Since the initial resettlement of refugees from Cambodia in 1975, the Cambodian American community has grown to over 250,000, with a presence in virtually all the major states in the US.

The last three decades are marked by both notable achievements and persisting challenges. Cambodian Americans have made significant contributions to American political, economic, intellectual and cultural life.  They are also among the most socially and economically vulnerable populations in the US.  Despite both their achievements and their challenges, Cambodian Americans remain virtually invisible, especially to policy makers.  Their issues and concerns are masked by the homogenizing rubric of the Asian American “model minority”.

The National Cambodian American Organization was born out of this frustration with the persisting invisibility and voicelessness of our community.  In July 2010, a group of dedicated Cambodian American leaders and advocates from the West Coast, East Coast, and Midwest came together in Chicago to seek a collective solution.  A national organization was formed.

As a non-profit national organization, NCAO aims to:

1.  Serve as a central, coordinating body for the Cambodian American community, and a platform for articulating a national Cambodian American voice;

2.  Advance public policy and awareness, research, and advocacy on critical issues pertinent to the Cambodian American community;

3.  Provide assistance and support to the Cambodian American community in areas such as leadership and organizational development, and fundraising;

4.  Build critical alliances and partnerships with Cambodian and non- Cambodian groups and organizations for the advancement of our community’s interests.