Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community

The Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community is a collaborative advocacy organization serving Chicago, IL through comprehensive civic engagement and community empowerment initiatives. Operating as a coalition of member organizations and individual members, CBCAC delivers impactful programming across civic education, voter engagement, policy advocacy, and community planning. The organization equips residents with essential knowledge and tools to become engaged citizens who understand their rights and can actively participate in the democratic process. CBCAC's civic education programs include voter registration drives, town halls, and listening sessions that provide equitable opportunities for community input on governmental programs. Their civic leadership development initiative builds youth power and community voice among the next generation of leaders. In community planning, CBCAC works toward an equitable and sustainable future for Chicago's Chinatown through urban development and planning efforts. Recent achievements include successful voter mobilization efforts reaching 6,000 eligible voters, digital literacy and small business support programs assisting 150 community members and 20 entrepreneurs, and misinformation combat initiatives publishing 100 articles. CBCAC's track record includes legislative advocacy that created Illinois's first Asian American state representative, successful redistricting efforts that resulted in the city's first Chinese American alderperson, and securing State-Designated Cultural District status for Chinatown in 2024. The organization operates with core values of integrity, inclusive voice, collective interest, data-driven decision-making, and accountability, ensuring transparent and impactful community work.