Advancing the sociopolitical and holistic well-being of all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

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.

Our Work

Touching hundreds of thousands of AANHPIs each year, OCA National Center works with its organizational partners, members, chapters, and supporters to empower the next generation of leaders. 

Our Name

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 Chapters

When referring to OCA chapters, use the following format: 'OCA - Chapter Name.' See below for the full list of official chapter names:

  • Central Virginia: OCA - Central Virginia

  • Chicago: OCA - Greater Chicago

  • Cleveland: OCA - Greater Cleveland

  • Colorado: OCA - Colorado

  • Columbus: OCA - Columbus

  • Detroit: Association of Chinese Americans

  • East Bay: OCA - East Bay

  • Georgia: OCA - Georgia

  • Houston: OCA - Greater Houston

  • Las Vegas: OCA - Las Vegas

  • Los Angeles: OCA - Greater Los Angeles

  • New England: OCA - New England

  • New Jersey: OCA - New Jersey

  • New York: OCA - New York

  • Philadelphia: OCA - Greater Philadelphia

  • Phoenix: OCA - Greater Phoenix

  • Pittsburgh: OCA - Pittsburgh

  • Sacramento: OCA - Greater Sacramento

  • San Diego: OCA - San Diego

  • San Francisco: OCA - San Francisco

  • San Mateo: OCA - San Mateo

  • Seattle: OCA - Greater Seattle

  • South Florida: OCA - South Florida

  • St. Louis: OCA - St. Louis

  • Tucson: OCA - Greater Tucson

  • Utah: OCA - Utah

  • Washington D.C: OCA - Greater Washington D.C.

  • Westchester Hudson Valley: OCA - Westchester

  • Wisconsin: OCA - Wisconsin