MISSION
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 non-profit, membership-driven organization based in Washington, D.C. with over 100 chapters and affiliates around the country. Touching hundreds of thousands of AAPIs each year, OCA works with its organizational partners, members, chapters, and supporters to empower the next generation of leaders. Originally founded as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA rebranded to OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates in 2013 in order to reflect its pan-AAPI mission and the changing demographics of its membership. OCA continues to recognize the need for its civil rights work to be inclusive of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
POLICY PRIORITIES (OCA-National)
Based on the needs of the AAPI community, OCA’s policy portfolio consists of five main areas:
1. Immigration
In order to maintain America’s legacy as a place of refuge and equality, we must adopt measures to empty the backlog of visa applications, protect family immigration, and create clean direct pathways to citizenship.
2. Education
Our public and private education systems must see equitable access as well as AAPI representation in curriculum. In addition, there is a critical need for resources and recognition for Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) which bolster enrollment and retention for low-income AAPIs.
3. Racial Equity and Inclusion
As AAPIs continue to be the victims of hate incidents and racial profiling, we must continue to fight uncompromisingly against hate speech, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and discrimination.
4. Civic Engagement and Census
Civic engagement is the foundation of our American democracy, which is why voter suppression and fear-mongering must be stopped. To that end, OCA is committed to ensuring access to the ballot and a fair and proper count of AAPIs in the 2020 Census.
5. Workforce Development and Technology
AAPIs of all ages and places deserve equitable access to technology as well as inclusive workforce development and career pipeline opportunities.