El Centro de la Raza seeks to raise the awareness level of the general public, politicians, business and civic leaders toward the needs of the Chicano/Latino community in the United States and to help the Chicano/Latino community in the Seattle/King County area empower itself.

El Centro de la Raza is a Chicano/Latino Civil Rights organization, rich in a history of service to the community. The organization's philosophy centers around empowering community members to empower themselves and advocate for positive social change. Central to this effort for change is an unwavering commitment to struggle for Civil Rights for all persons. El Centro de la Raza recognizes that the majority of it's Civil Rights participants, friends and supporters are involved in a daily struggle for economic independence, political empowerment, freedom, justice and creating community. This strong commitment to avidly work to nurture communities continuously in struggle must guide all employees of El Centro de la Raza.