The purpose of this trip is for the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) to experience the LatinX culture with our Salem State University peers while executing several community service projects that are important to our LatinX community. UNICEF, among many other organizations, have expressed interest for individuals to help with what the island of Puerto Rico is still in need of since the last natural disaster. We will be participating in several volunteer opportunities such as distributing water and food, repainting buildings, aiding in animal and homeless shelters, and putting locals such as farmers, schools, and the general public back on their feet are among the basic necessities needed for the people of Puerto Rico to survive. Even years after the last disaster that hit the island people are still in need of major assistance.  

This will be a great learning opportunity and a resume booster for the LASO students, in which both leadership and professional development will be created. With the help of the Student Government Association (SGA), LASO hopes to continue with this community service trip, and make it an annual tradition. We hope to continue to focus on rebuilding the island and create relationships with locals which will guide us in the best direction to aid the community year after year. Last year we worked with organizations such as PIVE, Esperanza Boricua, Mochileando 365, and Casa Cuna while visiting Puerto Rico and it was because of that experience that we were able to build great relations and get further information about the LatinX community for our return.  

With this trip, we acknowledge that we will be adhering to our mission statement in the most effective way. As a public institution, our commitment to diversity is heavily highlighted within the strategic plan. This is a perfect opportunity for LASO to represent Salem State University on a global scale and for us to continue our expansion of understanding the LatinX culture.  

Join LASO in creating change! Hoy por mi, mañana por ti!