About Us
Our philosophy as Mechistas is to center intention and community in every event that we hold, hosting a carne asada one day and pulling up to a rally the next. We build community, coalition, and organize ourselves towards the self-determination of the Latino community on campus and beyond. Any and everybody are welcome to become Mechistas however they can! By “mecha”, we mean “the spark” or “the fuse” that lights social movements. MECHA de PSU is a leftist (“progressive”, radical, etc.) student organization on campus of Portland State University, in so-called “Portland, Oregon,” with roots in the decades of struggle, direct action, solidarity, and radical education that embodied the Chicano Movement and the militant anti-racism/anti-war student movement of the late 1960s/early 1970s. We meet throughout the term, mostly in La Casa Latina (SMSU 228). MECHA is inclusive; we welcome all people to our general meetings, events, rallies, and activities. As Mechistas, we develop a sense of identity, leadership, and community in the spirit of activism. MECHA is not exclusive to Mexicanos, Chicanos, or Latinés. Whether you come from Central America, the Caribbean, the Southwest U.S., South America, or elsewhere; you are welcome. If you want to engage in radical political education, developing organizing skills, and student activism while having a safety net of bailes, carne asadas, and comunidad, join us for our general meetings and events!
