OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates

OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, it has evolved into a pan-ethnic force advocating for civil rights, civic participation, and equitable representation. With a network of chapters across the United States, the organization engages in policy advocacy, leadership development, and community empowerment initiatives to address issues from immigration reform to combating hate crimes.

History

The organization was established in 1973 in Washington, D.C. by a group of community leaders, including Daphne Kwok and Michael Lin, amid a growing need for a unified political voice for Chinese Americans. Its founding was influenced by the broader Asian American movement and the civil rights activism of the 1960s, seeking to move beyond benevolent association models. A pivotal early campaign involved advocating for restitution for the Chinese Exclusion Act and supporting the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. In 2013, reflecting its expanded scope, the organization rebranded from the Organization of Chinese Americans to OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates to be more inclusive of the diverse AAPI community, including Filipino Americans, Vietnamese Americans, and Korean Americans.

Mission and advocacy

The core mission is to advocate for justice, equity, and opportunity for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities through leadership development, civic engagement, and coalition building. Key advocacy areas include comprehensive immigration reform, addressing anti-Asian hate and racial profiling, promoting language access under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and ensuring fair representation in media and politics. The organization frequently testifies before Congress, collaborates with agencies like the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and partners with groups such as the Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans on legislative priorities like the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act.

Organization and chapters

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization operates with a national board of directors and a professional staff overseeing a decentralized network of over 50 chapters and college affiliates across the United States. Prominent chapters are located in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Houston, each addressing local issues while aligning with national priorities. The collegiate branches, often at universities like the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan, focus on youth leadership. Governance involves annual conventions, such as those held in Las Vegas or Philadelphia, where delegates from chapters like OCA-Greater Seattle and OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates - Central Virginia set the organizational agenda.

Programs and initiatives

Signature programs include the OCA Internship Program, which places students in placements within Congressional offices or agencies like the U.S. Department of Education. The APIA Vote initiative, a partner project, focuses on nonpartisan voter mobilization in communities such as Hmong Americans and Native Hawaiians. The organization also runs the Youth Leadership Academy, often hosted in cities like Chicago or Atlanta, and the Mental Health Initiative, addressing stigma in collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Other key campaigns have included advocacy for the Dream Act, census participation outreach, and the "Report Hate" tool developed with the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum.

Notable people and leadership

Throughout its history, the organization has been led by prominent figures such as former National President Michael C. Lin and former Executive Director George M. Ong. Notable past presidents include Helen Zia, the acclaimed author and activist, and Ken Lee, who later led the Asian American Justice Center. The current National President is Linda Ng, with Thu Nguyen serving as Executive Director. Distinguished honorary board members and allies have included politicians like former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Congresswoman Judy Chu, as well as community leaders like Mee Moua, former president of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center. Many alumni, such as Ami Gandhi of the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, have moved into significant roles in public service and advocacy.

Category:Asian-American organizations Category:Political advocacy groups in the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 1973