Associations provide a platform of information-sharing for Chinese migrants. They help them to navigate their business and social lives in Zambia.
Associations have a long history among overseas Chinese. Associational movements, particularly those framed around kinship and dialectal compatriotism, have served as a catalyst for nation-building in modern China.
Membership
CSA is very protective when it comes to its members. It provides a very comfortable environment for them to interact with the campus community. It also organizes large events such as cultural show productions and even trips.
The Society has several different membership categories, ranging from student to Fellow. Membership is open to anyone who has a desire to learn more about the history and culture of China, the Asian-American experience, or both.
CMAA is proud to partner with Discover’s Asian Professionals Employee Resource Group (APAD) to share the rich diversity of Asian cultures with Discover employees through lunch and learns, keynote speakers, and cultural events. The Discover Brighter Futures Fund has made it possible to expand the scope of this partnership and provide additional opportunities for CCAA members to collaborate with other APAD employees. In addition, a number of CCAA members have joined the APAD leadership team to further support this important initiative.
Activities
Besides its academic function, the Chinese association has a wide range of activities that can enrich local culture. In Glasgow, for example, the society sponsors special events such as one week CP and New Students Pick-up, among others. These activities not only improve the image of the Chinese community, but also promote the cultural communication between local students.
In the beginning, CCBA operated in several locations until it finally settled into a large Lutheran church that became its focus and hub. This facility is the site of many Chinese schools, banquets and weddings, as well as a center for community outreach programs and emergency response to disaster relief.
CCBA has also worked with mainstream organizations to provide services to its community members, particularly in areas such as education, health, and social welfare. The organization has even helped members return to China, settling their steamship passages. In addition, CCBA has been involved in the legal representation of its members.
Funding
Many local Chinese associations rely on project-based fundraising activities to meet their annual operating needs. Some have successfully attracted funding from private foundations and corporations that do business with China.
Other organizations have secured government grants for research projects with Chinese partners, such as Centers for Disease Control and National Institute of Health grants for vaccine development and public health initiatives. In addition, the federal government has supported joint research projects with Chinese universities and public health institutions through international workshops and other training opportunities.
Nonprofits interested in attracting more funding from U.S. foundations should cultivate relationships with the program officers responsible for China-related grants. They may do this by mail, e-mail or telephone. Those that take a disciplined, long-term approach to this cultivation are most likely to be successful. In addition, there are a number of resources available that can assist in developing effective fundraising strategies and proposals. These are described below.
Purpose
In the early days of the Association, a large portion of its activities was devoted to addressing commercial grievances for British traders in China and Hong Kong. This was accomplished by correspondence with the Foreign Office and by presenting a voice for the interests of traders to the government in London.
The Chinese Association has always played an important role in promoting the community and helping its members. It works closely with mainstream organizations such as the American Red Cross to assist its members during emergencies and disasters, including providing food, water and shelter.
ACA is also very protective of its members and will not allow other groups to use its name or any of its activities without permission. This is especially true for students and scholars who are a vital part of the Association’s fabric. It is a place where they can be themselves and where their identities are respected. The Association is a home away from home.