Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc. (OCA), now known as OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA-APA Advocates) since 2013, is a national non-partisan, member-driven non-profit 501(c)(3), with 35 chapters and affiliates across the U.S.
OCA unites and empowers the AANHPI community to collectively use our voice to advance the sociopolitical and holistic wellbeing of all AANHPI. We do this work through educating, organizing, and intergenerational bridge-building.
OCA’s primary objectives include:
- Promoting active participation and engagement of Asian Pacific Americans in civic affairs.
- Promoting social justice.
- Providing education and training, including leadership development.
- Fostering positive images and enhancing the appreciation of Asian Pacific American culture and heritage.
As of 2025, OCA has 35 chapters and 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 Asian Pacific 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 Pacific Americans. In addition, OCA publishes IMAGEmagazine, which serves as a communications link between chapter members as well as an informative source on federal and legislative initiatives and policies relevant to Asian Pacific American communities.
For more information about OCA, email the national OCA office at oca@ocanational.org, call (202) 223-5500, or write to:
OCA National Center
900 19th St. NW, 6th Floor.
Washington, DC 20006
ocanational.org
OCA Chapter of San Mateo County
The OCA San Mateo Chapter was established in 1987. It is one of four chapters in the San Francisco Bay Area and one of seven chapters in California. It is the oldest existing OCA chapter and the largest in California today. To create a sense of community and embrace the aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans here, the Peninsula Chapter has been active throughout San Mateo County.
In its history, over the last four decades, the Chapter has:
- Fought for fair treatment for Asian Pacific Americans throughout the County,
- Taken strong positions against hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Pacific Americans,
- Advocated for more Asian Pacific Americans on County boards and commissions,
- Built coalitions with other Asian, minority and civic organizations to achieve common objectives,
- Represented the Asian Pacific American community in the public arena.
Historical and current programs include:
- Speak and Lead with Pride teen public speaking training and leadership development,
- High School Scholarship program,
- Youth leadership development and volunteer program,
- Art and education programs about Asian Pacific American heritage,
- Voter outreach and education,
- Social events such as picnic and holiday celebrations,
- Fieldtrips and outings related to Asian Pacific American history.
Membership
Membership in OCA is open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Members in OCA range from teens to senior citizens, from foreign-born to American-born, from Asian Pacific American heritages, and is inclusive of all races and ethnicity. 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.
We are committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination due to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and age.