CSA provides a forum for unity and fostering of an important supportive cultural as well as industry environment for our members. It also acts as a bridge for students of all backgrounds to connect and grow as individuals and future professionals.
The China Association was established in response to pressure from ‘Old China Hands’ for a representative body to be set up that was exclusively concerned with Anglo-Chinese affairs. It took root in March 1889 at a dinner at the Thatched House Club in London.
Membership
Membership of a Chinese association can be a great way to learn about the culture, develop social skills and grow as a student. It can also help students with networking and career opportunities.
CSA members can build relationships and become part of an open community that is supportive and inclusive. This is especially important for students who come from mixed cultures or have no family connections in the area. It also helps them to connect with people from different backgrounds and countries, and can even strengthen their resume.
The China Association was a mercantile body, formed to represent those concerned with trade to China and Hong Kong. It worked in conjunction with the London Chamber of Commerce, local Chambers and the Federation of British Industries to lobby the British government and the authorities in China on behalf of its members. Its archives are lodged at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. They include minute books, committee papers and correspondence with the Foreign Office, the London Chamber of Commerce and Tientsin, Hong Kong and Shanghai associations.
Activities
A Chinese association is a group that sponsors social, recreational, cultural and career-building activities for its members. In the United States and Canada, it is known by various English names, such as Zhong Hua Hui Guan in the West; Chong Wa Benevolent Association in the Pacific Northwest; and United Chinese Society in Honolulu. It is also referred to as a Chinese club or community center in the East, where it usually has a Chinese name, such as Gong Suo in New York City.
In the beginning, these groups were formed to address discrimination in social welfare programs, education and economic opportunities. They sought to educate members in the community about their heritage and culture, and worked on community development projects.
Today, these associations are known for their cultural and educational events, such as the annual China/Japan Culture Day, Interview Workshops, Networking Skills Seminar, etc. These events bring together students and faculty, as well as local Chinese and Japanese residents, who share the common interest of learning about their respective cultures.
Fundraising
In the late 20th century, the Chinese community in Augusta grew tremendously. Several Chinese organizations started up in town and a lot of money was raised to help the local and national causes. Chinese restaurants, social and religious organizations, family associations, and the business association were among those involved in the fund-raising drives.
The CCBA was a non-profit, tax-exempt organization established in 1923. It is the umbrella organization for many different Chinese American groups including professional and trade organizations; civic and patriotic organizations like the American Legion, Lt. Lam Lau Post; Chinese Women’s and other civic and cultural groups; fellow-provincial organizations such as the Hoy Sun Ning Yung Association and Lin Sing Association; and family association such as the Lee, Eng and Chan Family Association.
CCBA also works with mainstream organizations in providing services to the local community. In the past, CCBA helped countless individuals in need and assisted in the community-wide emergency relief effort during a typhoon or other natural disaster.
Awards
The Committee on East and Inner Asia (CEA) of the American Association for Chinese Studies awards two $1,000 Joseph Levenson Prizes annually to nonfiction scholarly books on China published in 2022. Works on any period of Chinese history are eligible, but anthologies and edited works are not.
The Heartland Chinese Teacher Award is sponsored by LingoAce and is presented to an outstanding Chinese language teacher in the heartland who promotes cultural bridges through the teaching of Chinese. The winner receives a plaque and a one year membership in CLASS.
The Jiede (All-attain) Empirical Research Grant is funded by an anonymous member and is intended to support empirical research in the field of Chinese pedagogy. The researcher will be expected to present her/his work at the CLTA annual meeting. The Walton Lifetime Achievement Award and the Walton Presentation Award were suspended in 2016. The CLASS Outstanding Advocate Award is also suspended. Nominees must have been instrumental in performing advocacy functions for CLASS’ vision and mission to foster K-12 Chinese initiatives.