EDUCATION CENTER

Policies, procedures, and uniform standards for all chapters

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Guidelines for all Brown Beret chapters

Chain of Command

Each chapter operates under a structured leadership hierarchy: Prime Minister (National), Minister, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Members. Respect for the chain of command ensures unity and effective organizing.

Chapter Formation

To form a chapter, a minimum of 5 committed members is required. The chapter must designate a Captain, establish regular meeting schedules, and register with the national platform through the recruitment application.

Code of Conduct

All Brown Berets are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and respect. No illegal activities, substance abuse during official functions, or behavior that disgraces the organization.

Meeting Protocols

Chapters should hold regular meetings (minimum bi-weekly). Meetings follow an agenda format: roll call, old business, new business, community concerns, and action planning.

Community Service

Every chapter is expected to participate in monthly community service activities: food drives, cleanups, tutoring, health fairs, or other actions that directly serve the barrio.

Education Requirements

Members are expected to participate in ongoing education about Chicano history, current events affecting our community, political organizing, and the Brown Berets' legacy.

UNIFORM STANDARDS

The Brown Beret uniform represents La Causa

Brown Beret

The official military-style brown beret with the La Causa Code of Arms affixed on the left side. The beret is the most sacred symbol of the organization and must be worn with pride and respect.

Brown/Khaki Shirt

Official uniform shirt in brown, khaki color. Button-up military-style shirt is preferred.

Brown/Black Pants

Clean, pressed khaki, black, and tactical BDU pants. Must be neat and presentable at all times.

Patches & Insignia

La Causa shield patch on the left shoulder. Chapter name patch on the right. Rank insignia as applicable. Mexican flag patch on right shoulder.

Belt & Boots

Black belt with gold buckle. Black boots. Footwear must be clean and maintained.

Grooming Standards

Members should maintain a clean, disciplined appearance. The uniform represents the entire organization — when you wear it, you represent all Brown Berets.

Brown Berets in uniformBrown Berets leadership

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

CHICANO HISTORY

  • • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)
  • • The Zoot Suit Riots (1943)
  • • The Chicano Movement (1960s–1970s)
  • • East L.A. Walkouts (1968)
  • • Chicano Moratorium (1970)
  • • Occupation of Catalina Island (1972)
  • • César Chávez & the United Farm Workers
  • • Dolores Huerta and labor rights

RECOMMENDED READING

  • Occupied America by Rodolfo Acuña
  • Chicano! The History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement
  • The Bronze Screen by Rosa Linda Fregoso
  • Message to Aztlán by Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales
  • Yo Soy Joaquín (poem) by Rodolfo Gonzales
  • Brown Berets: A Legacy of Self-Defense