1.   What does M.E.Ch.A. mean?
        M.E.Ch.A. is a acronym for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan.* (The Chicano Movement of Aztlan)

2.   How was M.E.Ch.A. formed?
        Prior to 1969, there were various Chicano Student organizations such as the Mexican American Student Conference (MASC), United Mexican American Students (UMAS), and Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), throughout 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 that all participating student organizations would take the name of M.E.Ch.A.

3.   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 originates from the Mexica/Azteca people.  Since the 1960's, the term Chicano has become a political and cultural means of 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) with our own history, language, and culture.

4.   Is “Chicano” meant exclusively for people of Mexican descent?
        No, the term Chicano is inclusive to all Raza living in Aztlan.  M.E.Ch.A.’s issues include: U.S. immigration, Central American & South American political struggles, socio economic & political issues of Native Americans, etc.

5.   Is M.E.Ch.A. as radical as they say?
        Yes.  Only if you consider the idea that higher education can be used to better your community a radical belief.

6.   Is M.E.Ch.A. only a political group?
        No.  Not only do we provide an opportunity to become politically aware & active.  We offer a broad experience of cultural, historical, social programs, and activities.

7.   What can M.E.Ch.A. do for me?
        M.E.Ch.A. 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, M.E.Ch.A. fosters leadership skills, self and group respect, and more friendships with Raza students.  Most important, M.E.Ch.A. can help us keep our education in focus and help answer that fateful question, “Why are we here?”

8.   Does M.E.Ch.A. only work on-campus?
        No.  M.E.Ch.A. has a direct link to community groups and we also have a nationwide network of M.E.Ch.A.s at a Junior High, Senior High, Community College, and University level.

9.  How do you start a M.E.Ch.A.?
        Every M.E.Ch.A. is different depending on the location of the campus, the demographics, and the support it receives from the campus and community.  Here's a link with a basic set-up HOW TO START A M.E.Ch.A.  If you need help building one, contact you local M.E.Ch.A.

*Aztlan: The homeland of the Aztecs, now the Southwestern United States (or a state of mind)