El Congreso Alumni Association

History

The El Congreso Alumni Association developed as a result of a series of discussions between alumni Congresistas and current Congreso membership. The dialogue brought to light the existing need for both technical and financial assistance to El Congreso as an organization. This need has always existed; however, little has been done to tackle the challenge. Historically, the bridge between alumni and current Congreso members has been maintained inconsistently and unofficially at best.

The Association believes it is important for El Congreso alumni (as well as other companeros that participated in other pro-raza struggles) to unite and offer something to the students that find themselves lost between what is real and what is perceived. Historical memory is probably the most important legacy we can provide the new companeros/as. However, financial support can be equally as important, and more difficult to obtain. El Congreso should never have to compromise their political history for money.

El Congreso has served as the advocate and voice for not only the Chicano students on campus, but also the surrounding Chicano/Latino community. This responsibility means holding the university administration accountable to the needs of these populations. Unfortunately, this type of work requires funds that are not readily available. The El Congreso Alumni Association is proposing to request donations from alumni which will be distributed to fund progressive projects.

In June 1999, a platica between alumni and current Congreso members was held and the initial structure of the El Congreso Alumni Association was proposed. Following that, in October 1999, a meeting was held in which a group of UCSB/El Congreso Alumni formalized the organization. The goal of the ECAA is to serve as the vehicle by which communication can be maintained, support be given, and funds collected and distributed. At the October meeting a preliminary structure and plan for the association was established, a mission was agreed upon, board members were selected, and tasks and responsibilities were assigned.