Q: I’m new to TAP-Chicago, is it OK if I come to an event by myself? Will I be the only new person there?
A: The comment we receive most often from new members is how friendly and welcoming the group is. Every event has a good mix of old and new members and most new members come by themselves. If you’re extra shy, drop us a line at hello at tapchicago dot org, we’ll make sure someone greets you and shows you around!
Q: How often do you hold events?
A: TAP-Chicago generally sponsors 4 to 6 events per month.
Q: I’m not Taiwanese American, can I participate?
A: Yes, of course. While TAP-Chicago’s mission primarily relates to the Taiwanese American community and TA culture, we welcome everyone with a genuine interest in the TA community and a desire to give back and interact with good people.
Q: How do I join TAP-Chicago?
A: Make sure you join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/tapchicago/ and sign up for our mailing list using the box on the home page. But possibly the best way to join is to just come to one of our events! We will collect your contact information when you arrive. We plan to have a better, web-accessible sign-up system in place in the future.
Q: How do I get more involved in TAP-Chicago?
A: TAP-Chicago is a 100% volunteer-run organization and we rely on volunteers like you to make our events and programs possible. Interested? Email us at volunteer (at) tapchicago (dot) org and introduce yourself!
Q: My parents grew up in Taiwan, but I don’t speak Taiwanese or like stinky tofu. Or… Am I Taiwanese American?
A: Like America, almost all of Taiwan’s people are the descendants of immigrants. So Taiwanese identity itself is a complicated issue. See for example this study or this one (provided for reference only, no endorsement implied). It gets even more confusing when talking about Taiwanese American identity which can include mixed ethnicity parents, people who have lived in multiple countries, etc. Regardless of your political beliefs, language skills, and food preferences, if you believe you’re Taiwanese American, you’re probably Taiwanese American. Everyone’s welcome.
Q: No offense, but this website isn’t that good. You’re missing a link here and…
A: Our creative team tries to offer prompt updates and useful content, but please be patient as we add more content, new features, and additional event details and updates. Let us know how we are doing! Email website at tapchicago dot org
Q: How do I see past events starting from 2008?
A: We plan to add information from our archives to the Past Events page so everyone can see. For now, you can get a taste by going to http://www.facebook.com/groups/tapchicago/events/ and using the 
button to select past events.
Q: I think it would be great if TAP-Chicago had a ________________ event, how do I suggest it?
A: We are always open to suggestions, let one of our team members know about your idea. Or email us at hello at tapchicago.org.
Q: How is TAP-Chicago funded?
A: As a not-for-profit organization, TAP-Chicago relies on a mix of event revenue, sponsorship, and individual donations from people like you!
Q: What is TAP-Chicago’s opinion on Taiwanese politics and Taiwanese independence?
A: One of our goals is to promote reconciliation and greater unity in the Taiwanese American community, not to promote any political view. TAP-Chicago is a non-partisan organization and does not have and will not take any position on Taiwanese independence, re-unification with China, or any issue related to Taiwanese homeland politics. While the large majority of TAP-Chicago members are apolitical about blue-green issues, the organization expects individual members who have specific political beliefs to respect each other’s viewpoints.
Q: What is TAP-Chicago’s relationship with the organization TACL and a new group in Chicago started by TACL in 2012 with a similar name?
A: TAP-Chicago is not and has never been part of the California organization TACL. And we are not in any way related to the new, TACL sponsored group in Chicago which is using our name “TAP-Chicago”. Confusing right? We are the one, the only original TAP-Chicago. Our organization was founded in 2008 with the mission of strengthening and unifying the Taiwanese American community and providing social networking, cultural, professional development, community service, and leadership opportunities. For more detailed information about this issue, click here.
Q: How do I get more involved in TAP-Chicago?
A: TAP-Chicago is a 100% volunteer-run organization and we rely on volunteers like you to make our events and programs possible. Interested? Email us at volunteer (at) tapchicago (dot) org and introduce yourself!