Vietnamese Culture & Science Association FAQs (frequently-asked questions)

Email:
vcsa_dc@yahoo.com

phone:
703-598-9676

Address:
VCSA-DC
PO Box 2986
Merrifield, VA 22116-2986

VCSA is dedicated to developing and building the generations of future leaders for the Vietnamese-American community across the United States, Canada and around the world.

VCSA�s mission is to promote harmony and cooperation among Vietnamese-Americans, especially in culture and science, and to provide a multi-faceted environment where young Vietnamese-American professionals can exchange ideas, share skills and participate in the building of a strong Vietnamese-American community.

The Vietnamese Culture and Science Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Vietnamese American organization founded in 1990, initially with 14 members located in Houston, Texas. Within the last 12 years, it has grown into a national organization with more than 400 members. VCSA is based in Houston, Texas with chapters in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; San Diego, California; Washington D.C., and Toronto, Canada.

Currently, for the Washington D.C. Chapter, we have:

* Mo Uoc Mua Giang Sinh
* Voter Registration
* CineFest Vietnam
* Cancer Awareness

Every year, VCSA delivers three major projects:
� Annual National Youth Leadership Development Camp, �Camp Len Duong.�
� Annual Youth Excellence Recognition Luncheon program to recognize local Valedictorians and Salutatorians who are Vietnamese-Americans from local high schools.
� A Poem and Music Recital Program or some Cultural and Performing Arts Event that relates to Vietnamese culture.

Besides these projects, the following programs and activities are held for members and friends as time allows:
� Monthly Toastmaster (public speaking skill development program)
� Monthly Book Reading Club
� Monthly meeting
� Quarterly Coffee Night (to create the opportunities for members to appreciate Vietnamese music and a social event for members who are music lovers).
� Quarterly Professional Development workshops (such as Leadership development workshops, Interview and Resume preparation workshops, scientific and technical workshops for web team, etc.)

For chapters which have a center, we offer the following community service programs to the general public, especially focusing on the low-income families from the Vietnamese community:
� Free translation service for parents when conferencing with schools. Volunteers arrange this service as needed.
� Health Awareness and Health Promotion workshops. Topics address common community diseases, preventive care, etc.
� Financial Educational workshops for professionals and business owners.
� Tobacco Control Workshops for kids and young adults.
� After school tutorial programs for students grades 6 - 12.
� Mentoring program
� Computer Classes
� Martial Art Classes
� Vietnamese Language Classes for young adults.
� Vietnamese Literature and History Classes.
� Guitar Classes

These programs are currently delivered by the VCSA center in Houston. Others may be offered depending on available resources.

All you have to do is come to two VCSA meetings before you officially join VCSA. Don't worry, most of our meetings are on the weekends unless there is an emergency meeting which rarely happens. Contact us to find out when and where is our next meeting.

We don't ask for much. We only ask that you are serious about joining VCSA because you want to make a difference for the community. In return, we give you rewarding opportunities to lead or participate in meaningful and fun projects.

Our doors are always open to engertic, enthusiastic, and open-minded individuals! :) So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now!

Houston Chapter
http://vhkhvn.org

Austin Chapter
http://www.vhkhvn.org/austin

Dallas Chapter
http://www.vanhoakhoahoc.org/dfw

The VCSA's goals are as followed

• Promote cooperation amongst Vietnamese American professionals in exchanging their skills, participating in the programs and activities to build a strong Vietnamese American community in the US in general, and in Houston in particular.


• Preserve and promote the Vietnamese heritage culture to the Vietnamese American through various regular programs and activities.


• Promote participation in Community programs and activities, build a strong sense of responsibility amongst the Vietnamese Americans toward the society, the community and the nation.


• Promote democracy and human rights in Vietnam with peaceful means through public awareness and community actions.


• Promote harmony with other Asian communities and the mainstream society.