Embracing the hopes and dreams of Asian Americans 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 50+ chapters and affiliates across the U.S.
For almost 50 years, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates has been dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).
Our Work
Touching hundreds of thousands of AAPIs 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 50 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 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.