Purpose of MEChA

Each word in M.E.Ch.A. symbolizes something. MOVIMIENTO, means that the organization is dedicated to the movement to gain 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 of the name is the word CHICANO. At first seen as negative, now 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 our people oppressed. Lastly, the students affirmed that they were from 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. M.E.Ch.A.'s primary role in the Chicano movement are:

1. To increase the number of Chicano students in higher education and to ensure that all necessary assistance is offered for successful completion.
2. To take part in the direction of the movement towards Chicano self-determination or control over one's destiny.
3. To socialize and politicize Chicano students on their particular campus, to the ideals of the movement.
4. To establish close working relations in the barrios, assisting in all that has to be done to reach justice and equality for our people.
5. To educate and mobilize barrio youth towards self-determination and not self-destruction.

We are the community and for the community.