Our Mission
Culture Preservation
Cultural Preservation involves dedicating efforts to preserving and promoting Tibetan culture, maintaining the vibrancy of cultural traditions, serving as a guardian of Tibetan heritage, and maintaining cultural identity and integrity.
Economic Development
Economic Development aims to eradicate poverty within the community, create sustainable pathways to financial independence, elevate the economic status of community members, and develop targeted economic programs and resources.
Spiritual Support
Spiritual Support centers on supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, arranging Buddhist teachings, providing compassionate support during illness or loss, and maintaining spiritual traditions.
Tibetan Language
Weekend Tibetan Language Class offers in-person language instruction for children, with additional language and Tibetan history classes designed specifically for adult learners, ensuring intergenerational cultural and linguistic preservation.
Community Empowerment
Community Empowerment focuses on providing comprehensive support services, assisting members in obtaining employment, facilitating access to health information, and connecting with traditional Tibetan medicine practitioners.
Rights and Advocacy
Rights and Advocacy ensures community members can exercise rights and freedoms, protects against transnational aggression, builds community resilience, provides education and advocacy support, and serves as a bridge between cultural heritage and prosperity in Connecticut.
Tibet
Tibetan history spans thousands of years, marked by its rich culture, religion, and expansive influence. At its peak, Tibet was a formidable empire, once ruling over regions of China, Nepal, and parts of India, especially during the 7th and 8th centuries under King Songtsen Gampo. Tibetan Buddhism flourished as the nation’s spiritual core. In the 13th century, Tibet came under Mongol rule, and later, Chinese influence grew. The 20th century brought political upheaval, with China’s invasion leading to the Dalai Lama’s exile. Despite challenges, Tibetan culture, religion, and identity continue to thrive across the globe today.
H.H the 14th Dalai Lama
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, born in 1935 in Tibet, is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global symbol of peace and compassion. Recognized as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama at age two, he assumed political leadership of Tibet in 1950. After China’s invasion of Tibet, he fled to India in 1959, where he established a government-in-exile. Advocating for human rights, nonviolence, and environmental sustainability, he has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Today, he continues to inspire millions worldwide with his teachings on compassion and wisdom.
Tibetan American Community of Connecticut, Inc.
The Tibetan American Community of Connecticut, Inc. was founded in 1992 in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, following the passage of the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990. This landmark legislation allowed 1,000 Tibetans to immigrate to the United States, and about 30 of them chose to settle in Connecticut. The community was established to preserve Tibetan culture, support its members, and promote Tibetan heritage in the U.S. Since its inception, the organization has been a center for social, cultural, and religious activities, helping Tibetans in Connecticut maintain their traditions while integrating into American society.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Have Questions?
Are donations to TACC tax-deductible?
Yes, TACC is a registered NGO in the state of Connecticut, and all contributions are tax-deductible.
What services does TACC offer to community members?
TACC provides comprehensive support including employment assistance, health information access, traditional medicine consultations, Buddhist teachings, Tibetan language classes for children and adults, and community support during personal challenges.
How does TACC support Tibetan cultural preservation?
Through weekend Tibetan language classes, maintaining spiritual traditions, organizing Buddhist teachings, and creating programs that help community members maintain their cultural heritage while adapting to life in Connecticut.
Who can participate in TACC’s language and cultural programs?
TACC offers Tibetan language classes for both children and adults, welcoming all community members interested in learning and preserving Tibetan linguistic and cultural traditions.
What are the Membership Criteria for TACC:
You are likely a member TACC) if you are of Tibetan origin, residing in the state of Connecticut, and holding a valid membership ID card issued by the Tibetan American Community of Connecticut, Inc., whose parent(s) are of Tibetan descent.
How does TACC support economic empowerment?
The organization develops targeted programs aimed at creating sustainable financial pathways, helping members obtain competitive employment, and working to elevate the economic status of Tibetan community members in Connecticut.