Chinese Progressive Association

Founded in 1972, the Chinese Progressive Association educates, organizes, and empowers the low-income and working-class immigrant Chinese community in San Francisco to build collective power with other oppressed communities to win better living and working conditions and justice for all people.

In 1972, at the heart of the Asian American movement in San Francisco, Chinatown youth in their early 20s, Asian American students, the Lo Wah Que (older generation of Chinese immigrants), and Chinese overseas students came together at the International Hotel to create a community organization called the Chinese Progressive Association to serve the people and their community. 

For the past 50 years, inspired and grounded by the principles and values of CPA’s founders, we have developed and activated new leaders in the Chinese and Chinese American community, building power with other marginalized communities to transform living and working conditions in San Francisco and beyond. 

We know that it takes all of us to come together to build the community that we deeply need to live and thrive in our full dignity. Our bold vision is a future where workers are treated with dignity and respect, where youth exercise decision-making power in schools, and where neighbors have the tools to build connection, deep solidarity, and keep each other safe.  

Join us in continuing to build and amplify our organizing work to move us forward collectively towards a future that we deserve, for the next 50 years and beyond.

P.S. If you'd like to make a check donation, please make your check payable to "Chinese Progressive Association" and mail it to 1042 Grant Ave. San Francisco, CA 94133.