Mission:
To maximize human potential to improve communities by preserving, promoting, and applying the legacy and universal values of civil rights leader César Chavez.

Background:
The César E. Chavez Foundation was established in 1993 by his family and friends. Until 2000, it had only one employee, but current president Andrés Irlando reinvigorated the organization, which now has a staff of fifteen. Through its programming, the foundation strives to apply Chavez's values and philosophy to contemporary social issues and to empower individuals so that they may fully realize their potential to make a difference in their own lives, in their communities, and in the world. It supports four program areas: education, arts, and culture; civic engagement; sustainable communities; and nonviolence. The foundation also maintains La Paz, a 187-acre site in Keene, California, that incorporates the new National Chavez Center (a visitor center, museum, and memorial garden), the burial site of César Chavez, and the headquarters of the United Farm Workers.

Outstanding Feature:
The Web site of the César E. Chavez Foundation contains a biography of the community organizer social justice activist who founded the National Farm Workers Association, precursor to the United Farm Workers of America; descriptions of foundation programs; and links to six downloadable service-learning resource guides with step-by-step project modules aimed at grades 3 to 12 youth, linking volunteer service with academic curriculum.