Our Organization History Wichita Chinese Association (WCA) is a non-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations. Founded in 1994, WCA started with a small group of enthusiastic Chinese immigrants from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Since its inception, WCA has dedicated to promoting Chinese culture to the local community and to bringing its members together. Today WCA has a membership of over 200 who came from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, and the United States.   Our Mission To promote the value of traditional Chinese culture; To foster close relationship between members and the local community; To enrich the culture and social life of members; To introduce and promulgate Chinese heritage and arts. Objectives and Purposes To assist members, new immigrants, and students to better understand and appreciate American culture; To create and promote a greater exposure of Chinese heritage and culture in the local community; To promote a harmony society and to assist eliminating prejudice and discrimination; To provide educational and informational programs to cope with the rapid changing environment.   Membership Our membership is open to any residents in greater Wichita area who is interested in our mission and purposes. Annual dues Family membership  $12 Single membership   $6 Senior membership (65+) free   Board of Directors The board of directors consists of five members: the president, the vice-president, the secretary, the treasurer and the newsletter editor. Election of new officers is held during the annual meeting, usually around Chinese New Year.   Achievements WCA has made significant contributions to the promotion of Chinese heritage and culture to the Wichita community. We support and provide programs in the annual Asian Festival in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Our members volunteer and sponsor the Wichita Chinese Language School in teaching local youth to learn Chinese language and culture. We hold lectures to help members to understand and appreciate American culture. We encourage members to involve in community services. For example, our members presented programs with Chinese songs and dances at area nursing homes and different schools in ethnic events. In response to the damage of harricane Katrina, WCA’s members collected $500 for Red Cross to help the Katrina victims. The local newspaper always finds a helpful source through WCA to inquire Chinese culture and activities for news reports. The 2006 Chinese New Year Celebration drew more than 350 participants. Every attendant had a good time! We will continue to provide the opportunity for the members and the community to understand and appreciate Chinese culture through regular activities.