CONVENTIONS
CONVENTIONS
Embedded Files
From Exclusion to Empowerment: Shaping a Just Future
From Exclusion to Empowerment: Shaping a Just Future
The Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.) convened its 58th National Biennial Convention September 5 – 7, 2025 in San Francisco, California, at its National Headquarters on Stockton Street. This was the first time since 1977 that the National Board of Directors, with the support of several Past National Presidents, organized and hosted the gathering at the organization’s historic home base.
This year’s convention was notable for its innovative hybrid format. For the first time, plenary sessions were offered both in-person and via live-stream. The program was also designed to be more condensed and streamlined, allowing delegates to focus directly on the most pressing organizational priorities and the key issues facing Chinese American communities.
The opening day began with welcoming remarks and National Committee Reports. Delegates heard from Lodges in multiple reporting sessions, and nominations for National Officers were introduced.
A highlight of the first day was the presentation by Past National President Ed Gor, who provided an update on the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. The day ended with an in memoriam video tribute (see PDF version), honoring those who have passed. Attendees then gathered for dinner at Lai Hong Lounge before Resolution Committee meetings convened as needed.
Day 2 focused on the heart of convention business: reviewing and voting on submitted resolutions. Delegates successfully completed discussion and disposition of all resolutions. Final versions are posted on the Advocacy & Policy page of the National website.
The day included statements from candidates for contested National offices and featured a special address by Norman Wong, the great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark, whose landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of birthright citizenship in the United States.
Members also enjoyed C.A.C.A. videos by filmmaker Ken Eng and an evening of camaraderie at the San Francisco Lodge-hosted BBQ steak dinner, followed by a “Chinatown After Dark” outing at Lion’s Den Bar and Lounge.
The final day opened with the close of eBallot voting, followed by a group photo and the announcement of election results. National Executive nominations, elections, and the swearing in of officers took place, along with bids for the next convention site.
The convention concluded with the Spirit of America Presentation and Closing Luncheon at McCormick and Kuleto’s in Ghirardelli Square. See the Convention Program Book for biographies of this year’s Spirit of America Award honorees Dr. Vivian Huang of Phoenix, AZ and Dr. Jian Zhang of San Francisco.
As the 58th National Biennial Convention ended, C.A.C.A. extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants. Whether attending in person or virtually, delegates contributed to the success of this important gathering through their energy, commitment, and vision.
Congratulations to the newly elected National Board officers, whose leadership will guide the Alliance into the future.
Special thanks are owed to the San Francisco Lodge and its many volunteers, whose hospitality and tireless efforts ensured that the convention ran smoothly. C.A.C.A. also acknowledges the generous contributions of donors, listed here.
A Google Photo Album has been created to capture convention memories. Members with additional photos are invited to share them with Cathy Lee at cathy.lee@cacanational.org.
The 58th Convention underscored the Alliance’s enduring mission: advancing civic engagement, civil rights, and community service. With a renewed spirit and strengthened fellowship, C.A.C.A. looks forward to carrying this momentum into the years ahead.
Resources
Resources
First held in 1912, the Biennial National Conventions bring together members from across the country to reflect on the accomplishments and milestones of recent years, exchange ideas, discuss issues affecting our communities and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of fellow members.
The conventions offer a diverse collections of programs, educational sessions, and guest speakers. And there always opportunities for socializing and fun!
The 58th Biennial National Convention will be hosted by the members of the Greater San Gabriel Valley Lodge in Summer 2025.
Convention Year Location Theme
57th Convention 2023 Las Vegas, Nevada Unity Through Diversity
56th Convention 2021 Virtual Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Proud!
55th Convention 2019 Boston, Massachusetts Contribute ∙ Achieve ∙ Celebrate ∙ Advance
54th Convention 2017 Chicago, Illinois Progress for One, Progress for All
53rd Convention 2015 Seattle, Washington Inspiration ∙ Interaction ∙ Integration
52nd Convention 2013 Oakland, California Bridge to the Future
51st Convention 2011 Houston, Texas Commitment: Our Future, Our Legacy
50th Convention 2009 City of Industry, California A Century of Service for a Better Tomorrow
49th Convention 2007 San Francisco, California The Power of Citizenship
48th Convention 2005 Salinas, California Momentum for Success
47th Convention 2003 Pasadena, California Lead to Achieve. Understand the Past. Shape the Future.
46th Convention 2001 Portland, Oregon Taking Hold of the Future Now
45th Convention 1999 Albuquerque, New Mexico Soaring to New Heights
44th Convention 1997 Phoenix, Arizona Chinese Americans Changing America
43rd Convention 1995 San Francisco, California 100 Years of Making a Difference
42nd Convention 1993 Houston, Texas From America to Shangri-La
41st Convention 1991 Oakland, California Pulling Together in the 90's
40th Convention 1989 Portland, Oregon Chinese in America: Entering Our Third Century
39th Convention 1987 San Francisco, California
38th Convention 1985 Los Angeles, California Unity ∙ Commitments ∙ Action
37th Convention 1983 Salinas, California The 80's Emergence of the Chinese American - Confident, Assertive & Involved
36th Convention 1981 Washington, D.C.
35th Convention 1979 San Francisco, California
34th Convention 1977 San Francisco, California
33rd Convention 1975 Portland, Oregon
32nd Convention 1973 Los Angeles, California Decision at the Crossroads
31st Convention 1971 San Francisco, California From the Mountains to the Stars…
30th Convention 1969 Chicago, Illinois
29th Convention 1967 Houston, Texas
28th Convention 1965 Salinas, California A Wider Horizon for Our Alliance
27th Convention 1963 Los Angeles, California
26th Convention 1961 San Francisco, California
25th Convention 1959 Oakland, California
24th Convention 1957 Los Angeles, California
23rd Convention 1955 Fresno, California
22nd Convention 1953 Portland, Oregon
21st Convention 1951 Oakland, California
20th Convention 1949 Los Angeles, California
19th Convention 1947 San Francisco, California
18th Convention 1941 Los Angeles, California
17th Convention 1939 San Francisco, California
16th Convention 1937 San Francisco, California
15th Convention 1935 Oakland, California
14th Convention 1933 Portland, Oregon
13th Convention 1931 Los Angeles, California
12th Convention 1929 San Francisco, California
11th Convention 1927 Fresno, California
10th Convention 1925 Chicago, Illinois
Ninth Convention 1923 San Francisco, California
Eighth Convention 1921 Oakland, California
Seventh Convention 1919 Los Angeles, California
Sixth Convention 1917 Oakland, California
Fifth Convention 1916 San Francisco, California
Fourth Convention 1915 San Francisco, California
Third Convention 1914 Los Angeles, California
Second Convention 1913 San Francisco, California
First Convention 1912 San Francisco, California
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