A CSA is a forum for unity and provides an open platform for Chinese students and scholars to express their opinions. It also promotes a positive image of China in the community at large.
It also helps in establishing business and social relationships. Most importantly, it connects them to the embassy and the homeland state apparatus.
Business
DCBA offers many business activities to its members including, but not limited to: business attraction, logistics consulting, HR service, language translation and IT solution. It has also provided its members and Metro Detroit China-American community with numerous business conferences, exhibitions and networking events.
The China Association was a mercantile body representing traders concerned with trade to China, Hong Kong and Japan. It lobbied the British Government and the Chinese authorities on behalf of its members, often working in close association with the London Chambers of Commerce, local Chambers, and the Federation of British Industries.
There are many challenges to achieving success in mainland China. For one, the country’s strict law imposes a huge administrative burden and many restrictions on foreign nongovernmental organizations seeking to conduct on-the-ground activity. This makes it a major challenge for associations looking to hold events in the country. A good place to start is by finding a partner organization with experience in this area.
Culture
The Chinese culture is a diverse and dynamic mixture of traditional values and modern aspirations. While older generations and rural Chinese value and uphold traditional culture, younger urban and contemporary Chinese are more open to progressive ideals and the integration of modern cultural influences.
Chinese vocal music is melodic rather than harmonic, and the instruments used are plucked and bowed strings, flutes, cymbals and gongs. Modern China has also seen a resurgence in Western-style theater, with new plays addressing issues such as the abuse of power and cronyism.
CSA members actively participate in local cultural and social activities such as volunteering at the regional food bank, Literacy Volunteers of America, WMHT TV auctions, and grade school social studies classes. They also host and sponsor a wide variety of events, such as interview workshops, Life in Big Four, networking, American living, and more. They help non-Chinese students to learn about authentic Chinese culture and society through direct interaction with Chinese students from the mainland.
Education
One of the major focuses of the association is to help its members in their study and life. This includes spreading knowledge about Chinese culture and organizing events. The association also helps to promote the integration of Chinese students into society. This includes networking, preparing for interviews and even developing professional skills.
CLASS has been a national leader in improving the quality of Chinese language and cultural education. It has developed and disseminated curricular resources, assisted teachers in establishing their own classroom-based research projects, and provided opportunities for teacher training. CLASS has worked closely with the Chinese Language Teachers’ Association (CLTA), an organization primarily serving post-secondary teachers of Chinese, to facilitate the articulation of the pre-collegiate and collegiate Chinese learning environments.
CLASS’s work in the area of articulation has been recognized by the Henry Luce Foundation and by other organizations that support less-commonly taught languages. CLASS is working to develop a network for sharing information and expertise in Chinese teaching.
Social
A variety of social activities have been organized by the associations. Their rosters and lists may provide valuable information about your ancestors.
Among them are the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, which functions as a non-governmental chamber of commerce to promote business people’s domestic and overseas ties, and a Chinese Friendship Association, which contacts friendly organizations and individuals in foreign countries on behalf of the Chinese community. It also publishes CAST Communications, a newsletter for members that discusses problems and issues of common concern.
Other social organizations include the New York Chinese Cultural Center, which promotes a rich and diverse culture through cultural events and marketing. The Chinatown Partnership leads efforts to rebuild and maintain the community, and the Ai You Xi Community Social Organization helps residents with education, government programs and benefits, health resources, crime prevention, and other issues. Its volunteer program cultivates community leaders and provides a model for others to follow.