Chinese for Affirmative Action

CAA places hundreds of primarily immigrant jobseekers in construction and hospitality work, as well as vocational training programs. Our support includes general assistance, client advocacy, and information and referral work. Special efforts are made to reach dislocated garment workers and to improve access to opportunities in the construction trades.

By providing walk-in hours, maintaining updated referral lists, and outreaching directly on immigration-related issues, CAA is a critical community resource for community services and activities. At the same time, CAA is a leading progressive Asian and Pacific American voice in the ethnic and mainstream media on issues ranging from stereotyping in the media, APA political participation, and pressing public policy questions.

CAA fights for equal access to critical social services for limited-English proficient and immigrant residents. In San Francisco, we monitor implementation of the Language Access Ordinance with a focus on the City’s Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant affairs that coordinates and centralizes language services and resources throughout City departments. In addition, we advocate for stronger language access and bilingual education policies in San Francisco public schools.

CAA strives to create a society that fully embraces and values its immigrant population. As a founding member of the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Services and Education Network, CAA works with over a dozen agencies to provide and promote critically needed legal and social services to protect immigrant rights. In this capacity, CAA provides APA immigrants and the broader community with information about proposed changes to federal immigration laws and ensures residents are aware of City services and CBO resources available to immigrants.

CAA combats multiple forms and manifestations of racism and racial hierarchy. This includes speaking out against harmful stereotypes, identifying and addressing discrimination, and advancing policies that promote racial and ethnic inclusion and equity. These include defending race-conscious affirmative action programs, school and workplace practices that promote diversity and reduce segregation, and practices that address the needs of the disadvantaged.

CAA’s legislative office works with Sacramento policymakers, advocates, and community members on budget and legislative proposals impacting Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in California. Conducted in partnership with the Asian Law Caucus and the Asian and Pacific American Legal Center (members of the Center for Advancing Justice), the office is helping to build a statewide presence for the progressive APA community committed to civil rights and equality. Visit AACRE Online to learn more and take action on statewide immigrant rights, language rights, and civil rights issues important to the APIA community.

API Equality – Northern California is a project of CAA that seeks to address discrimination, inequality, and the struggles of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals within the context of the APA civil rights agenda. API Equality is building the capacity of APA community leaders and individuals to be effective civil rights advocates, and developing a statewide public education campaign and coalition.