It’s our organization: get involved!   Quinn Li

DACA is an attraction. When my family moved to Dayton five years ago, in the first gathering with the Chinese community people, “DACA” jumped out as a new word to me. I was immediately introduced to then DACA President, Mr. Xiaojian Rui. Since then, we participated in almost every DACA event. Like a big family, I feel that DACA is like a merging pot for all ethnic Chinese, no matter where you are from, what your religion background maybe, why you are here, and what you do for a living. DACA is a place where we as a community stand up! I now see why so many friends when they moved out of Dayton, still come back and claim to be a member and join DACA events like Chinese New Year party.

DACA is our community face. With thousands of Chinese and Chinese-related families in the greater Dayton area, people expect to see our representation in community events and international festivities. Working with Dayton International Festival Inc (DIFI – a non-profit organization) and Asian American Council (AAC – another non-profit organization) among others, DACA actively co-organizes and contributes programs to the successful events like A World A Fair (or DIFI) every May in the Dayton Convention Center, and the regular Asian Festival. Through these events, our fellow Americans can feel the existence of our Chinese community, and our contribution to the society and the country.

DACA is a part of history. With close to 40 years in service, DACA has survived historical political and economic storms. The recent recession only made our community stronger! As China and the rest of Asia play increasing roles in world affairs, and DACA functions as one Chinese American voice in the greater Dayton area, I can only see a much bigger role DACA can play in the history of Dayton Chinese community!

DACA needs your participation. As a non-profit organization, we are lucky to have a core group of regular volunteers, including all volunteer board members, who offer great amount of time and resources, to make our organization functional. However, with increasing visibility and responsibilities, we need even broader involvement of every community members, from taking part in the activities that DACA organizes, helping out in the events, to paying membership dues. We have activities for every age group from teenagers (DACA Youth Group) to seniors (Forever Young Group) just to name a few. In particular, social participations of our high-school students are favorably evaluated by college admission officers. The leadership skills they gain will last for lifetime.

My message: get involved for our community’s common good!