What does MEChA mean?
MEChA is a acronym for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan.* (Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan). Our movement has a direct link to community groups and we also have a nationwide network of MEChA’s at a Junior High, Senior High, Community College, and University level.

Movimiento: was chosen in acknowledgment that M.E.Ch.A is much more than a Club. It can be said that MED is an Organization, coalition, faction or partnership for that matter. This is a movement that must continue to raise awareness and convey our objectives of education, self-determination and achievement until our objectives are accomplished.

Estudlantil: was chosen because our principal struggles are for students and education rights. As students realize that we are only a small but integral part of a much larger movement of people (Farm workers, Laborers, activists, scholars, politicians, and professionals) who are all fighting for equality and justice for their own rights and for the common interest of all raza.

Chicano: is our identity, it is who we are, It is a symbol of assimilation, a reflection of unity among all Raza, and has come to represent the struggle for respect through all the Latino people. It is a demand for self-knowledge and declaration of the pride we have for our history and culture that stems from both our indigenous and European ancestors, It rejects the perception that we are merely a minority group that is an insignificant component of the large Anglo-American society. Chicano is the clearest expression of our particular place within the United States and our distinction from it.

Azltan: geographically southwestern United States is the legendary homemade rooted Aztec mythology that affirms our ancestral origins and civilizations. It exemplifies our deepest convictions that we are a people, an indigenous people, which belong to this historic land and epitomizes our extraordinary culture.

What can MEChA do for me?
MEChA can assist you in the consciousness raising of our people and the retention of our culture to help give our on-campus community empowerment through awareness. On a individual level, MEChA fosters leadership skills, self and group respect, and more friendships with Raza students. Most important,

How was MEChA formed?
Prior to 1969, there were various Mexican Student organizations such as the Mexican American Student Conference (MASC), United Mexican American Students (UMAS), and Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), throughout the Southwest (Aztlan). In March 1969, students, teachers, and community activists met at the University of California at Santa Barbara and drafted El Plan De Santa Barbara, a Chicano Plan for Higher Education. At this meeting, it was agreed upon that all participating student organizations from here on shall be known as MEChA.

Contact Information:
Frank Renteria
EOPS counselor/MEChA adviser
555 College Ave.
Lemoore, CA 93245
(559) 925-3322
FrankRenteria@westhillscollege.com