VAYA Official Blog

VAYA Official Newsletter: 05/20/10 (Volume V1: Issue 27) FINAL

2010-05-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Newsletter URL: [http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=39008d0b18]

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. "Thank You" from VAYA Executive Board (2008-2010)

Thank you everyone for an awesome past two years. Your dedication, commitment, and time is deeply appreciative. As we hand over the reign to the incoming E-Board (TBD/TBA via www.vayasd.org), we hope you’ll continue to support and volunteer your time with VAYA in the coming years. With your help, we can develop and improve our community together!

For those interested in being a member of VAYA E-Board 2010-2012 (a two year commitment) or a staff (a one year commitment), please contact Eboard@vayasd.org ASAP for more information. Those interested in being a staff for the 2011 Tet Festival, please stay tune this summer/early fall for more information. If you have any immediate questions about Tet, please direct those questions to chair@sdtet.com.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors! Have an awesome summer!

Best,

2008-2010 VAYA Executive Board

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. General Tet News & Information
Thank you EVERYONE for your support in the 5th Annual VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2010.

2010 VAYA Volunteer Appreciation Banquet VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6iRNKNNosQ

III: VAYA & the Community
A. UCSD-VSA: Community Service Event
From: Tracey Nguyen, UCSD-VSA External Vice President
UCSD-VSA is having another community service event on May 22, 2010 from 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM. We will be in front of City Heights Public Library (3795 Fairmount Ave. San Diego, CA 92105-2605), helping the elders with their English and citizenship exams, and showing them how to use the internet, etc. Please forward this information to those you know that might be interested in taking advantage of this opportunity. Visit http://vsasd.org/ or email vsa@ucsd.edu for details/questions.

IV: Other Announcements & Information

A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)

VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (English), Calix Vu-Bui, is BACK from her VietACT Internship in Taiwan (www.VietACT.org). Read about 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)

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.

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: 05/06/10 (Volume V1: Issue 26)

2010-05-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Newsletter URL: [http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=66c283285f]

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. VAYA 2010 Election
DOWNLOAD THE VAYA 2010 ELECTION APPLICATION HERE: http://V117H.fileave.com/VAYA2010EBoardApp.doc

Its that time again for the Biennial VAYA Election to determine the leaders for the year 2010-2012. If you're interested in running for an E-Board position (President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), please download the application and read the rules and regulations carefully to see if you qualify. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact secretary@vayasd.org.

*Staff positions (e.g. Historian, Webmaster, etc.) will be appointed by the new E-Board shortly after this year's election).

This year's Election Committee will consist of Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, Cuong Pham, Kari Lam, and Michael Thai. They will be the governing board to ensure a smooth and fair election. They'll review all application from candidates and determine who can run. They'll also determine who gets to vote and distribute ballots accordingly.

*No one on the Election Committee will be running for this year's election.

Election Day will be May 16, 2010 (at TNT Radio Station - Conference Room), therefore, ALL APPLICATIONS must be submitted to secretary@vayasd.org by Saturday May 8, 2010 (DEADLINE EXTENDED) by midnight PST.

Sunday May 16: VAYA 2010 Election @ TNT Radio Station - Conference Room (4120 30th Street - Suite 202 - San Diego, CA 92104). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

Feel free to submit nominations to secretary@vayasd.org. All names/nominations will be posted via http://www.vayasd.org/ on a weekly/asap-basis.

Good Luck!

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. General Tet News & Information
Thank you EVERYONE for your support in the 5th Annual VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2010.

2010 VAYA Volunteer Appreciation Banquet VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6iRNKNNosQ

If you would like to take a lead in next year's festival, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/ regularly for information and updates on committee chair positions and application. If you have any immediate questions on ways to get involved, please contact the current Tet Chairs at chair@sdtet.com.

III: VAYA & the Community
A. UCSD Gach Noi Student Magazine

UCSD Gach Noi Student Magazine is hosting a fundraising dinner to benefit: Vietnam Health Clinic (VHC), which is a student-led, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care services and access to the underserved population of Vietnam. Three fourths of the money we raise will be donated to their mission this summer to Hue and Soc Trang. This will provide them with medical supplies and medicine, and other resources currently lacking for people living in poverty.

*~*EVENT DETAILS*~*

WHO: Gach Noi Student Magazine & Vietnam Health Clinic

WHAT: Fundraising Dinner & Live Entertainment
=Delicious Food
=Performers: Kim-Hong, Phuoc Dai, Minh Nhan, Thu Ly, Nguyen Le, Defiance, Mr. VN Contestants, Kimberlee Kieu Nguyen, Nalene Thanh Nha, Vivian Pham, Nga Vo, Quynh-Nga, and more...
=Slide shows
=Live & Silent Auctions
=After Social Dance
WHERE: UCSD Multipurpose Room [next to Yogurt World]
WHEN: Saturday May 15th 6-9 PM
WHY: To raise money for VHC's non profit mission this summer & provide health care in Hue and Soc Trang
= raise awareness of current health conditions in Vietnam
= bring community together for a single cause
= promote Vietnamese culture among the younger generations
= LET'S LIVE FOR THE YOUTH!

TICKETS: $15/person--->to reserve your tickets please email Thuy-Tien at ttmdiep@hotmail.com or phone @ 858-380-8111

**To learn more about our cause please visit:
http://www.vnhealth.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG9t0Cuyf6g

B. Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego

The Inaugural Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego is taking place on Saturday, May 8th, at the NTC Park at Liberty Station in Point Loma from 11am to 6pm.The Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego is a celebration of the diversity of San Diego and is a fun, free, family friendly festival, with martial arts, cultural dances and exhibitions, cooking demos, entertainment, games, and of course, food! More information can be found at http://www.asianculturalfestivalsd.com/.

Entertainment

Our very exciting entertainment lineup is diverse and representative of a variety of cultures, reaching all forms of entertainment genres and types of music and dances - and whether it’s the Martial Arts, contemporary music, hip hop or traditional dance, we’ve got something for everyone!

Four Minutes til Midnight * Ke Kalani O'Hana E'Kai * Naruwan Taiko Drummers * Sudipa's Bollywood Dance Group * Lindesy Yung * Van Kiep Lion Dance * Afterschoolspecial * Terry Matsuoka * Kembang Sunda * Shin Kawasaki * Brenda Xu * Terry Matsuoka * San Diego Chinese Music Ensemble * Kenta Hayashi * Jing Institute * San Diego Black Belt Club * Kung Fu San Soo Chula Vista * and many more!!!

VSA-SDSU's "Vietnamese Culture Night"

2010-04-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Friday April 23: VSA-SDSU's Vietnamese Culture Night @ SDSU - Lower Backdoor (Aztec Center) (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM). View additional details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109025805790241#!
* VSA-SDSU: Visit http://www.vsa-sdsu.org/ or email vsa.sdsu@gmail.com for details/questions.

We have a full line up of performers, acts, singers, dancers, and all around entertaining acts to showcase some of San Diego State University and neighboring communities' talents. We invite you to join us for the festivities and wish you to spread the world and help us let everyone know in of our event. This is a free event along with free parking. Free Parking is in Lot PS 6 Levels 1 and 2 (This may be subjected to change).

UCSD-VSA's "Vietnamese Culture Night"

2010-04-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 24: UCSD-VSA's Vietnamese Culture Night @ UCSD - Mandeville Auditorium (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM). View additional details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109025805790241#!/event.php?eid=104626612913110&ref=ts.
* UCSD-VSA: Visit http://vsasd.org/ or email vsa@ucsd.edu for details/questions.

Kính gửi Quí Vị,

Trong mười bốn năm vừa qua, hằng năm Hội Sinh Viên Việt Nam (SVVN) của Đại học University of California, San Diego (UCSD) đã vinh danh và duy trì văn hóa Việt Nam trong đêm biểu diễn văn nghệ mang tên là “Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam”. Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam này vô cùng quan trọng đối với Hội về nhiều phương diện như tạo niềm hãnh diện và tự hào về văn hóa dân tộc trong giới sinh viên Việt Nam và truyền bá những nét đẹp cho cộng đồng thưởng thức.

Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam lần thứ 15, năm nay sẽ được tổ chức vào ngày thứ Bảy 24 tháng Tư năm 2010 tại UCSD Mandeville Auditorium với nội dung sôi nổi xoay quanh vấn đề Nhà nước xã hội Việt Nam thời nay và những hành động thay đổi trong nước để bảo tồn và duy trì văn hóa truyền thống thưở xưa mà vẫn còn được gìn giữ cho đến ngày nay. Năm nay kịch bản sẽ theo dõi câu chuyện của hai anh chàng Việt kiều về nước để tìm hiểu thêm về văn hóa và quê hương. Hơn nữa kịch bản sẽ nói đến hoàn cảnh gia đình nghèo ở nông thôn và mô tả đạo làm con phải có hiếu và hi sinh cho gia đình, một đề tài rất được quen biết với con người Việt Nam qua Truyện Kiều, Quan Âm Thị Kính, Gái Nhà Nghèo, v.v.

Để cho buổi tổ chức này được thành công, chúng tôi xin mời quí vị đếnvới Đêm Văn Hóa này.Thay mặt cho Hội Sinh Viên Việt Nam tại Đại Học UCSD, chúng tôi xin chân thành cảm ơn sự ủng hộ, thì giờ, và sự quan tâm của quí vị đến Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam cũng như sự lưu tâm dành cho Hội chúng tôi. Buổi lễ đặc biệt này sẽ không thể thành công được nếu không có các đóng góp hữu ích của quí vị.

Nếu quí vị có điều gì thắc mắc, xin quí vị hãy liên lạc trực tiếp với chúng tôi qua điện thoại di động của Phạm Đức Thành, 858.8296646 hoặc liên lạc qua email, thanhvcn@gmail.com.

Buổi Biểu diễn Văn nghệ Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam lần thứ 15 năm 2010
Dòng Sông Cứ Trôi – The River Keeps Flowing

Ngày: Thứ Bảy, 24 tháng Tư, 2010
Thời gian: 6:30 – 9:30 tối
Địa Điểm: Mandeville Auditorium (9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093)

Trân trọng kính chào,

Phạm Đức Thành
Chủ tịch Phụ trách Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam
Hội Sinh Viên Việt Nam
Trường Đại Học UCSD

VAYA Official Newsletter: 04/22/10 (Volume V1: Issue 25)

2010-04-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

Newsletter URL: [http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=d4f7817184]

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. Upcoming VAYA Meeting(s) and/or Event(s)
Saturday April 24: VAYA @ the Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade @ Linda Vista Charter School (9:30 AM - 11:30 AM). View additional details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117637814920304.

Friday April 30: VAYA Black April Commemoration Event @ Santa Fe Room in Balboa Park (1549 El Prado, Balboa Park - San Diego, CA 92101). (5:30 - 8:00 PM). View additional details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115055841852471

B. VAYA 2010 Election
DOWNLOAD THE VAYA 2010 ELECTION APPLICATION HERE: http://V117H.fileave.com/VAYA2010EBoardApp.doc

Election Day will be May 16, 2010 (at TNT Radio Station - Conference Room), therefore, ALL APPLICATIONS must be submitted to secretary@vayasd.org by Saturday May 1, 2010 by midnight PST. All candidates will be approved and announced by Sunday May 2, 2010 unless otherwise stated.

Sunday May 16: VAYA 2010 Election @ TNT Radio Station - Conference Room (4120 30th Street - Suite 202 - San Diego, CA 92104). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

Feel free to submit nominations to secretary@vayasd.org. All names/nominations will be posted via http://www.vayasd.org/ on a weekly/asap-basis.

Good Luck!

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. General Tet News & Information
Thank you EVERYONE for your support in the 5th Annual VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2010.

2010 VAYA Volunteer Appreciation Banquet VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6iRNKNNosQ

III: VAYA & the Community
A. VSA-SDSU's "Vietnamese Culture Night"

We have a full line up of performers, acts, singers, dancers, and all around entertaining acts to showcase some of San Diego State University and neighboring communities' talents. We invite you to join us for the festivities and wish you to spread the world and help us let everyone know in of our event. This is a free event along with free parking. Free Parking is in Lot PS 6 Levels 1 and 2 (This may be subjected to change).

A. UCSD-VSA's "Vietnamese Culture Night"

Kính gửi Quí Vị,

Trong mười bốn năm vừa qua, hằng năm Hội Sinh Viên Việt Nam (SVVN) của Đại học University of California, San Diego (UCSD) đã vinh danh và duy trì văn hóa Việt Nam trong đêm biểu diễn văn nghệ mang tên là “Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam”. Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam này vô cùng quan trọng đối với Hội về nhiều phương diện như tạo niềm hãnh diện và tự hào về văn hóa dân tộc trong giới sinh viên Việt Nam và truyền bá những nét đẹp cho cộng đồng thưởng thức.

Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam lần thứ 15, năm nay sẽ được tổ chức vào ngày thứ Bảy 24 tháng Tư năm 2010 tại UCSD Mandeville Auditorium với nội dung sôi nổi xoay quanh vấn đề Nhà nước xã hội Việt Nam thời nay và những hành động thay đổi trong nước để bảo tồn và duy trì văn hóa truyền thống thưở xưa mà vẫn còn được gìn giữ cho đến ngày nay. Năm nay kịch bản sẽ theo dõi câu chuyện của hai anh chàng Việt kiều về nước để tìm hiểu thêm về văn hóa và quê hương. Hơn nữa kịch bản sẽ nói đến hoàn cảnh gia đình nghèo ở nông thôn và mô tả đạo làm con phải có hiếu và hi sinh cho gia đình, một đề tài rất được quen biết với con người Việt Nam qua Truyện Kiều, Quan Âm Thị Kính, Gái Nhà Nghèo, v.v.

Để cho buổi tổ chức này được thành công, chúng tôi xin mời quí vị đếnvới Đêm Văn Hóa này.Thay mặt cho Hội Sinh Viên Việt Nam tại Đại Học UCSD, chúng tôi xin chân thành cảm ơn sự ủng hộ, thì giờ, và sự quan tâm của quí vị đến Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam cũng như sự lưu tâm dành cho Hội chúng tôi. Buổi lễ đặc biệt này sẽ không thể thành công được nếu không có các đóng góp hữu ích của quí vị.

Nếu quí vị có điều gì thắc mắc, xin quí vị hãy liên lạc trực tiếp với chúng tôi qua điện thoại di động của Phạm Đức Thành, 858.8296646 hoặc liên lạc qua email, thanhvcn@gmail.com.
Buổi Biểu diễn Văn nghệ Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam lần thứ 15 năm 2010
Dòng Sông Cứ Trôi – The River Keeps Flowing

Ngày: Thứ Bảy, 24 tháng Tư, 2010
Thời gian: 6:30 – 9:30 tối
Địa Điểm: Mandeville Auditorium (9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093)

Trân trọng kính chào,

Phạm Đức Thành
Chủ tịch Phụ trách Đêm Văn Hóa Việt Nam
Hội Sinh Viên Việt Nam
Trường Đại Học UCSD

IV: Other Announcements & Information

A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)

If you're interested in being the NEXT VietACT Intern, please feel free to apply for the 2010 VietACT International Internship Program. The application deadline has been extended to Saturday May 1, 2010. Please help VietACT spread the word about this opportunity by forwarding this message to those you know that might be interested. Thank you.

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)

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

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 2010 Election

2010-04-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD THE VAYA 2010 ELECTION APPLICATION HERE: http://V117H.fileave.com/VAYA2010EBoardApp.doc

Its that time again for the Biennial VAYA Election to determine the leaders for the year 2010-2012. If you're interested in running for an E-Board position (President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), please download the application and read the rules and regulations carefully to see if you qualify. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact secretary@vayasd.org.
*Staff positions (e.g. Historian, Webmaster, etc.) will be appointed by the new E-Board shortly after this year's election).

This year's Election Committee will consist of Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, Cuong Pham, Kari Lam, and Michael Thai. They will be the governing board to ensure a smooth and fair election. They'll review all application from candidates and determine who can run. They'll also determine who gets to vote and distribute ballots accordingly.
*No one on the Election Committee will be running for this year's election.

Election Day will be May 16, 2010 (at TNT Radio Station - Conference Room), therefore, ALL APPLICATIONS must be submitted to secretary@vayasd.org by Saturday May 1, 2010 by midnight PST. All candidates will be approved and announced by Sunday May 2, 2010 unless otherwise stated.

Sunday May 16: VAYA 2010 Election @ TNT Radio Station - Conference Room (4120 30th Street - Suite 202 - San Diego, CA 92104). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

Feel free to submit nominations to secretary@vayasd.org. All names/nominations will be posted via www.vayasd.org on a weekly/asap-basis.

Good Luck!

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

VAYA Official Newsletter: 04/08/10 (Volume V1: Issue 24)

2010-04-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Newsletter URL: [http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=095233ee12]

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. Upcoming VAYA Meeting(s) and/or Event(s)
Sunday April 18: VAYA Meeting @ Tea N' More (7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd - Ste 120, next to 99 Ranch Supermarket). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

Saturday April 24: VAYA @ the Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade. (10:00 AM -5:00 PM). Details TBD and TBA.

Friday April 30: VAYA Black April Commemoration Event @ Santa Fe Room in Balboa Park (1549 El Prado, Balboa Park - San Diego, CA 92101). (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM). Location & Hours pending confirmation (Last updated: 04/08/10).

B. VAYA 2010 Election
DOWNLOAD THE VAYA 2010 ELECTION APPLICATION HERE: http://V117H.fileave.com/VAYA2010EBoardApp.doc

Its that time again for the Biennial VAYA Election to determine the leaders for the year 2010-2012. If you're interested in running for an E-Board position (President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), please download the application and read the rules and regulations carefully to see if you qualify. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact secretary@vayasd.org.
*Staff positions (e.g. Historian, Webmaster, etc.) will be appointed by the new E-Board shortly after this year's election).

This year's Election Committee will consist of Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, Cuong Pham, Kari Lam, and Michael Thai. They will be the governing board to ensure a smooth and fair election. They'll review all application from candidates and determine who can run. They'll also determine who gets to vote and distribute ballots accordingly.
*No one on the Election Committee will be running for this year's election.

Election Day will be May 16, 2010 (at TNT Radio Station - Conference Room), therefore, ALL APPLICATIONS must be submitted to secretary@vayasd.org by Saturday May 1, 2010 by midnight PST. All candidates will be approved and announced by Sunday May 2, 2010 unless otherwise stated.

Sunday May 16: VAYA 2010 Election @ TNT Radio Station - Conference Room (4120 30th Street - Suite 202 - San Diego, CA 92104). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

Feel free to submit nominations to secretary@vayasd.org. All names/nominations will be posted via www.vayasd.org on a weekly/asap-basis.Good Luck!

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. General Tet News & Information
Thank you EVERYONE for your support in the 5th Annual VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2010.

2010 VAYA Volunteer Appreciation Banquet VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6iRNKNNosQ

If you would like to take a lead in next year's festival, please visit www.sdtet.com regularly for information and updates on committee chair positions and application. If you have any immediate questions on ways to get involved, please contact the current Tet Chairs at chair@sdtet.com.

III: VAYA & the Community
A. VSA-SDSU "Vietnamese Culture Night"
Date: Friday, April 23, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: SDSU - Lower Backdoor (Aztec Center)

For more information, please visit http://www.vsa-sdsu.org/ or contact vsa.sdsu@gmail.com

IV: Other Announcements & Information
A. SDSU Documentary Film Project (From Pat Clark)
I am a graduate student at San Diego State University and I am producing a documentary film which will look at the evacuation of Saigon on April 29, 1975. I am speaking with members of the American military who were involved in the evacuation efforts and I would like to speak with individuals who were evacuated from Saigon. This is a historical film and I am simply looking to capture these stories and piece them together in an effort to detail these amazing stories of survival.

The interview process will take no longer than one hour and I can provide at translator if necessary. I am looking to conduct these interviews over the next three weeks and I am willing to travel to accommodate individuals located outside of San Diego. Participants will be given a DVD copy of the finished film as well as an invitation to the film screening at San Diego State University this May.

If you are interested in learning more about this project or if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me via email at patclark1@gmail.com or by phone 303-906-9312.

B. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)
VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator II (English), Calix Vu-Bui, is BACK from her VietACT Internship in Taiwan (www.VietACT.org). Read about her experience in Taiwan @ http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

If you're interested in being the NEXT VietACT Intern, please feel free to apply for the 2010 VietACT International Internship Program. The application deadline has been extended to Saturday May 1, 2010. Please help VietACT spread the word about this opportunity by forwarding this message to those you know that might be interested. Thank you.

C. 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.

D. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)
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.

E. 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.

The Search Continues for Troy Le

2010-03-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

As the weekend approaches, we continue to keep Troy Le (Chu Dinh Thao's son) & Family in our thoughts and prays (for those who pray). For those interested in helping out with his search or to pay tribute in any way you can, please join the facebook group "R.I.P. Troy Le" to get more information (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=112369502106559). His sisters Linda Le and/or Mary Le will be adding updates on that page. Hopefully there will be some closure to all this real soon. It's almost been a week!

From his sister, Linda Le: Linda Le "SEARCH FOR A HERO" - NEED VOLUNTEERS We're going to conduct a massive search for my brother's body (Troy Le) everyday until we find him. We need as many volunteers as possible. Please come out if you can & please help our family spread this message. The search and candle visual will be at Torrey Pines State Beach, 6pm,... Tower 2 everyday. BRING A FLASHLIGHT if possible. THANK YOU.And please continue to pray for my brother Troy Le.

Some Media:

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

VAYA Official Newsletter: 03/25/10 (Volume V1: Issue 23)

2010-03-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Newsletter URL: [http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=1fd2e3f8da]

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. Upcoming VAYA Meeting(s) and/or Event(s)
Sunday April 4: VAYA Meeting @ Tea N' More (7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd - Ste 120, next to 99 Ranch Supermarket). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

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
Thank you EVERYONE for your support in the 5th Annual VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2010.

2010 VAYA Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6iRNKNNosQ

B. International Rescue Committee

Free citizenship services for seniors over 65---

Did you know that 23% of the total San Diego population is foreign born?

Elderly refugees and immigrants represent a significant part of this population, and often face various cultural, linguistic, or educational barriers that make it difficult to pass the US Citizenship interview. The International Rescue Committee is reaching out to this often marginalized population to ensure they are able to become US Citizens in a timely manner.

Through its new Golden Door Program funded by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the IRC will help refugee and immigrant seniors over age 65 by providing:

Free citizenship classes exclusively for seniors
Free home tutoring for home bound seniors
Free application preparation services
Free case management services

How can you help?

Volunteer as a Home Tutor to help seniors prepare for their citizenship exam and interview.
Invite an IRC staff member to speak at your local organization to raise awareness about immigration and citizenship.
If you know of a senior citizen who is striving to become a US Citizen, have him or her contact the IRC.

For more information, contact Laura Lopez at laura.lopez@theIRC.org or 619 641-7510 x254

For more information, call the IRC at 619-641-7510 Ext. 250

International Rescue Committee

5348 University Ave. Suite 205A
San Diego, CA 92105

www.RefugeeInfo.org www.theIRC.org/SanDiego

IV: Other Announcements & Information

A. SDSU Documentary Film Project (From Pat Clark)
I am a graduate student at San Diego State University and I am producing a documentary film which will look at the evacuation of Saigon on April 29, 1975. I am speaking with members of the American military who were involved in the evacuation efforts and I would like to speak with individuals who were evacuated from Saigon. This is a historical film and I am simply looking to capture these stories and piece them together in an effort to detail these amazing stories of survival.

The interview process will take no longer than one hour and I can provide at translator if necessary. I am looking to conduct these interviews over the next three weeks and I am willing to travel to accommodate individuals located outside of San Diego. Participants will be given a DVD copy of the finished film as well as an invitation to the film screening at San Diego State University this May.

If you are interested in learning more about this project or if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me via email at patclark1@gmail.com or by phone 303-906-9312.

B. 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/. Calix will be back in the States early April 2010!

C. 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.

D. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)

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

E. Census 2010

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: 03/11/10 (Volume V1: Issue 22)

2010-03-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

Newsletter URL: [http://eepurl.com/jwwq]

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. Upcoming VAYA Meeting(s)
Saturday March 13: 2010 VAYA Volunteer Appreciation Banquet @ Recital Hall - Balboa Park. INVITATIONS ONLY (Those invited can only bring ONE guest @ $10 a guest). Questions regarding invitation, please email volunteer@sdtet.com. (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM).

Sunday March 21: VAYA Meeting @ Tea N' More (7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd - Ste 120, next to 99 Ranch Supermarket). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

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
Thank you EVERYONE for your support in the 5th Annual VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2010. If you would like to take a lead in next year's festival, please visit www.sdtet.com regularly for information and updates on committee chair positions and application. If you have any immediate questions on ways to get involved, please contact the current Tet Chairs at chair@sdtet.com.

III: VAYA & the Community
A. International Rescue Committee

Free citizenship services for seniors over 65---Did you know that 23% of the total San Diego population is foreign born?

Through its new Golden Door Program funded by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the IRC will help refugee and immigrant seniors over age 65 by providing:

• Free citizenship classes exclusively for seniors

• Free home tutoring for home bound seniors

• Free application preparation services

• Free case management services

How can you help?

• Volunteer as a Home Tutor to help seniors prepare for their citizenship exam and interview.

• Invite an IRC staff member to speak at your local organization to raise awareness about immigration and citizenship.

• If you know of a senior citizen who is striving to become a US Citizen, have him or her contact the IRC.

For more information, contact Laura Lopez at laura.lopez@theIRC.org or 619 641-7510 x254

For more information, call the IRC at 619-641-7510 Ext. 250
International Rescue Committee

5348 University Ave. Suite 205A
San Diego, CA 92105

www.RefugeeInfo.org www.theIRC.org/SanDiego

IV: Other Announcements & Information

A. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)

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)

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

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.

Volume VI: Issue 21 - Thursday February 25, 2010

2010-02-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

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. Upcoming VAYA Meeting(s)
Sunday March 7: VAYA Meeting @ Tea N' More (7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd - Ste 120, next to 99 Ranch Supermarket). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

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
Thank you EVERYONE for your support in the 5th Annual VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2010. Below are the results of winners from our various competitions. For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: www.sdtet.com.

Miss Vietnam of San Diego
http://www.sdtet.com/pageant/2010-contestants/.
MVSD 2010 - Pageant Queen: Lan La
1st Runner Up: Tammy Nguyen
2nd Runner Up: Kim Hong Duong
3rd Runner Up: Mimi Bui
4th Runner Up: Thien Y Nguyen
Miss Ao Dai: Thien Y Nguyen
Miss Photogenic: Chloe Mai
Miss Congeniality: Jenny Lam

Mr. Vietnam of San Diego
http://www.sdtet.com/pageant/mr-vn-2010-contestants/.
Mr. VNSD 2010 & Audience Choice Winner: Jerry Luong
1st Runner Up: Andy Huynh
2nd Runner Up: Anthony Pham

Golden Voice Giọng Ca Vàng
http://www.sdtet.com/program/golden-voice-contestants-2010/
Golden Voice Winner 2010 & Audience Choice Award: Bich-Nguyen Le
2nd Place: Charlien Uyen Nguyen
3rd Place: Amy Hoang
4th Place: Kenny Tran
5th Place: Kim-Ngan Tran

Kids Spotlight
http://www.sdtet.com/program/kids-spotlight/
Results TBA on www.sdtet.com

III: VAYA & the Community
A. International Rescue Committee
Free citizenship services for seniors over 65---
Did you know that 23% of the total San Diego population is foreign born?

Elderly refugees and immigrants represent a significant part of this population, and often face various cultural, linguistic, or educational barriers that make it difficult to pass the US Citizenship interview. The International Rescue Committee is reaching out to this often marginalized population to ensure they are able to become US Citizens in a timely manner.

Through its new Golden Door Program funded by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the IRC will help refugee and immigrant seniors over age 65 by providing:
• Free citizenship classes exclusively for seniors
• Free home tutoring for home bound seniors
• Free application preparation services
• Free case management services

How can you help?
• Volunteer as a Home Tutor to help seniors prepare for their citizenship exam and interview.
• Invite an IRC staff member to speak at your local organization to raise awareness about immigration and citizenship.
• If you know of a senior citizen who is striving to become a US Citizen, have him or her contact the IRC.

For more information, contact Laura Lopez at laura.lopez@theIRC.org or 619 641-7510 x254

For more information, call the IRC at 619-641-7510 Ext. 250
International Rescue Committee
5348 University Ave. Suite 205A
San Diego, CA 92105
www.RefugeeInfo.org www.theIRC.org/SanDiego

B. Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network) The CA Endowment
BHC Youth Initiative Kick Off Event
(Building Health Communities Initiative)

February 27, 2010 10:00AM -2:00PM
East African Community & Cultural Center
4061 Fairmount Ave, City Heights

-4 Hours of Community Service is Available
-Meet and Greet other City Heights Teens
-Limited Space! Call (619) 415 -5660 to RSVP!

Entertainment, Food, and Prizes provided!

IV: Other Announcements & Information
A. ETA4 (English Through Academics, Athletics, and the Arts Abroad)
TA4 is a 501(c)3 non profit dedicated to the advancement of English education for underprivileged children abroad, and provides no-cost, rewarding, and successful English instruction to achieve that goal. For more information, please visit: http://www.eta4.org/.

B. 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/.

C. 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.

D. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)
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.

E. 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.

Happy Lunar New Year ("Chúc Mừng Năm Mới") from VAYA!

2010-02-13T22:35:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

The new year just started and soon we’ll be celebrating our own Lunar New Year Festival. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who’ve been helping out with the festival planning process and those who will be helping on the days of the festival. You all are an inspiration to the community and your peers.

To the rest of the VAYA community, it’s been great serving you guys as the president of this organization and I hope to continue to serve the best interests of all of you in VAYA and for the Vietnamese youth community. Look forward to more community involvement and fun times ahead. Again, thank you all for your help and I look forward to seeing you all at the festival. Have a happy new year!

Best Regards,

Michael Thai
VAYA President, 2009 – 2010

About the Author: Michael Thai serves as President for VAYA.

Countdown to the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival (http://www.sdtet.com/)

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

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

VAYA Official Newsletter: 02/11/10 (Volume V1: Issue 20)

2010-02-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

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 Lunar New Year from VAYA"Chúc Mừng Năm Mới"

B. Upcoming VAYA Meeting(s)

Sunday February 14: VAYA Meeting @ Tea N' More (7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd - Ste 120, next to 99 Ranch Supermarket). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

Friday February 19 - Sunday February 21: VAYA 2010 Lunar New Year Tet Fesitval @ Balboa Park (Southwest Corner of Park Blvd & Presidents Way). For more information about the 2010 VAYA Vietnamese Lunar Year Tet Festival, please visit: http://www.sdtet.com/. For directions to the festival, visit: http://www.balboapark.org/maps/directions.php.

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 Audio Samples on the Top 10 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Contestants are up. Please check it out and Vote for "Audience Choice": http://www.sdtet.com/program/golden-voice-contestants-2010/.

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 during the following dates listed below. Stop by to get more information or ask them questions about the upcoming festival. For more information or to help promote the festival, email: publicity@sdtet.com.

Friday 02/12/10 @ 6:30 - 9:00 PM, Edwards Mira Mesa Area: Meet in front of the Edwards fountain, we will flyer cars and walk around handing out flyers in that area and the surrounding Albertsons and Ralphs area’s across from Edwards (Edwards Mira Mesa 10733 Westview Pkwy San Diego, CA 92126).
Saturday 02/13/2010 @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Costco/Ikea Area: Meet in front of Costco Mission Valley, we will flyer cars and walk around handing out flyers (Costco Mission Valley 2345 Fenton Parkway San Diego, CA 92108). Depending on turnout, we may split up and flyer/poster in East San Diego @ Vien Dong Supermarket as well (Vien Dong Supermarket 5382 University AveSan Diego, CA 92105).

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

III: VAYA & the Community
A. FUSION 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2010

DIMENSIONS OF A GENERATION

UCSD students promoting cultural awareness through Hip Hop Dance in the Spring

La Jolla, CA - On Sunday, March 28th, 2010, two UC San Diego student organizations, Multi-Asian Student Association (MASA) and Second to None (220) dance company, will work together to host the most highly anticipated Hip Hop Dance competition on the West Coast. FUSION invites talented dancers of all ages and ethnicities from across the country to celebrate music through various dance styles and cultural exhibitions. The theme of FUSION XI, "Dimensions of a Generation", will highlight the impact of the generation gap between Asian American families and their role in the hip hop community. In addition, young Asian-Americans are becoming increasingly prominent in the hip hop community, as more and more are being recognized in dance, music, and film. With this in mind, MASA and 220 strive to promote cultural awareness in the hip hop community.

Since its inception in 1999, attendance has drastically increased, seating over 3,000 attendees, and is now known as the largest student-run Asian directed event at UCSD. FUSION, hosted at UCSD’s RIMAC Arena, has long been an avenue for many of today’s most popular crews, including Jabbawockeez, Kaba Modern & Team Millennia. Winning two years in a row "Event Of The Year" from the Annual V.ENT Dance Awards, FUSION is forecasting to grow even larger. The event showcases performers from all over the nation and has viewers across the globe. Arranged by the efforts solely of college students, the success of FUSION rests on the diligence and determination of MASA and 220. Our goal is to recognize the influence of hip hop music and dance in Asian youth culture and to also to bring to focus the lesser-known elements of a pan-Asian identity. For more information regarding tickets, directions, and lineup, please visit http://www.fusionhiphop.com/.

220 (read "two-twenty") or Second to None is a competitive dance team that rests on the idea of "family first, dancing second." With students from all campuses throughout San Diego, 220 promotes hip hop as an outlet and a home to be a driving force of hip hop towards its direction of progression. Multi-Asian Student Association, or MASA, is a social-cultural organization dedicated to educating the community of the rich diversity of the Asian student body of UCSD. Through interactive social and cultural events, MASA strives to spread that Asian-Americans are not a single culture, but a mixture of many diverse ones. The collaboration for FUSION has been an annual effort to recognize hip hop music and dance among all people, bridging the gap between all cultures.

MEDIA CONTACT

Chesley Tolentino

Fusion 2010 Coordinator

chesleytolentino220@gmail.com

510-366-5313

Sasha Pizarro

Marketing Team Lead

sashapizarro@yahoo.com

619-632-2114

Vinson Chen

Marketing Team Lead

vinson1shu@gmail.com

415-290-218

IV: Other Announcements & Information

A. ETA4 (English Through Academics, Athletics, and the Arts Abroad)

ETA4 is a 501(c)3 non profit dedicated to the advancement of English education for underprivileged children abroad, and provides no-cost, rewarding, and successful English instruction to achieve that goal. For more information, please visit: http://www.eta4.org/.
B. 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/.

C. 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.

D. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)

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/.

E. Census 2010

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: 01/28/10 (Volume V1: Issue 19)

2010-01-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

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. Upcoming VAYA Meeting(s)

Sunday January 31: VAYA Meeting @ Tea N' More (7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd - Ste 120, next to 99 Ranch Supermarket). (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

B. Ways to get MORE involved with VAYA

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
A. General Tet News & Information
Photos and Audio Samples on the Top 10 Golden Voice (Giong Ca Vang) Contestants are up. Please check it out and Vote for "Audience Choice": http://www.sdtet.com/program/golden-voice-contestants-2010/. * Voting will begin early February 2010.

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 30, 2010 in the "Linda Vista" area. To join them, please meet at: Thuan Phat Market (6935 Linda Vista Rd San Diego, CA 92111) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Stop by to get more information or ask them questions about the upcoming festival. For more information, email: publicity@sdtet.com.

III: VAYA & the Community
A. Updates from Mid-City Community Advocacy Network
1. Job Announcement: Program Manager
Pro Kids Golf Academy and Learning Center, located in City Heights, seeks an enthusiastic and experienced individual to advance its mission by challenging under-served youth to excel in life. Primary responsibilities include managing the volunteer and mentoring programs, administering the college preparatory and scholarship programs, and promoting positive life choices through model interaction with members. This full-time position also supports the general educational and community service goals of our member programs.

A successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree in education, sociology, or equivalent, plus a minimum of three years related experience. This detail-oriented candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and must have experience in project management, volunteer programming, and youth development.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Colleen Pelak, Director of the Learning Center, at cpelak@prokidsonline.org or fax to (619) 582-9377.

IV: Other Announcements & Information
A. ETA4 (English Through Academics, Athletics, and the Arts Abroad)

B. Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT)

C. 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.

D. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)

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/.

E. Census 2010

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: 01/14/10 (Volume V1: Issue 18)

2010-01-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

Responsible for the implementation and ongoing maintenance of all office policies and procedures.
Manage and order supplies within the budget guidelines of the organization. This will include maintenance of a petty cash journal and preparation of expense reports as needed.
Collect mail from P.O. Box. Administrator will sort mail and respond accordingly after communication with the President.
Maintain updated paper files at the foundation office.
Respond to online Letters of Inquiry as requested by the President.
Update files in grant software, following up with grantees for reports and other required communication.
Maintain web site and communicate as necessary with The Foundation Center.
Prepare grant proposal books for officers of the board. Coordinate with Treasurer for inclusion of reports/spreadsheets.
Record minutes at two meetings per year.
Prepare Grant Agreement letters after each meeting.
Carry out additional duties as needed.

Additional Information/Application

Interviews will be held in January 2010.
Please contact and provide qualifications/resume to:

Rachel M. Bender
McCarthy Family Foundation
P. O. Box 27389
San Diego, CA 92198-1389rmbender@mccarthyfamilyfdn.org
858-485-0129 (Voice Mail) http/www.mccarthyfamilyfdn.org

2. Job Announcement: REACH Case Manager

Southern Caregiver Resource Center is a private, non-profit social services agency that has been offering services to family caregivers of adults with chronic and disabling conditions since 1987.

The REACH Case Manager is a full-time, exempt position reporting to Southern Caregiver Resource Center's (SCRC) Associate Director. The REACH Case Manager position works from one of the South Bay workstations provided by the Program's partner agencies and provides Spanish and English REACH "Early Intervention" psychoeducational programs as well as case management, care planning and consultation, and support services to caregivers and families of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The REACH Case Manager also co-facilitates a support group and works closely with the Program's Promotoras on "Prevention" outreach activities.

Salary and Working Hours
$40-46K annually to start, DOE. Position works 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday.

Application Process
Submit resume to kbuske@caregivercenter.org or fax to (858) 268-7816.

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://vayasd.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=6c6bb3555c&e=af07b8dd76). 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://vayasd.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=796d7d27cc&e=af07b8dd76 or contact: Nick Tran OR Tracey Nguyen @ info@viet4cure.org.

C. California Endowment /Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)

For more information on the CA Endowment Initiatives, please visit http://vayasd.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=4c35037bba&e=af07b8dd76. For more information on the Mid-City CAN, please visit http://www.midcitycan.org/.

D. Census 2010

For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://vayasd.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4377d8d683101c4e65b9ff3be&id=56d3870b32&e=af07b8dd76. 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: 12/31/09 (Volume V1: Issue 17)

2009-12-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-12-17T23:01:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-12-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-11-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

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

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"

2009-11-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-07T15:46:00.001-08:00

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.

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

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

2009-11-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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

2009-11-02T19:59:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-10-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-09-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

"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

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

2009-09-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

2009-09-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

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

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.

2009-08-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

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. 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 4:00 - 7:00 PM. The 6th Annual Street Clean Up Event will take place on Saturday October 17, 2009 with further details TBA.

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.

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. Come to find out more about our 5th Annual Miss Vietnam of San Diego™ hosted by the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance (VAYA). 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. "The Miss Vietnam San Diego™ is established with the primary focus of elevating the Vietnamese-American female as a national symbol of beauty and pride captured internally and externally through her poise, grace, intellectual strength, and individuality. 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, Golden Voice (Singing Contest), and Ticketing Committee. If interested, please email the Tet Co-Chairs at: chair@sdtet.com. Congratulations to those selected to be a staff for the VAYA 2010 Tet Festival.

Cuong Pham (Co-Chair), Sydney Tran (Co-Chair), Tim Ho (Co-Vice Chair), Nikki Lam (Co-Vice Chair), Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen (Secretary), Tracey Pham (Budgeting), Bich-Tuyen Tran (Cultural Village), Alexander Nguyen (Cultural Village), Jenni Nguyen (Entertainment), Kenny Dinh (Entertainment), Huyen Pham (Golden Voice), Nalene Nguyen (Kids Spotlight), Thuy T. Bui (Kids Spotlight), Kari Lam (Miss Vietnam SD), Tien Ngo (Miss Vietnam SD), Van Vu (Operations), Dennis Duong (Operations), Kevin Nguyen (Public Relations - English), Henry Tran (Public Relations - Vietnamese, Publicity), Luynh Pham (Sponsorship), Bao Nguyen (Technical A/V), Atkinson Tran (Technical A/V), Lan Tran (Ticketing), Linh-Phuong Pham (Vendor), Khoi Tran (Vendor), Tina Khieu (Volunteer), June Nguyen (Volunteer), Dang Tran (Webmaster), Olivier Nguyen (Webmaster), Duy Yin (Creative Design)

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

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. You can attend a "house meeting" to learn more about this initiative and tell CA Endowment what you personally think will help improve this community. For more information about House Meetings (and other related meetings), email Tri Nguyen at tringuyen11@gmail.com or Calix Vu-Bui at calixvubui@gmail.com.

Upcoming Important Meetings

Access to Healthcare Momentum Team: Tuesday, August 25 from 1-3 pm at the City Heights Center office
Food Justice Momentum Team: Wed, August 26 from 5:30-7 pm at the Wellness Center
School Attendance Momentum Team: TBD
Community Peace Promotion Momentum Team: Wed, Sept 9 from 4-6 pm at the City Heights Center office
Built Environment Momentum Team: Mon, Aug 31 from 1-3 pm, location TBD.

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
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 (Application Attached). 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 women. 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.

We will have weekly fun runs every Sunday at 2:30 PM at different locations announced in advance as well as information sessions. Komen San Diego has also tasked us in finding a Vietnamese woman to sing the National Anthem at the 2009 Komen San Diego Race for the Cure, in which the person would sing in front of 15,000 people. VAYA will have auditions for this. 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

Tracey Nguyen: (714) 867-8395

VI: Other Announcements & Information

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

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.

2009-08-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

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: "Shout-Outs" from VAYA

I. VAYA General Updates
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.

As the summer dwindles down, we are seeking leaders to take on some projects, including the: 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.

II: VAYA Tet 2010 Updates
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 applicants to head the Budget and Sponsorship Committee. If interested, please email the Tet Co-Chairs at: chair@sdtet.com. Congratulations to those selected to be a staff for the VAYA 2010 Tet Festival.

III: Community Relations 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. You can attend one of the following meetings to learn more about this initiative and tell CA Endowment what you personally think will help improve this community. ** Refreshments, childcare, and interpretation in Vietnamese will be provided. (Credit: Tri Nguyen, former VAYA President 2006-2008).

Thursday, 8/13/09 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM Location: 3037 44th St. San Diego, CA 92115. (Lead by: Tri Nguyen & Huong Nguyen: tringuyen11@gmail.com).
Thursday, 8/13/09 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM Location: City Heights Wellness Center 4440 Wightman St. # 200 San Diego, CA 92105. (Lead by: Calix Vu-Bui, calixvubui@gmail.com).
Saturday, 8/15/09 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: 4635 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115. (Lead by: Tri Nguyen & Huong Nguyen: tringuyen11@gmail.com).

IV: VAYA & other Organizations Updates
As the newest VietACT (Vietnamese Alliance to Combat Trafficking) Intern (http://www.vietact.org/), Calix Vu-Bui will be teaching an Art Class to the victims at the shelter in Taiwan. VAYA would like to support her and VietACT, so we are having an "Art Supplies Drive" from August 1st to the 23rd. Come to ANY VAYA meetings and/or events during that period to drop off your donations. Please visit http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/ for details on how to donate your art supplies.

V: "Shout-Outs" from VAYA
The end of summer marks the beginning of a new journey for some of our members. Our very own Calix Vu-Bui (Community Relations Coordinator II) will be departing for Taiwan for her internship at a human trafficking shelter and members Duc Hoang and Sheila Khanh Nguyen will be departing for Pharmacy School in Chicago. Safe travels to everyone and best of luck with your new adventures.

VAYA would like to thank Hội Hải Quân Hàng Hải Việt Nam Cộng Hoà San Diego for organizing a community gathering this past weekend (see photo above). Additional photos of the event can be found at: http://picasaweb.google.com/Hai.Tran18/CaunguyenTamtoa?authkey=Gv1sRgCNmKu7fpy5-5AQ#.

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 to Support VietACT's: ART SUPPLIES DRIVE!!!

2009-08-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

ART SUPPLIES DRIVE!!!

Hello VAYA Members, Supporters, and Friends,

The VietACT Art Supplies Drive is in full swing!
We're collecting donations of items for the survivors so that they can have materials for the Art class I'll be teaching. (see previous blog for details). Last day to donate is Sun 8/23, the day before my departure to Taiwan. Come to ANY VAYA meeting in the next 3 weeks to drop off your donations. Monetary donations are welcome too! Please visit http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/ for info on meeting dates, times, locations. If you can't swing by one of these, please contact me directly at calixvubui@gmail.com or (858) 736-4773 to make a personal arrangement. We sincerely thank you for your support of VietACT's work to stop human trafficking! We couldn't do all that we do without you. A wish list is included below for your convenience. Warmly, Calix :)

Colored Paper (8.5x11 and 11x17)
Multi-Colored tissue paper
Origami paper
Paint Brushes (100-150)
Water-based Paint (big bottles are fine. H2O-based ONLY!)
Liquid Starch economy-sized to thin paint (2)
Pie tins (hard kind, not flimsy to use as palletes) (30-40)
Plastic disposable 8-12 oz drinking cups
Colored pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Markers
Glitter/Stickers/Miscellaneous Craft Items
Oil Pastels
Hairspray cans to treat pastels (e.g. Aquanet)
Model Magic by Crayola (white)
Spools of string (3)
Hole Punchers (4+)
Scissors (20-30) special craft kind and regular
Multi-Colored Yarn/Ribbon (thin kind)
Scotch tape and tape strong enough to hang up artwork
Glue (liquid and stick)

About the Author: Calix Vu-Bui serves as Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese) for VAYA.

2009-07-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Thank you all who participated in VAYA's 2009 SUMMER TRIP to "Temecula" this past weekend on July 24th-26th 2009 (2 Days 2 Nights). We hope you all had a great time and gained a better understanding towards one another. For those that didn't come, we hope you can join us next time.

Another BIG THANK YOU goes out to all those who voted for VAYA for a "Community Service Award" as part of the 2009 6th Annual Asian Heritage Awards (AHA) presented by Asia Media, Inc. Although VAYA did not win, we are truly humbled and thankful to be nominated alongside many great organizations, corporations, and/or individuals. VAYA's very own Webmaster, Dang Tran, and Community Relations Coordinator II (Non-Vietnamese), Calix Vu-Bui; officially represented VAYA at the prestigious AHA Ceremony abroad the U.S.S. Midway on San Diego Bay. For more information on Asia Media, Inc. and/or the Asian Heritage Awards, please visit: http://www.asiamediainc.com/. Let's increase the votes for next year so VAYA can get recognized for all we do in the community.

2009 6th Annual Asian Heritage Awards abroad the U.S.S. Midway (San Diego Bay) on Saturday July 25, 2009.

Dang Tran and Calix Vu-Bui representating VAYA at the Asian Heritage Awards.

Left to Right: Representative from CTFLC (Council for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture), Calix Vu-Bui (VAYA), Rita Andrews and Nampet Panichpant-Michelsen (LA Regional Census Center).

VAYA is in the process of forming the committee for our 2010 Asian/Pacific Islander American Youth Conference (APIAYC), aimed for July 2010. Please be on the lookout (via 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.

As the summer approaches, we are seeking leaders to take on some projects, including the: 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.

Lastly, don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general 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. E-Board will finalize the Tet Chair(s) in the next week and after that, the Tet Chair(s) will appoint staff on board accordingly. So apply EARLY to claim YOUR SPOT (first come, first serve).

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

2009-07-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Congratulations to Cuong Pham and Sydney Tran as the incoming Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) Festival Co-Chair for 2010. Cuong Pham was Tet Co-Chair for 2009 and is the current Treasurer for VAYA. Sydney Tran was Tet Vice Chair for 2009 and was the former External Vice President for VAYA (2007-2008). With their past experience and leadership in VAYA and our Tet Festival, it is without a doubt that they will continue the success of our annual Tet Festival while building and improving on the event as a whole. VAYA would also like to acknowledge Nikki Lam and Tim Ho as the incoming Tet Festival Vice Co-Chair for 2010. For more information about our Tet Festival, please visit www.sdtet.com.

A reminder that VAYA will be hosting this year's SUMMER TRIP to "Temecula" on the weekend of July 24th-26th 2009 (2 Days 2 Nights). While the fee deposit deadline has past, if you are STILL interested, please email eboard@vayasd.org ASAP to reserve a spot (a few are still open, a $10 LATE fee is required). OVERALL cost per person is estimated to be between $50-$60 depending on the number of attendees. Visit www.vayasd.org for details and further information. First come, first serve. Priority registration will be granted to active VAYA members.

As the summer approaches, we are seeking leaders to take on some projects, including the: 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.

Lastly, don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general staff and Tet 2010 Committee staff to add to our team. Please visit our official website (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. E-Board will finalize the Tet Chair(s) in the next week and after that, the Tet Chair(s) will appoint staff on board accordingly. So apply EARLY to claim YOUR SPOT (first come, first serve).

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.

2009-07-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

VAYA will be hosting this year's SUMMER TRIP to "Temecula" on the weekend of July 24th-26th 2009 (2 Days 2 Nights). If interested, please RSVP to eboard@vayasd.org and place a $20 deposit fee to VAYA External Vice President, Nikki Lam, by Saturday July 11, 2009. OVERALL cost per person is estimated to be between $50-$60 depending on the number of attendees. Visit www.vayasd.org for details and further information. First come, first serve. Priority registration will be granted to active VAYA members.

Thank you to those that voted for VAYA for a "Community Service Award" as part of the 2009 6th Annual Asian Heritage Awards presented by Asia Media, Inc. Results are being tallied and you can get further updates about the Asian Heritage Awards results at: http://www.asiamediainc.com/.

As the summer approaches, we are seeking leaders to take on some projects, including the: 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.

Lastly, don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general staff and Tet 2010 Committee Staff to add to our team. Please visit our official website (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. E-Board will finalize the Tet Chair(s) in the next week and after that, the Tet Chair(s) will appoint staff on board accordingly. So apply EARLY to claim YOUR SPOT (first come, first serve).

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.

Have a safe "Fourth of July" Weekend!!!

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

2009-06-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Recently this month, VAYA's very own Community Relations Coordinator (Non-Vietnamese Community), Calix Vu-Bui, has been selected as VietACT's 2009 Intern (http://www.vietact.org/). Calix will be departing for Taiwan in September to intern at the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office (http://www.taiwanact.net/) where she will learn more about human trafficking by engaging herself in various case studies, policy research, and special projects. Please check out the VietACT Intern Blog to read more about Calix and the VietACT International Internship Program: http://vietactintern.blogspot.com/.

A reminder that VAYA has been nominated for a "Community Service Award" as part of the 2009 6th Annual Asian Heritage Awards presented by Asia Media, Inc. Please extend your support to VAYA by voting for us as well as many other individuals, organizations, and/or corporations at http://www.asiamediainc.com/.

As the summer approaches, we are seeking leaders to take on some projects, including the: 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.

Lastly, don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general 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. E-Board will finalize the Tet Chair(s) in the next week and after that, the Tet Chair(s) will appoint staff on board accordingly. So apply EARLY to claim YOUR SPOT (first come, first serve).

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.

2009-06-04T17:50:00.001-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

VAYA has been nominated for a "Community Service Award" as part of the 2009 6th Annual Asian Heritage Awards presented by Asia Media, Inc. In general, the Asian Heritage Awards aims to recognize and acknowledge Asian Americans nominated in 14 categories. Voting began on midnight May 22nd and will continue until midnight June 26th. "In addition to voting on line by going to www.asiamediainc.com or www.asianheritageawards.com, voters may view nominee bios in the current edition of ASIA, which was distributed in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County last week, and send in their votes by mail or email their choices to editorial@asiamediainc.com." Please extend your support to VAYA by voting for us as well as many other individuals, organizations, and/or corporations.

Lastly, don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general staff and Tet 2010 Committee staff to add to our team. Please visit our official website (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. E-Board will finalize the Tet Chair(s) in the next week and after that, the Tet Chair(s) will appoint staff on board accordingly. So apply EARLY to claim YOUR SPOT (first come, first serve).

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.

2009-05-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

VAYA has been nominated for a "Community Service Award" as part of the 2009 6th Annual Asian Heritage Awards presented by Asia Media, Inc. The link below takes you to their current issue with background on all nominees beginning on page 4. To vote, click on any of the candidates or go to “Vote Here” on page 10. You may also vote by circling your choice – one in each category – in the May 22 edition of ASIA being distributed in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County. Mail or deliver to ASIA, 5857B Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego Ca. 92120.

http://www.asiamediainc.com/site/c.enJNKQNlFiG/b.5105387/k.6B31/ASIA_Facing_East_Front.htm

For more on the Asian Heritage Awards, go to www.asianheritageawards.com

For a complete view of what’s going on in the Asian Pacific Islander community, go to www.asiamediainc.com

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.

2009-05-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

As the VAYA Executive Board move forward to our second year in office, we are starting a NEW Volume in our Newsletter (Volume VI: Issue 1). A reminder that the newsletter was created for your convenient access to important VAYA issues and information. If you're affiliated with another organization (VSA, etc) and would like to make an announcement on VAYA's newsletter on behalf of your organization, please send everything directly to VAYA Secretary at newsletter@vayasd.org by Saturday night (11:59 PM) of each week. VAYA will do our best to post all "approved" announcements on the next immediate newsletter.

In VAYA news, we like to recognize and congratulate Henry Tran & Calix Vu-Bui as VAYA Community Relations Coordinators (Vietnamese Community and Non-Vietnamese Community respectively). They will both work harmoniously with VAYA External Vice President - Nikki Lam in dealing with ALL the External Affairs of VAYA. Also, don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general staff and Tet 2010 Committee staff to add to our team. Please visit our official website (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.

Lastly, VAYA would like to congratulate those graduating from San Diego State University this month. We wish you MUCH success in life and applaud you for your accomplishments. 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.

2009-05-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

It is unfortunate news that we have to acknowledge that Frank Vuong has stepped down from his position as the president of the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance of San Diego. His passion and drive for developing the Vietnamese community in San Diego will be sorely missed. The staff is all saddened by Frank's resignation, but we understand that it was a personal decision and we will continue to wish him the best in his future endeavors.

VAYA asks that all our members and supporters continue to place their trust in the current staff to continue the hard work needed to develop our communities and encourage the spread of our Vietnamese culture.

The current Executive Board Member of VAYA consist of the following:

President Michael Thai
Internal Vice President Larry Tran
External Vice President Nikki Lam
Secretary Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen
Treasurer Cuong Pham

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

About the Author: Michael H. Thai serves as President for VAYA.

A Letter From Former VAYA President: Frank Vuong (2008-2009)

2009-05-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYAnese and friends,

Please take this memo as my official resignation from the position and duties of the president of VAYA, effective immediately.

As of Friday April 10, Michael Thai has assume the role and responsibility of Acting President. Please give him the same loyalty and support that you have given me.

I am confident that even without my participation, Executive Board Members Michael Thai, Nikki Lam, Larry Tran, Vinh Nguyen, and the VAYA Staffs will carry on the VAYA Mission to Serve and Develop the San Diego Vietnamese Community into a strong and prosperous place for every one to live, work, and play.

It has been a privilege to have served with all of you. And thanks your care and support, I have learned and I have grown much in a very short time.

I leave you to find other ways to improve our community and to create a better world for everyone. May our paths cross again in the foreseeable future.

Cheers and Good Bye.

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as Former President for VAYA.

2009-04-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Many thanks to those who came out and supported the Utility Box Painting Day (images above) and Vietnamese Heritage Flag Day @ Hoover High School. The event was a GREAT success. In continuing more events leading up to "Black April", VAYA will be participating in this year's Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair this Saturday. The day after that will be the Community-Wide Black April Commemoration @ Hoover High School (4474 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115). For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/.

Lastly, VAYA is actively recruiting new staff to add to our team for the 2009-2010 year. We are ALSO recruiting new staff for our 2010 Tet Festival Committee with deadlines approaching this weekend. For details on how to apply, please visit www.vayasd.org for information.

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.

2009-04-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

With just a few weeks away from "Black April" (April 30th), VAYA is diligently working with many different organizations on this collaborative event. The "Black April Committee" now meets every Friday at 6:30 PM @ the Community Resource Center (4635 El Cajon / San Diego, CA 92115) to work on this project. Please visit our web site or calendar http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/ to get the latest updates on events and meetings leading up to "Black April". If you are interested in joining the "Black April Committee", please email VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen secretary@vayasd.org.

Lastly, VAYA is actively recruiting new staff to add to our team for the 2009-2010 year. We are ALSO recruiting new staff for our 2010 Tet Festival Committee. For details on how to apply, please read the details on this newsletter or visit www.vayasd.org for information.

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

VAYA 2010 Tet Chair & Committee Chair Applications

2009-04-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

To those interested,

The Vietnamese American Youth Alliance (VAYA) is in the process of forming our Tet Committee for the year 2010.

The links below will allow you to access the applications in order to apply for VAYA 2010 "Tet" Chair and/or VAYA 2010 "Committee Chair". Details and duty descriptions are included inside on the application.

VAYA 2010 Tet Chair Application.doc
Direct Link: http://v117h.fileave.com/VAYA%202010%20Tet%20Chair%20Application.doc

VAYA 2010 Tet Committee Chair Application.doc
Direct Link: http://V117H.fileave.com/VAYA 2010 Tet Committee Chair Application - Copy.doc

Process: E-Board will unanimously vote and appoint either one or two Tet Co-Chairs. Tet-Chair or Co-Chairs will unanimously appoint staff into his/her respective choice of committee. E-Board will only intervene in "Committee Chair selection" should conflict arises.

The following Committee Chairs are available for the year 2010:
Vice Chair*, Secretary*, Budget/Finance*, Operations, Entertainment, Cultural Village, Miss Vietnam of San Diego Pageant, Kid's Spotlight, Golden Voice Contest, Sponsorship, Vendor, Public Relations, Volunteer, Ticketing & Gate, Publicity, Technical Audio/Video, Creative Design*, and Webmaster*.

* Denotes a ONE Person position, although negotiable if deemed necessary.

Deadline for VAYA 2010 "Tet" Chair (ONLY) Application will be Sunday Night on April 26, 2009 (11:59 PM PST). VAYA 2010 "Committee Chair" Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but priority considerations will be given to those who submit their COMPLETED application by Sunday Night May 3, 2009 (11:59 PM PST). FOR NOW, PLEASE EMAIL ALL APPLICATIONS TO: secretary@vayasd.org.

For more information about VAYA, please visit http://www.vayasd.org/. For more information about our Annual Tet Festival, please visit http://www.sdtet.com/. Please direct any further questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

2009-03-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

As "Black April" approaches (April 30th), VAYA is currently in the planning phase of this collaborative event. The "Black April Committee" intends to meet every Thursday at 6:30 PM @ the Community Resource Center (4635 El Cajon / San Diego, CA 92115) to work on this project. Please visit our web site or calendar http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/ to get the latest updates on events and meetings leading up to "Black April". If you are interested in joining the "Black April Committee", please email VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen secretary@vayasd.org.

Lastly, VAYA is actively recruiting new staff to add to our team for the 2009-2010 year. For details on how to apply, please read the details on the left side column of this newsletter or visit www.vayasd.org for information.

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.

2009-03-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Thank you ALL to those who attended the "Volunteer Appreciation Banquet" on March 7, 2009. Again, we are deeply appreciative to ALL those who helped make our 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival a SUCCESSFUL reality.

With a few weeks away from April, we are forming the committee to execute this year's Annual "Black April Commemoration". We are meeting this Sunday (03/15/09) to get updates about this project which includes the possibly of working with other organization(s) to make this a collaborative effort. If you are interested in joining the "Black April Committee", please email VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen secretary@vayasd.org.

Lastly, as we look forward to VAYA's 5th Annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year Tet Festival, we are in the process of forming our Tet 2010 Committee. If you're interested in taking a role in our Tet 2010 Festival, please be on the look out for upcoming "Tet 2010 Committee Chair Applications" in the next month. On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support. Happy Early "St. Patrick's Day".

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

Recruiting: VAYA 2009-2010 Staff (Application w/ Duty Descriptions)

2009-03-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

VAYA is actively recruiting new staff to add to our team. The following positions are available for the 2009-2010 year (12 Positions): Community Service Chair, Fundraising Chair, Publicity/Communication Chair, Media Chair, Retention Chair, Culture Chair, Historian, Community Relation Coordinator I (Vietnamese), Community Relation Coordinator II (non-Viet), Editor in Chief, & Youth Coordinator.

All applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. Priority considerations will be given to those who summit their applications by the end of March 2009. You can download the general application along with a document detailing the duties and responsibilities for each of the position by clicking the following links:

VAYA-Staff-Application 09-10.doc

Direct Link: http://V117H.fileave.com/VAYA-Staff-Application 09-10.doc

VAYA-Staff-Duty Descriptions 09-10.doc

Direct Link: http://V117H.fileave.com/VAYA-Staff-Duty Descriptions 09-10.doc

Previous Message from VAYA President - Frank Vuong: "Some of you have special leadership skills and talents that may not fit the positions in the list. If you are one of those people who wants to be involved, please fill out the application and give yourself an appropriate title/position. Eboard will consider every one's application. Our goal is to build a diverse and robust cabinet to run VAYA for the next Year."

Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

Thank you!

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

2009-02-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

In showing our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to ALL those who helped make our 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival a SUCCESSFUL reality, VAYA will be hosting the Annual "Volunteer Appreciation Banquet" on March 7, 2009. The event will take place at the Recital Hall at Balboa Park from 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM. The Tet Volunteer Committee will be in contact with ALL volunteers shortly to extend a personal invitation. If you have any questions regarding this event, please email Reinhart Arquiza ("Volunteer Appreciation Banquet" Committee Chair, Tet 2009 Volunteer Committee Co-Chair) reinhart.arquiza@sdtet.com.

As April approaches, we are forming the committee to execute this year's Annual "Black April Commemoration". If you are interested in joining the "Black April Committee", please email VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen secretary@vayasd.org.

Lastly, as we look forward to VAYA's 5th Annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year Tet Festival, we are in the process of forming our Tet 2010 Committee. If you're interested in taking a role in our Tet 2010 Festival, please be on the look out for upcoming "Tet 2010 Committee Chair Applications" in the next week.
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.

2009-02-12T22:49:00.000-08:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

We hope everyone had a great Lunar New Year.

As we recuperate from a successful 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival, VAYA continues to work on MORE future events including a "Volunteer Appreciation Banquet" (in March); to recognize and acknowledge ALL of our wonderful volunteers who dedicated their time and heart for the community. As April approaches, we are forming the committee to execute this year's Annual "Black April Commemoration". If you are interested in joining the "Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Committee" OR the "Black April Committee" (or BOTH), please email VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen secretary@vayasd.org.

Those that attended our 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival, don't forget to show your Tet Festival ticket stub at the San Diego Natural History Museum http://www.sdnhm.org/ and get $2 off General Admission (Adults AND Children). Not valid for separately priced exhibitions. Not to be combined with other discounts. This deal expires March 1, 2009. Access to the theater IS included with Admission (Films in Kaplan Giant-screen).

As we look forward to VAYA's 5th Annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year Tet Festival, we are in the process of forming our Tet 2010 Committee. If you're interested in taking a role in our Tet 2010 Festival, please be on the look out for upcoming "Tet 2010 Committee Chair Applications". Why should you join our 2010 Tet Committee? You will help preserve & promote the Vietnamese Culture, work with youth and professionals in San Diego, as well as build leadership and management skills. This is a good opportunity to gain community service hours and feel good about helping the community.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support. Have a Happy Valentine's Day Weekend.

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

2009-01-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

It gives us great pleasure to be part of the Fourth Annual San Diego Lunar New Year Tết Festival, entitled, "A Vibrant Spring" (Sức Sống Mùa Xuân), hosted by the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance of San Diego.

Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is the most eagerly anticipated holiday in the Vietnamese Culture. It is an occasion to pay homage to our ancestors and passing on centuries-old traditions to the new generation.

We wish to thank all of our supporters, staff, and volunteers who have put forth over eight months of effort to put together the three day festival. To everyone involved, your support, team work, coordination, and resilience have made the VAYA Tet Festival a continuing success. We are proud of you and we hope you are also proud of our combined efforts. This special event is a tribute to you and to all of the San Diego community. Special thanks go to our presenting sponsor Barona Casino as well as the countless other sponsors that have helped to make this festival happen. Without the countless sponsors this festival would never have happened.

Last, but CERTAINLY NOT least, thank you to ALL who came to our event. Your attendance and support is deeply appreciative.

We wish everyone a very enjoyable festival, and CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI (Happy New Year)!

About the Author: Larry Tran & Cuong Pham served as the Tết 2009 Co-Chairs for VAYA.

Thou Shalt Not Get Sick!

2009-01-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

Dear VAYAnese,

As we move toward the "point of no return" for Tet, I am "feeling" the intensity of every one's passion and dedication. By getting this far, we have already succeeded in unifying scores of San Diego youths toward a common cause. Please take a moment to reflect upon all that you have accomplished --- feel proud, and KNOW that you stand among the best that San Diego has to offer in terms of service and leadership. I am humbled by your level of commitment --- from Cultural Village work parties to Street Squad flyering; from nightly meetings to weekly dance practices, each and every one of you embodies VAYA's Mission of Youth Empowerment for the Community Services and Development of San Diego. I have no greater words to praise every one for your hard work and commitment. I do, however, have some brotherly advices to offer:

RELAX: When things get hot, don't let your temper heat up as well. The cooler you keep your head, the better you will be at making good decisions at critical moments.
SLEEP: No matter how many things are on your plate, you will NEVER be able to accomplish them all. However, if you are well-rested you will be able to do the MOST IMPORTANT things, MOST effectively. So no matter how busy your schedule is, make sure you set aside time for SLEEP. Everyone including yourself will benefit from your good sleep.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH: DO NOT GET SICK! I cannot emphasize this enough. Eat well, eat many times a day, and eat healthy food. Drink plenty of water and juices. Take a regular doze of multi-vitamins. And wash your hands regularly. We cannot afford any one of you getting sick, so please take good care of yourself.
SMILE: Research shows that by smiling (even fake smile) you tell your brain to release positive chemicals that helps you function better. So the next time you feel frustrated or sad or tired. Stop and stretch those facial muscles. Pull the corner of your mouth up to your ears. Smile with your whole body. I promise you, if you do this for 1 minute, you will feel A LOT BETTER!

Take care, and I'll see every one in the trenches (healthy and strong of course).

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as President for VAYA.

2009-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, VAYAnese!

I hope you all got plenty of holiday presents as well as many opportunities to dispense your own share of gifts. It seems to me that when the economy is bad, people tend to look to more meaningful gifts of love and the spirit. As for me, I feel happier, and that's all the gifts that I ever cared for.

On another note, despite global warming, this winter is particular cold. It snows in Julian and many So-Cal VSA's were stuck in a snow storm at Big Bear. Nevertheless, as I my toes and fingers are freezing up, my heart is warmed by a certain memory of another winter...

"Like Chocolate for Water"

It was a cold and clear winter night, a few years back. I was driving back from Orange County (OC) to San Diego after having visited my parents for Christmas. I like to drive at night because the cars on the road are few and the frustrated, anal-retentive drivers are even fewer. The occasional speeders and highway patrols don't bother me; they are my companion on the lonely Interstate 5 in the wee hour of the morning.

Any way, it was particularly dark when I pulled in to the Rest Area near Camp Pendleton. Still some miles from civilization, only the stars and the lamp posts guided my way as I stepped from my car into the frigid cold. I exhaled and my breath turned into small clouds of fog. I went to the restroom and on the way back I noticed several vending machines, each selling a variety of treats, chips, cookies, and sandwiches as well as cold and hot drinks. I approached the hot-drink vending machine and waited for a woman ahead of me to finish her purchase. I watched her taking particularly long with the machine as she was going back and forth between the bill receptacle and her purse. Finally, once she had made up her mind, the vending machine began to pour into a paper cup some dark aromatic liquid. I think it was coffee the way it smelled.

As the woman took her cup and turned to leave, I noticed a 20-dollar bill near where she had stood. I picked up the loose bill and handed it to her. I expected a quick thank-you from the stranger, but instead, the woman's face and smile lit up like a full moon and her eyes twinkled like stars in a dark night. She was so thankful that she showered me with many a words of gratitude and even offered to buy whatever I was planning to get from the vending machine. To this, I gladly agreed, having been a poor starving college student myself.

I opted for the Hot Chocolate. I think it cost one dollar and twenty five cents, which the woman gladly paid for. The woman said her good-bye and hurried to her car to seek refuge from the biting cold, her hands taking comfort from the warm cup of coffee. As the woman's car began to pull away, I picked up my paper cup of hot chocolate. I took a sip and was surprised--it tasted like water. I guess the vending machine ran out of chocolate-mix so it was dispensing only hot water. I couldn't help but laugh to myself. The irony did not escape me. I could have kept that twenty dollar bill and treated myself to a steak-dinner in San Diego, but instead, I did the gracious thing and gave it back to the woman. The woman repaid my kindness with one-dollar and twenty-five cents worth of "water for chocolate." Fate sure had a sense of humor.

I still remember that insignificant event today. But I can't decide whether I remember it for the plainness of water for chocolate, or the sweetness of the knowledge of having done something good and the sweetness of a stranger's sincere gratitude.

Merry Christmas to All my Friends. May we do a small good deed each day and receive many a sweet rewards from loved-ones and strangers alike.

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as President for VAYA.

2008-12-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Members and Supporters,

Today is a glorious day not only for Vietnamese-American everywhere in general, but for the VAYAnese of San Diego in particular. Today, a young immigrant has become a Vietnamese-American citizen by naturalization. Today, our community has gained a new Voter, new Voice, and a new Power.

Citizenship is a privilege, not a right. As a citizen, one enjoys many more opportunities than non-citizens. One gains access to more secure and better-paid governmental jobs; wider ranges of travel, and greater protection against enemies foreign and domestic. But more importantly, a citizen also acquires certain responsibilities. Besides pledging one's allegiance to the Star Spangled Banner, and defending the constitution of the United States, a citizen has a greater burden of ensuring the effectiveness of our government, the fairness of our justice system, the equality of our society and the well-being of our people. As one becomes a citizen, one's Voice takes on a greater meaning; one's Vote becomes a powerful tool to shape one's life and the lives of others. All the new powers, privileges and responsibilities will go into making our young friend a better person as he becomes a man and perhaps even a leader of men.

Without further ado, please join me in congratulating Long (last name) Tuấn Lương (first name) on his becoming a citizen of our adopted motherland, the United States of America.

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as President for VAYA.

VAYA Logo/Seal

2008-12-06T22:54:00.000-08:00

The organization shall have a seal which shall be in the following form:

(a) The seal consists of five symbolic elements. The initials V.A.Y.A. represent the short name of the organization.The bamboo represents the sturdiness and flexibility of the Vietnamese people as well as that of the VietnameseAmerican youth. The sun symbolizes the tropical climate of agricultural Vietnam which shapes the lives of theVietnamese people since ancient time. The migratory sea-swallows represent the flight of the Vietnamese peoplein search of life and freedom. The birds also represent peace and the coming of spring which is associated withyouthful fervor. The three red stripes represent the bloodlines of the three main geographical, dialectical, andcultural regions of Vietnam.

(b) The Vietnamese American Youth Alliance adopted this group of symbols as the seal of the organization becauseof their many layers of meanings. It was chosen to reflect the connection between the Vietnamese Americanyouths and their culture and identity.

2008-12-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Members and Supporters,

Many thanks to those who came out to our "Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner" on Sunday 11/23/08 at the Santa Fe Room in Balboa Park. The event was a great success and we hope that you can join us again in future "VAYA Thanksgiving Potluck Dinners".

As a reminder, two major VAYA Tet-related events this week will be the Cultural Village Kick-Off Event and the VAYA 2009 Tet "Golden Voice" Final Audition, BOTH taking place this Saturday on December 6th. More information can be found under the "Upcoming VAYA Meetings & Events" section. Please note that If you would like to help out and/or join a Tet committee, it is NEVER too late. Feel free to contact me for details or come to our weekly meetings and get involved. We are ALWAYS looking for new talents and fresh ideas.

Lastly, Protégé Insurance Brokers, Inc. is currently searching for a part-time student intern or worker at their San Diego Office. More information can be found under the "Job Announcement" section of this newsletter. Details about the company can be at www.protegebrokers.com. 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.

My Entrepreneurial Life - The Death

2008-11-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

The story I am about to tell will probably relate to you in one way or the other.

"If someone told you they do not have a dream, they are lying"

When I was in high school I had always dreamed of running a business. Everyone has a dream. This was my dream. I had tried to start a few from high school to college that only got me a buck or two on the side. In college I rubbed shoulders with people that were soaring high. Business owners with mansions, pent houses, Ferrari and Lamborghinis. Some of them were in their late 20s. Some who bought new cars every other month like money ain't a thang. This was my motivation to push myself harder.

May 2005 - Graduation

"Sometimes you feel like school was in the way of something better"

I had recently graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences Art (graphic design in short). I was excited to finish school. Towards the end of school I felt as if school was in the way of me making it big. It was two weeks after I had walked when I got a phone call from an old friend to meet on starting a new business. I was called upon because I had web development skills and matched a position in the business plan. The business I helped created was internet marketing for mortgage brokers.

Start of a new challenge

"Have you ever been in a situation where you thought back a month prior and would never thought you would ever be there?"

This was the beginning of the largest challenge of my life. The business sprinted and started within its first month. We had a 1800sq ft office space with 15 employees over the summer of 2005. We had recruited some of the best salesmen from top companies to work for us. They saw our product and was very enthusiastic about it. I was the Chief Operating Officer overlooking the business. Everything felt great.

It was about a year into the business and we had around 200 clients across the nation each paying us a monthly fee. We had residual income. Our phones were ringing off the hook. I started working 10-16 hour days staggered. Sometimes I would not sleep. We were making our competitors look bad. Clients were switching over to our business. Everything was all good in the hood. It felt good to build something from ground up and see it soar.I had flash backs of hanging out at mansions with nice cars. I had a feeling I was going to be there. I was constantly eating at nice restaurants. I started drinking wine a lot. Actually, this was the start of my wine drinking. I wanted to be classy and fancy with everything I had gained.

Mo money mo problems

But with a steady flow of income and sales every month, things started getting hairy. It seemed as if the more money we made the more trouble we run into. Every dollar that came in was tagged with trouble. It was then that every dollar I helped the company earned went out the door.

I had dealt with law suits from bigger companies trying to stop us from rising in the market. Their tactic was to put us through a lawsuit and try to bleed us out until we had no money left to fight. I had dealt with clients making threats to the business. Some of these clients had a lot of money and a lot of time on their hands. I had dealt with employees stealing from within and taking our business away. Employees who causes emotional stress to other employees to make a stand.

Stress relieversIn 2006, I joined the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance. I needed a break from all the stress i was going through. I met new friends and volunteering helped get my mind off of business. I wanted to change the swing of things and started getting more involved with them. I had dedicated too much of my time working and I needed to get out. They kept me sane.

Image is deceiving

"What you see isn't what you get"

When I was out hanging with my friends and meeting new people they thought I had it all good and gravy. Only those who were really close to me knew what I was going through. It was the image I presented that hid everything else. They saw me in my Mercedes and tagged me as successful. My Mercedes was part of the business marketing plan. Some would ask me why I drive an expensive car.

I said to them, "Would you rather work for someone driving a bucket or someone driving a Mercedes?"

If I wasn't running the business I wouldn't have bought such an expensive car. I would probably still be driving my civic hatchback, the $3k car that got me from point A to point B twice as less money in gas than what I have now.

The collapse of the mortgage industry

Our business's income was from mortgage brokers. No mortgage brokers no money. These guys knew how to sell loans and didn't know how to market themselves on the internet. That was what we were for.It was the beginning of 2007

"How does it feel to have someone you know leave and take advantage of what they know about you and take away what you have built?"

We saw the beginning of the end. Not only was I dealing with business getting taken away from competitors (who use to work for me), I was also dealing with mortgage brokers who went out of business. My business partner had recently gotten married and had a baby coming. He had his plate full.

Money was going out the door. I saw nothing but bills. IP phones, fax lines and internet $600+, insurance $400, rent $3500, loans, servers etc. Cost of running the business was more than $12,000 a month. It was like a ship trying to make it to land but was struck by a cannon ball with gas leaking.

The ship was sinking. On the outside. I looked like I was steering it as if I had just bought it.

"Have you ever looked at someone smiling and was curious if that smile was hiding how they truly feel?"

The dream of making it big was turning bleak. I thought back about all those people I ran into in high places. I would wonder what the other side of the image they presented was like.

It was towards the end of summer 2007. I was struggling.

"The guy behind the McDonald counter was better off than I was"

I had to jump ships. I landed a new job at the beginning September of 2007 right away. I had a job as a 3D graphics designer. I was titled as a "Senior Interactive Designer". I had worked there for almost a year. During the time there it felt like a huge break from everything I was going through.

I was rebuilding myself both mentally and financially

I had carried my entrepreneurial mindset over to the new company. I had downgraded to just a regular employee with a huge leadership aurora. The leadership was a bit disoriented from the transition of the two different environments. Sometimes I felt that the employees there didn't like it. I had to change. I had to blend into the new environment. It is not the same anymore.

Almost a year later, August 2008, I got laid off along with 25% of the work force at that company.

Collecting unemployment

"This is where I am today"

My past came knocking on the door this morning

I am still untangling myself from the business I once ran. It still gets to me here and there. But I try not worry about what I can't control and look on the brighter side.

I think back

You are working so hard you leave out the more important things

What if you just disappear the next day. You are building this huge mansion on your hands and knees so you can be better than your neighbor. Maybe it's to feel good about yourself. Maybe you want to show off your hard work.

"What if one day it all went away?"

What if one day a hurricane knocks it all away. You were too busy building and had no time to enjoy life with your friends, family, and loved ones. Your neighbor was better off than you. Your neighbor's house was decent size and completed long ago. Your neighbor was enjoying his life while you were still building.

The dream I was living towards had its flip side. I was taking in more stress over enjoyment. I was working so hard I didn't socialize and enjoy life as much. Right now I'm on a huge vacation.

This life is too short. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from chasing their dreams. I didn't regret the experience I had. I am just telling you my story.

About the Author: Dang Tran serves as the Webmaster for VAYA.

2008-11-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Members and Supporters,

As November dwindles down, we at VAYA are working hard in full preparation for our 2009 Tet Festival just months away. If you would like to help out and/or join a Tet committee, it is NEVER too late. Feel free to contact me or come to our weekly meetings and get involved. We are ALWAYS looking for new talents and fresh ideas.

As previously mentioned, the month of November will be an extremely busy month for many high school seniors as they apply for college. As most of us in VAYA are either current college students or college graduates, we are glad to assist those who need help with their college application(s) (which includes college application to UCs, CSUs, and various San Diego Community Colleges). Details about this opportunity can be found under the "VAYA Announcements & Other Information" section.

Please save the date for Sunday November 23, 2008. VAYA will be hosting our annual Thanksgiving "Potluck" Dinner that day and we would like for you to join us. Details about our "Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner" can be found under the "Upcoming VAYA Meetings & Events" section.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

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

A Letter from VAYA's 2008 Miss Vietnam of San Diego

2008-11-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

This past summer I have had the opportunity to board the USNS Mercy to participate in a multi partner nations humanitarian mission in Southeast Asia. Vietnam was one of the destinations. For the first time in 12 years, I came back not only to visit my homeland but also with a meaningful purpose and that was to provide health care to the underserved Vietnamese. Along with the Navy personnel, I also welcomed the opportunity to work with Operation Smile International, Project HOPE, International Medical Relief Team, and doctors from all over the world.

Despite the fact that Vietnam is one of the fastest growing countries in Asia for the past decade, it is undoubtedly still one of the poorest in the world. The Vietnamese deserve and are in desperate needs of basic healthcare especially those in the suburban areas. Being born and raised in Vietnam until 9 years old, I was proud to be back and help the people in my country. What else connects healthcare providers with their patients better than words of encouragement and compassion? It is exactly what I did in Vietnam. My job as a translator in Vietnam proved to be extremely helpful as I was able to break the language barrier between doctors and patients. Being able to speak the language allowed me to have better interactions with the patients. Many Vietnamese though receiving healthcare for free, are nevertheless afraid of the sophisticated machines and the technology that the US Navy is providing. I made sure the patient understands their conditions as well as their options before they opt for surgery. Communication was imperative for this mission because without effective communication between patients and doctors, the mission would not have been as successful. Being able to communicate in the same language, I got the chance to meet people who touched my heart deeply.

When I was at Dien Son clinic, bac Sau, an 88 years old woman whom had lost one eye to cataract, came in with a broken pair of glasses tied together by a string. The glasses were badly broken in the middle with yellow stained on the rims. Bac Sau was a nice and mellow lady and was so poor that she could not even afford a pair of sandals. I liked her instantly because she reminded me of my dear grand mother whom I had the chance to visit a few days earlier before the mission started. The daughter took her to the clinic hoping to get a pair of glasses so her mother can see better. After the exam, the optometrist gave the proper prescription and despite needing this new pair of glasses more than anyone, Bac Sau declined with a simple explanation, "My daughter has been asking me to come and get new glasses for free even after I repeatedly declined. I know it's almost my time, please save it for someone else who needs more than I do. I've been using this broken pair of glasses for the past 10 years, so it makes no difference whether it's broken or not." I stood there feeling heartbroken as tears swelled up in my eyes. I began to realize how lucky we are to be living in the United States. Basic healthcares some of which are taken for granted such as removing a decayed tooth, glasses, medicines... are a luxury for these poor people.

I left Vietnam with a promise to myself to come back on more humanitarian missions in the future not only as a translator but a dentist as well.

Having gone to Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Micronesia, I choose to focus on Vietnam because I felt it made the greatest impact on me in terms of patients' interactions and also my role in Vietnam as a translator was unique. My responsibility in each country was different whether it's renovating schools and hospital in Micronesia, and putting fluoride varnish on the Timorese children in Baucau, assisting in extracting root tips in betel nuts land (PNG). I personally learned they all had one thing in common and that was just lending a hand to a stranger in need of help halfway across the world is very satisfying and rewarding.

Overall, the ship provided health care for over 90,000 patients, 1,600 surgeries, 14,500 dental works, in a five months long mission in 5 different countries. However, this once-in-a-life time experience would not have been possible without my family, U.S. Navy, UCSD Pre-Dental Society, and Miss Vietnam of San Diego hosted by VAYA. During last year's Miss Vietnam of San Diego, part of the top 5 question asked, "What would you do after you win the pageant?" I will be joining the US Navy on a humanitarian mission this summer in Southeast Asia and will be providing healthcare and dental work for the underserved," I answered with confidence. Today I am proud to say that having participated in Miss Vietnam of San Diego provided me the opportunity to fulfill my dream and look at the world from a different perspective. I would like to share my gratitude to VAYA and I hope the next Miss Vietnam of San Diego winners will continue this tradition by doing something meaningful regardless of how big or small it is.

About the Author: Van Nguyen was the winner for VAYA's 2008 Miss Vietnam of San Diego.

2008-11-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Members and Supporters,

The month of November will be an extremely busy month for most high school seniors as they apply for college. As most of us in VAYA are either current college students or college graduates, we are glad to assist those who need help with their college application(s) (which includes college application to UCs, CSUs, and various San Diego Community Colleges). If you're a high school student and would like to get some help or advice on your college application, please RSVP to VAYA's External Vice President, Nikki Lam, at collegeinfo@vayasd.org. In the RSVP email, PLEASE SPECIFY WHAT YOU SPECIFICALLY NEED HELP WITH. If you're CURRENTLY a college student and would like to help a high school student out with his/her application, contact Nikki to get involve. FROM NOW ON, Application Assistance is provided EVERY SATURDAY IN NOVERMBER (starting on 11/1/08) @ Tea N' More (Clairemont Mesa Blvd, next to 99 Ranch Supermarket) at 1:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE that there will be NO "College Application Assistance" workshop on Saturday 11/29/08 due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. For more information or if interested in participating OR helping out with this event, please contact VAYA's External Vice President, Nikki Lam, at collegeinfo@vayasd.org.

Please save the date for Sunday November 23, 2008. VAYA will be hosting our annual Thanksgiving "Potluck" Dinner that day and we would like for you to join us. VAYA Thanksgiving "Potluck" Dinner will be Sunday 11/23/08 from 6:00 - 10:00 PM at the Santa Fe Room at Balboa Park. Please be on the lookout for a special eVite which will include further details and an option to let us know what you'll be bringing to the Potluck Dinner. Location: Santa Fe Room (Balboa Park Club) - President Way / San Diego, CA 92101. For more information, please contact VAYA Internal Vice President (VAYA Thanksgiving "Potluck" Dinner Coordinator), Michael Thai, at ivp@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.

2008-10-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

My Fellow VAYAnese,

First and foremost, I would like to thank those of you who took part in the VAYA 5th Annual Street Clean-up. You are the future; and you have empowered yourself to take on the great challenge of making your community a cleaner and better place. In particular, I would like to congratulate the organizing committee (Toni, Kristiana, Reinhart, Nick, Duy) for all their vision, hard work, and outstanding achievement in making this year's event one of the best Street Clean-up ever. A few volunteers even asked me, "Why don't we do this more often than just once a year?" This goes to show that your effort and sacrifices have instilled a greater sense of community engagement and responsibility in the heart of the youths today.

Secondly, I commend those of you who have worked late on the same evening as the Street Clean-up and early the next morning in a last-ditch effort to register many Vietnamese-Americans to vote in the upcoming presidential election. You all have empowered the Vietnamese community by giving them a voice through the opportunity to cast ballot.

My dear friends and colleague, the future of the community is in our hand. Strong or weak, the choice is ours. Clean or Dirty, the choice is ours. Whether we register to vote in the upcoming election or bend down to pick up a cigarette butt on the street, the choice is ours. The little things that we do will leave a great impact on our community. This is why VAYA has chosen to attach to the Street Clean-up event a special message of community empowerment through voting.

Four years ago, our founding leaders and members registered some 6000 Vietnamese voters (half of the total Vietnamese registered voters). They also fought for and secured for our community the access to Vietnamese Language ballot materials. Today the Vietnamese Language program is still in place and the number of Vietnamese registered voters is over 13,000 strong. This is a great legacy that we can all be proud of. And we are still writing the pages of history with the annual Street Clean-up, the VAYA Lunar New Year Tet Festival, and many other projects.

Just as there is no nobler intention than keeping our democracy strong by voting; or keeping the election fair and effective by working the polls, there is no purer intention than the desire to keep our community clean and healthy by picking up trash. If every one of us does our little part on a regular basis, then our city will always be clean. By volunteering our own time to participate in this Street Cleanup event, we declare that "we will not stand for dirtiness", that our community's well being is our priority, and that we challenge all residents, all businesses, all visitors, and all government officials to take responsibility for keeping our environment green.

And finally, by registering people to vote, or volunteering to be poll workers, or working as ballot scanners or supply-pickup specialists, we declare that "we will not go silently into the night; that our voice will be heard because we are speaking not only with words, but with realistic, measurable actions, and that the Vietnamese community will remain strong for as long as there is a single Vietnamese youth picking up trash, or registering people to vote, or working the polls, etc..."

Yet there are still great challenges ahead...but to find out more, come to the VAYA Meetings and the Tet Community Forum this Sunday!

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as President for VAYA.

2008-10-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

I just wanted to send out a thanks to all of you who managed to come join us for the VAYA staff retreat in Julian. I feel like we all came away with a deeper understanding of VAYA and the processes it takes to maintain such an organization. Thanks goes to Nikki (EVP) and Frank (President) for finding an awesome, not to mention spooky, house for us to crash in. If you just look around, I'm sure you'll be seeing pictures of the house we spent two nights in popping up on the web.

I'd also like to thank some of our special guest speakers/coordinators, Anh Bao, Anh Quoc, and Anh Su, on helping develop some great discussions on the future of VAYA as well as better defining our roles within the organization. Lots of inspirational talk and some compelling discussions occurred over the weekend, Let's not forget their role in spooking the heck out of us in the middle of the night.

And last, but not least, I'd like to thank Julian for the reminder that it really is Autumn now and for the warm and delicious apple pie. Hmmm... Pie...

About the Author: Michael H. Thai serves as the Internal Vice President for VAYA.

2008-09-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

Many thanks to those who contributed and/or came out to support our Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) Event on 9/14/08 and the College Info Session on 9/20/08. We had an astounding turn out for both event and we look forward to providing even MORE cultural events and services to the San Diego Community in the near future.

As October approaches, VAYA is currently preparing for our Staff Retreat scheduled for the weekend of October 3-5, 2008. The goal of this retreat is to establish a stronger workmanship among our dedicated staff, especially those directly involved with the planning of our annual Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) Festival. October is also the month of the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF). This year, VAYA will be co-presenting two movies that we hope you will find interesting and will enjoy.

The first movie will we co-present is: OH SAIGON (USA/Vietnam): A refugee family faces its divided past to heal wounds of the Vietnam War. This movie will screen on THURSDAY, OCT 9 - 6:10 PM. The second movie will we co-present is: STORY OF SPIRITS (Vietnam): A woman connects with her mother's spirit to learn the truth about her death. This movie will screen on SUNDAY, OCT 12 - 5:20 PM. For more information about the 9th San Diego Asian Film Festival, please visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=9wphwrcab.0.0.6wp5dkcab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sdaff.org%2F&id=preview. If interested in purchasing tickets for these screening through VAYA, please contact info@vayasd.org.

VAYA is in the process of coordinating our "5th Annual Street Cleanup" event, scheduled for Saturday 10/18/08 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. For more information or if interested in coordinating this event and joining this committee, please contact VAYA's 2008 Cleanup Event Coordinator, Toni Nguyen, at (619) 606-4228 or compatta@gmail.com. The committee meets EVERY Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at Broadway Coffee (4633 Convoy Street / San Diego, CA 92111). For general information, please email: streetcleanup@vayasd.org

VAYA will also be hosting the "VAYA Tet 2009 Pageant Mixer" at the Santa Fe Room (Balboa Park Club) on Saturday 10/18/08 starting at 5 PM (later on in the day after the "5th Annual Street Cleanup" event). Come to the "Pageant Mixer" to learn more about the 4th Annual Miss Vietnam of San Diego. For more information, please contact Kari Lam or Linda Nguyen / (858) 717-9901 / pageant@sdtet.com / http://www.sdtet.com/

Things are quite exciting as Tet approaches. Don't forget that if you have a Facebook account, please join our "VAYA 2009 Tet Festival" Facebook group and "VAYA" Facebook group to receive updates and annoucements. Come to one of our meetings and be involved, make a difference, and make new friends!

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

2008-09-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hi VAYA,

Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) is around the corner and we want to know what you remember about this festival. Did you do anything special with your family during this holiday? I remember our parents will usually take us to an event where they passed out free lanterns and free candies. When it got closed to dark, we would light our lanterns, walk around in a BIG circle, and sing the popular Tet Trung Thu song. There was also a lantern contest and the kid with the biggest and prettiest lantern would win.

Unfortunately, with so many regulations these days, including strict laws against the usage of "fire" around children, I don't think the children in America will get the actual "Tet Trung Thu" experience as most of did when we were little. Enough said, please share your experience below. I've provided some information about "Tet Trung Thu / Mid-Autumn Festival" below for those interested.

All About Tet Trung Thu, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
By: Erin Henderson

History and celebration of Tet Trung Thu, the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
Tet Trung Thu, as it is known in Vietnam, or the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival as we refer to it in America, is a wonderful, ancient festival that revolves around children.The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (Tet Trung Thu) dates back as far as 15-20,000 years ago in Southeast Asia, and is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar Month. This year, the date of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is September 2, the same day as the full moon. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is one of the two most popular festivals in Vietnam, and has been important to families in Vietnam for many years.

It is said that originally, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival came about as a way for parents to make up for lost time with their children after harvest season. The harvest was done by September, (August in the Lunar calendar) and the parents were anxious to spend time with their children and do something special with them, as well as celebrate the harvest, after spending much time working hard and away from the family. It was held under the full moon, which represents fullness and prosperity of life.

Tet Trung Thu is very much like a combination of our Halloween and Thanksgiving. Children parade on the streets, while singing and carrying colorful lanterns of different sizes. Some of the popular shapes include fishes, stars, butterflies and a lantern that spins when a candle is inserted, representing the earth circling the sun.

Dances are also traditional, and include the dragon dance and the flower dance.
It is customary to give Banh Trung Thu, boxes of moon cakes, which are traditionally very rich in taste. The cakes are filled with lotus seeds, ground beans and orange peels and have a bright yoke in the center to represent the moon.

Today, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, as well as encouraging affection for children, promotes education, poetry, dance and arts and crafts.

Many Vietnamese communities in the USA hold Mid-Autumn Moon Festivals, including Washington DC and San Jose. For families that don't live in an area with an organized Tet Trung Thu Festival, have your own! It is a wonderful opportunity to share and learn about your child's culture, and a great opportunity for family fun too!

To help children get ready for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, parents can help children make their lanterns and costumes for the lantern procession and discuss the history and culture of Vietnam.

Showing our love for our children and teaching of Vietnam's love for their children is a wonderful reason to celebrate!

Credit: http://www.adoptvietnam.org/vietnamese/tet-trung-thu.htm

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