Traditionally, chinese associations (also known as huiguan or kinship societies) linked people of the same surname and ancestry together to provide social, business, matrimonial, and welfare support. They also serve as an important link to Chinese culture and heritage.
As time passed, these organizations adapted to changing sociopolitical climates and took on new functions. They lobbied to repeal anti-Chinese laws, raised awareness about racism and discrimination, and established community support networks for victims of violence.
Membership
A membership-based federation of Chinese American organizations and individuals. UCA connects, empowers and enriches our diverse community of compassion, shared heritage, civic engagement and social justice.
Overseas Chinese associations, known as clan and kinship associations in China, were originally established to help migrants cope with the transition to urban life abroad by providing financial assistance, facilitating communication with family back home and overcoming social ostracism. Today, many of these associations function as social clubs and cultural institutions.
The papers of the China Association, deposited at SOAS in 1978, cover the period 1889-1961 and comprise minutes and committee papers; correspondence with the Foreign Office, Board of Trade, British Chambers of Commerce in Hankow and Tientsin, the Shanghai Association, the Hong Kong Association and the Sino-British Trade Council; translations of Chinese press items; annual reports; and separate items including the minutes and papers of the China Association’s School of Practical Chinese Endowment Fund (1908-1955). A few photographs and albums of pressing cuttings on China also feature.
Social Activities
CCBA organizes social, recreational and cultural activities and events for Chinese children, adults and families to promote and enrich their lives. The organization also acts as liaison between the Asian community and local government agencies and services.
Among the early activities of the China Association were the establishment of clan associations and kinship halls for individuals of the same surname and hometown to help ease the transition of immigrants to their new homes and overcome social ostracism. These organizations provided business, educational, matrimonial and welfare support.
The organization has continued to serve the Queens Chinese American community through programs that foster eduction, encourage cultural appreciation and respect for ancestors, enhance opportunities for civic engagement and promote social justice. It has also forged alliances with mainstream organizations to address issues of common concern. For example, the CCBA worked with the Visiting Nurse Service to prepare the community for emergency situations. It also cooperated with the American Red Cross to provide assistance for victims of natural disasters.
Educational Activities
The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association (BCA) is a community-based not-for-profit human service agency. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of its members in the Sunset Park, Borough Park, and Bay Ridge neighborhoods of Brooklyn and to promoting a congenial relationship between the Asian-American community and the City and County of New York.
CCBA cooperates with various mainstream community organizations to provide support services for new immigrants to obtain their U.S. citizenship and to register as voters. CCBA also works with the American Red Cross and other agencies in emergency response.
Founded in 1951 with the owner of Nankin Cafe, Walter James, the Chinese American Association of Minnesota (CAAM) was one of the first to unite professional, business and student components of the community under one umbrella organization. CAAM is a non-profit, non-partisan, independent and democratic organization.
Business Activities
In the business sphere, the China Association was an advocate of the business interests of its members. It lobbied for their rights with the British Government on many occasions. It often worked in conjunction with the London Chamber of Commerce, local chambers and the Federation of British Industries. During the Communist advance across China in the years immediately following World War II, the Association helped alert the British Government to the difficulties faced by its trade with China. It acted to ensure official action was taken to protect their interests and to meet demands for compensation.
USCCC has a well-known and respected international business program. It helps thousands of businesses and business owners understand the dynamics of international trade to stay competitive. It hosts events to educate business leaders, and facilitates discussion on issues of interest to the Greater China community. It also helps promote China’s strengths and opportunities in the global economy. USCCC also serves as a resource for Chinese-American companies seeking to expand in the U.S. and abroad.