, and oriented towards the common good.
Christian Soenen, projects manager of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, moderated the dialogue.
This gathering had three parts:
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Welcoming Happy Hour
Meet and network with other young Latino leaders over food and drink
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Dialogue
A conversation on “Renewing Politics from the Ground Up: Lessons from Latino Organizing”
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Reception
Continue the conversation with other young leaders over food and drink
Resources
View articles and other resources for this dialogue.
This Latino Leader Gathering was for young Latino Catholics and others to come together to explore key issues and personal stories involving faith and public life with respected Latino and other leaders.
Photo credit: John Malmin/Los Angeles Times
