Saturday, March 26, in the San Fernando Valley, about 80 to 100 members of MECha protested against the militarization of our schools and the war in Iraq.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MECha By MEChA
http://www.csun.edu/~mecha/main.htm
In April of 1969, El Plan de Santa Barbara was drafted by concerned Raza educators, students, and community members in a conference held at the University of California, Santa Barbara. At this meeting, it was agreed upon that all participating student organizations from here on shall be known as MEChA. MEChA has a direct link to community groups. There is also a nationwide network of MEChA chapters at a Junior High, Senior High, Community College, and University level. The Plan de Santa Barbara (EPSB) gave two very important contributions to the Chicana/o Movement: MEChA and Chicana/o Studies. With chapters in the northwest, east coast, and now the Midwest, MEChA has since then grown into one of the most prominent Chicana/o organizations in the nation.
MEChA de CSUN has been existing since 1968 when it was originally founded as the United Mexican-American Students (UMAS). Under El Plan de Santa Barbara, the organization changed their name to MEChA and has been one of the most active student organizations on campus since. MEChA is the official recognized organization of the Chicana/o Studies Department at CSUN and continues to be on the forefront of many issues, most recently with the attacks on EOP and its disadvantaged students and the struggle against further fee increases in the CSU, UC, and Community College systems.

What does MEChA stand for?
MEChA is an acronym for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlan. Is Chicana/o Exclusively for people of Mexican descent?
No, the term Chicana/o is inclusive to all Raza living in Aztlan. MEChA’s issues include: U.S. Immigration, Central American, South American, and Native American political, socio-economic, cultural, labor, gender, and sexuality issues.
Is MEChA only 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, and social activities and events. What can MEChA do for me?
MEChA fosters leadership skills, self and group respect, and more friendships with other students. Most important, MEChA can help us keep our education in focus and help answer that fateful question; “Why are we here?”
How can I join MEChA de CSUN and who can join?
Meetings are open to any CSUN student. There are NO fees, dues, or application process. Just show up to our meetings and be active.

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