Organizing the Chicano Movement: The Story of CSO

The Chicano Movement, a social and political movement that sought to empower Mexican-Americans during the 1960s and 1970s, had its roots in the struggles of working-class Mexican-Americans in the American Southwest. One of the most important organizations involved in the Chicano Movement was the Community Service Organization (CSO).

The Founding of CSO

CSO was founded in 1965 by Saul Alinsky, a community organizer from Chicago. Alinsky believed that the best way to help low-income communities was to organize them into powerful political forces. He helped to found CSO in the city of Los Angeles, with the goal of empowering the city's large Mexican-American population.

Organizing the Chicano Movement: The Story of CSO

by Matthew Casey

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	261 pages
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CSO's first leaders included Edward Roybal, a Mexican-American politician who later became a U.S. Congressman, and Dolores Huerta, a labor leader and activist who became one of the most important figures in the Chicano Movement.

CSO's Work

CSO worked to organize Mexican-Americans in Los Angeles and other cities in the Southwest. The organization's members worked on a variety of issues, including housing, education, employment, and civil rights. CSO also played a major role in the United Farm Workers Union (UFW),which was founded in 1962 by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.

CSO's organizers used a variety of tactics to achieve their goals. They engaged in grassroots organizing, working with local communities to identify their needs and develop strategies to meet those needs. They also lobbied elected officials and organized protests and demonstrations.

CSO's Impact

CSO played a major role in the development of the Chicano Movement. The organization helped to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Mexican-Americans and provided a platform for them to organize and fight for their rights.

CSO's work also had a lasting impact on American politics. The organization helped to elect Mexican-Americans to public office and influenced the development of public policy on issues such as housing, education, and employment.

The Community Service Organization was one of the most important organizations involved in the Chicano Movement. The organization's work helped to empower Mexican-Americans and improve their lives. CSO's legacy continues to inspire activists and organizers today.

Additional Resources

* [Community Service Organization website](https://www.csoproject.org/) * [Saul Alinsky website](https://saulalinsky.org/) * [Edward Roybal website](https://edroybal.house.gov/) * [Dolores Huerta website](https://dolores huerta.org/) * [United Farm Workers website](https://ufw.org/)

Image Credits

* [Image of Saul Alinsky](https://saulalinsky.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Alinsky_facing_crowd.jpg) * [Image of Edward Roybal](https://edroybal.house.gov/sites/edroybal.house.gov/files/styles/large/public/Roybal%2C%20Edward%20R._Rep.%20(CA-30).jpeg?itok=4hgl_k5P) * [Image of Dolores Huerta](https://dolores huerta.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Huerta_Dolores.jpg)

Organizing the Chicano Movement: The Story of CSO

by Matthew Casey

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	261 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE