 |
| Q & A |
| * What does M.E.Ch.A mean? M.E.Ch.A. is the acronym for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan. (Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan) * How was MEChA formed? Prior to 1969, there were varios Mexican American Student organizations such as the Mexican American Student Conference (MASC), United Mexican American Students (UMAS), and Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), throughout the Southwest. In March 1969, students, teachers, and community activitsts 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 would be known as MEChA. * What is the difference between the terms Chicano and Hispanic? The term "Hispanic" was promoted during the Nixon Administration to label Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. without regard for their cultural roots or identities. Simply put, Hispanic means a person is from Spain or the Iberian Peninsula. However, the term Chicano has become a political and cultural means or choosing our own identity and future. Simply put, Chicano means that we are the descendants of the original civilizations of this land (i.e. Mexica, Inca, Maya, Toltec) with our own history, language, and culture. * Is Chicano meant exclusively for people of Mexican descent? No, the term Chicano is inclusive to all Raza living in the United States. MECHA's issues include: U.S. immigration, Central American and South American political struggles, socio-economic and political issues of Native Americans, etc. * Is MEChA as radical as they say? Yes. Only if you believe the right to a higher education is a radical belief. * Is MEChA a political group? No. Not only do we provide an opportunity to become politically aware and active. We offer a broad experience of cultural, historical, social programs, and activities. * What can MEChA do for me? MEChA can assist you in the consciousness raising of our people and the retention or our culture to help give our on -campus community empowerment through awareness. On an individual level, MEChA fosters leadership skills, self and group respect, and more friendships with Raza students. Most importantly, MEChA can help us keep our education in focus and help answer that fateful question, "Why are we here?" * Does MEChA only work on-campus? No. MEChA has a direct link to community groups and we also have a nationwide network of MEChAs at Junior High, Senior High, Community College, and University level. * How do you start a MEChA? Every MEChA is different depending on the location of the campus, the demographics, and the support it receives from the campus community. If you need help building one, please don't hesitate to contact us. |
 |
 |