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 The Rise of Ethnic Associations
Wherever they have settled, Southeast Asian Americans have formed a multitude of social, cultural, religious, professional, economic, and political ethnic associations. Some are informal, while others are large and more formal organizations. Community based organizations, known as mutual assistance associations ( MAAs) and faith-based organizations (FBOs) were vital in helping with the settlement process for newcomers. Such organizations were created to provide social support, address homeland issues, and help resolve community problems. Many were started by the first generation to maintain a traditional male leadership structure and communicate in the ethnic language. Some community members have complained that such an approach unwisely duplicates the hierarchical power structure in their homeland.
Southeast Asian ethnic populations are spread across the United States , and some groups have formed national networks, even holding annual meetings. Various national organizations advocate on behalf of the community, such as the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), formerly the Indochina Refugee Action Center (IRAC); the Cambodian American National Council (CANC); Hmong National Development (HND); the Laotian American National Alliance (LANA); and the National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies (NAVASA). These organizations that advocate on behalf of the community are vital and will be transformed by future generations.
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