Welcome to VAYA's Official Blog. This exciting new blog provides an opportunity for VAYA to engage in a dialogue with our members, the community, and those interested in our organization. This blog will feature commentary and observations from VAYA Executive Board Members, contributions by VAYA Staff and members, as well as approved guest bloggers from outside of VAYA. This blog will only be a true community if you participate, so please send your thoughts to eboard@vayasd.org. Please be respectful and considerate when posting comments and thoughts. All comments will be reviewed and approved prior to publication. Thank you for visiting this blog!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

VSA-SDSU's "Vietnamese Culture Night"


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"

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)

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

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 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. VSA-SDSU's "Vietnamese Culture Night"


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).

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


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

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 (http://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.

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

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.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

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!

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

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

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.