Abstract of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America

1) Definition of “TongShiang”

This association recognizes “Tongshiang” as those who, through the living experience in Taiwan and subsequently derived connection with one another as a basis, without regard to provincial origin, only that they were born, resided, educated, or worked in Taiwan, or depended upon a fellow citizen of Taiwan, are all equally deemed as “Tongshiang”.

2) Origin of the Establishment of the Association

Historically, the multitudes which came to the U.S. from Taiwan formed, among the various societal ethnic groups, a specially appointed branch, which has the same ancestral origin and cultural background, possesses relatively high average education and career, and in particular maintains the highest quality of personal integrity. Regrettably, maintaining superior qualifications and characteristics was not reflected accordingly on its political and social status quo in the U.S., and incidents of contempt or discrimination against this group were reported at times. The cause was the reality that until now, there has been a lack of powerful civil organization for the ethnic group to safeguard their due rights by banding them together to unleash the influence of the group as a whole.

1978 was right before the Carter Administration recognized the Chinese Communist Party's regime. It was also when the Republic of China government suffered the severest attack diplomatically, these compassionate “Tongshiang” in the U.S.: Su Chin Hsiang (蘇錦鄉), Kao Tzu-Min (高資敏), Chiu Wu Shiong (邱武雄), Chiu Hungdah (丘宏達), Chang Shiao Ti (張孝悌), Chen George P. (陳博中), Shi Wei Jen (施維貞), Dong Hou Ji (董厚吉), Tseng Yi Liang (曾義良), Kao Ying Chi (高應奇), Wen Shi Song (溫世頌), etc, started the organization [Taiwan Benevolent Association of America], to [safeguard civil rights, solidify due status, promote progress, and facilitate social volunteering and interactions] as the fundamental goals, to serve the need, subjectively or objectively (autonomously or reactively), of the “Tongshiang”. These years of incessant organizational growth has resulted in a strong network throughout the U.S., which provides an effective venue for the group as a whole to strive through team work and maximize its capability.

This organization was originally registered in Washington D.C. as a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Washington D.C.  Later, due to an inability to maintain nonprofit status in Washington D.C., the organization was re-registered in the State of Nevada in November, 2006. In addition, an application for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizational status was being planned.

3) Characteristics

(1)  This organization is a nonprofit organization.

(2)  This organization serves an ethnic group in the U.S. and has chosen to focus on striving for the benefits of Taiwanese “Tongshiang” in the U.S. by using the superior qualities of this generation to consolidate as early as possible our social status so that those “Tongshiang” may establish a reasonable position it deserves and also progress healthily in the ethnically diverse and highly competitive society in the U.S.

(3)  This ethnic-group organization cares deeply about the homeland of Taiwan but does not get involved with the local politics of the homeland.

(4)  This organization advocates peace and harmony which supersedes executive differentiation in provincial origin in order to pursue mutual promotion, solidify the power of the group, and forge a future together.

4) Direction of Activities

(1)  Strengthen ties with the United States governmental, academic/scientific, economic, and media communities to build an advantageous position for Taiwanese “Tongshiang” in America.

(2)  Services to promote increased understanding of laws, medical knowledge, entrepreneurship, education, family life, and healthy entertainment as well as activities to foster networking.

5) How You Can Contribute

(1)  Join as a member to increase our organization’s bargaining power.

(2)  Publicize in the US the excellent quality and outstanding contributions of the Taiwanese “Tongshiang”.

(3)  Contribute services, networking events, or ideas within your own abilities and means.