VAYA Official Newsletter: 12/31/09 (Volume V1: Issue 17)

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: VAYA & the Community
IV: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. Happy New Year from VAYA

As the year dwindles down, we at VAYA would like to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyous holiday season. We want to thank all of our staff, members, sponsors, & community supporters for their support and dedication throughout the year. Your time, commitment, and efforts is deeply appreciative. Have a great & prosperous new year everyone! Cheers to 2010!

B. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA
At VAYA, we work to promote youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. Therefore, we make every effort to provide our members the opportunity to lead and make a difference. To get involved, please visit our web site for more information. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

*** Access Application(s) @ http://www.vayasd.org/downloads/

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. General Tet News & Information

Photos and Information on the Top 20 MVSD 2010 Contestants are up. Please check it out and Vote for Miss Photogenic 2010: http://www.sdtet.com/pageant/2010-contestants/.

Photos and Information on the Top 8 Mr. Vietnam 2010 Contestants are up. Please check it out and Vote for Mr. Photogenic 2010: http://www.sdtet.com/pageant/mr-vn-2010-contestants/.

VAYA 2010 Tet Festival Sponsorship: Interested in being a sponsor for our 3-day festival? Visit http://www.sdtet.com/sponsorship/ or email sponsor@sdtet.com for more information.

VAYA Street Squad will be distributing flyers and promoting the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival on Saturday January 2, 2010 at Lucky Seafood in Mira Mesa (9326 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92126 between Black Mountain Rd & Westview Pky) from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Stop by to get more information or ask them questions about the upcoming festival.

For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: www.sdtet.com. Buy your festival tickets NOW for ONLY $4.00 (special limited time) at: http://www.sdtet.com/tickets/.

III: VAYA & the Community
A. Updates from Mid-City Community Advocacy Network
Job Announcement: Special Events Coordinator
The Special Events Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination of major upscale events such as the 2010 Annual Golf Tournament and the Annual Gala. Coordinator will be responsible for obtaining sponsorships, in-kind donations, live and silent auction items, and working with vendors, sponsors, and event committees. Will work with House Operations regarding sponsorships and in-kind donations.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego is a Non-Profit Organization which has provided a "home away from home" for families with a child receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness or injury since 1980. In July 2009 we opened a new 47 bedroom house across the street from Rady Children's Hospital, effectively quadrupling the number of families we can serve on a nightly basis.

This is a full time position with benefits which reports to the Vice President of Development. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please email resumes to Sarah Lara-Toney at SLara-Toney@rmhcsd.org, or fax them to (858) 467-4757.

IV: Other Announcements & Information
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)
VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (English), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (www.VietACT.org). Follow her experience in Taiwan @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

B. Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
For more information about "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure", please go to www.viet4cure.org or contact: Nick Tran OR Tracey Nguyen @ info@viet4cure.org.

C. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) Updates
For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit www.calendow.org. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit www.midcitycan.org.

D. Census 2010
In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: www.census.gov.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA Official Newsletter: 12/17/09 (Volume V1: Issue 16)

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: VAYA & the Community
IV: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. Happy Holidays from VAYA

As the year dwindles down, we at VAYA would like to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyous holiday season. We want to thank all of our staff, members, sponsors, & community supporters for their support and dedication throughout the year. Your time, commitment, and efforts is deeply appreciative. For those in school, good luck on your final exams and enjoy your winter break. Everyone else, we hope that you'll get some time off to spend with families, friends, and love ones. Have a great & prosperous new year everyone! Cheers to 2010!

B. Review: VAYA 6th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner (Tuesday, November 24, 2009)
By: Nancy Truong, VAYA Historian

This year’s VAYA Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner took place at the Tieng Nuoc Toi (TNT) Radio Conference Room on Tuesday night, November 24th, 2009. The event was filled with individuals, young and old, who brought a myriad of dishes. The dishes included traditional western dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, greens, corn, fried chicken, and corn bread as well as Vietnamese dishes ranging from spring rolls, to banh beo, to a char sui turkey, not to mention the desserts which included 3 types of ice cream, multiple pies, and lichee snack cups.

The night started out with a speech from VAYA president Michael Thai and the 2010 Tet Chairs Cuong Pham and Sydney Tran thanking those in attendance for their participation and continued support of VAYA and its efforts. Self introductions followed after the speeches and helped to break the ice for the event, people mingled and networked as they loaded their plates with the delectable dishes and no event would have been complete if there wasn’t karaoke. Several individuals displayed their vocal talents singing Vietnamese duets while others watched on in admiration.

VAYA also took the dinner as an opportunity to give back to the community by serving as a platform for those involved in A3M (Asians for Miracle Marrow Match) to raise awareness about the importance of registering to be blood and bone marrow donors because statistics show that there is a low number of registered donors with minority backgrounds.

C. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA
At VAYA, we work to promote youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. Therefore, we make every effort to provide our members the opportunity to lead and make a difference. To get involved, please visit our web site for more information. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

*** Access Application(s) @ http://www.vayasd.org/downloads/

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. General Tet News & Information
Photos and Information on the Top 20 MVSD 2010 Contestants are up. Please check it out and Vote for Miss Photogenic 2010: http://www.sdtet.com/pageant/2010-contestants/.VAYA 2010 Tet Festival Sponsorship: Interested in being a sponsor for our 3-day festival? Visit http://www.sdtet.com/sponsorship/ or email sponsor@sdtet.com for more information.

For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: http://www.sdtet.com/.

III: VAYA & the Community
A. From Shore to Shore (Nguyen Tho Sinh)
By: Nancy Truong, VAYA Historian

Mr. Nguyen Tho Sinh, a Viet Nam native, a U.S. citizen, and a veteran of the Army National Guard, was inspired to show his appreciation to America, the land of the free, the best way he knew how, using his own two feet to travel the land from shore to shore. He wanted to use his journey as a means to remind others of their abilities and potential as individuals living in the land of the free, to do the undoable. Stepping from shore to shore, Mr. Nguyen Tho Sinh started his journey in Jacksonville, Florida in June of 2009 and ended it in San Diego, California on November 7th, 2009 where he was honored at the Vietnam War Memorial Museum in Balboa Park.

The ceremony took place in the courtyard in front of the Veteran’s museum surrounded by flags of various nations. Mr. Nguyen Tho Sinh arrived at the ceremony carrying the Vietnamese flag as well as the American flag where he was greeted by members of the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance, members of the Vietnamese community and the armed forces, as well as veterans. VAYA staff members and volunteers arrived at the event early to help set up for the event, moving heavy cement blocks and stayed late to help clean up, stacking chairs, and removing cement blocks. VAYA’s own External Vice President, Nikki Lam, helped MC the event and sang the national anthem while Henry Tran and the contestants of the Miss Vietnam of San Diego 2010 presented Mr. Nguyen Tho Sinh with a framed photograph. Mr. Nguyen Tho Sinh was also honored with several other awards and a large cake which had his image and that of a map of the nation, symbolizing his journey.

IV: Other Announcements & Information
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)
VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (English), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (http://www.vietact.org/). Follow her experience in Taiwan @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

B. Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
For more information about "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure", please go to http://www.viet4cure.org/ or contact: Nick Tran OR Tracey Nguyen @ info@viet4cure.org.

C. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) Updates
For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit http://www.calendow.org/. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit http://www.midcitycan.org/.

D. Census 2010
In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: http://www.census.gov/.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA Official Newsletter: 12/03/09 (Volume V1: Issue 15)

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: Community Relations Updates
IV: VAYA & Other Organizations Updates
V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
VI: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA
At VAYA, we work to promote youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. Therefore, we make every effort to provide our members the opportunity to lead and make a difference. To get involved, please visit our web site for more information. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

*** Access Application(s) @ http://www.vayasd.org/downloads/

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition

Music is the melody of language, fashion, and talent. Golden Voice opens up the opportunity to carry out these important elements, and at the same time, helps preserve the essence of the Vietnamese culture through music. We are each a flower of talents, therefore, in this opportunity garden of Golden Voice, everyone blossoms.

Think you can sing? Interested in auditioning? Interested contestants can download the application @ http://www.sdtet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/VAYA_GoldenVoice10_Application.doc and email it to GoldenVoice@sdtet.com. For more information, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/program/golden-voice/.

Sunday December 6: VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition (Audition Choice #2) @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). (2:00 - 5:00 PM). PLEASE RSVP TO: GoldenVoice@sdtet.com.

B. Mr. Vietnam Mixer Review
By: Nancy Truong, VAYA Historian

With the Miss Vietnam of San Diego pageant approaching its 5th year, the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance felt that it was time to break some new ground and introduce the first annual Mr. Vietnam of San Diego contest. This contest would serve as a platform for Vietnamese male youth to showcase their contributions to the community, break stereotypes, and highlight the positive images of males in San Diego’s Vietnamese community.

On October 23rd, 2009 the Mr. Vietnam 2010 Pageant Mixer took place in the Mission Valley area. The mixer served as a means for contestants to get to know each other as well as for the Tet staff to narrow down the contestants to those who would make it to the final 10 who will be competing in the 2010 Tet festival. Over a dozen Mr. Vietnam 2010 hopefuls attended the event which also had a strong showing of females. The hopefuls mingled amongst VAYA and Tet staff as they listened to music, played pool, and snacked of a variety of finger foods ranging from a vegetable platter, to pinwheel sandwiches, to carne asada chips, etc.

C. General Tet News & Information
Photos and Information on the Top 20 MVSD 2010 Contestants are up. Please check it out and Vote for Miss Photogenic 2010: http://www.sdtet.com/pageant/2010-contestants/.

For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: www.sdtet.com.

III: Community Relations Updates
A. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) Updates
The California Endowment has selected City Heights as one of 14 communities to invest significant resources over the next 10 years as part of its state-wide initiative on Building Healthy Communities. For more information or if you want to get involved, please contact:

-Tri Nguyen: (619) 384-7602 Email: tringuyen11@gmail.com
-Huong Nguyen: (408) 207-5895 Email: huongnguyen01@gmail.com

For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit www.calendow.org. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit www.midcitycan.org.

IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)
VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese Community), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (www.VietACT.org). Follow her experience in Taiwan @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
By: Nancy Truong, VAYA Historian

Through his involvement with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Nick Tran learned about the affects of breast cancer on the Vietnamese Community. Vietnamese women tended to be diagnosed with breast cancer ten years earlier and at a later stage of cancer than their non-Vietnamese counterparts. This information inspired Nick to become more involved in the cause to help inform and educate Vietnamese Americans about the risks of breast cancer; he approached the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance with his ideas and eventually formed a team of caring individuals who later became known as “Vietnamese Americans for the Cure”. The group worked with other Vietnamese organizations within as well as outside of San Diego to help spread awareness.

On Saturday, November 1st, 2009 the Vietnamese Americans for the Cure gathered bright and early in Balboa Park to participate in the Race for the Cure. About 44 people trekked 3.1 miles and raised more than $1300 for the cause, however the participants in the race were not the only ones who showed up, many others also volunteered their time cheering on the team and manning the VAYA booth.

For more information about "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure" and the race, please go to www.viet4cure.org or contact: Nick Tran OR Tracey Nguyen @ info@viet4cure.org.

VI: Other Announcements & Information
In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.

For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: www.census.gov.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA Official Newsletter: 11/19/09 (Volume V1: Issue 14)

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: Community Relations Updates
IV: VAYA & Other Organizations Updates
V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
VI: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. Upcoming VAYA Event(s)
Saturday November 21: VAYA/UCSD-VSA/VSA-SDSU presents "Human Trafficking Awareness Night" @ Multi-Purpose Room / UCSD (UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093). (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Doors Open @ 6:00 PM). Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=167965752877&index=1.

The Vietnamese American Youth Alliance of San Diego (www.vayasd.org), the Vietnamese Student Association of UCSD (http://vsasd.org/), and the Vietnamese Student Association of SDSU (http://www.vsa-sdsu.org/) cordially invite you to the Annual "Human Trafficking Awareness Night". This "Call to Action" type event will be held on the campus of UCSD (Multi-Purpose Room) on Saturday November 21, 2009 (door opens at 6:00 PM with the event starting at 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM). The first hour will feature speakers from VietACT (www.VietACT.org) and BSCC (www.bsccoalition.org/) along with performances by Viet Mai (Spoken Words) and Trinity (monologue). The second hour will feature various "Action Stations" where audiences can make greeting cards to the victims/survivors of human trafficking, take a photo for VietACT's "Not For Sale" Campaign, write a letter to Congress to support legislation against human trafficking, and MUCH more. Bring a roll of Yarn or any Knitting tools you have for the cause. Parking is free in Gilman Parking Structure.

Tuesday November 24: VAYA 6th Annual Thanksgiving Potluck @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM).
Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=185364297162&mid=16eb896G1e0cd83fG45443cfG7.

B. 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC)
VAYA is in the process of forming the committee for our 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC), aimed for July 2010. Please visit our official website (www.vayasd.org) for further information and "Conference Coordinator" applications if you want to be a part of the organizing committee. Please email eboard@vayasd.org if you have immediate questions or concerns.

C. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA
At VAYA, we work to promote youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. Therefore, we make every effort to provide our members the opportunity to lead and make a difference. Please visit our web site for more information. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

*** Access Application(s) @ http://www.vayasd.org/downloads/

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition

Music is the melody of language, fashion, and talent. Golden Voice opens up the opportunity to carry out these important elements, and at the same time, helps preserve the essence of the Vietnamese culture through music. We are each a flower of talents, therefore, in this opportunity garden of Golden Voice, everyone blossoms.

Think you can sing? Interested in auditioning? Please save the date(s) below (*** you only need to attend ONE of the two auditions). Interested contestants can download the application @ http://www.sdtet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/VAYA_GoldenVoice10_Application.doc and email it to GoldenVoice@sdtet.com. For more information, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/program/golden-voice/.

Sunday December 6: VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition (Audition Choice #2) @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). (2:00 - 5:00 PM). PLEASE RSVP TO: GoldenVoice@sdtet.com.

B. General Tet News & Information
Photos and Information on the Top 20 MVSD 2010 Contestants are up. Please check it out at: http://www.sdtet.com/pageant/2010-contestants/.

For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: www.sdtet.com.

III: Community Relations Updates
A. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) Updates

The California Endowment has selected City Heights as one of 14 communities to invest significant resources over the next 10 years as part of its state-wide initiative on Building Healthy Communities. For more information or if you want to get involved, please contact:

• Tri Nguyen: (619) 384-7602 Email: tringuyen11@gmail.com
• Huong Nguyen: (408) 207-5895 Email: huongnguyen01@gmail.com

For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit www.calendow.org. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit www.midcitycan.org.

IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)
VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese Community), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (www.VietACT.org). Follow her experience in Taiwan @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
For more information about "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure" and the race, please go to www.viet4cure.org or contact: Nick Tran OR Tracey Nguyen @ info@viet4cure.org.

VI: Other Announcements & Information
A. “PASSPORT TO LOVE” (Chuyen Tinh Xa Xu)
U.S. RELEASE EXPANDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!Winning the hearts of audiences during its limited theatrical run, Victor Vu’s romantic comedy “PASSPORT TO LOVE” will expand to several new cities across the U.S.

Distributed by Everest Productions, the movie will open on November 13th at SAN DIEGO, CA – UA Horton Plaza 14. It will be shown there for approximately two more weeks. Anthony Nguyen, one of VAYA's member (former VAYA Athletic Coordinator), was the Art Director for the film and Nick Tran, a VAYA staff volunteer, was a bartender extra for roughly 3 seconds!

SYNOPSIS: Two best friends leave Vietnam to study abroad in Orange County in this globetrotting romantic comedy from Victor Vu. Though they are supposed to be focusing on school, each man quickly finds himself tangled up with an American woman: the charming Khang (Binh Minh) falls for a single mother, while the already-engaged Hieu (Huy Khanh) has a fling with a beauty queen.

View the trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj9EDnsT0QU

Rated PG-13
In Vietnamese with English Subtitles, 120 minutes

For additional information, please visit: www.PassportToLoveTheMovie.com

B. U.S. Census Bureau
In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: www.census.gov.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

Invitation: Annual "Human Trafficking Awareness Night"

Dear Friends,

The Vietnamese American Youth Alliance of San Diego (www.vayasd.org), the Vietnamese Student Association of UCSD (http://vsasd.org/), and the Vietnamese Student Association of SDSU (http://www.vsa-sdsu.org/) cordially invite you to the Annual "Human Trafficking Awareness Night".

This "Call to Action" type event will be held on the campus of UCSD (Multi-Purpose Room) on Saturday November 21, 2009 (door opens at 6:00 PM with the event starting at 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM). The first hour will feature speakers from VietACT (www.VietACT.org) and BSCC (www.bsccoalition.org/) along with performances by Viet Mai (Spoken Words) and Trinity (monologue). The second hour will feature various "Action Stations" where audiences can make greeting cards to the victims/survivors of human trafficking, take a photo for VietACT's "Not For Sale" Campaign, write a letter to Congress to support legislation against human trafficking, and MUCH more. Please see attached flyer for map, etc.

Bring a roll of Yarn or any Knitting tools you have for the cause. Parking is free in Gilman Parking Structure.

Saturday November 21: VAYA/UCSD-VSA/VSA-SDSU presents "Human Trafficking Awareness Night" @ Multi-Purpose Room / UCSD (UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093). (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Doors Open @ 6:00 PM). Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=167965752877&index=1.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA’s 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest

Please help the Golden Voice Committee by informing your friends/colleagues/families/etc about auditioning for VAYA’s 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest. The first audition will be on Saturday November 14th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). The second audition will be on Sunday December 6th from 2:00 – 5:00 PM @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). Those interested should only attend ONE of the two auditions (which ever works best for his/her schedule). Interested contestants can download the application @ http://www.sdtet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/VAYA_GoldenVoice10_Application.doc and email it to GoldenVoice@sdtet.com. See attached flyer for details.

Questions or Concerns, please email us (Huyen Pham & Anthony Nguyen) @ GoldenVoice@sdtet.com.

Music is the melody of language, fashion, and talent. Golden Voice opens up the opportunity to carry out these important elements, and at the same time, helps preserve the essence of the Vietnamese culture through music. We are each a flower of talents, therefore, in this opportunity garden of Golden Voice, everyone blossoms.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA Official Newsletter: 11/05/09 (Volume V1: Issue 13)

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: Community Relations Updates
IV: VAYA & Other Organizations Updates
V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure

VI: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. VAYA Special Thanks!

VAYA would like to thank Nick Tran for taking the lead on the "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure" / Breast Awareness Project. Your time and leadership is deeply appreciative.
(Above: VAYA at the "Susan G. Komen San Diego Race for the Cure" event on Sunday November 1, 2009)

B. 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC)

VAYA is in the process of forming the committee for our 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC), aimed for July 2010. Please visit our official website (www.vayasd.org) for further information and "Conference Coordinator" applications if you want to be a part of the organizing committee. Please email eboard@vayasd.org if you have immediate questions or concerns.

C. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA

At VAYA, we work to promote youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. Therefore, we make every effort to provide our members the opportunity to lead and make a difference. Please visit our web site for more information. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

*** Access Application(s) @ http://www.vayasd.org/downloads/

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition
Music is the melody of language, fashion, and talent. Golden Voice opens up the opportunity to carry out these important elements, and at the same time, helps preserve the essence of the Vietnamese culture through music. We are each a flower of talents, therefore, in this opportunity garden of Golden Voice, everyone blossoms.

Think you can sing? Interested in auditioning? Please save the date(s) below (*** you only need to attend ONE of the two auditions). Interested contestants can download the application @ http://www.sdtet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/VAYA_GoldenVoice10_Application.doc and email it to GoldenVoice@sdtet.com. For more information, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/program/golden-voice/.

• Saturday November 14: VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition (Audition Choice #1) @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). (1:00 - 4:00 PM).
• Sunday December 6: VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition (Audition Choice #2) @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). (2:00 - 5:00 PM).B. General Tet News & InformationFor more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: www.sdtet.com.

III: Community Relations Updates
A. Nguyen Tho Sinh's Arrival to San Diego
This Saturday, November 7th, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, VAYA and other community organizations/individuals will honor and welcome Nguyen Tho Sinh at the Vietnamese War Memorial Museum in Balboa Park. Nguyen Tho Sinh is a Veteran that walked across America from coast to coast to honor those that serve. He started in Florida and his destination will end in San Diego at Ocean Beach. The San Diego Community, Vietnamese American Armed Forces Association, along with the Viet Nam War Vet are hosting a welcoming celebration for him, to honor his journey and show him support. Please come out and show your support if you can.

For more information about this event, please contact VAYA External Vice President, Nikki Lam, at nikki.lam@vayasd.org. For more information about Nguyen Tho Sinh, please visit: www.bacaytruc.com.

B. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) Updates
The California Endowment has selected City Heights as one of 14 communities to invest significant resources over the next 10 years as part of its state-wide initiative on Building Healthy Communities. For more information or if you want to get involved, please contact:

• Tri Nguyen: (619) 384-7602 Email: tringuyen11@gmail.com
• Huong Nguyen: (408) 207-5895 Email: huongnguyen01@gmail.com

For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit www.calendow.org. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit www.midcitycan.org.

IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)

VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese Community), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (www.VietACT.org). Follow her experience in Taiwan @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
From Nick Tran:
We had a successful walk this past weekend (11/01/09). Fifty people helped out or registered to race, which resulted in more than $1,300.00 being raised for Susan G. Komen San Diego.

I would like to say thanks to Tracey Nguyen for assisting me throughout the process and being my Deputy Program Manager and liaison to the Vietnamese organizations in the community and at UCSD. I would like to thank Juliet Tran (External Vice President of VSA-SDSU) for helping me with some fundraising efforts that allowed for the shirts and food to be provided for our team. I would like to thank VONS for donating us $50 for groceries. I would like to thank David Thai and his company (Sempra) for donating $100 to the team. I would like to thank Thuy-Tien Diep and her organization (Gach Noi - UCSD) with the translation for the published materials. I would like to thank Nikki Lam and the Lam Family for letting us use their tables at the team booth. I would like to thank VAYA as a whole in providing me support and providing materials for the information booth. I would like to thank Kim-Hong Duong for singing the Star Spangled Banner at the race. We all understand how nerve wrecking it can be singing in front of 15,000 people on a scaffold when you are afraid of heights, so great job to her, that's courage!

For more information about "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure" and the race, please go to www.viet4cure.org or contact: Nick Tran OR Tracey Nguyen @ info@viet4cure.org.

VI: Other Announcements & Information

In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: www.census.gov.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA’s 6th Annual Street Clean-Up, A Sweeping’ Success

Since the inception of VAYA, we have strived to give back to the community and each year we coordinate a street clean-up to help beautify the streets where the organization originated, El Cajon Blvd. in City Heights. On Saturday, October 17th 2009, a diverse group of caring individuals gathered at Hoover High School in the early hours of the morning to register and prepare for the event, picking up their tee shirts, gloves, and trash bags/sticks. The event started at Hoover High School and ended in Colina Del Sol Park, with several water stops throughout the mile long strip. Our "In-Kind" Sponsors Cali Baguette, Pho Ca Dao, Pho King, and World Foods Supermarket helped supply us with ice cold water, cups, and table setups for the pit stops. We were able to clear the streets of trash ranging from miscellaneous paper waste and cigarette butts to broken glass which serve not only harmful to the environment but those living in the area.

The event had a strong showing of approximately 125 people ranging in age and ethnic background. There were participants from multiple schools, colleges, and organizations such as VSA-SDSU, VSA-UCSD, Gach Noi UCSD, VSA-Scripps Ranch High School, VSA-University City High School, Crawford High School, Monte Vista High School’s Asian Pacific Islanders Club, and the Little Saigon Foundation. At the end of the mile-long street clean up, volunteers were met with cheerful faces applauding and thanking them for their devotion to community service. The volunteers also received complimentary boba cards from Tapioca Heaven and a festive appreciation BBQ picnic.

"In-Kind" Sponsors & Business Supporters

• Cali Baguette (5215 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Pho Ca Dao (5223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• World Foods Supermarket (5245 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Tapioca Heaven (9225 Mira Mesa Blvd Ste 115 San Diego, CA 92126.
• Pho King (5223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Lucky Signs (3071 54th St San Diego, CA 92105)

Schools & Organizations

• VSA-SDSU
• UCSD-VSA
• Gach Noi UCSD
• Cong Dong Viet Nam San Diego
• VSA - Scripps Ranch High School
• VSA - University City High School
• Monte Vista High School's Asian Pacific Islanders Club
• Crawford High School
• Little Saigon Foundation

About the Author: Nancy Truong serves as Historian for VAYA.

VAYA Official Newsletter: 10/22/09 (Volume V1: Issue 12)

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: Community Relations Updates
IV: VAYA & Other Organizations Updates
V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
VI: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. Upcoming VAYA Event(s)
Friday October 23: VAYA Mr. Vietnam 2010 Pageant Mixer @ Promenade Apartments Club House (2185 Station Village Way San Diego, CA 92108-6521). (6:00 - 9:00 PM).

Mr. Vietnam of San Diego is created to promote the Vietnamese-American males as a symbol of dignity and pride within themselves and the Vietnamese culture. A Mr. Vietnam contestant must illustrate a sense of responsibility and involvement in his community. This is a great opportunity to form new friendships and work with other young leaders and professionals in the San Diego community. In general, this is a non-profit event to uphold the Vietnamese community by promoting the positive image of the Vietnamese-American in San Diego. More information @ http://www.sdtet.com.

If you have any questions or would like to receive an application in advance, please contact: mrvn@sdtet.com

B. VAYA Special Thanks!
Many thanks to those who came out to help at VAYA 6th Annual Street Clean Up Event. Your time and help is much appreciated! Special thanks to Quang Nguyen (VSA-SDSU's President) for being this year's Street Clean Up Coordinator. VAYA would also like to recognize and acknowledge the following for making this event a successful reality:

"In-Kind" Sponsors & Business Supporters

• Cali Baguette (5215 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Pho Ca Dao (5223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• World Foods Supermarket (5245 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Tapioca Heaven (9225 Mira Mesa Blvd Ste 115 San Diego, CA 92126.
• Pho King (5223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Lucky Signs (3071 54th St San Diego, CA 92105)

Schools & Organizations

• VSA-SDSU
• UCSD-VSA
• Gach Noi UCSD
• Cong Dong Viet Nam San Diego
• VSA - Scripps Ranch High School
• VSA - University City High School
• Monte Vista High School's Asian Pacific Islanders Club
• Crawford High School
  Little Saigon Foundation

C. "Nancy Truong" as NEW VAYA "Historian"
VAYA Executive Board recently appointed Nancy Truong as our new Historian. As the new Historian, Nancy will be working closely with the VAYA Secretary on improving our Blog (http://vayasd.blogspot.com/) as well as documenting and archiving many of our events. Below is a brief bio on Nancy. Please join us in welcoming Nancy as the latest addition to the VAYA Team! Welcome aboard Nancy!

Name: Nancy Truong
Position in VAYA: Historian
Education: Communication (University of California, San Diego)
Occupation: Human Resources

Nancy has had a long standing commitment to and involvement within the community. She was an active member of her high school's community service club, Key Club International, and served a term as the club's vice president. She has worked with numerous organizations such as SAY San Diego helping troubled youth, St. Vincent DePaul working with the disadvantaged as well as volunteering her time at various projects such as street painting and marathons. She first become aware of VAYA through the publicity gained from the San Diego Tet Festival which they organize annually. Upon further research into VAYA, she had an immense desire to be apart of an organization that not only wishes to educate but empower Vietnamese Americans.

Nancy intends to use her extensive knowledge and prior experience as a yearbook reporter and layout artist as well as her exposure to video-editing programs to help document and capture the essence of VAYA and create a historical imprint that will last for years to come.

D. 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC)
VAYA is in the process of forming the committee for our 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC), aimed for July 2010. Please visit our official website (www.vayasd.org) for further information and "Conference Coordinator" applications if you want to be a part of the organizing committee. Please email eboard@vayasd.org if you have immediate questions or concerns.

E. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA
Are you looking for ways to get more involved with VAYA? Hoping to make an impact in your community? Want to build up your leadership skills? Or do you simply need community service hours?

If you answer "YES" to any of these questions, then we HIGHLY encourage you to apply for a position currently vacant in VAYA. These positions will include Tet Staff positions, the Asian Pacific Islanders American Youth Conference Coordinator positions, VAYA General Staff positions, and our latest "Community Outreach Intern" position(s). At VAYA, we work to promote youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. Therefore, we make every effort to provide our members the opportunity to lead and make a difference. Please visit our web site for more information. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

*** Access Application(s) @ http://www.vayasd.org/downloads/

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. Sponsorship Committee Opportunity
We are looking for help on this year's Sponsorship Committee. Current 2010 Tet Sponsorship Chair, Luynh Pham, will help train and prepare those interested for the duties required to get sponsors. Luynh Pham will show you all the necessary tools to be successful and strategies to get sponsors on all levels.

Requirements:
Comfortable speaking on the phone to companies
Ability to navigate through directories and search engines
A great networker (if applicable)
As a member of the sponsorship committee, you will be an important part of this year's festival. It's a great way for networking and meeting people that could potentially help you in the future, i.e. jobs, referrals, and future sponsors.

Your main roles will include:
Setting up appointments for closers to come in and close deals
Potentially meeting with sponsors yourselves to close deals
Providing weekly if not daily updates
Finding company leads
Being a part of the best sponsorship team ever!
For more information or if interested, please contact the current 2010 Tet Sponsorship Chair, Luynh Pham @ luynh.pham@sdtet.com

B. VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition
Music is the melody of language, fashion, and talent. Golden Voice opens up the opportunity to carry out these important elements, and at the same time, helps preserve the essence of the Vietnamese culture through music. We are each a flower of talents, therefore, in this opportunity garden of Golden Voice, everyone blossoms.

Think you can sing? Interested in auditioning? Please save the date(s) below (*** you only need to attend ONE of the two auditions). Interested contestants can download the application @ http://www.sdtet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/VAYA_GoldenVoice10_Application.doc and email it to GoldenVoice@sdtet.com. For more information, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/program/golden-voice/.

Saturday November 14: VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition (Audition Choice #1) @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). (1:00 - 4:00 PM).

Sunday December 6: VAYA's 2010 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Singing Contest Audition (Audition Choice #2) @ Tieng Nuoc Toi Radio Conference Room (4120 30th St # 104 San Diego, CA 92104). (2:00 - 5:00 PM).

C. General Tet News & Information
For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: www.sdtet.com.

III: Community Relations Updates
A. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) Updates
The California Endowment has selected City Heights as one of 14 communities to invest significant resources over the next 10 years as part of its state-wide initiative on Building Healthy Communities. Tri Nguyen, along with members Calix Vu-Bui and Huong Nguyen currently work with Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) to educate our community about this invaluable opportunity to shape policies that will have significant impact on City Heights in the next 10 years. They are interested in hearing from residents, service providers, and community leaders in City Heights on what they think this community needs most. For more information or if you want to get involved, please contact:

• Tri Nguyen: (619) 384-7602 Email: tringuyen11@gmail.com
• Huong Nguyen: (408) 207-5895 Email: huongnguyen01@gmail.com

For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit www.calendow.org. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit www.midcitycan.org.

Request for Proposals for Momentum Team Facilitators

As the lead agency for the BHC Initiative, Mid-City CAN is seeking the services of 5 consultants to each facilitate one designated Momentum Team in the development of the BHC 10-year plan that will be incorporated into the overall plan for City Heights. Momentum Teams are where the work of Mid-City CAN gets done. There are five Momentum Teams connected to this project: Food Justice, School Attendance, Peace Promotion, Access to Healthcare, and Built Environment. The consultant(s) will be part of a team that will include some members of the Mid-City CAN Coordinating Council, and Momentum and Resource Team Chairs.

Please click http://www.midcitycan.org/files/091020-Facilitator_RFP.pdf to download the full RFP. For more information, please visit www.midcitycan.org.

IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)
VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese Community), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (www.VietACT.org). Follow her experience in Taiwan @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

B. VAYA to "Co-Present" at the 10th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (October 15-29, 2009)
A reminder that VAYA is a co-presenter for the SDAFF Film "All About Dad" which will screen on Saturday October 24, 2009 @ 12:30 PM. Tickets for VAYA Members will be $7.50. Tickets are limited, so please contact our External Vice President, Nikki Lam, @ nikki.lam@vayasd.org ASAP to reserve. Please support other films as well! The 10th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (organized by the San Diego Asian Film Foundation) runs from October 15th to 29th, 2009. For more information about SDAFF, please visit www.sdaff.org.

V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
For more information about "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure" and the race, please go to www.viet4cure.org. Members of VAYA will have weekly “Fun Trots” every weekend at different locations announced in advance as well as information sessions. For details about the weekly “Fun Trots”, contact: Nick Tran OR Tracey Nguyen @ info@viet4cure.org.

We got a lot of people that have registered for "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure," but we can still use a lot of supporters, so please do your best to sign up.

You can register here @ https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TRR/RacefortheCure/SAN_SanDiegoAffiliate?pg=tfind&fr_id=1190&JServSessionIdr002=96yqpcrsc4.app306b
Team Name: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
Team Company: Vietnamese American Youth Alliance

VI: Other Announcements & Information
In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.

For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: www.census.gov.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA Official Newsletter: 09/24/09 (Volume V1: Issue 10)

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: Community Relations Updates
IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
VI: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. Upcoming VAYA Events
The VAYA Mid-Autumn (Tet Trung Thu) Festival will take place on Saturday October 3, 2009 at the City Heights Recreational Center (4380 Landis St. San Diego, CA) from 3:00 - 7:00 PM.

The VAYA 6th Annual Street Clean Up Event will take place on Saturday October 17, 2009 at Hoover High School (4474 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115) from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

B. 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC)
VAYA is in the process of forming the committee for our 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC), aimed for July 2010. Please visit our official website (http://www.vayasd.org/) for further information and "Conference Coordinator" applications if you want to be a part of the organizing committee. Please email eboard@vayasd.org if you have immediate questions or concerns.

C. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA
Are you looking for ways to get more involved with VAYA? Hoping to make an impact in your community? Want to build up your leadership skills? Or do you simply need community service hours?

If you answer "YES" to any of these questions, then we HIGHLY encourage you to apply for a position currently vacant in VAYA. These positions will include Tet Staff positions, the Asian Pacific Islanders American Youth Conference Coordinator positions, VAYA General Staff positions, and our latest "Community Outreach Intern" position(s). At VAYA, we work to promote youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. Therefore, we make every effort to provide our members the opportunity to lead and make a difference. Remember...

"There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that once unleashed can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.”

--- Anthony Robbins

Please visit our web site for more information. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

D. VAYA "Community Outreach Internship"
Interested in getting more involved with community development, community outreach, and social justice? Then apply to be a VAYA "Community Outreach Intern". You'll be working directly with the VAYA External Vice President, the Community Relations Coordinators, and VAYA Executive Board (in general). Network with other San Diego community-based organizations and work on community projects tailored towards your personal interest and/or career goals (including public health, education, community safety, youth violence, etc). If interested, please contact VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org for further information. We're looking for 2-3 intern(s) to start ASAP for Fall 2009.
*** Access Application @ http://www.vayasd.org/downloads/ (use the same application as VAYA Staff Application ‘09-’10)

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. VAYA's Miss Vietnam of San Diego™ 2010 Pageant Mixer
The date for the MVSD 2010 Pageant Mixer is set for Saturday October 10, 2010 at the Santa Fe Room in Balboa Park from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. If you are interested, please fill out an application @ http://www.sdtet.com/. All applications received before Thursday October 8, 2009 11:59 PM will guarantee an interview time during mixer, otherwise it will based on time available. For more information, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/.

B. General Tet News & Information
Don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general VAYA staff and Tet 2010 Committee staff to add to our team. Please visit our official website (http://www.vayasd.org/) to download the application along with a document detailing the duties and responsibilities for each of the position. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. While the majority of the Tet 2010 positions have been filled, we are looking for a few more candidates to head the Sponsorship and Ticketing Committee. If interested, please email the Tet Co-Chairs at: chair@sdtet.com. Congratulations to those already selected to be a staff for the 2010 VAYA Tet Festival. A reminder that for the FIRST time, the 2010 VAYA Tet Festival will be hosting the First Annual Mr. Vietnam of San Diego. Further details TBD and TBA.

For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: http://www.sdtet.com/. The site has been recently revamped and updated.

III: Community Relations Updates
A. California Endowment Updates
The California Endowment has selected City Heights as one of 14 communities to invest significant resources over the next 10 years as part of its state-wide initiative on Building Healthy Communities. Tri Nguyen, along with members Calix Vu-Bui and Huong Nguyen currently work with Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) to educate our community about this invaluable opportunity to shape policies that will have significant impact on City Heights in the next 10 years. They are interested in hearing from residents, service providers, and community leaders in City Heights on what they think this community needs most. For more information or if you want to get involved, please contact

• Tri Nguyen (619) 384-7602 Email: tringuyen11@gmail.com
• Huong Nguyen (408) 207-5895 Email: huongnguyen01@gmail.com

Upcoming Important Meetings

• School Attendance Momentum Team: TBD
• Community Peace Promotion Momentum Team: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 4:00 - 6:00 PM at the City Heights Center Office.
• Momentum Team Open House: Saturday September 26, 2009 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Performance Annex (City Heights). Flyer links below.

For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit http://www.calendow.org/. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit http://www.midcitycan.org/.

B. VAYA Endorses the California Endowment

The Vietnamese American Youth Alliance (VAYA) of San Diego would like to extend our strong support for the California Endowment's mission “to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians.” Furthermore, we commend the California Endowment for selecting Mid-City CAN as the conveyor of the Building Healthy Communities Initiative, an initiative which we believe has the potential to bring about significant change over the next 10 years for both Vietnamese-American residents and all other residents living in City Heights.

To read our full statement, please visit our official blog: http://vayasd.blogspot.com/

C. Taste of Asia 2009

The Taste of Asia 2009 event is back in Balboa Park on Saturday, September 26th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual event, emceed by NBC 7/39's own Tony Shin, is hosted by a variety of local Asian community organizations as a collaborative effort to raise money and awareness for those who are less fortunate. This is a completely volunteer-based charity event and 100% of the proceeds are donated to charities in Asia. For more information, please visit: http://www.tasteofasiasd.com/. Tickets are available at the door.

ENGLISH
http://www.midcitycan.org/files/090908-Open_House_Flyer.pdf

VIETNAMESE
http://www.midcitycan.org/files/090908-Open_House_Flyer-VT.pdf

GO TO http://www.midcitycan.org/pages/planning.htm for details/locations.

IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)

VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese Community), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (http://www.vietact.org/). Calix will be in Taiwan until late January working on issues of human trafficking at the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office (http://www.taiwanact.net/). VietACT & Calix Vu-Bui would like to thank all those who took a stand against human trafficking and participated in the Art Drive. Connect with her experiences in Taiwan and check out the Artwork YOU made possible by linking to her Blog @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
Tet Trung Thu is coming up (there are a total of 3, two on Oct 3rd and 1 on Oct 4th) and we will be doing our first fundraiser and awareness drives during that weekend. The objective is to inform the Vietnamese community regarding breast cancer awareness information and resources that can provide treatment and other things, as well as raising money for our team. We will be passing out information during the three festivals as well as answering basic questions regarding Vietnamese women and breast cancer.

In order to prepare for this, the wonderful staff at Komen San Diego is willing to provide us training that will prepare us for the drive. They will teach us what to say and what things to be sensitive about when discussing breast cancer to the public and provide us additional resources to use during the upcoming drives. The training is Thursday @ 5:00 PM, October 1st, at the Komen San Diego office and the fundraiser awareness drives will take place at all three Tet Trung Thu’s (two on Oct 3rd, one on Oct 4th). Please contact Nick Tran for more information if you want to be involved: NickTran01@gmail.com.

On behalf of all of VAC and the Vietnamese community, congratulations to Kim-Hong Duong for being selected to be the official National Anthem Singer for the 2009 Komen San Diego Race for the Cure. Thank you to Thuy-Anh Le and Nikki Lam for trying out. Lastly, VAC's team page is up and running so please visit and begin registering! Please visit: http://sandiego.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/SAN_SanDiegoAffiliate/239222970pg=team&fr_id=1190&team_id=115761
Thank you for being part of the cure!

For more information about the race, please go to http://www.komensandiego.org/komen-race-for-the-cure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us:

• Nick Tran: (703) 626-1553 NickTran01@gmail.com
• Tracey Nguyen: (714) 867-8395 Tln003@ucsd.edu

VI: Other Announcements & Information

In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: http://www.census.gov/.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

VAYA Endorses the California Endowment

To Whom It May Concern:

The Vietnamese American Youth Alliance (VAYA) of San Diego would like to extend our strong support for the California Endowment's mission “to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians.” Furthermore, we commend the California Endowment for selecting Mid-City CAN as the conveyor of the Building Healthy Communities Initiative, an initiative which we believe has the potential to bring about significant change over the next 10 years for both Vietnamese-American residents and all other residents living in City Heights.

As a community-based organization rooted in the heart of City Heights, we are committed to the promotion of youth leadership, cultural awareness, social activism, and community development. In our growing efforts towards exceptional leadership and community work dedication, we would like to recognize and acknowledge three individuals from VAYA currently playing a crucial role in the development and success of the Building Healthy Communities Initiative:

• Tri Nguyen (VAYA Advisor, former VAYA President 2006-2008)
• Calix Vu-Bui (VAYA Community Relations Coordinator II)
• Huong Nguyen (former VAYA Tet Staff)

In conjunction with their direct involvement, VAYA hopes to provide further resources and information to our members and community about the California Endowment's Building Healthy Communities Initiative. We hope to play a supportive role in this effort and to serve as the bridging gap between the Vietnamese Community and California Endowment. It is our aspiration that young leaders and fellow residents of City Heights will take a more proactive stance in the development and improvement of this community.

As VAYA continues to progress in our mission towards a better community, we look forward to the opportunities and partnerships extended by the California Endowment in hopes of ultimately building a healthier community together.

In Solidarity,

Executive Board 2008-2010
Vietnamese American Youth Alliance

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Please find the latest updates from VAYA in the following categories:

I. VAYA General Updates
II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
III: Community Relations Updates
IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
VI: Other Announcements & Information

I. VAYA General Updates
A. Upcoming VAYA Events
As the summer dwindles down, we are seeking leaders to take on some projects, including the: 6th Annual Street Clean Up Event, Mid-Autumn (Tet Trung Thu) Festival, and many others. If you have an interest in being more involved in VAYA by taking on a leadership role, please email us for more information at eboard@vayasd.org. Some upcoming important events:

• The Mid-Autumn (Tet Trung Thu) Festival will take place on Saturday October 3, 2009 at the City Heights Recreational Center (4380 Landis St. San Diego, CA) from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. See attached for flyer.
• The 6th Annual Street Clean Up Event will take place on Saturday October 17, 2009 at Hoover High School (4474 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115) from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

B. VAYA Meeting Minutes & Agendas
VAYA will no longer email out Meeting Minutes & Agendas. Everything will be posted on our website, http://www.vayasd.org/, where you can download them via our “Download” Section. ONLY GBM (General Body Meetings) Meeting Minutes, GBM Agendas, and EBM (E-Board Meetings) Agendas will be posted. For EBM Meeting Minutes, please send a request email to Secretary@vayasd.org. Thank you for your cooperation.

C. 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC)
VAYA is in the process of forming the committee for our 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC), aimed for July 2010. Please visit our official website (http://www.vayasd.org/) for further information and "Conference Coordinator" applications if you want to be a part of the organizing committee. Please email eboard@vayasd.org if you have immediate questions or concerns.

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. VAYA's Miss Vietnam of San Diego™ 2010 Pageant Mixer
The date for the MVSD 2010 Pageant Mixer is set for Saturday October 10, 2010 at the Santa Fe Room in Balboa Park from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. If you are interested, please fill out an application @ http://www.sdtet.com/. All applications received before Thursday October 8, 2009 11:59 PM will guarantee an interview time during mixer, otherwise it will based on time available. For more information, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/.

B. General Tet News & Information
Don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general VAYA staff and Tet 2010 Committee staff to add to our team. Please visit our official website (http://www.vayasd.org/) to download the application along with a document detailing the duties and responsibilities for each of the position. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. While the majority of the Tet 2010 positions have been filled, we are looking for a few more candidates to head the Sponsorship and Ticketing Committee. If interested, please email the Tet Co-Chairs at: chair@sdtet.com. Congratulations to those already selected to be a staff for the 2010 VAYA Tet Festival. In addition, VAYA would like to welcome Tracey Pham as the new Budget Chair and Luynh Pham as the new Sponsorship Chair. A reminder that for the FIRST time, the 2010 VAYA Tet Festival will be hosting the First Annual Mr. Vietnam of San Diego. Further details TBD and TBA.

For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: http://www.sdtet.com/. The site has been recently revamped and updated.

III: Community Relations Updates
A. California Endowment Updates
The California Endowment has selected City Heights as one of 14 communities to invest significant resources over the next 10 years as part of its state-wide initiative on Building Healthy Communities. Tri Nguyen, along with members Calix Vu-Bui and Huong Nguyen currently work with Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) to educate our community about this invaluable opportunity to shape policies that will have significant impact on City Heights in the next 10 years. They are interested in hearing from residents, service providers, and community leaders in City Heights on what they think this community needs most. In doing so, Tri Nguyen and Huong Nguyen will be hosting a “Free Pho” Lunch at Pho King (4658 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115) on Sunday September 13, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Residents of City Heights or those concerned about City Heights are welcome to attend this event.

Please RSVP to:

• Tri Nguyen: (619) 384-7602 Email: tringuyen11@gmail.com
• Huong Nguyen: (408) 207-5895 Email: huongnguyen01@gmail.com

Upcoming Important Meetings

• School Attendance Momentum Team: TBD
• Community Peace Promotion Momentum Team: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 4:00 - 6:00 PM at the City Heights Center Office.
• Momentum Team Open House: Saturday September 26, 2009 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Performance Annex (City Heights).

GO TO http://www.midcitycan.org/pages/planning.htm for details/locations.

For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit http://www.calendow.org/. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit http://www.midcitycan.org/.

IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)
VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese Community), Calix Vu-Bui, is currently in Taiwan as the latest VietACT Intern (http://www.vietact.org/). Calix will be in Taiwan until late January working on issues of human trafficking at the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office (http://www.taiwanact.net/). VietACT & Calix Vu-Bui would like to thank all those who took a stand against human trafficking and participated in the Art Drive. Connect with her experiences in Taiwan and check out the Artwork YOU made possible by linking to her Blog @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

V: Vietnamese Americans for the Cure
A reminder that the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance (VAYA), in working collaboration with Gach Noi UCSD Vietnamese Student Magazine, the Vietnamese Student Associations of SDSU and UCSD and Meeshie.com, is teaming up with the Susan G. Komen Foundation through Komen San Diego in order to tackle one of the most overlooked but one of the most high risk diseases amongst Vietnamese women: breast cancer.

One of the ways to help and spread breast cancer awareness amongst Vietnamese women and the rest of the community is to come together as a single Vietnamese entity and partake in Komen San Diego’s largest fundraiser and awareness event: the 2009 Komen San Diego Race for the Cure on Sunday, November 1st in Balboa Park. Komen San Diego for the Cure is a 5K (3.1 miles) fundraiser and awareness event at Balboa Park and it is critical to have major Vietnamese involvement so we can provide much more breast cancer resources for our Vietnamese Community. We will be putting together a team for this event - "Vietnamese Americans for the Cure" and everyone is encouraged to take part of this event. In preparation for the race, we will have weekly "fun trots" every Sunday at 3:00 PM at different locations announced in advance as well as information sessions.

Lastly, VAYA is actively looking for singers to audition for the national anthem for the 2009 Komen San Diego Race for the Cure (the actual performance would be on the day of the event in front of 15,000 people). We are also looking for Vietnamese spokeswomen to discuss breast cancer awareness live on the major news channels on the day of the event. Komen San Diego will provide training.

For more information about the race, please go to http://www.komensandiego.org/komen-race-for-the-cure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us:

• Nick Tran: (703) 626-1553 NickTran01@gmail.com
• Tracey Nguyen: (714) 867-8395 Tln003@ucsd.edu.

VI: Other Announcements & Information

In 2010, the U.S. Census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Census, please visit: http://www.census.gov/.

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.