L.A.M.A. Gives Back to Latino Families

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Motorcycle groups are popularly known for being big, bad bikers.

But one group—Latin American Motorcycle Association (L.A.M.A.)—has squashed that stereotype with their amazing work to help their community.

In particular, the L.A.M.A. Empire State (New York) chapter has joined many “for a cause” rides. They support Latino scholarship events. They plant trees. They escort military veterans on rides and memorials. They help with Puerto Rican hurricane relief efforts. They have strong family and community values.

This work has earned the chapter the Richard K. Wager Inclusive Champion Award.

The group received the award at the community’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast Jan. 19, 2018, reports the Poughkeepsie Journal.

“We call ourselves ‘La Familia’ and, as a family, we’re giving back to the community,” L.A.M.A. President Mike Montalvo told the Poughkeepsie Journal. “It always makes us feel great.”

Latinos Families Need Support

Latino families often lack community support, social services, and educational opportunities, according to Salud America! research review.

“Whole-family” approaches that connect Latino kids and parents to culturally relevant support can improve education, income, and home environments.

That’s why groups like L.A.M.A. are so important.

How L.A.M.A. Supports Families and Communities

L.A.M.A is recognized as one of the most active long distance riding clubs in the world.

The organization, with nearly 200 chapters worldwide, is comprised of members from many different backgrounds, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and more.

Montalvo told the Poughkeepsie Journal that their biggest aim is improving the integration of immigrant families and services and educational programs.

For example, L.A.M.A. Empire State has donated to teens participating in the Neighbor’s Link at-risk program. Neighbor’s Link is an organization working to help new immigrant families by offering education and empowerment programs, involving long-term residents in volunteer opportunities and creating substantive partnerships with other local organizations.

L.A.M.A. also gets their members and families involved in motorcycle rallies themed around charities or collecting donations. They donated supplies to victims of Hurricane Maria and collected donations to assist with relief efforts in Mexico, Montalvo says. The chapter also hosted a charity fundraiser for the Hispanic Heritage Committee of the Exempt Firemen’s Association.

Although motorcycle may get a bad rap, L.A.M.A. is showing communities and the world that they are more than what meets the eye.

“Our chapter takes great pride in our community. It’s not something we have to do, but something all our members love to do,” Montalvo told the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Be a hero and get involved in your local community, just like L.A.M.A. has, by providing additional support to those affected by Hurricane Maria by going to National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to find a list of organization who are currently providing services to current disasters all over.