FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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SUPPORT FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO STUDY CREATION OF CESAR CHAVEZ NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK


Background:

Cesar Chavez was born near Yuma, Arizona and grew up in migrant labor camps where he suffered from the poverty of a migrant worker's life. He tirelessly dedicated his life to championing the rights of farm laborers, as well as all workers. Chavez is best known for his humility and strength in his peaceful fight to help farm workers attain social justice and freedom from exposure to poisonous chemicals, poor housing, discrimination, low wages and limited educational opportunities. Along with Dolores Huerta, Chavez founded the United Farm Workers, an organization dedicated to garnering better wages, working conditions, and respect for farm workers.

A bill (H.R. 359) sponsored by Rep. Hilda Solis (D-southern California) to authorize the U.S. Department of the Interior to study lands important in the life of Cesar Chavez for possible inclusion in the National Park System passed the House of Representatives on July 12, 2007. A companion bill (S. 327) has been introduced in the Senate by senators John McCain and Ken Salazar. Similar legislation introduced by Sen. McCain passed the Senate unanimously in 2003.


Resolution:

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs supports federal legislation authorizing the U.S. Department of Interior to study lands important in the life of Cesar Chavez for possible inclusion into the National Park System, most likely as a National Historic Park or site.





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