Cultural Organizations

AFRICAN PEOPLES' HISTORY MONTH:
(November, 1993) We put out an annual African Peoples History Month Calendar that celebrates and/or brings awareness to the African/African American people who made a difference in the world. There are lots of events, fundraisers and other entertainments throughout the month of February.

AMERASIA ORGANIZATION:
(August, 1974) In 1970, Professor Izumi Taniguchi created the Asian American Studies at Fresno State due to the political instability and student activism. Two students of Professor Izumi Taniguchi then decided to get together and create an organization for Asian American students to help promote cultural diversity and cultural awareness. That was when the Amerasia Organization was formed. Today, Amerasia is a vastly diverse multi-cultural organization. We still strongly promote cultural diversity and cultural awareness. Amerasia also supports higher education. With this in mind, Amerasia hopes to raise enough money to fund a scholarship fund for students pursuing higher education, in the near future. In addition, Amerasia continues to educate the community of the various Asian cultures here in the Central Valley through our annual Amerasia Week.

ARMENIAN STUDENTS ORGANIZATION:
(November, 1974) To cultivate a spirit of appreciation toward Armenian history, culture, and the Armenian language. In order to fulfill the aims of this organization, lectures, public speakers, movies, and debates are organized.

ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL CULTURE:
(August, 2004) The purposes of APIC are to provide students, faculty, and staff of the University with activities that promote the study and celebration of the cultures of the world. In other words, the practical purpose of this organization is to promote the learning process of cultures of the world. This goal is achieved through the ten month-long planning of an event called: “International Cultural Night” (ICN), which has been presented to the CSUF community for over 20 years. The ICN Coordinator is selected by early January, and must recruit and/or invite people to participate in the ICN committee, which is then divided into sub-committees. The event will incorporate singing, dancing, playing (musical/traditional instruments), and an international fashion show showcasing traditional clothing from various cultures.

AZTEC DANCE CLUB:
(October, 2008) One is able to learn the traditional dances associated with the Aztec culture. During the entirety of the practices/meetings one will be able to learn the cultural aspect of our ancestors by following the traditional dances step by step and also by learning what they mean. Some basic language will be learned through time as well as other various instruments that have a role in the entire cultural ceremony.

BLACK STUDENTS UNITED:
(May, 2006) Black Student United mission and focus is to provide cultural awareness and struggles to the students, faculty, and staff throughout campus concerning African American communities and surrounding communities in Fresno. It is open to all ethnicities and people to join. We sponsor educational, social and community activities that allow students to network, have new experiences, and further enjoy college. Overall, Black Students United strives to be a part of the rewarding college experience.

CAMBODIAN COLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION:
(October, 1987) The Cambodian Collegiate Association was established in 1987. CCA's objective is to promote higher education, leadership, unity and to preserve the Cambodian culture. CCA is more than just a student body organization, it's like family. We've volunteered our time to give back to our community and to Fresno. We have annual educational conferences, culture shows, and formals. We take part in Vintage Days here at Fresno State and other events. We network with other Khmer student body organizations in California; we attend the Khmer Student Coalition Conferences (KSC) and show up to the Khmer Unity Games (KUG). CCA's strength lies in its members. Each member is dedicated to paying homage to Cambodia. Many of us were born here in the states and have no recollection of Cambodia. While we embrace the western culture, we hold on so dearly to our Cambodian heritage. CCA is open to everyone. We believe everyone has a little Khmer in them.

CHINESE STUDENT ASSOCIATON:
(September, 2009) To provide Chinese students with opportunities to be involved in university activities and to provide all the students a way to get to know and share the Chinese culture.

CINECULTURE:
(March, 2005) To promote cultural awareness and address diversity issues through a weekly film series open to California State University, Fresno and the Central Valley community.

CLUB AUSTRAL:
(September, 2008) To strengthen the character and academic skills of all club members according to their area of expertise, ethically and professionally; to create academic as well as artistic projects that will allow the club members to develop their personal strengths and exercise their creative abilities; to work with Foreign Language Department to form an academic alliance whose primary function will be to support the club members, as well as students in general, according to their expectations and needs.

FIRST NATIONS:
(May, 2006) First Nations is a student organization at Fresno State that works to bring awareness of indigenous culture by building upon the camaraderie of the indigenous communities of the Americas. We actively seek to raise the social consciousness by creating an environment that is aware and understanding of First Nations. First Nations includes those directly connected to a sovereign nation prior to colonization; and, in addition, those who support First Nations through participating in cultural, political, and social events.

FRESNO STATE SALSA CLUB:
(February, 2003) Our goal is to teach others in our community about the beauty of not only the rhythms and movements of Salsa, but of other dances as well, and provide a fun and friendly atmosphere for people to reach out to one another.

HMONG STUDENT ASSOCIATION:
(November, 1984) We promote educational, moral and ethical standards for ourselves and future generations, leadership, self-determination and friendship. We hope to promote the understanding of the Hmong Culture to other interested groups of people on campus and the community through the use of cultural events and educational workshops. We help Hmong students adjust to university life and work in coordination with other campus organizations.

INDIAN STUDENT CLUB:
(March, 2003) To create a strong sense of unity and belonging amongst the Indian community at Fresno State and to be a bridge to other communities on campus; through its various activities, to cherish the Indian culture and values; to provide information on the social and cultural aspects of India to the university community.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION:
(November, 1974) To stimulate and promote friendship and understanding between foreign and American students.

JEWISH STUDIES ASSOCIATION:
(January, 2011) To provide students with opportunities for learning about, sharing an interest in, and appreciating knowledge of Jewish Studies topics and themes, including information about the Jewish people as members of a global, diasporic community, the Jewish religion, Jewish history and culture, Hebrew language and literature, Yiddish language and literature, Ladino language and literature, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, the history of Israel, and the contemporary Jewish experience in the United States and worldwide.

K-STYLE:
(February, 2010) To provide students with opportunities for association and interaction with the faculty and administration of California State University, Fresno and to instill the desire for self-improvement, scholastic excellence and the cultivation of civic responsibility.

KOREAN CULTURE CLUB:
(March, 2010) To provide students with opportunities for association and interaction with the faculty and administration of California State University Fresno and to instill the desire for self-improvement, scholastic excellence and the cultivation of civic responsibility.

LAO STUDENT ASSOCIATION:
(October, 1988) To promote the cultures, customs and languages from Laos. Our goal is to create a foundation where students can strengthen their knowledge through participation in various Lao cultural functions and through learning of Laotian culture as well as promoting social networks and academic excellence.

LOS DANZANTES DE AZTLAN:
(February, 1995) To organize under one group any qualified student enrolled in dancing classes or any person having terminated such classes offered by Fresno State, Fresno City College and/or any educational institution of higher learning, and to work and perform in order to promote and upgrade the self-image of the Chicano through the presentation of Mexican folklore dancing from all aspects of its history up to its present.

MAGKAISA FILIPINO CLUB:
(June, 1974) To promote Filipino-American cultural awareness, student unity, community service and FRIENDSHIP. Events we participate in: Friendship Games - held annually at CSU Fullerton for over 20 years now, is a gathering for all the Filipino-American organizations in the college community to show spirit, pride, unity, and friendship. Friendship games are our biggest event in the fall and usually take place in October; Pilipino Culture Night is an annual celebration of the Pilipino culture expressed through skit, song and cultural dance. With the support of the Filipino community of Fresno, the students of Fresno State, the guidance of our choreographer, and above all, the dedication, sweat and tears of our members, PCN has always been our most challenging and awarding event.

MALAYSIAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION:
(October, 1980) We're a friendly club and welcome members who like some social life on campus or outside with club members. We have picnics and participate in campus activities such as Vintage Days. We also celebrate cultural events and participate in the Central California Chinese Association Chinese New Year celebrations. Other cultural events are Autumn Festival which we do together with the Hua Ren Association.

M.E.Ch.A.:
(September, 1966) To bring awareness to Chicano/Mexicano/Latino students and community that the liberation of our people from oppression, exploitation, and racism is in our hands.

MIGRANT STUDENT ALLIANCE:
(March, 1990) To promote migrant education and to motivate members to interact more with students and organizations on the Fresno State campus.

MOTIVATE! SOCIETY OF LATINO MOTIVATORS:
(October, 2011) To motivate and inspire Latino students with their educational aspirations and personal goals.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE (NAACP):
(January, 2012) To ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens/students; to achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; concern itself with the educational practices on its own campus as well as other campuses and to work for the integration of students, faculty and non-teaching personnel.

NIHONJINKAI-JAPANESE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION:
(December, 1986) We do some activities to make new friends or to learn Japanese culture such as BBQ, cooking Japanese food, and cultural presentations. We also attend International Culture Night every year. The last few years we performed modernized Japanese traditional dances. We also have CPP, which is Conversation Partner Program. Basically, we are made of a group of Japanese and non-Japanese people, and they learn Japanese or English from their group mates. So, if people want to learn the Japanese language and culture, JSA is the club to join. Also, there are many other international students and American students, so JSA is also the club to meet new people and be friends with them.

POETRY JAM:
(October, 2004) The Poetry Jam is a free event open to the public. It takes place the first Wednesday of each month on campus in “The Bucket.” Poetry Jam provides a venue for students, poets, performing artists, musicians, and visual artists to express themselves freely in a diverse and educational environment. All are encouraged to attend, express and share their work. Founded December 2000 Poetry Jam provides a place for self-expression, critical thinking and artistic value while promoting cultural diversity, awareness of the importance of honoring each other’s ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual identity.

PUNJAB SIKH AWARENESS SOCIETY:
(October, 2011) To provide students with awareness of the Punjab/Sikh culture and also having opportunities to get more involved in the community via volunteering and hosting events.

RASQUACHE:
(August, 2011) to foster the creative, academic and professional development of Fresno State students in English and related disciplines as writers, scholars, and teachers; to encourage the expression and study of voices traditionally underrepresented in literature and the academy; to celebrate the rich diversity of the Fresno State university community; to advocate for increased awareness and inclusion of this diversity; and to engage with the broader college, university, and Fresno communities through readings, workshops, and other events.

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT ASSOCIATION:
(March, 2008) To provide students with opportunities for association and interaction with faculty and administration of California State University, Fresno; to unite students from different cultural backgrounds to promote social justice and cultural diversity in the community; to have the ability to educate the community at large about the multicultural awareness; and to get involved in community events to help out those that are in need.

T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A. (TEATRO OF RAZA TOWARDS INVOLVEMENT IN LOCAL LATINO AWARENESS):
(March, 1992) To promote Fresno State’s cultural diversity and the need for post secondary education in general through theatre and music; motivate T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A. members to develop and master their leadership skills; enhance student community service skills.

TRABAJADORES DE LA RAZA:
(October, 1973) Trabajadores De La Raza (Workers for the People) is an organization at California State University, Fresno that is composed of social work students and students of other majors who believe in social justice and equality. The organization supports its members in acquiring skills and knowledge in the area of social work by participating in community service, as well as, attending, creating, and presenting academic workshops. The ultimate goal of the organization is to prepare students for the profession of social work upon graduation. The organization was founded in 1969 to encourage and promote student involvement in academic, community and social work issues. Members are welcomed regardless of ethnicity or culture. In order to become aware of the complex issues surrounding our society, Trabajadores De La Raza strongly believes in sharing our individual experiences and cultures to develop respect and understanding of others.

UNITED STUDENT PRIDE:
(October, 1987) United Student Pride is an on-campus organization at Fresno State which offers activities as well as opportunities for involvement that have both educational and social value. USP seeks to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere for all students. Most importantly, USP provides the opportunity for people to meet and interact with one another, in order to reach a better understanding of others and ourselves. USP is open to all students, of all sexual orientations, and all gender identities. In other words, absolutely any and every Fresno State student can join.