OC HIGH STUDENT NEWS AND VIEWS...

Many Orange County high schools have active MEChA clubs on their campuses, including one being established at Loara High School. MEChA serves to support and educate Chicano students as well as to promote social change.

MEChA--which stands for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan--was founded in 1969 by activists who believed in and fought for the self-determination of Aztlan (Southwest United States). Mechistas fought for and won EOPS--Extended Opportunity Program and Services.

Unfortunately, a few people view MEChA as an extreme political group determined to cause trouble in our community.

MEChA is a club about Chicanos. MEChA is not out to get the community. It focuses on inspiring fellowship, heritage, culture and politics of Latinos/Chicanos. It also encourages self-development to the fullest extent. Academic achievements and progress through education are what MEChA is really about.

Not only does MEChA focus on academic achievements, it also focuses on anti-gang and anti-drug activities. MEChA is a wake-up call for young, disillusioned Chicanos.

Many young Chicanos have no interest in school and figure, “Why bother?” They live in the ghettos and think they have no choice but to join a gang because they are poverty-stricken. Living in poverty can mislead anyone into a life of crime; that is almost inevitable.

MEChA is a big-brother type club that will educate and encourage Chicanos to stay in school and get involved in school activities, so that joining a gang will not be an option.

The community will not only benefit from MEChA, but our school will also benefit from this needed education.