 They also agreed that, once the association had a life insurance policy up and running, members would start paying monthly dues of $3.50.The group adopted the motto "viva la causa" ("long live the cause") and a flag featuring a black eagle on a red and white background.At the organization's constitutional convention held in Fresno in January 1963, Chavez was elected president, with Huerta, Julio Hernandez, and Gilbert Padilla its vice presidents.