Chinese Progressive Association

New Immigrants

We have been at the forefront in helping the newest members of our community become active participants in American life. The English classes help new immigrants learn language skills for daily living. The citizenship classes help immigrants prepare for the test to become a U.S. Citizen. We provide workshops and individual counseling that educate new immigrants about their rights and the ever-changing complex immigration laws. We bring together new immigrants and long-time residents to promote and protect immigrant rights.

Youth

Starting Line Peer Mentoring Program helps immigrant youth ages 16-22 adjust to and become part of New York City life. Students attend weekly workshops, trips, and discussions. Students improve their English, learn social and leadership skills, make friends, and learn about school, colleges, and careers, community issues. Mentoring is provided by a dedicated, trained team of young people. The Starting Line program was one of 22 programs selected to be profiled in Innovations in International Youth Volunteering, a publication designed to motivate young people around the world to start volunteer projects that will empower themselves and others.

College/Career Readiness Program and S.A.T. preparation classes helps new immigrant high school students learn about and prepare for college.

Tobacco Prevention Project involves young people to learn about tobacco in the community and educate others. Finished projects include:

	What You See is NOT What You Get, an educational video made by and for teenagers
	Tobacco in Our community, a report about tobacco advertising in neighborhood stores
	Tobacco prevention curriculum for middle school students

Internship and volunteer opportunities help high school and college students learn about community issues, gain work experience as well as practical community organizing and leadership skills.

Environmental Health and Justice

We conduct organizing, outreach, and educational activities about Chinatown environmental issues such as lead poisoning, asthma, air quality, recycling, and the need for more public and open spaces. We sponsor Neighborhood Day, a community-wide environmental health fair attended by hundreds of people. We have also completed a survey report about asthma and air quality in Chinatown. For more information about the report, contact us at 212-274-1891 cpanyc@cpanyc.org

Civic Participation

The Chinese Political Empowerment Project conducts voter registration and educational workshops for new voters.

Social and Recreational Activities

We hold cultural activities and social events.Our dragon boat team, the CPA Serpents is active every year during the summer months from May to August. For more information about how to join, call 212-274-1891 or email cpanyc@cpanyc.org

Volunteer

Volunteers play a crucial role at the Chinese Progressive Association. They come from all walks of life - community residents, working professionals, young people, parents, and grandparents. To learn more about how you can volunteer, please contact us at 212-274-1891 or cpanyc@cpanyc.org. Or you may complete and return the volunteer form to be added to our mailing list for volunteer opportunities.