Incorporated on August 30, 1977, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates, Greater Chicago (OCA Greater Chicago) focuses on professional and leadership development and is dedicated to promoting the economic, professional, and social well-being of AAPIs in the Greater Chicago area.
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a 501(c)(3) national member-driven nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. with 35+ chapters and affiliates across the U.S.
K.L. Wang and Alex Mark founded the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) in 1973 to create a unified voice for Chinese Americans in the civil rights movement. The original three chapters in Washington D.C., Detroit, and St. Louis would grow into an organization with over 35 chapters and affiliates around the country.
As the AAPI community continued to grow and diversify, OCA understood the importance to reflect the needs of the community. In 2013, the organization rebranded to be OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates and advocate on behalf of all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Today, OCA continues to do business as OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates. When referencing, please use “OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates.” After the first reference, you may use “OCA” to refer to the organization and “OCA National Center” to refer to the staff and headquarters.
Our Policy Platform
OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates is dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of AAPIs.
NATIONAL POLICY PRIORITIES
Bridging the Digital Divide
Access to the internet is not just about connectivity, it’s a civil rights issue. OCA will continue to advocate for the community by expanding access to the internet for vulnerable populations, fighting back against misinformation & disinformation, and ensuring that our elders are protected from emerging technological threats.
Promoting Intergenerational Wellbeing
Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming the stigma of mental health and wellness has been a major challenge for the AANHPI community for many years. OCA looks to advocate for policies that facilitate the overcoming of cultural barriers that prevent the community from addressing the critical issues of aging/caregiving, mental health, and women’s health – all while addressing the environmental structures that disproportionately impact the community.
Defending Voting Rights
Since the gutting for the Voting Rights Act in Shelby v. Holder, the right to vote has been under attack. From restrictive ID laws to shortening registration windows to racist gerrymandering – the AANHPI community has much to lose through disenfranchisement. OCA will work with national coalition partners to defend the fundamental right to vote while reducing barriers to engaging in our democracy including the redistricting process.
STATE POLICY PRIORITIES
Defending Voting Rights
Many restrictive voting laws are created at the state-level. OCA will support its chapters through targeted advocacy to fight back against restrictive voting laws that discriminate against marginalized communities while expanding access. This includes redistricting, extended early voting, inlanguage voter materials, and promoting get out the vote efforts.
Fighting Racism & Xenophobia
While the AANHPI community faced a surge of targeted identity-based harassment, scapegoating, and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, such attacks against the community are not new and a result of rampant xenophobia. OCA is redoubling its efforts to strengthen state-level hate crime laws, creating equitable policies for community safety, and the stopping of racial profiling.
Incorporating K-12 AANHPI Curriculum
The incredible story of the AANHPI community is one of vibrancy, struggle, oppression, and triumph. At the board of education state-level, OCA chapters will fight for the inclusion of the community’s stories while ensuring the rich tapestry of the community is promoted.
Preserving Our Community
For years, community Chinatowns, Little Saigons, and Japantowns have served as a focal place for community. However, rapid gentrification has begun pushing out the community’s most vulnerable while erasing our histories. OCA will support its chapters to lead the fight to preserve our stories, bring greater investment to communities, and push back against displacement.