The Association seeks to promote responsible scholarship in Chinese studies. Its annual meetings provide a forum for new research on China-related comparative sociological, economic, educational, linguistic and cultural issues.
Our Delaware explores the history of communities and institutions that serve them around the state. This month we look at the Chinese Association of Hockessin.
The Association
The Association’s history exemplifies the strength of community and the impact of unwavering dedication to a cause. Today, the Association serves as a focal point for Chinese Americans and promotes the rich culture of China through its many programs and events.
In addition to promoting cultural identity and community support, the CWMAA worked with American labor organizations and was instrumental in introducing Chinese workers into the larger labor movement. It was the first successful Chinese association to work outside of the framework of traditional associations in Chinatown and was able to attract non-Chinese workers to join its ranks.
CCBA continues to work with mainstream organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Visiting Nurse Service of New York City to provide services to the Chinese community in times of need. CCBA also collaborates with Discover on employee engagement initiatives through lunch and learns, keynote speakers, and cultural events. This is made possible by Discover’s generous contribution to CCBA through the Asian Professionals ERG.
History
Founded in 1981, the CSA puts on monthly events to promote awareness of Chinese and Chinese-American culture and societal issues. It is one of the largest cultural groups on campus.
Anti-Asian nativism in the 19th century prompted wealthy merchants and laborers to organize district associations (gongsi) around clan and family names, and to form philanthropic societies to aid the less fortunate. These groups, known as the China Associations, lobbied for support and justice against local anti-Chinese violence and worked to promote political freedom in China.
During the Depression, the Alliance led the first large-scale parade of Chinese laundrymen in America, a major step forward for progressive Chinese organizations. The Alliance was able to do this because of its broad base in the community.
Membership
Membership in the Association entitles one to free access to Statistica Sinica and Statistics in BioSciences online, as well as free copies of the ICSA bulletin (two issues annually). Members are eligible to serve on ICSA committees, and can vote for ICSA officers.
Founded in 1989, the Inland Chinese Association is an organization of mutual support for inland Chinese, providing education, culture and charity.
The Association is a non-profit, member-focused organization that represents the business, economic and community development of Iowa’s young, strong and influential Chinese American community. ACA is dedicated to serving its members with an unwavering commitment to community service.
Originally founded in London at the Thatched House Club for ‘gentlemen with some connection to China’, it quickly became an umbrella organisation representing professional and trade groups, civic, religious and cultural associations and women’s organisations. It lobbied the British Government, local chambers of commerce and the Federation of British Industries on behalf of its members. It also supported workers in the Chinatowns of the United States, such as assisting laid-off electronics and rubber stamp manufacturing workers to win better severance pay and job training opportunities.
Activities
Founded in 1883, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) has long played an important role as one of the oldest and largest community organizations in New York City’s Chinatown. CCBA serves as an advocate for local residents on issues that affect them and provides financial and other support for various community programs.
CCBA’s work includes lobbying on behalf of the community to national and local governments and promoting inter-cultural exchanges. Its members include social activists, scholars and representatives from political parties, government organs, academic institutions, cultural and art circles and business sector.
When i was a graduate student at university of washington in 1993-1996 there were 3 or 4 undergraduate chinese student groups. CSA, TSA and HKSA shared some membership but they all had their own activities. CCBA is very active at the local level – organizing and supporting laid-off electronics and rubber stamp manufacturing workers to get severance pay, for example, and providing assistance to new immigrants seeking US citizenship and registration as voters.