Chinese for Affirmative Action
About Chinese for Affirmative Action
Founded in 1969 by young community activists in San Francisco, CA, Chinese for Affirmative Action has spent over five decades standing with Asian American, Pacific Islander, and immigrant communities facing systemic discrimination and injustice. What began as a movement to protect the civil and political rights of Chinese Americans has evolved into a progressive voice serving the broader AAPI community and all marginalized populations. CAA's founding vision—of a world that works for everyone, free from bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice—continues to guide the organization's work today. Core values of inclusion, equity, justice, and compassion shape every initiative, from preparing landmark Supreme Court cases like Lau v. Nichols to organizing national campaigns for civil rights. The organization has a proud history of creating coalitions that bridge traditional boundaries and prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable community members. From securing bilingual education and election ballots to combating racial profiling and winning groundbreaking immigrant rights legislation, CAA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to hard-won victories. Operating from their historic headquarters in San Francisco's Chinatown and with statewide policy staff in Sacramento, CAA continues stepping up to meet growing demands for assistance and leadership. In this critical moment, CAA remains steadfast in defending rights, standing with communities, and safeguarding democracy for generations to come.