Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Azatlán (MEChA) is an organization that focuses on uniting and empowering Chicanxs and other minorities. It also promotes higher education, culture, and history.

Here at Wilsonville, there’s a MEChA chapter that focuses on these issues and organizes events such as; El Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo.

MEChA had their first meeting on Thursday is Mr. Ryan’s room with a great turnout. We interviewed Ashley Martinez, Melissa Ruiz-Lazaro (both who are MEChA’s social media directors), and Gabby Leon about their first meeting.

When asked about how they planned for their first meeting Melissa said that she made an Instagram (@wvhs.mecha), a Twitter (@club_mecha), and a Snapchat (@wvhs.mecha) in order to keep its members and others who are interested, up to date with the events. Melissa and Ashley also engaged in the promotion of the club by telling friends and other high school students about MEChA.

This year there’s a new club president and, like everything when it’s new, there are always expectations.

The first meeting had a great turn out, a lot of people showed up and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Melissa said that she thought that there would be fewer people based on her experience in the past, this time there wasn’t even a spot where she could sit. On the other hand, Ashley said that she sort of expected the turn out due to the number of people who showed up.

As a member of MEChA, Gabby said that she expects things to go more smoothly since the members this year seem more enthusiastic and ready to get involved with the activities that this year’s MEChA has planned. Melissa plans for this year’s MEChA to include a lot more activities where all of the members can get involved. She also hopes to form new friendships and for MEChA to like a second family. Ashley plans on being really involved this year and motivate others to become just as involved.

MEChA is about uniting and empowering people, joining together as one and giving a voice to the community.

Everybody is welcome and anyone can join, so make sure to drop by Thursday during lunch at Mr. Ryan’s room (RM 215), the door is always open.