Mission
Our mission is to address the often disjointed relationship between 1st generation (parents) and 2nd generation (kids) Chinese Americans by bridging the gap between the Chinese American community and the American cultural environment it resides in.
Issue
Cultural Crossroads responds to the cultural gap inherent between two generations raised in very different cultural environments. The issue is especially prevalent in our community because we have such a large Chinese immigrant population. 30.9% of
the Montgomery County, MD population is foreign born, and 3.9% of the
Montgomery County population is Chinese, compared to the nation's 1.1%. This
cultural gap stems from the differences between traditional Chinese
customs and American society that we live in today. Parents and kids often are
not on the same page because of differing values and customs, leading to
interfamilial conflicts. This issue is not only reflected within the Chinese
American community, but also plays a role in others' perceptions of Chinese Americans.
For example, although volunteerism is a huge part of American culture, it is
less so in Chinese culture, so Chinese Americans are often seen as uninvolved
and indifferent to the greater community.
Solution
With a series of bi-monthly seminars, we invite speakers to address familiar issues in Chinese American families (acculturation, college, career path, etc.). Our speakers are experienced in the Chinese community- some are parents who want to share their experiences, and others are professionals, like the psychologist we invited to our pilot seminar. The seminars are directed toward an audience of both parents and kids (the two generations) and allow for questions and open discussion, helping us build our connecting "crossroads" in a family environment. During the alternate months when we do not have a seminar, we will also open up volunteer/community service events to promote and increase community involvement in the Chinese American community, as well as strengthen the bonds built between parents and kids by allowing them to give back to the community together.