The Young Chicanos for Community Action

Different organizations were established during the Civil Rights Movement as individuals saw the need to approach the movement differently and felt that some rights (policies) needed to be addressed more so than others. The Brown Berets also known as the Young Chicanos for Community Action, were formed in 1967 in Los Angeles and fought for:

The founder of the brown berets and Prime Minister of the Brown Berets for well over six years was a Chicano from Los Angeles, David Sanchez. He created a booklet entitled, "The Birth of a New Symbol- the Brown Berets Manual". This manual states that the purpose of the Brown Berets is "To Serve, Observe, and Protect." The Brown Berets sought to be an antimilitarist group and approached their campaigns peacefully, however, as stated in The Brown Berets Manual, "How far must we go in order to protect these rights is dependent upon those in power. If those Anglos in power are willing to do this in a peaceful and orderly process, then we will be only too happy to accept this way. Otherwise, we will be forced to other alternatives." Violence and abuse from the Los Angeles Police Department and the mistreatment of fellow Chicanos resulted in the Brown Berets transforming into a militant organization. The Brown Berets became the protectors of the Chicano Movement. They appeared at demonstrations and rallies (including speeches given by the United Farmworkers of America leader, Caesar Chavez) and protests (including the Los Angeles Walkouts). The Brown Berets served as an inspiration to the Chicano and Chicana youth living in Los Angeles. They drove a large majority of the Chicano and Chicana youth to participate in the Chicano Movement. Allowing these youth to voice their opinions and they even served as a way to keep them out of gangs.