What Does MEChA Stand for?
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M-movimiento
E-estudiantil
Ch-chicano/a de
A-aztlán
Movimiento
Estudiantil Chicano/a
de Aztlán!
History
• In the late 1960’s The Chicano Movement helped
develop cultural and historical pride in our people
• Chicanos and Chicanas demanded to be equal
• M.E.Ch.A was founded on the principles of selfdetermination for the liberation of people
– These people called themselves “Mechistas” and they
were to claim lost territories in southwestern United
States, the specific country was Aztlán.
• They wanted to claim it as their own
– This was used to show the “raza” to continue self -determination
and promote chicanismo in the community to show our
struggles.
Continued...
• In 1969 in Colorado,
the crusade for justice
organized the National
Chicano Youth
Conference that
drafted the basis
promises for the
Chicano/a Movement
in El Plan de Aztlán
Plan de Santa Barbara
• Came together in April
1969
– Over 100 Chicanos joined
to formulate the plan for
higher education.
– This document Was
successful and 2 important
contributions developed:
• MEChA and
• Chicano Studies
• The historic mission of
MEChA involved a plan
that builds an educational
ladder to advance our
people
• “As mechistas we commit
ourselves to return to our
community and contribute
to the chicano/a nation”
What does MEChA do?
• M.E.Ch.A promotes higher education,
cultura and historia
– Gives a chance for Chicano/a students to be
determined to continue with school and
promote their culture while doing so
– Creates awareness throughout your community,
as it involves others to keep it safe and clean.
What Does WHS MEChA Do?
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Attends Conferences
Builds Friendships
Participates in Scholarships
Becomes Involved in School Activities
Promotes Community Service
Has Fun
Conferences/Friendships
• Conferences
• Opportunity to visit
universities
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Leap conference-Olympia
CASHE—WSU
ACE—UW
Izcalli Calmeca—EWU
Visiting Universities gives
us a chance to network &
interests us in furthering our
education.
– Give us insight of the
programs universities offer
– Friendships
– Meeting other high
school and college
students helps build
relationships
– New students get
involved
– You feel comfortable
participating in
activities
Scholarships/Involvement in
School
• Scholarships for college
– Seniors should to apply for
some kind of scholarship to
help pay for college.
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• Involvement pays off
– Participants have better
opportunities of getting a
scholarship
– We have fun while we
socialize with other
students, build selfconfidence & pride
Community Service/Fun @ WHS
• Community service we
provide:
– Babysitting for
parent/bilingual nights
– Ridge to river
– Fiestas Mexicanas
• Clean up, ect.
– Relay for Life
– Helping raise money for the
less fortunate
• Mecha Fun Nights
– Once per quarter
– FOOD!!! : )
– Games
• Karaoke, play station,
and board games
– From 7-11pm :]
– Can invite Eastmont or
other schools
– Fun time with friends
Pictures
Pictures
• Fiestas Mexicanas ‘08 at Lincoln Park
*WHS Helpers*