We are the
American Central
Asian Association
We strive to serve and represent the needs of the Central Asian community in the US.
Who are Central Asians?
kazakhstan, kyrgyzstan, tajikistan,
turkmenistan and uzbekistan
Central Asia is a subregion of Asia which stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China and Mongolia in the east, and from Afghanistan and Iran in the south to Russia in the north. The region consists of the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
In the pre-Islamic and early Islamic eras (circa 1000 and earlier) Central Asia was inhabited predominantly by Iranian peoples, populated by Eastern Iranian-speaking Bactrians, Sogdians, Chorasmians and the semi-nomadic Scythians and Dahae. After expansion by Turkic peoples, Central Asia also became the homeland for the Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tatars, Turkmen, Kyrgyz, and Uyghurs; Turkic languages largely replaced the Iranian languages spoken in the area, with the exception of Tajikistan and areas where Tajik is spoken.
From the mid-19th century until almost the end of the 20th century, Central Asia was colonised by the Russians, and incorporated into the Russian Empire, and later the Soviet Union, which led to Russians and other Slavs emigrating into the area. Modern-day Central Asia is home to a large population of European settlers, who mostly live in Kazakhstan; 7 million Russians, 500,000 Ukrainians, and about 170,000 Germans. Stalinist-era forced deportation policies also mean that over 300,000 Koreans live there.
Our mission
The community
Community Engagement
Research
Central Asians are a group that hasn't previously been represented or studied in the U.S. Therefore, our research department is working on the first-ever community needs assessment for Central Asians. The team is in the planning-piloting phase of the project and preparing for distribution. Once the data is collected and analyzed, the results will be published. Based on the results, more programs will be implemented.
Community events
We are partnered with Annabel Counseling Services PTLC., psychological counseling, and social work company that provides resources, therapy, and social work services to the Association
Volunteers
ACAA cares about education which is why we run an internship and volunteer program available to anybody 16 years and older. The program aims to raise awareness of social issues, as well as give the opportunity to intern/volunteer in an environment that supports the volunteer's career goals Volunteers/interns are placed into their department of interest and are given training and work in alignment with their goals.
Our programs
Our programs and resources aren't limited to members of the Central Asian community, we are always looking to help those in need.
Research Projects
Community Assessment Our research department is developing the first-ever community needs assessment for Central Asians. The U.S. The Census itself does not mention Central Asians under any racial/ethnic category. This erasure hides the challenges that Central Asians face as a minority group and limits their access to resources. With this assessment, we strive to improve our programs, shed light on the systemic challenges faced by Central Asian immigrants, and advocate for public support. ACAA is seeking community leaders with access to large groups of Central Asians living in the U.S. to help distribute the assessment. If you or anyone
Student Support Services
Our mentorship program pairs Central Asian students with experienced mentors who have successfully navigated similar educational journeys. These mentors provide guidance, share insights, and offer a supportive ear on issues ranging from managing workload to college applications to help you overcome obstacles and make the most of your time as a student.
Internships And Volunteering
ACAA cares about education which is why we run an internship and volunteer program available to anybody 16 years and older. The program aims to raise awareness of social issues, as well as give the opportunity to intern/volunteer in an environment that supports the volunteer's career goals. Volunteers/interns are placed into their department of interest and are given training and work in alignment with their goals. If you are interested, contact us at americancentralasianassociation@gmail.com.
Social Work And Legal Support
Our department is dedicated to providing essential assistance and guidance to individuals and communities in need. We recognize the complex and often challenging processes individuals face when navigating legal systems, especially with the limited translators available for Central Asian languages. Thus, we aim to provide culturally sensitive guidance and support to ensure equitable access to justice and resources. Our team consists of highly skilled and compassionate social workers and paralegals who are passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives. We offer a comprehensive range of services in Russian, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Uzbek, Tajik and Turkmen designed to address a
Our blog
Resources and News for Everyone
Community Needs Assessment Report 2023
The American Central Asian Association's Community Needs Assessment focuses on the Central Asian community in the U.S., a group often overlooked and u...
Fri, 29th December 2023
1 minutes read
Low Cost Mental Health Resources: Supporting Well Being Across All Age Groups and Communities
In today's fast-paced world, mental health has become a critical concern affecting individuals ofall ages and backgrounds. Access to proper mental hea...
Sun, 24th September 2023
11 minutes read