We move now from this convention, the convention of the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the U.S., to the convention of the largest Latino civil rights group in the U.S., that's Unidos, US.

It was held at the MGM Grand, and that's where we find Maria Silva.

Amber.

And you're saying he embodies Vegas.

Welcome to Las Vegas to 1500 attendees here at the U.S. annual conference.

One that doesn't work on all the other.

is my strong momentum.

Our time is now Our time is now.

That's the theme of this year's conference.

We need those of us the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization has been around for 56 years.

And Janet Maria has served as president and CEO for nearly 20 of those years.

Our hope for our participants in this year's conference as they attend and as they go back to their communities, is that they will be informed and inspired not only to participate in this upcoming presidential election, but in every election.

The Latino vote once again sought after and crucial in this election, especially in swing states like Nevada.

Polls conducted by Unidos U.S. reveal the pressing issues important to Latino voters.

Latino voters care a lot about the economy.

They want to make sure that jobs are plentiful and able to have strong wages.

We also want to make sure that someone's going to address inflation.

they feel a little stuck, by the way, that it has been, moving forward.

So we care about th economy, but we also care about housing, access to housing, affordable housing.

And even to have that dream of homeownership is something Latino voters care deeply about.

So addressing those issues is going to be a very top priority for Latino voters.

And of course, the continued, access to health care so that folks don't have to worry about the prices and insurance.

So those are all top tier issues.

Immigration is still an important issue for our community.

These important issues, discussed in detail during the three day conference Day one of the conference kicked off with guest speakers, including Secretary Harvey.

Address Sarah, the first Latino to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, my dad used to tell me, people.

I know you, it's windy.

And I suspect for a lot of these folks, the fact they could get up today and you had your conference here, and you gave them a chance to come to work.

It's hard as it might be.

It's a good day.

It's a. and Nevada lawmakers Congressman Steven Horsford and Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar.

Latino vote is strong in Nevada.

Nevada is a battleground state, and we know 30% of our community is Latino.

And you look at the makeup of our public education system with 56% of the students are Latino.

That's the future of Nevada.

And to be able to have we need those of us here with us.

It's a very important statement about our future as a state.

Secretary Aguilar also taking part in the Latino Power in Action Defending Our Democracy panel alongside his cousin, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.

encourage people to vote early.

It's just better for the whole system.

1 in 5 people register to vote a Latino.

However, only 50% that 1 in 5 turnout.

And if you look at how close our elections are, you increase turnout 3 or 4%.

You're going to flip the dynamic of some races.

Civic engagement A big part of the organization's mission.

through our network of community based organizations, we provide support for those who are interested in becoming citizens and making sure they're supported and receive all the classes and then see them through to the day that they actually can become citizens.

Congratulations.

You are now U.S. citizens.

Round of applause.

now, Judah?

Baka and I, I'm now a U.S. citizen.

Proud new U.S. citizen Mildred Abarca was one of 30 Nevadans from 12 countries who took their oath of allegiance at a naturalization ceremony held at the Clark County Government Center.

I'm so honored for this day and for this privilege, especially being, Mexican young Mexican.

I was born here when I was four years old, and it took me 30 years for this journey.

But I'm here now, and I accomplished my American dream.

I'm able to, vote now.

So I'm so honored for that as well.

The naturalization ceremony, one of several community events Unidos U.S. helped organize well in town, also teaming up with Community Services of Nevada and other nonprofit organizations and community sponsors for a backpack giveaway and resource fair at the East Las Vegas Community Center.

Our network of 300 community based organizations across the country serve our community members through programs and services, but also in promoting advocacy of policies.

So we want them to feel empowered to make a difference in their communities and do not only what's best for the Latino community, but what we believe will be in the best interests of the country going forward.

Here's another great way that of us is giving back to our local community.

Check this out.

This is called ETL in Las Vegas.

And in Las Vegas, it's an artist market where local business owners get to sell their handcrafted items, as well as fine art.

And here's the best part.

They get to keep 100% alive at the front.

That's pretty awesome.

So, Amber, I think I'm going to go do a little shopping here and support our local small business owners.

Sending it back to you and Mandalay Bay.

I said to go.

Gracias, Marianne.

Gracias.

To you our viewer.

Thank you for watching.