纽约州府奥伯尼美中友好协会活动印象记

 

黄安年文  2007年7月16日

 

美国有全国性的美中人民友好协会（US-China Peoples Friendship Association），在美国华人较多的一些大中城市中，往往有地区性的美中友协，奥伯尼就是纽约州东北部地区的美中友好协会所在地。这个协会的积极活动者中不少人来过中国或者准备来中国访问，他们积极地和在这个地区的华人尤其是首次来到奥伯尼地区的中国学者取得联系，所以我1991年初一到奥伯尼就受到美中友协的热情款待,参与了美中有些组织的一些活动,增加了和美国朋友的联系。

 

由于众所周知的原因，那时正是美中关系的低潮时期，即使美国对中国友好的朋友也有不少疑问，所以关于中国的最新情况自然成了大家交谈的话题，那时还没有“崛起”“威胁”之类的话题，人权是最大的话题之一。对于改革开放几乎毫无例外地持肯定和赞扬的态度。问题最多的是：不理解为何中国提出以经济建设为中心？难道一个国家不以经济为中心？我解释因为长期以来，中国以阶级斗争为中心，没有始终把经济建设放在第一位的原因。我强调在中国医疗、住房和养老保障是令人满意的，谁知今天看来，这种令人满意的说法有点站不住了。

美国朋友喜爱参加华人举行的活动，1991年2月15日在中国同学会欢度中国春节晚会上，就有不少美国朋友前来，在这次活动中，我结识了前美中友协主席威廉·比尔·罗利教授（William Bill Rowley），他不止一次来过中国访问。1991年5月15日18：30-22：00分，在杰克饭店（Jack Restaurant ）的美中友协餐会上，有49人参加了这次较大规模的联谊活动。1991年11月3日18：00-21：30分，在奥伯尼地区的威斯敏斯特教堂举行美中友协的联谊活动，也有四五十人参加，大家一块聊天和做游戏，表演节目，无拘无束，真像一家人。

 

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附网上资料：

 

US-China Peoples Friendship Association

Who We Are

The US-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA) is a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. Our goal is to develop and strengthen friendship and understanding between the peoples of the United States and the People's Republic of China. We are Americans of different viewpoints, from all walks of life, working in local chapters across the country. Founded as a national organization in 1974, USCPFA comprises four regions (East, Midwest, South, and West) with over 2,000 volunteer members in more than 60 affiliated chapters and organizing committees.

USCPFA is organized around National and Regional Offices which assist local chapters with coordination and resources. National policies are established by the membership through a national convention held every other Labor Day weekend. An eleven-member National Board, elected by regions, implements national policy.

USCPFA is financed by membership dues, individual donations, local fundraising, grants and the proceeds of study tours to China. The Association is non-political and non-partisan.

WHY US-CHINA FRIENDSHIP?

China, with nearly one-quarter of the world's population, has emerged as a nation that plays a significant role in world affairs. As a developing nation it has made great progress in improving the quality of life for its one billion people. Gone are the days when famine and disease took their toll. Visiting Americans are impressed with improvements in the health, education, and social services available to the Chinese citizen.

With the realization of full diplomatic relations between the government of the U.S. and China in 1979, the opportunities for the American and chinese people to learn from one another have improved significantly. Cultural, scientific, educational, medical and technological exchanges, which are of great value to both countries, are expanding rapidly. The US-China Peoples Friendship Association participates actively in these exchanges.

WHAT THE USCPFA DOES

USCPFA offers community cultural programs, speakers and films on life in China.

Local chapters and regions publish monthly and quarterly newsletters reporting activities and information.

Assist China scholars and students studying in the U.S. and provides an opportunity for them to understand important American institutions through cultural interaction.

Publishes the journal, US-CHINA REVIEW, four times a year.

Hosts guests from China and exchanges specialized visitors to and from China.

Sponsors regional and national conferences.

Sponsors knowledgeable speakers who tour the U.S. to share their insights on developments in China.

Friend to Friend Program - sharing cultures.

THE CENTER FOR TEACHING ABOUT CHINA offers a resource catalog, "China in the Classroom," providing curriculum materials to assist elementary and secondary teachers. CTAC enhances its outreach work by participating in and exhibiting at the annual meetings of major educational organizations.

Teach in China program seeks qualified persons to teach in China.

TOUR TO CHINA

The USCPFA has the longest experience of any American organization in sending tours to China. Since 1972, more than 10,000 Americans have visited China under its auspices. Our purpose is to help American and Chinese learn from each other and to strengthen the bonds of friendship through personal contact, which often continues through correspondence. Our broad contacts in China make it possible for the USCPFA to offer special features for professional or special interest groups. Carefully trained volunteer tour leaders bring a thorough knowledge of China to each tour participant. Reading materials are provided well in advance of each tour.

Active members have an opportunity to participate in special low price tours.

US-China Peoples Friendship Association

Northeast (Albany), New York Chapter

9 Hunters Run Blvd, Cohoes, NY 12047

附图四幅为即时拍摄：

 

1．1991年2月15日在中国同学会欢度中国春节晚会上和前美中友协主席威廉·比尔·罗利教授（William Bill Rowley）合影。

 

 

2．1991年5月15日在杰克饭店（Jack Restaurant ）的美中友协餐会上。

3-4．1991年11月3日在威斯敏斯特教堂举行美中友协的联谊活动。

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