Who We Are

The US-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA) is a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. Our goal is to develop and strengthen friendship and understanding between the peoples of the United States and the People's Republic of China. We are Americans of different viewpoints, from all walks of life, working in local chapters across the country. Founded as a national organization in 1974, USCPFA comprises four regions (East, Midwest, South, and West) with over 2,000 volunteer members in more than 60 affiliated chapters and organizing committees.

USCPFA is organized around National and Regional Offices which assist local chapters with coordination and resources. National policies are established by the membership through a national convention held every other Labor Day weekend. An eleven-member National Board, elected by regions, implements national policy.

USCPFA is financed by membership dues, individual donations, local fundraising, grants and the proceeds of study tours to China. The Association is non-political and non-partisan.

WHY US-CHINA FRIENDSHIP?

China, with nearly one-quarter of the world's population, has emerged as a nation that plays a significant role in world affairs. As a developing nation it has made great progress in improving the quality of life for its one billion people. Gone are the days when famine and disease took their toll. Visiting Americans are impressed with improvements in the health, education, and social services available to the Chinese citizen.

With the realization of full diplomatic relations between the government of the U.S. and China in 1979, the opportunities for the American and chinese people to learn from one another have improved significantly. Cultural, scientific, educational, medical and technological exchanges, which are of great value to both countries, are expanding rapidly. The US-China Peoples Friendship Association participates actively in these exchanges.

WHAT THE USCPFA DOES

USCPFA offers community cultural programs, speakers and films on life in China.

Local chapters and regions publish monthly and quarterly newsletters reporting activities and information.

Assist China scholars and students studying in the U.S. and provides an opportunity for them to understand important American institutions through cultural interaction.

Publishes the journal, US-CHINA REVIEW, four times a year.

Hosts guests from China and exchanges specialized visitors to and from China.

Sponsors regional and national conferences.

Sponsors knowledgeable speakers who tour the U.S. to share their insights on developments in China.

Friend to Friend Program - sharing cultures.

THE CENTER FOR TEACHING ABOUT CHINA offers a resource catalog, "China in the Classroom," providing curriculum materials to assist elementary and secondary teachers. CTAC enhances its outreach work by participating in and exhibiting at the annual meetings of major educational organizations.

Teach in China program seeks qualified persons to teach in China.

TOUR TO CHINA

The USCPFA has the longest experience of any American organization in sending tours to China. Since 1972, more than 10,000 Americans have visited China under its auspices. Our purpose is to help American and Chinese learn from each other and to strengthen the bonds of friendship through personal contact, which often continues through correspondence. Our broad contacts in China make it possible for the USCPFA to offer special features for professional or special interest groups. Carefully trained volunteer tour leaders bring a thorough knowledge of China to each tour participant. Reading materials are provided well in advance of each tour.

Active members have an opportunity to participate in special low price tours.