📣 Take the 2025 OCA Audience Survey! Your feedback helps us better understand our members and supporters, including who you are, what issues matter most, and how OCA can best serve our communities in today’s social and political climate.
Your feedback will guide OCA’s priorities, programs, and advocacy. You’ll also have a chance to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards! 💳
We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Olga May Wong Policy Fellowship! This fellowship is a part-time, paid position ($15/hour, 266 hours max) that will support OCA’s national policy, advocacy, and organizing strategy and programming. The ideal candidate should have at least 1-3 years of undergraduate or working experience in policy analysis, community organizing, and/or program facilitation. This position is based in Washington, D.C., remote-optional, with a start date of early Quarter 1 2026.
The deadline to apply is January 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.
The Foundation 649 Scholarship is a grant of $4,000 over the course of 4 years that can be applied to college tuition and expenses. To maintain eligibility each year, there will be a brief check-in and renewal process at the end of each school year. 2026 applications are due on March 1, 2026. Visit www.foundation649.com for more information.
The Yappie, a nonprofit newsroom, is interested in learning how people seek out news coverage about Asian American issues. You have the chance to receive a $250 Amazon gift card if you fully complete their survey at bit.ly/yappiesurvey by December 19, 2025.
Thank you to our November donors: Andrew Lee, Sam Sun, Daniel Yu, and Amy Wipfler for your generous contributions towards the President's Circle Initiative! Your contributions directly support local OCA chapter programs and projects that impact AANHPI communities around the country.
PRESS RELEASE
OCA Urges Congress to Restore ACA Tax Credits and Food Security Programs
Congress must extend ACA tax credits and protect food security programs to ensure affordable healthcare and lasting stability for all Americans beyond the end of the government shutdown. Click here to read more.
OCA Mourns Champion and Leader David Lin
The AANHPI community mourns the tragic loss of lifelong advocate David Lin, whose decades of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to service left an enduring impact on countless organizations and lives. Click here to read more.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Asian American Cohort Study
UCSF has launched ASPIRE an Asian American Cohort national study, hoping to learn more about possible causes of cancer in Asian Americans.Â
They are seeking to enroll people who are:Â
Asian or Asian American (including non-U.S. citizens and/or multiracial)Â Â
For 50 years, OCA has been a powerful voice for our communities, growing and evolving—from the Organization of Chinese Americans to OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates. But our true strength comes from you—our members, volunteers, and supporters who have shaped this journey.
We want to celebrate your experiences, your impact, and the stories that connect us. Whether you've been with OCA for decades or just joined, your voice matters. Take a moment to share your story and be part of the legacy we continue to build together!These testimonials will play a vital role in our storytelling efforts, helping us highlight the impact of OCA through our members' voices.
Your story could be featured in IMAGE Magazine, on our social media, or in our monthly newsletter!
Help us update our OCA Intern Alumni Directory
We are requesting all OCA National internship program alumni to fill out the OCA Intern Alumni Directory Form to help us update our internal database so we can stay in touch with our intern alumni from the last 35Â years. Fill out the form.
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
OCA - Greater Phoenix Chapter
OCA - Greater Phoenix Chapter successfully hosted its first-ever Regional Leadership Summit on November 15–17 in partnership with OCA National. The three-day event featured two days of workshops and a mock legislative hearing led by local speakers and members of the National staff.
On the final day, the participants visited the Arizona State Capitol to meet with Rep. Junelle Cavero and Rep. Pamela Carter where they advocated for two key pieces of legislation: HB 2744: Right to Contraception Act and HCR 2030: Ensuring High-Quality Education for K-12 English Learners.
Overall, the summit was a great success. The chapter looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to engage and educate local members on the importance of advocacy.
OCA - Wisconsin Chapter
It was a fun and educational day in Madison as 44 OCA - Wisconsin (OCA-WI) members and friends boarded a chartered bus from Milwaukee on Sunday, November 16th to see acclaimed artist Warren King's "Homecoming" solo exhibition at the James Watrous Gallery in Madison's Overture Center. Warren King is a Chinese American artist who was born in Madison and raised in Milwaukee who has become known for his sculptures exploring Chinese culture annd identity made from corrugated cardboard. OCA-WI was invited to attend a special presentation for our Chinese American community, followed by a conversation with King about his work, his artistic journey, and the meaning of cultural identity, moderated by OCA-WI's Lorna Young. We also were able to preview a documentary short film on King, directed by Curtis Chin, which will be shown next year on PBS.
You can find more info on King's story and work here:Â wrnking.com
OCA - Greater Tucson Chapter
OCA - Greater Tucson Gala: Celebrating Leadership was held on November 16, 2025, at Desert Diamond Hotel & Casino. Under the leadership of Gala Director Wendy Karahalios, Treasurer and Immediate Past President, the team consisting of Yoshi Delgado, Allen Miller, and Teleia Teumanu ensured the success of the event. Honorees were: Richard Koo, JD—Community Leader; Linda Mazon Gutierrez—Community Leader; and Dorothy and Louis Lew—Lifetime Achievement. Special Guest was Representative Adelita Grijalva, who was finally confirmed four days pervious to the event. She shared words of congratulations and encouragement for a strong future for the underserved. The Silent Auction was huge success. We enjoyed entertainment from Tucson Chinese Dance, both children and adult performances; Odaiko Sonora; and Siva Maia Dancers. Â
APA-Y Advocate Leadership Workshop was presented to AANHPI high school students at the Asian Pacific American Refugee & Student Services (APARSS) facility at Catalina High School on November 7th. Chris Ahearn, Sandy Chan, and Richard Koo presented “Voter Education,” “Important Asian American Arizonans,” and “Understanding Anti-Asian Sentiments: History, Impact and Action” respectively for a robust, meaningful program to 25 attendees. We are grateful to Ms. Yoon Lee, Coordinator, APARSS, who recruited, students, managed flyer development, and provided the venue. eHotPot catered lunch.
CHAPTER EVENTS
OCA - Colorado Annual Meeting & Xmas Party
Join OCA - Colorado for their 2025 OCA Annual Meeting & Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13 in Denver! The chapter will reflect on this year’s accomplishments, elect new board members, welcome their newly formed OCA Youth Group, and honor their Senior Group Leaders.
Stay after the meeting for a festive holiday lunch, team games, entertainment, and our Xmas Lucky Draw. The chapter looks forward to celebrating the season together with the OCA family!
