Organization of Chinese Americans
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Founded in 1973, the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of nearly 12 million Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.
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[edit] Goals
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OCA’s goals are
- to advocate for social justice, equal opportunity and fair treatment;
- to promote civic participation, education, and leadership;
- to advance coalitions and community building; and
- to foster cultural heritage.
To achieve these goals, OCA is engaged in organizing its 80 chapters and affiliates across the nation to develop both leadership and community involvement. OCA chapters and our organizational and college affiliates are establishing strong local programs in all parts of the country.
OCA’s based in Washington, D.C. gives the national office an effective vantage point for monitoring legislation and policy issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans. In addition, OCA is able to build national support and to work in coalition with other national groups around issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans. Visit the national OCA website for more information.
OCA takes no collective position on the politics of any foreign country, but instead focuses on the welfare and civil rights of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.
OCA Facts
- Founded: 1973
- Legal Status: Non-profit, Non-partisan
- National Office: Washington, DC
- Number of Chapters: 50
- Representing: Over 10,000 people (Affiliate, College Affiliates, Young OCA, OCA Young Professionals, General membership)
- First and only national Chinese American civil rights organization headquartered in D.C.
OCA History
- Oct. 14, 1976 - OCA National President K.L. Wang meets with President Ford.
- Fall 1977 - OCA National Headquarters sets up in Washington, D.C. with the first Executive Director Hayden Lee.
- 1977 - OCA begins publishing quarterly issues of IMAGE.
- June 29, 1984 -Vincent Chin assailant convicted of civil rights violation.
- January 10, 1986 - OCA President Andrew Chen meets with President Ronald Reagan for greater opportunities and recognition for Chinese Americans and AAPIs.
- July 19, 1989 - OCA President Frank Liu meets with President George H. W. Bush to discuss APA issues.
- May 15, 1990 - OCA President S.B. Woo meets with President Bush on the Civil Rights Act of 1990.
- November 29, 1990 - OCA Executive Director Daphne Kwok witnesses the signing of the Immigration Act of 1990.
- January 1992 - OCA President Claudine Cheng is instrumental in the issuance of the first Chinese American commemorative stamp - Year of the Rooster. The idea was initiated by OCA-Georgia Chapter member Jean Chen.
- June 27, 1993 - OCA meets with Attorney General Janet Reno on AAPI and Hispanic issues.
- August 15, 1995 - OCA National President Michael Lin meets with President Clinton and Secretary of Defense Perry on affirmative action.
- June 28, 1996 - OCA presents the first Pioneer Awards in San Francisco.
- Fall 1996 - OCA coordinates historic first national AAPI voter registration campaign.
[edit] Programs
[edit] APA College Leadership Training
OCA's mission is to provide Asian Pacific American student leaders and activists a unique training which keeps in mind the viewpoints and experiences of APIAs and students of color. The program focuses on the development of leadership and organizational skills that are relevant to APA campuses and communities.
[edit] College Internship Program
This program teaches issues and policy that affects Asian Pacific Americans and also exposes interns to other aspects of D.C. The program has included visits to Congressional office buildings, where interns meet with Representatives, APA staffers, and members of the Congressional APA Caucus. They can also meet with members of the United States Department of Justice and discuss issues concerning civil rights and voting rights.
The main placements are:
- OCA National Office (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring);
- Capitol Hill (Summer only);
- Federal Agencies (Summer only)
Some chapters also have placements for local internships.
[edit] Leadership
The National President (2006) is Ginny Gong.
Past National Presidents Ginny Gong: 2005 - Present; Raymond Wong: 2003 -2004; George Ong: 1999-2002; Michael Lin: 1995-1998; Ginny Gong: 1993-1994; Claudine Cheng: 1991-1992; S.B. Woo: 1990; Frank Liu: 1988-1989; James Tso: 1987; Andrew Chen: 1985-1986; Robert Wu: 1983-1984; Austin Tao: 1982; Hang Chang: 1981; Mary Au: 1980; Alex Mark: 1978-1979; K.L. Wang: 1974-1977;
Executive Directors: Michael Lin: 2006 - Present; Dorothy Wong: 2005 - 2006; Christine Chen: 2001-2005; Daphne Kwok: 1990-2001; Melinda Yee: 1988-1990; Henry Mui: 1984-1987; Laura Chin: 1982-1984; Don Cooper: 1980-1982; Hayden Lee: 1977-1979
