Chinese value group belonging, whether it be family, friends or their country. As a result, they are often more willing to sacrifice their own needs for the benefit of the group.
The following list contains some of the major Chinese associations in the United States. These organizations serve a variety of functions, including promoting Chinese culture and helping Chinese-American businesses.
Membership
Many Chinese immigrants joined associations based on family names, locations or professions in their new homes. The Library has lists and rosters of these groups, which may help in researching your ancestors.
District associations and other civic organizations also played important roles in the social life of Chinatowns. They helped with business development, provided social services, and fought serious gang activity. The CCBA (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of America) in San Francisco’s Chinatown is among the oldest such associations in the United States.
Join today to receive exclusive benefits. Membership is free for students with full-time status, and regular members pay a membership fee determined by the association’s executive board. Members can vote, sign referendum petitions, and hold office. Interested individuals can become members of the association by completing this online application. Applicants are also encouraged to join the AAEA China Section to facilitate collaboration on agricultural and applied economic issues with a China focus worldwide.
Functions
Besides providing networking and meeting opportunities, Chinese associations are tasked with promoting Chinese culture abroad. This is done through public performances, such as cultural shows and events. In addition, they also conduct academic forums, organize holiday celebrations, and assemble educational materials.
They also play a key role in promoting China’s soft power abroad by mobilising their existing resources for achieving territorial, network, and societal embeddedness. This is especially the case for overseas Chinese business-based CVAs.
For example, in Zambia, the local community has become familiar with Chinese associations’ open cultural events through their advertisement on local radio and newspapers. These events offer a platform for promoting Chinese culture to the local society and attracting young Chinese students to join the association. Additionally, the Chinese ambassador in Zambia often meets with qiaoling (leaders from various associations) to provide them with the latest guidelines on their activities. In this way, Chinese associations serve as a bridge between the Chinese government and host countries.
Purposes
To provide leadership to expand the capacity for high quality and sustainable Chinese language learning and teaching in the United States. Facilitate collaboration and exchange of expertise among Chinese language educators and administrators, and advance the field via professional service and quality scholarship based on theoretical and empirical research.
The collection contains the minutes and papers of the China Association, 1889-1995; the papers of the School of Practical Chinese Endowment Fund; the papers of the Hong Kong Association, Tientsin and Shanghai Chambers of Commerce, and the Sino-British Trade Council; and correspondence with the Foreign Office. Also included are lists and rosters identifying members who were prominent in the China Houses, and of Chinese merchants and business people.
To promote and instill awareness & appreciation of the Chinese culture to students at Emory University and beyond through educational programs, events, social activities and community outreach. Inspire a sense of pride in the Chinese community and its American heritage, and support members in their pursuit of excellence and achievement in their academic, professional and personal lives.
Activities
For a period of over a century, the Association’s membership grew rapidly. Its leadership was centralized into a General Committee, with full-time secretaries to carry out many policy functions such as correspondence with the Foreign Office regarding commercial grievances in China; quarterly political summaries for members; translation of the Chinese press; and contact with the Shanghai Committee.
In addition, the CSA focuses on social services for newcomers to ensure their welfare and stability in their adopted country. In particular, the CSA helps at-risk Chinese American and immigrant senior citizens gain access to critical government programs (e.g., food stamps, health care coverage and housing).
The CSA also promotes the preservation of Chinese heritage in America through research, scholarship, and education to inspire a greater appreciation for their contributions and legacy. Various activities such as cultural celebrations, national events, and academic forums are organized to unite the community. Moreover, the society offers many practical services such as passport renewal services and airport pick-ups.