What is OCA?

Founded in 1973, the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc. (OCA) is a national non-profit 501(c)(3), non-partisan advocacy organization of concerned Chinese Americans. OCA is dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.

OCA's primary objectives include:

• Promoting active participation of Asian Americans in both civic and national matters.
• Securing equal rights and equal opportunity.
• Eliminating prejudices and stereotypes and securing social justice.
• Providing education and training, including leadership development.
• Fostering positive images and enhancing the appreciation of Chinese and Asian American culture and heritage.
• Promoting economic opportunities.

As of early 2002, OCA has 46 chapters and 38 college affiliates, representing over 10,000 Asian Pacific Americans across the United States.

OCA's base in Washington, D.C. gives the national office an effective vantage point for monitoring legislation and policy issues affecting Chinese Americans and Asian Americans. In the D.C. metro area, OCA is able to build national support and to work in coalition with other national groups around issues affecting Asian Americans. In addition, OCA publishes IMAGE magazine, which serves as a communications link between chapter members as well as an informative source on federal and legislative initiatives and policies relevant to the Chinese American and Asian American communities.

For more information about OCA, email the national OCA office at OCA@OCANATL.ORG, call (202) 223-5500, or write to:

Organization of Chinese Americans
1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.ocanational.org/

OCA Peninsula Chapter of San Mateo County 

The Chapter has:

• Fought for fair treatment for Chinese Americans throughout the County,
• Taken strong positions against hate crimes and discrimination against Chinese Americans,
• Advocated for more Chinese Americans on County boards and commissions,
• Built coalitions with other Asian, minority and civic organizations to achieve common objectives, and
• Represented the Chinese American community in the public arena.

Programs include the Chapter's signature annual Asian American Achievement Awards Gala, college scholarships, picnics, and winter holiday parties. Business and professional mixers, membership meetings, and other events are also held throughout the year. Standing committees include the membership committee, the public affairs committee, the activities committee, and the scholarship committee. The Chapter publishes a quarterly newsletter with news from around the County.

Membership

Membership in OCA is open to all U.S. citizens or permanent residents at least 18 years of age, except agents of foreign governments. Members in OCA range from young adults to senior citizens, from foreign-born to American-born, and from heritages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hong Kong, as well as other heritages. Members pay annual dues; more than half of the members' dues go to National OCA for programs, staffing, and other activities. The remainder of the dues stays in the Chapter and provides some of the funding to operate the Chapter and its activities. If you would like a membership form, you can print it out from our website, email us at ocasanmateo@yahoo.com, or contact us at:

OCA Peninsula Chapter of San Mateo County
P.O. Box 218
San Mateo, California  94401
http://www.ocasanmateo.org/