Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Azlan (M.E.Ch.A.) is a Chicana/o organization that was founded in Santa Barbara, California in April 1964. Each word in M.E.Ch.A symbolizes something. Moviemeinto means that the organization is dedicated to the movement to self determination for their people. Estudiantil identifies the organization as a student group for we are part of our Raza's future. At the heart o the name is the word Chicano. At first, it was seen as negative, but now it is taken as a badge of pride. In adopting their new identity, the students committed themselves to return to the barrios, colonias, or campos and together, struggle against the forces that keep people oppressed. Lastly, the students affirmed that they are form Aztlan, the legendary birthplace of the Aztecs, which reputedly is today's southwest.
M.E.Ch.A. originated in the Southwest but quickly spread throughout the United States. At Central New Mexico Community College, M.E.Ch.A. is beginning the process of becoming a chartered organization and is seeking for members who are interested in the following:
- Increase the number of Latina/o students in higher education and to ensure that all necessary assistance is offered for successful completion.
- To take part in the direction of the movement towards Latina/o students on their particular campus about the ideals of the movement.
- Stablish close working relations in the barrios, assisting in all that has to be done to reach justice and equality for our people
- To educate and mobilize barrio youth towards self-determination.
We are of the community and for the community!
For more information please contact us at: mechacnm@gmail.com
