We recently came back from our LOLA Latin America Leadership Retreat, held in Medellín, Colombia. This was our first time bringing this annual training to leaders throughout Latin America due to the explosion of LOLA Chapters in this area. Thank you to all speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this an unforgettable and inspirational time for us all!
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We encourage you to read this quick recap of the retreat, attendee testimonials, and see all the beautiful LOLAs who were there with us in the photo gallery below.
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LOLA’s growth in Latin America throughout recent years has been enormous! LOLA Leaders are eager to grow their leadership and activism efforts against socialist rule in Latin America. 30 of top LOLA leaders joined us from countries such as: Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and more!
That’s why we made it our goal to train LOLA’s top leaders on topics such as political activism, the art of debate, effective outreach & libertarian solutions to Latin America’s economic and social issues. Here is how we did it:
Making an Impact in Latin America
Antonella Marty, Political Scientist, Author, and Speaker
Antonella Marty’s training was perfect for all LOLA activists and leaders who understand the harms of socialism and government intervention in the economy and individuals’ lives, but want to make a bigger impact in Latin America. Antonella did an excellent job in describing where to begin and advised leaders with next steps on how to take their activism efforts further and institute real change in Latin and South America.
She took time to sit down for lunch with us, where she engaged with each attendee on the situation in their country and libertarian solutions to apply back at home. Afterwards she shared her encouragement, support, tips, and advice in spreading the ideas of liberty against Latin America’s socialist roots. Thank you, Antonella, for always being an encouragement and inspiration to all LOLA Leaders.
Women are the Best Ambassadors for Liberty
Holly Jean Soto, LOLA Programs Director
Holly Jean examined the internal and external factors that keep women from entering the liberty movement. She referred to LOLA’s well-known slogan: “Women are the best ambassadors of liberty”. This slogan goes back to research that shows that libertarian women are more empathetic than libertarian men. Why does it matter? Because the voices of empathy and compassion teach libertarian ideas more effectively to various new audiences.
Holly Jean also highlighted that we should look into the internal and external reasons for the lack of women in the liberty movement. Internal being the culture for women within the movement and how alone they feel in their philosophy. External being the socialist ideas, which tend to be more compelling to women. LOLA’s Programs Director analyzed how changing our messaging and tone will help appeal to new audiences and what LOLA is doing to change the culture for women inside the liberty movement.
The 60 Second Elevator Pitch
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Maria Amara (right) delivers her elevator pitch with Damaleys (left) on how her LOLA Chapter is making an impact on Venezuela -
LOLA leader Hirosorio is one of LOLAs newest leaders. She delivered her pitch on the plans she has for LOLA Peru.
Imagine you’re walking into an elevator, and someone sees your LOLA pin or shirt and asks “What is LOLA and why is it important?” Your goal is to deliver your pitch in 60 seconds before the elevator reaches their floor.
LOLAs took turns delivering their Chapter’s impact and mission and how they are using libertarian ideology to combat socialist ideas in their country in 60 seconds or less. The aim was to practice delivering their Chapters’ goals to anyone, anytime, anywhere. It’s safe to say that this year’s leaders had some of the best pitches about how LOLA is making a difference in their country.
Activism for Liberty: Instituting Social and Political Change
Maria Estela Martinez Valdez, Guatemala Political Activist
In many countries throughout Latin and South America, any type of social and political activism is dangerous. Estela Martinez Valdez is only 21 years old and has already stood up to socialist rule and led crowds in the streets of Guatemala City.
In her most recent protest, Estela protested before Congress against laws that forbid any type of union between homosexuals and laws that send people to prison for 6-10 years for anyone who talks about abortion. As a human rights and women’s rights activist, she shared her experiences and impact on changing public opinion and policy, all while exposing herself to enormous risks. Her activist training pulled at the heartstrings of attendees, who left inspired and motivated to start or further their activism efforts in their perspective countries. In addition to that, Estela is currently a junior at Universidad Francisco Marroquin (UFM), a largely free-market university, studying Global Affairs and specializing in Public Policy.
Women in Politics: How to Run for Office María Magdalena de Lima Moreno, Uruguay Politician
Maria de Lima belongs to the National Party in Uruguay and is currently part of the Decentralization and Social Cohesion Area of the Planning and Budget Office (OPP).
She talked about her experiences of being one of few women in politics and shared her wisdom on how to run for office for leaders who plan to run for office in the future. Maria also addressed the issues of what prevents women from coming into office and how to make libertarian arguments stronger.
Latin American Problems & Libertarian Solutions: Discussion Panel
Moderated by Ivette Canó, LOLA Honduras Leader
Panelist Speakers:
María Amaré, Venezuelan Liberty Activist
Augustina Sosa, Argentinian Political Activist
Alejandra Moreno Giraldo, Colombian Political Activist
Panelists shared the main social and political issues facing various Spanish-speaking countries including Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, and Honduras and possible libertarian solutions.
How to Debate the Radical Feminist in Latin America?
Sabrina Riveiro, International Analyst and Political Activist
Radical feminism is rooted in Marxist advances, claiming that capitalism oppresses women and the way out of major social and political issues is for government to do more. LOLA Political Activist, Sabrina Riveiro, dissected the major arguments brought by radical feminists throughout Latin America and how to redefine feminism with libertarian solutions.
Sabrina highlighted that capitalism does more to help women than socialism ever can and described how feminists can seek private solutions instead of more government programs that are built on the illusion of helping women.
Conclusion
We successfully trained top female leaders throughout Latin America, greatly increasing their confidence both in their activist and promotional tools. The retreat was also part of LOLA’s plan to reach 1 million new people by October 2023 through social media, written pieces, interviews, media mentions, and other outlets.
In addition, the retreat will be covered by the press in the Colombian, libertarian newspaper called “El Bastion”. They observed the whole event and talked directly with leaders on the impact they’ve made in their countries since they joined LOLA. Their article is coming soon!
Here is to more voices of empathy teaching libertarian ideas and reaching new audiences! See you soon at our next LOLA Retreat taking place in Brazil.
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A big thank you to our sponsors!
