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Our Vision for the Future

Since the founding of OCA in 1973, tremendous changes have swept through the Asian Pacific American community. We witnessed the evolution of a community from a time when immigrants were striving for economic survival to the present day, when many are attaining great success in pursuing their hopes and aspirations. This is no accident. This is the direct result of decades of persistent advocacy led by our community's pioneers.

Today, OCA remains committed to its mission of advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans. We take pride in our past and also in the many success stories of Asian Pacific Americans today. Yet, the single most important question that OCA continues to ponder over is: What can we do to build a promising future for the next generations?

We wonder whether there will be Asian Pacific American candidates who can follow the footsteps of exceptional pioneers such as Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. Who will be the next United States Senators and Representatives? As an organization with focus on national issues, OCA is deeply concerned about the participation of Asian Pacific Americans at the highest levels of government, where legislations and policies are discussed and debated.

 OCA strongly feels that the key to the future of the Asian Pacific American community lies in the continuity of stewardship -- passing the torch from one generation of leaders to the next.

To turn this vision into a reality, OCA resolved to acquire a building and establish the OCA National Center for Asian Pacific American leadership (OCA National Center). With a permanent presence in our nation's capital, OCA would have the stability required to expand upon our past accomplishments and strengthen our capabilities.  We successfully acquired the building on September 21, 2006.

The OCA National Center is now functioning as a new headquarters for OCA, as well as a place for the community. Initial plans for the facility include: Rooms for leadership development programs; a Board Room equipped with the latest video conferencing and multimedia capabilities; a library to serve as a community resource on Asian Pacific American history, culture and relevant public policy issues; and facilities to share with other leading civic organizations in the Asian Pacific American community. In short, the OCA National Center is a meeting place, a gathering place and an exciting place in our country's capital.

The second phase of the facility plan includes a Community Gallery that will showcase traveling exhibits and works of emerging Asian Pacific American artists. This will be an ideal location for book readings, musical performances and community events. As we launch this fundraising campaign to build a legacy for future generations, we hope you'll share our vision. We invite you to be part of this defining moment in the history of OCA and the Asian Pacific American community. Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of the next generation and the future of our community.
 
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