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Founded in 1973, Organization of Chinese Americans is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of nearly 12 million Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.

OCA has 80 chapters and affiliates across the nation and is based in Washington, D.C.

APIA College Leadership Training

Knowing that cultural influences impact how one leads, our mission is to provide Asian/Pacific Islander American student leaders and activists a unique training which keeps in mind the viewpoints and experiences of APIAs and students of color. The program focuses on the development of leadership and organizational skills that are relevant to APIA campuses and communities.

What is APIA U: LEADERSHIP 101? The interactive college leadership training program will involve hands-on exercises, small group discussions, and presentations led by two qualified APIA facilitators. The 1.5 day training will assemble 60 students from each region to focus on self-awareness, team-building, and direct action organizing. Participants will be asked to challenge themselves, share their experiences, and develop leadership tools in order to effectively serve as catalysts for change.

College Internship Program

This is a great opportunity to learn firsthand about issues and policy that affects Asian Pacific Americans. The OCA Internship Program also exposes interns to other aspects of D.C. Last year, intern visits included Congressional offices, where interns met with Representatives, APA staffers, and members of the Congressional APA Caucus. They also met with members of the Department of Justice and discussed issues concerning civil rights and voting rights. Interns will have a lot of hands on experience at the offices in which they are placed.

The OCA internships are a great way for student leaders to learn about OCA, current issues facing Asian Pacific Americans, and while experiencing the day to day activities of internet company.

The main placements are: OCA National Office (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring); Capitol Hill (Summer only); Federal Agencies (Summer only)

The 2006 placements are: OCA National Office; Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum; Asian Pacific Islander American Vote; Department of the Interior; Department of Justice; Department of Transportation; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Education Association; Office of the House Minority Leader

Some chapters also have placements for local internships.

National President (2006) - Ginny Gong

Notable Past Presidents include:

• Raymond L. Wong
• Ding Nee (Former Pittsburgh Chapter President)

• OCA's National home page