CSAUS promotes operational coordination and exchange among its member schools. Moreover, it also maintains close cooperation with other Chinese language organizations and contributes to the integration of Chinese culture/language into mainstream American society.
The CCBA is the oldest community organization in Chinatown. Historically it has performed a quasi-governmental role in the community. Business ownership was a goal of many residents and was supported financially and through training by the CCBA.
Education
A national organization of Chinese language and culture schools. It offers support and services for schools and students nationwide to promote the growth of Chinese teaching in mainstream American education, and to help bring about a better understanding of China among Americans.
The association sponsors and hosts many events to maintain and exhibit the cultural pride that its citizens share. These include a Chinese New Year dinner/dance that benefits the scholarship fund, community picnics, a monthly newsletter, and Chinese cultural dance lessons.
NACA helps members strengthen ties within the Chinese community as well as with the local communities in which they live. NACA also has taken on the task of promoting business, economics, trade, culture and education exchanges between the United States and China. NACA has hosted several delegations between the two countries. It has also provided mentoring programs for college and high school students and young professionals. It has been instrumental in achieving and promoting full diplomatic recognition between the United States and China.
Cultural Appreciation
In contrast to the western culture where privacy and personal space are highly valued, China is a societal environment that values communal sharing of resources. The concept of guanxi encourages people to connect with one another, even with those who have different backgrounds or interests. This is especially evident in social situations such as family gatherings and business networking.
While it is important to avoid cultural appropriation, it is equally important to promote cross-cultural appreciation. The former can be achieved through equal exchanges, such as attending international food festivals. The latter can be accomplished by including diverse voices in discussions and recognizing when someone contributes a unique perspective.
Chinese culture is unique in its simultaneous embrace of traditional values and recent economic reforms. As a result, many current attitudes can be confusing to those outside the country. Nevertheless, Chinese are a vibrant and active society that has a unique mindset that combines modern aspirations with embedded traditions.
Social Activities
As the largest Grass-root organization for Chinese Americans, CSAUS strives to unite the community and spread Chinese culture. It facilitates networking among students, professionals and the community, while providing a platform for cultural exchange.
Sponsored lectures, annual Chinese holidays and general body assemblies offer forums for students to experience and learn about their heritage. Additionally, CSA seeks to cultivate civic awareness and promote coalition politics in the local community.
In addition, CCBA has played an important role in strengthening the bond between the United States and China by hosting various delegations between the two countries, promoting business, economics, trade, culture, education and Sino-American friendship.
District associations, social service organizations, schools and temples have historically played a critical role in the social life of Chinatowns. They have provided assistance to people with financial needs, helped them start their own businesses and helped them gain U.S. citizenship through naturalization. CCBA also has been active in addressing community issues such as helping at-risk Chinese American and immigrant residents access much-needed social services and support.
Membership
CSA’s membership benefits include networking and personal/professional development opportunities. Members can also get advance information of academic activities such as lectures, conferences and summer schools that are organized by fellow members. Members aged 35 or younger may apply for a bi-annual Young Scholar Award (equally funded by the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation and the EACS).
In early America, Chinese immigrants formed associations of their family names, locations or professions to help them succeed in their new homes. These groups often performed roles that government agencies or charities could not: they found jobs, took care of the sick and poor, and sent bones back to China for reburial.
CSA has the same role today for Chinese scholars and students studying in North America, where it facilitates business, cultural, educational, and scientific collaborations. The Association also supports the growth of chemistry research in both countries. Its member organizations provide a stable base of Chinese language and culture learning for local communities as well as international visitors.