This group is for members of Aztlan del Noroeste on MYSpace ! M.E.Ch.A or Movimento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztln is a Chicano/a student organization dedicated to promoting higher education among Chicano/as. The group offers opportunities to young Chicano/as for leadership development, community service, political activism, cultural awareness and educational enrichment.
What is a Chicano?

Eurocentric thought says that Chicano is used only of Mexican Americans, not of Mexicans living in Mexico. Ruben Salazar says A Chicano is a Mexican American with a non-Anglo image of himself. Which one of these is right?

The word Chicano comes from the word MEXICA, which refers to all the indigenous peoples of Mexico, is properly pronounced meh-SHEE-ca. The word Mexica simply means "people of the earth"



The MEChA Definition of Chicano..a

According to the MEChA Philosophy papers, 'The term Chicana..o is a term based on cultural, social, and political consciousness. Therefore, it is grounded on a philosophy NOT a nationality. Chicano is not a race, however. Chicano is a belief. Chicano means Brazilian, Mexican, Spanish, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican and many more. Chicano means pride, dignity, and respect for those that sacrificed so the next generation would not have to endure the slavery

Chicanos must not see themselves, or others as wetbacks, illegials, foreigner, or "aliens, " but rather as native people of this continent.

While Chicano is a term of pride for many Mexican Americans, it remains a word with strong political associations. That is where we come in, we have to be active politically and socially. This is what sets MEChA apart from every other organization out there.