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Tag: Cesar Chavez Foundation

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A Year of Impact: Empowering Communities with the Chavez Foundation

December 30, 2025, by CCF

Across the Southwest and beyond, real change is taking shape as hardworking families, Latinos, and veterans step forward to build stronger futures for themselves and their communities. Supported by the Chavez Foundation, these efforts are rooted in education, housing, economic opportunity, and the belief that lasting progress comes from investing in people.

In California, where more than 1.2 million extremely low-income renters struggle to find a home, the recently opened Chris Hartmire Plaza offers families and veterans a chance to start fresh in a safe, welcoming community.

Chris Hartmire Plaza Grand Opening Ceremony in Pomona, CA, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker)

Resident M. Gonzalez shared, “For five years, we lived across the street in a one-bedroom apartment with four people. This apartment complex has truly changed our lives for the better. We feel comfortable and, most importantly, safer.”  The Chavez Foundation believes housing is a fundamental human right. This year, the Housing and Economic Development Fund invested 232 million dollars in underserved communities, creating more than 289 affordable homes and providing holistic services that help them thrive.

Carrying forward Cesar Chavez’s belief that a person’s education can never be reversed, the Chavez Foundation continues to champion learning opportunities for all.

The Chavez Foundation Education Fund works to build a just society by nurturing both a student’s heart and mind. This year, the Education Fund reached more than 103,000 students in under-resourced communities and continues progressing toward its goal of impacting one million learners by 2028.

The Chavez Media team connects with the community by producing engaging and entertaining programming.

The team focuses on developing innovative, engaging programs in partnership with community organizations. Reflecting on the Cesar Chavez Migrant Education Program, R. Catillo, Director of the Fresno County Office of Education, shared, “Working with the Cesar Chavez Foundation these past few years has been amazing — they truly understand the needs of our students!” 

The impact of this work extends well beyond the classroom, supporting student growth long after programs conclude.

The Chavez Media team plays a vital role in sharing critical information and serving as a trusted voice within the Latino community. What started as Radio Campesina, Cesar Chavez’s vision of a radio station for farmworkers, has grown into Chavez Media, a multimedia network with broadcast and digital stations across the Southwest, reaching over 7.5 million listeners every month.

Chavez Media continues to evolve with programming like El Malcrido, which highlights powerful stories and serves as a trusted source for listeners to learn about their rights through campaigns such as Conoce Tus Derechos.

Attendees of the Chavez Huerta Leadership Conference explore the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument’s visitor center, guided by Executive Director Andres Chavez.

The National Chavez Center remains a place of reflection, learning, and inspiration as it preserves and honors the legacy of Cesar Chavez. As the Cesar Chavez Centennial Celebration approaches, the Center invites visitors to reflect on Cesar’s lasting impact and the continued change inspired by his life’s work. Today, changemakers and future leaders visit the center to draw inspiration, tackle today’s challenges, and shape the opportunities of tomorrow.

As 2026 approaches, the Chavez Foundation reflects on the past year, recognizing that when ordinary people care for their community, extraordinary change follows.

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Carrying the Legacy Forward: A New Generation of Radio Campesina 

September 9, 2025, by CCF

In an evolving media and political landscape, one thing remains constant: Chavez Media’s commitment to providing accurate information, empowering the community, and supporting informed decision-making.  

Beginning with Radio Campesina, the flagship program of Chavez Media, has had a long and enduring history of uniting the community by providing trusted information. Founder Cesar Chavez recognized that farm workers needed a dependable source of information they could count on throughout their day. By blending timely news with meaningful entertainment, he helped build connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging within the community. Radio Campesina, known as “La estación que no se vence en la lucha” (“The station that never gives up in the struggle”), has garnered millions of listeners. Today, Chavez Media continues to serve as a powerful medium for sharing information across communities and inspiring engaging conversations.   

Through innovative partnerships, the Chavez Foundation has created a space to bring in young talent dedicated to empowering and educating underserved communities. Recently, through a grant by the Pivot Foundation, Chavez Media hired its newest talent, Ernesto “Lego” Legorreta Rodríguez, with an effort to engage younger audiences and usher in a new era of diverse voices, particularly in underserved cities like Phoenix, AZ. Rodríguez brings over a decade of expertise, having worked as an editor for Mexicali’s largest newspaper, La Voz de la Frontera.   

By engaging directly with Phoenix’s nearly 50% Latino population, Rodríguez has built a deep understanding of local concerns – dispelling misinformation, encouraging civic engagement, and highlighting often-overlooked stories. His work helps replace fear with knowledge by merging traditional journalism with digital tools. Rodríguez reaches audiences across La Campesina’s platforms. Through the Know Your Rights (Conoce tus Derechos) campaign, he delivers clear, accessible guidance on topics like immigration, earning trust as a familiar figure across La Campesina’s community.  

For more than 40 years, La Campesina’s legacy lives on through a new generation carrying its mission forward. As digital natives, Gen Z brings a fresh perspective that expands the station’s reach and creates space for honest conversations about complex but necessary topics. Rodríguez’s unique perspective has helped bridge generations while remaining true to La Campesina’s core mission: to inform and uplift. By building a space where culture is reflected and unique voices are valued, this new approach, piloted in Phoenix, AZ, sets the stage for Chavez Media’s continued expansion into communities facing similar challenges.   

Chavez Media reaches millions across multiple touchpoints, engaging a multigenerational and multicultural audience through dynamic radio, digital platforms, and live events. Operating across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Georgia, Chavez Media continues to foster a deep sense of community for Latinos and working families. At the heart of this work is Rodríguez, who is helping lead a new era, one shaped by younger audiences committed to combating misinformation and amplifying a new generation of voices.   

Watch El Malcriado on YouTube Monday through Friday from Radio Campesina – hit play and join the conversation!

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Honoring Cesar Chavez: The Legacy & Impact of the Cesar Chavez Foundation

February 25, 2025, by CCF

As we celebrate Cesar Chavez Month, we reflect on his lasting legacy and how his work continues through the Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF). Founded to uphold his vision of justice and empowerment, the foundation focuses on education, affordable housing, media, and preserving Cesar’s legacy—ensuring his mission thrives for generations.

Education Fund: Educating Hearts & Minds

In the 1960s, Chávez and his colleagues created the Huelga School in Delano, providing farmworkers’ children with access to education during the grape strike. Later, he established a Montessori school at La Paz for movement staff families.

The Education Fund continues this commitment today by providing diverse, culturally responsive programs in under-resourced communities. Its goal is to impact one million students by 2028.

Housing & Economic Development: Building Stronger Communities

Chavez often called migrant farmworkers “the original homeless.” Having experienced this struggle firsthand, he prioritized affordable housing through what is now the Housing & Economic Development Fund.

The foundation’s first housing project, the Paulo Agbayani Retirement Village, provided Filipino farmworkers with dignity and stability. Today, CCF manages over $900 million in affordable housing, transforming the lives of thousands of families, seniors, and youth.

Chavez Media: Amplifying Voices

Recognizing the power of media to mobilize change, Chavez established Radio Campesina, its flagship program, in 1983 to entertain and instill a sense of community among Latinos and working families.

Today, Chavez Media reaches millions of multicultural audiences across multiple touchpoints, engaging a multi-generational, multicultural audience. Its abiding mission is to promote Cesar’s legacy by motivating people to use the resources available and be active participants in shaping their lives and communities.

National Chavez Center: Preserving a Legacy

The National Chavez Center ensures that Cesar’s legacy remains a beacon for future generations. From national days of service to heritage summits and the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, it serves as a place of education, reflection, and community-building.

La Paz, where Chavez spent his final years, continues to embody his principles of nonviolence, self-sacrifice, and service—a lasting tribute to his life’s work.

Be Part of This Legacy

Cesar Chavez believed in the power of community. Join us in celebrating his life and ensuring his mission continues.

📩 Join our community! Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring updates from the Chavez Foundation today. Subscribe now!

Together, we keep the movement alive. ¡Sí, Se Puede!

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A Message From Our New President and CEO Manuel Bernal

February 1, 2024, by CCF

At the end of 2023, the Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF) Board of Directors announced Paul Chavez’s retirement and my appointment as CCF’s President and CEO. During his 30 years with the Chavez Foundation and more than 50 years with the farm worker movement, Paul has ensured that the legacy and values of his father continue inspiring people to make a difference in their lives and communities. I am humbled and honored to follow in his footsteps as we move forward into this next chapter.  

Over the past several years, Paul and I have worked together crafting a vision for CCF. I made a personal commitment to continue the work of impacting lives through the guidance of Cesar’s values. My intention as the new President and CEO is to steer CCF into the future and facilitate growth so more needs are addressed as we work to improve the quality of life for Latinos and working people. While we will continue focusing on growth in the Southwest, we are placing special emphasis on growing our presence in Texas, and looking forward to working with partners as we advance our mission of inspiring and transforming communities.   

CCF has experienced tremendous growth and has never been stronger. We have a Board of Directors committed to the ideals that started the National Farm Workers Service Center 60 years ago, and a management team and staff dedicated to implementing the daily work.  What started as an organization to address the fundamental needs of working families, CCF has grown and transformed into a successful collection of social enterprises supporting millions of Latinos and other working families with nearly 400 employees across five Southwestern states. As we prepare to cross the billion-dollar mark of investment in underserved communities through CCF social enterprises, the organization is poised to achieve new heights.  

Thank you for your continued support. I am grateful to be on this journey with you.

 

Manuel H. Bernal, President and CEO
Cesar Chavez Foundation 

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Introducing Chavez Foundation Branded GIF Stickers

May 3, 2023, by CCF

The Cesar Chavez Foundation has launched branded GIF stickers of Cesar Chavez with his beloved dogs, featuring Cesar Chavez, his beloved dogs Boycott and Huelga (“strike”), notable quotes, and more.

These GIFS can be pulled directly from the Cesar Chavez Foundation Channel on GIPHY and are accessible through simple search features on social media — type “Chavez Foundation” into the GIPHY search bar. Explore and share your favorites, and remember to tag us @ChavezFoundation.

GIFs can also be found with the following keywords: cesar chavez foundation, cesar chavez, si se puede, chavez foundation, huelga, strike, boycott, and CCF.

 

 

 

 

Cesar Chavez  marches with a “Huelga” Sign

“Huelga,” meaning “strike,” was a term Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers used that has evolved to signify the struggle of the movement. The Aztec eagle, once a symbol for farm workers, represented a cultural connection evoking a sense of pride.

 

 

 

 

 

Cesar Chavez with Boycott and Huelga

Cesar Chavez had two German Shepherds he trained himself named Boycott and Huelga (“strike”). He credited them for his commitments to vegetarianism and animal rights, and at his request, they are buried near him in the rose garden at The National Chavez Center.

 

 

 

 

Cesar Chavez Quote

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed.” These words were extracted from Cesar Chavez’s 1984 address to the Commonwealth Club of California. He is shown holding a shovel inspired by a photograph taken of him in La Paz.

 

 

 

 

 

Cesar Chavez Foundation Logos

In 2018, the Chavez Foundation unveiled a new logo to reflect better the organization’s growing work in carrying out Cesar’s vision for a better future for our communities and families. It was designed to communicate the legacy of Cesar Chavez, the history of social activism, and the continued values the Chavez Foundation champions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need a quick tutorial? Check out the video below.

https://chavezfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Giphy-how-to-_1.mp4

 

 

@chavezfoundation in Instagram stories. Don’t forget to tag @ChavezFoundation and use the hashtag #CCFConvocation23 when sharing your favorite Staff Convocation moments.

Need a quick tutorial? Check out the video below.

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Press Inquiries:

Suzy Silvestre

Director of Strategic Communications

ssilvestre@chavezfoundation.org

 

Marc Grossman

Spokesperson

mgrossman@chavezfoundation.org

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