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STUDENT ORGANIZATION FOR LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES (SOLAS)

The Student Organization for Latin American Studies (SOLAS) is an independent organization composed of both undergraduate and graduate students at UNM who have an interest in Latin America.

The mission of SOLAS is:

• to increase awareness about Latin America through the facilitation of intellectual dialogue and by supporting cultural activities
• to advocate for Latin American Studies (LAS) and Latin Americanist students in other departments before the LAS program and the Latin American and Iberian Institute (LAII), and to represent the interests of SOLAS members before the university administration
• to support actions in solidarity with movements for social justice in Latin America
• to promote a sense of community amongst SOLAS members
• to work with other UNM and Albuquerque organizations that support the SOLAS mission

SOLAS engages in academic, activist, and social activities. Below are some examples of regular activities.

Brown Bag Lecture Series

Each week, SOLAS hosts a one-hour Brown Bag Lecture or movie. The Brown Bags are typically held at the LAII. Scholars, activists, students, and faculty are invited from inside and outside the UNM community to participate. This is an excellent opportunity to network and learn about current issues in Latin America and the Albuquerque area. Click here for a list of Brown Bags that were held in the Spring 2008 semester. The list for Fall 2008 will be posted in late August.

LIMON

SOLAS publishes the quarterly newsletter, LIMON (Latin American and Iberian Multidisciplinary Opinion Newsletter). Students have the opportunity to write articles about their research, experiences, or other events related to Latin American Studies.

LIMON is also a forum for students to comment on current SOLAS listserve discussions.

Current Issue

Sin Fronteras Film Festival

The Sin Fronteras (Without Borders) Film Festival was started five years ago by SOLAS. It is the first New Mexico festival to exclusively feature Latino films and filmmakers. The festival presents films, documentaries, animations and short films with the purpose of increasing the awareness of the Hispanic culture and Latin American affairs in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 2008 festival will be held on March 28th, 29th, and 30th. Screenings will be held in Albuquerque at Outch' Yonda (929 4th Street SW) and at the Southwest Film Center (located in the basement of the UNM Student Union Building).

Click on the schedule to view times and locations of film screenings.

Film submission guidelines are available here in English or Spanish. Submission forms are also available here in English or Spanish.

SOLAS will continue to accept submissions through the end of February 2008.

Solidarity

Each year, SOLAS organizes a fundraising event that benefits a chosen Latin American organization in order to raise awareness about important issues and demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Latin America.

Social Events

SOLAS sponsors a variety of social events for its members. Activities include parties, picnics, potlucks, happy hours, salsa dancing, movies, and more.

SOLAS Listserve

SOLAS sponsors a listserve that provides information about job opportunities, funding sources, conferences, and information about local cultural and political events relating to Latin America.

To sign up for the free listserve, send an e-mail to solas@unm.edu.

SOLAS Blog

SOLAS maintains a blog that provides information about all upcoming events and serves as a forum for members who wish to discuss speakers, events, and articles/topics mentioned on the listserve. Click here to visit the SOLAS blog.

Contact SOLAS