Many Chinese immigrants joined associations based on family names, locations and professions to help them in their new lives. Look for ancestors’ names on association rosters to find out more about their experiences in the United States.
The Articles of Association is a key document that defines internal operating procedures and provides a framework for compliance with Chinese laws. A well-crafted AoA is pivotal when setting up a business in China.
Family Associations
In Chinatown, family associations (fang guan) provided mutual aid and protection for early Chinese immigrants in hostile environments. They also made residency and citizenship easier for Chinese businessmen by acting as informal chambers of commerce. They were also important cultural institutions for preserving Chinese culture in the United States.
During the period of increased anti-Chinese sentiment, family associations combined into a united front, known as the CCBA (Chong Wa Benevolent Association). The CCBA advocated for the interests of the local Chinese community and worked closely with main stream organizations to ensure that the needs of Chinese in America were met.
Clan associations (hui guan, huay guan) are found in most overseas Chinese communities. They reproduce traditional Chinese culture in host societies by establishing communication channels with people in their hometown or region and raising funds to send back to China. They also organise religious rituals and festivals. As the members of a clan become fully integrated into their host society, the activities of these organisations may decline.
District Associations
When Chinese immigrants first arrived in America, they quickly formed organizations based on their origins, villages and districts. These district associations (Hut Guan) later gave way to family association based on shared surname and lineage, but their importance in Chinese American life was enduring.
These associations were a grassroots effort to preserve homeowners’ rights. Unlike HOAs which are typically formed by developers and members become members upon purchase of their home, associations are independent and self-governing.
For example, in 1998, residents in one housing complex staged a takeover of the association, disbanding their management company and re-establishing an association with community-approved leadership. These associations also have close ties to non-Chinese communities in Queens through cooperation on social, cultural and political projects. For example, the ACS has sponsored community events and workshops for public school students. In addition, ACS has held an annual conference over Memorial Day weekend for its membership which includes teaching seminars, speech competitions and academics exhibition.
Mongol Associations
Kublai Khan tried to bring the Mongols closer to Chinese ways but they resisted assimilation ideologically and culturally. They refused to take up Buddhism, favored shamanism, and did not like Confucianism. They remained outside the Chinese bureaucracy and the ruling foreign minority class.
In the cities they maintained their Mongolian language schools but in the countryside a shift has been taking place to Mandarin education as parents prefer their children to be better prepared for higher level universities. This is especially true in the larger city of Baotou, Hohhot, Chifeng and Tongliao where many Mongols live now.
The Society partnered with People in Need to help raise money for herder families whose livelihoods have been threatened by deep snow this winter. You can contribute to the relief effort by clicking here. A special thanks to Zolboo Dashmyagmar for the excellent images of the 2024 Tsagaan Sar event held in the Ferguson International Center on the Indiana University-Bloomington campus.
Associations of Chinese Names
Associations of Chinese Names (also known as lineage associations or huiguan) were created in the 19th Century to provide community for Chinese immigrants who shared common ancestry, village, district or family name. These organizations are important for researching the ancestors of Chinese in America as they often contain lists and rosters that can provide a wealth of information about the members and their families.
This organization promotes friendships and communications among Chinese professionals. Its members hold advanced degrees in science, technology, education, business, law and medicine. It also supports activities and programs that have a positive impact on the American community.
It fosters and enhances business, cultural, educational and scientific exchanges between China and the United States. It also supports the participation of Chinese-Americans in the political process, and the preservation of Chinese culture and language. NACA is dedicated to the advancement of cordial relationships between America and China. During this time of economic and diplomatic change, NACA is focusing on building a stronger foundation for future growth.