The organization seeks social justice, protects civil rights and ensures economic opportunities. CSA is also responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of Chinese culture, hosting national events and holiday celebrations.
Li’s research on traditional overseas Chinese associations provides a framework for analysis of how new migrants re-structure these institutions.
History
Many Chinese immigrants joined associations based on family names, locations, or professions to help them succeed in their new homes. Look for these groups in your local library’s rolls of membership or contact the librarian to learn more about them.
CCBA is one of the oldest service organizations in Chinatown and acts as an umbrella organization for sixty member organizations representing a cross section of the community, including business, civic, religious, cultural, and women’s groups. CCBA has worked with mainstream organizations such as the Visiting Nurse Service and American Red Cross to provide services for Chinatown residents.
The Historical Society for Twentieth-Century China was founded in 1983 and is the international professional association for scholars of modern Chinese history. Members have regular opportunities to meet internationally and to present their work at conferences in North America and elsewhere. The HSTCC also sponsors symposia and lectures at meetings of the Association for Asian Studies and the American Historical Association.
Purpose
In the early days, the Association was a mercantile body that represented the interests of those engaged in trade to China, Hong Kong and Japan. It worked closely with the London Chamber of Commerce and other local Chambers, presenting grievances to the British Government on behalf of the community of British traders who called themselves ‘Old China Hands’.
Today, most Chinese associations are semi-official and answerable to the Chinese Embassy in host countries for political mobilisation and business regulation. This can be seen for example in the organisation of large national and cultural events, imposing discipline on unhealthy commercial competition within member companies or even installing safety monitoring systems for Chinese migrants living in host societies.
These functions are increasingly important for the survival of contemporary overseas Chinese associations. They act as intermediaries between individual Chinese migrants, the embassy and local society in order to prevent conflicts and schisms within their community. They are also critical in promoting Chinese culture and soft power in the host country.
Membership
CSA members typically have strong connections and a variety of skills that they bring to their work. They are also proactive and energetic. They are often able to create strong friendships that last long after they leave their college, and they typically have a positive impact on their professional acknowledgement and workspace.
The papers of the China Association cover a wide range of subjects, and include minutes and committee papers of the General Committee; correspondence with the Foreign Office, London Chambers of Commerce, local Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong and Tientsin, and other trade associations; ephemera; and photographs. The records are deposited at the University of London.
CMAA works with many Asian professionals to help them advance in their careers and contribute to the greater community. The organization also partners with Discover, the parent company of APAD, to host lunch and learns for its employees on topics such as interview workshops and cultural events.
Activities
As a social and cultural club, the society is mainly organized to provide its members with an environment where they can communicate among each other and also interact with people of other ethnicities. The society also promotes Chinese culture and tradition. Events such as cultural shows and sports competitions are among the main focuses.
The club started out by hosting classes at various locations before Margaret & Allan Marr secured classrooms in the Lutheran Church building on Manor Road for the CCBA to hold its Chinese School, banquets and other activities. This facility remains the focus of the CCBA and has been renovated and expanded to meet its current needs.
Currently, the CMAA is working with Discover’s Asian Professionals ERG to host lunch and learn events with their employees, featuring speakers and a wide variety of Chinese/Asian cultural events. This partnership will help CCBA continue to grow as the voice of the local Chinese community.