Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Chinese Community Center?
  
  The Chinese Community Center (CCC) is a local non-partisan organization composed of American citizens of Chinese descent. Most of the members live and work in the Albany area. The CCC was founded in 1973 by fourteen families. The purpose then was to organize a Chinese language school for their American-born children to preserve their Chinese/Asian heritage. Today, the organization is a thriving community of 400 families. There are 280 students in the Sunday language school. CCC organizes cultural and education activities to promote Chinese culture and cultural diversity so people of different ethnicities can learn from one another and live in harmony. For the CCC mission statement, click here.
  
  
• Is the Chinese Community Center (CCC) affiliated or supported by any political group or government?
  
  As an organization, CCC is non-partisan; It is not aligned with any political party in the United States, nor with any of the Asian polarities: Peoples Republic of China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.
  
  
• Does the CCC collaborate with other local organizations?
  
  The CCC works closely with other non-profit organizations in Albany such as the US-China Peoples Friendship Association, Families with Children from China (FCA), International Adoptive Families (IAF), Other Asian American organizations, and local colleges to co-sponsor or support their cultural events. The CCC webpage and weekly e-mail bulletin publicize events sponsored by these organizations.
  
  
• How often does the Board of Directors meet?
  
  Regular Board meetings are held quarterly. Additional (Special) Board meetings are held as needed.
  
  
• Who are the paid staff in the CCC?
  
  The language school teachers, Principal, vice-principals and treasurer are paid part-time workers. CCC has no other paid staff. The rest of staff, the Board of Directors, the Executive Officers, the Building Committee (FDMC) members, the School PTA President, the newsletter editors, CCC Infoline editor, and the webmasters are all unpaid volunteers. Together these core groups and other CCC volunteers contribute thousands of hours a years to organize and support community and volunteer activities.
  
  
• What are the current programs sponsored by the CCC?
  
  The CCC organization includes a language school, children and adult folk dance groups, a theater group, two chorus groups, and sports groups. The language school provides instruction in reading, writing, and speaking Chinese, introduction to Chinese history, traditions and arts and crafts to children 3 to 17. The CCC communicates with its members through bi-monthly newsletters mailed to 400 households, a web site at www.cccalbany.org and weekly e-mail bulletins sent to a mailing list of 450.
  
  
• What cultural events does the CCC participate in?
  
  To promote Chinese culture, the CCC musical groups, choral groups, and dance groups have participated in a variety of cultural events in the Capital District. They have performed at the Festival of Nations, the Schenectady Museum Festival, Thanksgiving Parade in Schenectady, Albany First Night, and Saratoga First Night festivals. They have frequently been guests performing at local colleges, senior citizen centers, and nursing homes.
  
  
• In addition to cultural programs, what other activities does the CCC sponsor?
  
  Members of the CCC have volunteered to serve as interpreters for local courts, make presentations to social studies classes in public schools (Shaker High school, Cambridge High School), teach English to immigrants, volunteer for local food pantries, and visit Chinese seamen at Port of Albany. Groups of CCC volunteers also participated in many community charitable activities such as Regional Food Bank volunteers, WMHT public television auctions , United Way Hands On Capitaland, and Habitat for Humanity projects.
  
  
• Who is qualified to join the CCC?
  
  Membership is open to anyone interested in Chinese culture.
  
  
• How can I make a donation the CCC?
  
  If you would like to make a contribution, please click here. CCC is a non-profit organization. It is supported by membership dues, voluntary contributions, and community funding (member-designated donations from United Way, SEFA, private foundations, government and corporate grants.) The CCC was approved as a General Electric Company (GE) Matching Fund recipient in 1998.
  
  
• When do the Chinese School classes meet?
  
  The Chinese language school is offered on Sunday afternoons during the regular school year. There are 14 weeks in each semester. There are no classes during the summer vacation.
  
  
• In what language is Chinese taught in the Chinese School?
  
  Classes are taught in Mandarin or English.
  
  
• Which type of writing is taught at the Chinese School?
  
  Classes are divided into either the simplified or the traditional writings.
  
  
• What extracurricular activities are offered at the Chinese School?
  
  The third hour is devoted to classes in folk dancing, international chess, and art classes. Each year there is a sports day.
  
  
• What is the minimum age to attend the Chinese School?
  
  The child must be 3 years old in September.
  
  
• Are there adult students?
  
  Yes. There are adult students in the "Chinese for Americans" and the "English as Second Language" (ESL) classes.
  
  
• What activities are offered for parents at Chinese School?
  
  While the children are in class, some fathers play basketball. The mothers' folk dance group practice dancing. There is a Tai-Chi class. Grandparents can attend free English conversation classes. There are smaller groups playing Chinese chess, cards or reading Chinese newspapers. Some parents just enjoy chatting with friends.