Description
New Culture Center in the Midwest (NCCM) is a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with the mission to assist the public in the search for valuable cultural knowledge to improve their quality of life, to improve cross-cultural understanding between the East and West, and to promote democratic values and respect for human dignity.
In recent years, many immigrants from Chinese-speaking countries have settled in the United States. Census 2000 estimates that there are over 2.4 million Chinese Americans, and puts the number of ethnic Chinese in the Twin Cities at approximately 16,500; representing the second largest Asian community in the Twin Cities. The actual number is believed to be much higher due to a cultural reason: many Chinese people may not feel comfortable completing official questionnaires. Systematic discussions of American culture with Chinese-speaking immigrants become highly desirable. At the same time, technological advances and globalization have brought the world closer. For various reasons, such as developing trade with China, the American public has become increasingly interested in knowing more about traditional Chinese culture as well as contemporary China.
NCCM represents a unique cultural organization in the United States formed by Chinese-speaking immigrants. NCCM seeks to provide comprehensive and bi-directional cultural services to the public. Specifically, we seek to provide systematic discussions on and explanations of American culture that would be helpful in softening the culture shocks for immigrants and visitors from Chinese-speaking countries. We also seek to provide the public with information on traditional Chinese culture as well as contemporary Chinese society. Throughout our activities, we hope to promote democratic values and the respect for freedom of beliefs, as they are fundamental to the American culture.
NCCM is governed by the Board of Directors. Directors are elected by a majority of current board members and active volunteers for a term of two years, and can be re-elected at the end of their terms. NCCM does not have a formal organizational membership structure. NCCM welcomes volunteers to participate who have interests in facilitating cross-cultural understandings between the East and West.
NCCM does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnic background, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, etc. Programs and services by NCCM are open to the public.
NCCM regularly hosts cultural workshops in English, which provide a systematic introduction to Chinese culture and contemporary China. Topics in this hands-on workshop include an overview of Chinese history, current affairs, Chinese belief systems, useful tips for interacting with the Chinese, a glimpse of cultural legacies, and challenges and uncertainties facing China. Workshops can be designed to tailor the specific needs of an audience group, and have three formats: a two-hour seminar form, a half-day workshop, and a whole-day workshop that includes a Chinese style lunch.
NCCM sponsors activities that promote the exchange and understanding of different arts and cultures.
