Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) is a student organization that promotes higher education, cultura, and historia. We believe that political involvement and education is the avenue for change in our society. Each word in MEChA symbolizes a great concept in terms of la causa. Movimiento means that the organization is dedicated to the movement to gain self-determination for our 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 use of the identity: Chicano(a). At first seen as a negative word, now taken for a badge of honor. In adopting their new identity, the students committed themselves to return to the barrios, colonias, or campos and together, struggle against the forces that oppress our gente. Lastly, the affirmation that we are Indigenous people to this land by placing our movement in Aztlan, the homeland of all peoples from Anahuak. Mission Statement
MEChA is committed to advancing the civil and human rights of Chicano/a students on campus and supporting struggles in the community where possible. MEChA does this in the interest of uniting all Raza. MEChA is aware and proud of the rich culture our people have and express this heritage in art, music, teatro, and baile folklorico presentations. California State University, Chico MEChA is part of a national network of other college and high school MEChA's. Furthermore, while maintaining communication, we also support each other in our luchas. In MEChA meetings and activities, all MEChistAs have the right to express their opinions in an atmosphere of respect and cooperation. In accordance with the practice of allowing all MEChistAs to give input, decision making is a collective process we accomplish together. We are committed to heightening our awareness concerning the problems of discrimination and other obstacles that confront us in our endeavor to succeed in higher education. We are committed to educating ourselves and the general population on the diversity of our people. We are committed to providing the social and cultural atmosphere needed for students to make a more complete transition to this campus. We are committed to promoting the academic efforts of our students and making higher education a reality for Raza students.
