About NAAAP

The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) is a national network of metropolitan organizations dedicated to serving the needs of Asian American professionals across the U.S. Founded in 1982 in New York City, NAAAP has since grown to include chapters from coast to coast, with more on the way.

Our membership comprises a diverse group of individuals with various levels of education and work experience. By pooling resources to support common goals, we strive not only to benefit our members, but more importantly, the entire Asian community and our society at large. NAAAP is involved in many joint projects with Asian community service groups, professional organizations, and university student groups. As a result, our members are exposed to a broad yet focused range of activities and are given the opportunity to meet and work with other Asian community leaders. To accomplish these goals we:

• Sponsor and support activities that enhance the cultural awareness and perception of Asians.
• Provide resources and assistance to the Asian community and Asian university students.
• Promote Pan-Asian unity through fellowship and professional networking; and
• Enhance the business and career environment for Asians.

Each chapter is autonomous and manages its own affairs (just as each city in the U.S. has its own special charms and quirks, so do each of the NAAAP chapters). However, there are certain issues and elements that are best addressed from a national level--such as questions of vision and goals, plans for expansion into as-of-yet unserved cities, coordinating efforts and cooperation among the chapters, and planning joint interchapter events--most notably the annual NAAAP National Convention.

A member of any NAAAP chapter is entitled to member status and treatment at any other NAAAP chapter. If you're travelling to another NAAAP city, there's an array of friendly people and possibly a NAAAP event waiting there to make you feel at home! If you move, your NAAAP membership is transferable to the NAAAP chapter or affiliate you're moving to. If you're not living in an area served by a NAAAP chapter, you can still join the NAAAP chapter closest to you--although you won't be able to make it to the events as often as you'd like, we'll treat you right when you do show up on our doorstep, and you'll get membership benefits like the newsletter, discounts on certain items, etc. Alternatively, you can join directly with the National level rather than a specific chapter (contact the National Chair for details) and perhaps help start a venture in your area!