MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan) is an organization which seeks to empower the Chicana/o community through political activism and education. It began in the 1960s as part of the Chicano Movement. In March of 1969, over one thousand Chicana/o students gathered for the National Chicano Youth Liberation Conference in Denver, Colorado, sponsored by Crusade for Justice, the first Raza civil rights organization in the US. It was followed a month later by a larger conference at the University of California in Santa Barbara. The documents written at these two conferences, El Plan Espiritual de Aztlán and El Plan de Santa Barbara, called for some community empowerment, cultural recognition, appreciation of a sense of history, Chicana/o studies at all levels of education, political involvement and greater access to education. One of the ways to achieve those goals was the creation of MEChA. Soon after, many different Chicano, Mexican-American and Latino student organizations took up the name and ideas across the country.
In the fall of 1999, the growing number of Chicanas on campus and the absence of Chicana/o issues and concerns emphasized the need for an organization dedicated to Chicanas. After successfully organizing Pachanga 1999, hosted by Mount Holyoke and Smith College, the vision of a MEChA became a reality. Through increased attendance and participation in the ECCSF (East Coast Chicano Student Forum), its events and increased discussions amongst the women, the need for a MEChA chapter at Mount Holyoke College was affirmed.
The purpose of MEChA at Mount Holyoke College is to provide a forum for Chicana/o activism in the political sphere encompassing, but not limited to, social, cultural, and educational issues. MEChA is committed to seek an end to the exploitation of the Chicana/o community, to raise awareness of Chicana/o issues through self-education, and to recruit amongst the youth in order to promote self-determination.
Article I: Name and Logo
The name shall be MEChA- Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlán.
The logo will be the same as the National MEChA logo.
Article II: Membership
Any MHC affiliate shall have the right to join MEChA. In addition, members of the 5 College community are invited to participate.
Section 1 Membership Duties
a. Members are required to attend meetings; the amount shall be determined per semester by the board.
b. Members are expected to actively participate and attend events
c. Members are expected to express their individual opinions and respect the opinions of others.
MEChA does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.
Article III: Officers and Duties
Section 1 Titles of officers shall be:
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and ECCSF Representative. More officer positions will be added as seen needed by the organization.
Section 2 The presidents duties include:
1. To file necessary paperwork to Student Activities regarding the continuation of MEChA's alliance with MHC.
2. To work with the board to organize meetings, activities, and events.
3. To oversee that MEChA's purposes are adhered to and all activities carried out.
4. To be the official representative of the organization or appoint a substitute as needed.
5. To network with other ALANA co-chairs, promoting coalition building within other organizations.
6. To attend ALANA co-chair meetings.
7. To be one of the two official representatives for the Este Aztlán region of MEChA.
Section 3 The secretary’s duties include:
1. Keeping a record on file of all meetings of this organization and making this available to all members, via email.
2. Keeping an updated list of the members in good standing.
3. Maintaining a hard copy and an electronic copy of the Constitution.
Section 4 The treasurer’s duties include:
1. Receiving all funds for this club.
2. Paying all bills authorized by the organization.
3. Keeping an exact account of all receipts and expenditures.
4. Overseeing fund raising activities.
Section 5 The East Coast Chicano Student Forum (ECCSF) representative's duties include:
1. To act as an official representative to the ECCSF.
2. To be one of the two official representatives for the Este Aztlán region of MEChA.
3. To coordinate with the treasurer to organize, collect dues, etc. for any conference related activity.
4. To attend all ECCSF conferences.
5. To be responsible for keeping all Latina organizations on campus up to date on ECCSF activities etc.
6. To submit a campus report to the chairs of El Sol del Este as required.
Article IV: Election process
1. Nomination of candidates for offices shall be made at least one meeting prior to the Elections. Only voting members in good standing who intend to serve the entire term are eligible to run for office. Candidates will be allowed to present their view and answer questions.
2. Absentee Ballots shall be accepted when accompanied by the absentee’s name, the office in question, the candidate’s name being voted to, and signature of the absentee. Absentee votes will also be accepted if sent via proxy.
3. A simple majority of the quorum as defined by the constitution is sufficient and necessary for election.
4. The time of election will occur during the spring semester.
Article V: Removal of Officers
The procedure for officer removal shall be as follows:
1. A petition signed by 30% of the general membership must be presented to the Board of Officers.
2. Discussion of the removal of the officer shall be placed on the agenda of the next general meeting occurring at least seven days after the presentation of the petition.
3. A 2/3 vote of the voting members is required to remove an officer from office.
Article VI: Meetings
The board shall determine the frequency of meetings at the beginning of each year. Agendas will be distributed prior to the meetings. Time will be allocated at the beginning of each meeting to allow all members of the general assembly to present any concerns.
Article VII: Quorum
A quorum shall consist of 2/3 of the regular voting members. Quorum is necessary during elections and amendments to the Constitution.
Article VIII: Amendments and bylaws
Section 1
Amendments and bylaws to the constitution should be proposed in writing to the membership at a general meeting and will be voted on during a second general meeting thereafter.
Article IX: Committees
The general body of MEChA shall establish committees as needed.