FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: What do the letters in "NICOS" stand for? A: It's an acronym for our five founding members, namely: North East Medical Services, Independent Practitioners Association at Chinese Hospital, Chinese Hospital, On Lok Senior Health Services, and Self-Help for the Elderly. Q: What does NICOS do? A: NICOS is engaged in research, training, advocacy, coalition-building and program implementation for the Chinese and broader Asian community and the organizations that serve it. Q: How many members does NICOS have? A: In 2008, NICOS had approximately 40 members. Q: Who are some of the members? A: Membership includes, Asian Women's Resource Center, Chinatown Public Health Center, Chinatown YMCA, and Richmond Area Multi-Services, as well as a number of professionals and students. (Click on Member Organizations for the complete list.) Q: Who can become a member? A: Any organization or individual interested in promoting the health and wellness of San Francisco's Chinese community can apply for membership. Q: How can I apply for membership? A: Click here for a membership application. Complete the form and send the appropriate fee. The application will be reviewed for approval by the Board of Directors. Q: How often do members meet? A: NICOS holds bimonthly meetings/forums for its general membership. Members may also form or join existing committees that meet at different times. Q: Does NICOS need volunteers? A: Yes! NICOS could always use a helping hand. Volunteers can participate on NICOS committees, assist with administrative or program work, or help out at community events. Simply call (415) 788-6426 and ask about the opportunities available. Q: What is the Community Connections Program (CCP)? A: The CCP is a student internship program developed in partnership with the Asian American Studies Departments at City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Students enrolled in upper division courses (such as AAS 575, AAS 680 and AAS 695) receive assistance from NICOS staff in finding placements at community organizations to fulfill course requirements and/or personal interests. Q: How can I enroll in the CCP? A: Call the NICOS program coordinator at (415) 788-6426 or talk to your Asian American Studies professor. Q: Why is NICOS' name always mentioned in conjunction with problem gambling? A: NICOS conducted the Chinese Community Health Study, which found that nearly 70% of Chinese American adults in San Francisco consider gambling to be a problem in their community. To respond to this, in 1999, NICOS created the Chinese Community Problem Gambling Project. Recently, NICOS created the curriculum for California's Problem Gambling Technical Assitance and Training Project, administered statewide.
