LCWB Network and MERIT unite to empower Latine communities in Oregon
Cultivating Prosperity
2019
In January 2019, the Latino/a/x Community Wealth Building (LCWB) Network initiated a transformative initiative supported by the Oregon Community Foundation and the Meyer Memorial Trust.
The focus areas included land and agriculture, small business, housing, and education.
2019-2022
Through collective efforts, the LCWB Network gained insights into the challenges and opportunities of community wealth-building.
Drawing on this collective knowledge, LCWB Network participants collaboratively formulated a vision and mission to guide their future endeavors.
2023-2024
In the summer of 2023, MERIT and the LCWB Network unified and aligned on their mission and vision.
As part of this unification, members of the LCWB steering committee serve on the MERIT board and have made significant financial contributions to MERIT’s general operating budget.
Together, the renewed organization will increase access to capital in underserved groups.
With a primary focus on the Latine/x/a/o, Indigena, and Afro-Latine/x/a/o communities in Oregon, Prosperidad Oregon will focus on wealth building across housing, education, entrepreneurship, and land tenure as key interconnected levers for change. Growing political power and collaborative advocacy efforts are also essential to making systems change progress in our communities.
Founding Organizations
Mission
Our mission is to empower a community of Latino/a/x Oregonians and Indigenous Mesoamerican Peoples united by providing support, access to capital, and opportunities for personal and economic growth. We are committed to building a legacy of intergenerational prosperity driven by trust, empowerment, and a deep connection to our community by working together to build collective community wealth.
Vision
To harness Latino/a/x and Indigenous Mesoamerican Peoples’ collective power to increase our prominence and create wealth-building pathways and lasting community change.
