NCVA eREPORTER - February 15, 2005

In this NCVA eReporter:

Events

• National Conference Call Series “Understanding the Basics of Grants – Feb 8, 15, 22, 2005
• Asia Networking Night – Feb 22, 2005
• Gang Prevention Summit – Feb 25, 2005
• Fundraising Events – Vietnamese Heritage Garden Project – Feb 28 & Aug 6, 2005
• 10th Hmong National Conference – April 8-10, 2005

Funding Opportunities

• Assets for Independence Demonstration Program (AFI)
• Household International Supports Company Communities
• Funds for Programs Helping Low-Income People Create Wealth
• Grants to Assist Grassroots Social Change Organizations to Build Networks
• BP America A+ for Energy Grant Announced for Second Year
• Rockwell Collins Community Partnership Fund
• Ford Foundation’s Media, Arts and Culture Grants Made Internationally
• CIRCLE Announces New Grant Competition

Jobs/Internships

• OCA Program Manager
• BrooksBowerAsia – Senior Director / Analyst
• Seeking Interim Director of Housing

Tips/Resources

• 2005 Grant Opportunities Notebook
• Report Highlights Scarcity of Funding for Communities of Color

News

• Vietnamese to lead St. John Vianney in South End (The Courier-Journal)
• A Thriving Heritage: Vietnamese Community Close to Its Dream of Cultural Garden (Mercury News)
• Traditional foods ensure prosperity for the Year of the Rooster (The Courier-Journal)
• House OKs ban on licenses for illegal immigrants (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Health of Asian Immigrants Decline Over Time in the United States (Sing Tao Daily)
• Praying For Hanoi (Boston Globe)

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EVENTS

NATIONAL CONFERENCE CALL SERIES

Understanding the Basics of Grants and Program Design for the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration Small Grassroots Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor's Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (CFBCI) is delighted to announce a three part conference call series which will cover some basic elements of the Department's "Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA)" and program design. Through this conference call series, Department staff will explain elements of the U.S. Department of Labor's SGA through reviewing the "Grant for Small Faith-Based and Community Organizations" which was competed last year. There are no current DOL grants open for competition. However, the Department does anticipate releasing a similar "grant for small faith-based and community organizations" sometime this spring.

The conference calls are free. Any faith-based or community organizations are welcome to attend on a "first come-first served" basis. A toll-free conference call phone number will be distributed the Monday before each call to the CFBCI email list. (Please do not reply to this email with questions about call-in numbers.) However, mark your calendars today! Only 150 lines are available for each conference call. All conference calls will be recorded and will be posted on www.dol.gov/cfbci within two weeks.

Conference Call #1:
Understanding the Basic Elements and Requirements of a U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Small Grassroots Solicitation for Grant Applications.

Tuesday, February 8
11:00 a.m. PST, 12:00 PM MST, 1:00 p.m. CST, 2:00 PM EST

This conference call will review the components of 2003 DOL "Grant for Small Faith-Based and Community Organizations."

Conference Call #2:
Designing Budgets for U.S. Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant Application.

Tuesday, February 15
11:00 a.m. PST, 12:00 p.m. MST, 1:00 PM CST, 2:00 PM EST
This call will review components of DOL budget expectations when applying for a grant.

Conference Call #3:
Program Design and Outcome Measures.

Tuesday, February 22
11:00 a.m. PST, 12:00 PM MST, 1:00 p.m. CST, 2:00 p.m. EST

This call will review components of two sample program designs from 2002 and 2003 grantees.

Visit us on the web at www.dol.gov

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Japan-America Society of Washington, DC presents

ASIA NETWORKING NIGHT

Asia Networking Night provides you with the opportunity to network with people in Asia-related organizations.  It will enable you to expand your business contacts, get information about other Asian activities in the DC area, and make friends.  How to use this event is up to you.  Be sure to bring plenty of business cards!

Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Place: Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle, NW
(McPherson Square Metro)jaswdc@us-japan.org

Admission: $15 at the door
Includes hors d’oeuvres and
door prize. There will be a cash bar.

Attire: Business

RSVP to JASW
Tel: 202-833-2210
Fax: 202-833-2456
By: February 21, 2005

Co-sponsoring organizations:
ARISE
Asian Fortune Newspaper
Asia Society Washington Center
Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia (CAPAVA)
Conference of Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL)
GRACE Heritage
Japan-America Society of Washington, DC (JASW)
Japan-America Student Conference
Japanese American Citizen League
Japan Information & Culture Center
Korea Economic Institute
Korean American Coalition - Washington DC, Area Chapter
Manjiro Society
Maureen & Mike Mansfield Foundation
National Congress of Vietnamese Americans
Organization of Chinese Americans –Northern Virginia Chapter
Organization of Chinese Americans Greater DC Chapter
Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA
US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce
Virginia Governor’s Asian Advisory Board (VAAB)
Washington Asia Press
Washington Network Group

(http://www.ncvaonline.org/archive/JASW_Networking_Flyer_022205.pdf)

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GANG PREVENTION SUMMIT

Friday, February 25, 2005
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Board Auditorium
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway

Sponsored by the Fairfax County Coordinating Council on Gangs

Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required.

Attendees will:

* Learn the current state of the gang situation in Fairfax County and the region.
* Be introduced to the Coordinating Council’s recommended gang prevention model.
* Participate in work groups to discuss strategies pertaining to specific components of the prevention model.
* Contribute their expertise, ideas and perceptions regarding the gang issue.

Schedule of Events:
8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Registration/networking (refreshments)

9 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.
Welcome and keynote speakers

9:40 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Gang Prevention Model

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Break out groups/workshop

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Report out from groups

12 – 12:30 p.m.
Wrap up and next steps

To register for the Gang Prevention Summit, please complete the registration form. Registration is due Feb. 18, 2005. For questions about the council only, contact Captain Amy Lubas, acting council coordinator, 703-324-8786, TTY 711.

 (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/gangprevention/summit.htm)

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FUNDRAISING EVENTS – VIETNAMESE HERITAGE GARDEN PROJECT

Proceeds will go to the Vietnamese heritage garden project.

Feb. 28 -- Viet Heritage Society Inaugural Gala Celebration, San Jose Museum of Art. For tickets, contact Javan Entertainment at (408) 394-0864. Prices: $100 pre-event/ $125 at the door. Attire: Black-tie optional.

Aug. 6 -- Community Barbecue and Concert Fundraiser, San Jose History Park.

For more information about the Viet Heritage Society or garden project, call (408) 238-7780 or go to www.vietheritagesociety.org.

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10^TH HMONG NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The early registration deadline for the 10th Hmong National Conference, to be held in Fresno, California, April 8-10, 2005 has been extended until Monday, February 28, 2005!  Please take advantage of this and register early for the conference to avoid late fees.

Fresno is home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the United States, and over 800 professionals, students, activists, community leaders and members, are anticipated to take part in this year's conference.  This year's workshop tracks include: Advocacy, Professional Development, Business and Economic Development, Research, Education, Youth, Health, and Organization.

For more information, and registration forms, please visit our website at www.hndlink.org/conference.htm .  Please also note that there are two pre-conference events on Thursday, April 7, 2005: The Pre-Conference Institute for Educators, to be held at the Fresno Convention Center, and the Hmong Art Summit and Exhibition (HASE), to be held at Bangkok City.  Information on these events can also be found on the HND Conference website (HASE information will be posted shortly).

(www.hndlink.org/conference.htm)

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

ASSETS FOR INDEPENDENCE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM (AFI)

WHO: Nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations; State, local, or Tribal government agencies applying jointly with a nonprofit; Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) or Low Income Credit Unions, in collaboration with a community-based anti-poverty organization.

WHAT: AFI is a Federal grant program that explores ways to help low-income people become economically self-sufficient. AFI provides grants of up to $1,000,000 to nonprofit and government agencies that provide financial education to clients and assist them with saving money in Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for the goal of acquiring one of three long-term assets (a first home, post-secondary education, or small business capital).

WHEN: Applications due March 15, June 15, and November 1, 2005. (See program announcement for more details.)

AWARD AMOUNT: Approximately $18 million dollars will fund between 50-60 awards. There is a cost matching requirement of 50 percent.

CONTACT: For a link to the full program announcement, head to <http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EI-0027.html>. For additional information on the program, please contact the Office of Community Services at (202) 401-4626 or email AFIProgram@acf.hhs.gov or head to the AFI website at <http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/> The website includes general information about asset building, details about the AFI program, information for applicants, resources for Grantees, and links to other resources.

(http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/)

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HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL SUPPORTS COMPANY COMMUNITIES

Household International Corporate Giving Program

The Household International Corporate Giving Program is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where the company does business. Grants fall into the following three main focus areas: education; housing; and community enrichment. Priority is given to requests that address issues related to financial and credit education, economic development, youth development, and education, particularly for low-income and minority populations. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis from January 15 through December 15, annually. Nonprofit organizations in communities throughout the country where the company does business are eligible to apply for support.

(http://www.household.com/corp/hiau_community_commit.jsp)

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FUNDS FOR PROGRAMS HELPING LOW-INCOME PEOPLE CREATE WEALTH

F.B Heron Foundation

The F.B. Heron Foundation supports nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. that help low-income people to create wealth and take control of their lives. The Foundation makes grants to and investments in programs in urban and rural communities that engage in wealth-creation strategies including increasing access to capital, supporting enterprise development, advancing home ownership, reducing the barriers to full participation in the economy by providing quality child care, and employing comprehensive community development approaches with a strong focus on wealth-creation strategies. The Foundation prefers to support direct-service, community-based organizations and enterprises. Letters of inquiry are accepted throughout the year.

(http://www.fbheron.org/index.html)

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GRANTS TO ASSIST GRASSROOTS SOCIAL CHANGE ORGANIZATIONS TO BUILD NETWORKS

Grantee Exchange Fund

Grantee Exchange Fund (GXF), a program of the Common Counsel Foundation, provides discretionary small grants to build bridges between grassroots organizations throughout the United States. The purpose of these grants is to encourage social change organizations to seek technical assistance from one another, and to help build regional and national networks among organizations. The Fund typically makes grants to grassroots nonprofit groups whose low- and moderate-income members are organizing to affect policy change in areas of economic, environmental and social justice. Grants are not provided for direct service or education programs. Grants average $300-$800 and can be used to cover training, travel or conference expenses. Community-based, nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted year-round though funds run low each year in the fall and are renewed again in January. The application process is simple and quick with a turnaround time of two weeks.

(http://www.commoncounsel.org/pages/foundation.html#grantee)

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BP AMERICA A+ FOR ENERGY GRANT ANNOUNCED FOR SECOND YEAR

BP has announced the second year of their A+ for Energy Program. BP will award up to $2 million in grants to K-12 California teachers for innovative classroom, after-school, extra-curricular, or summer activities focused on energy and/or energy conservation. Applications are due April 4, 2005.

(http://www.aplusforenergy.com/)

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ROCKWELL COLLINS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FUND

Rockwell Collins Charitable Giving Programs support nonprofit organizations in communities where the company has a significant presence, including international locations. Rockwell Collins Community Partnership Fund supports organizations with fundraising, sponsorships, and other events/activities. These grants are generally less than $5,000 and requests are accepted on an ongoing basis.

(http://www.rockwellcollins.com/about/community/page1020.html)

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FORD FOUNDATION’S MEDIA, ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS MADE INTERNATIONALLY

Ford Foundation’s Media, Arts and Culture grants are made internationally to fund independent production of programming in film, video, radio, and digital media that meets the foundation’s overall goals to strengthen democratic values; reduce poverty and injustice; promote international cooperation; and advance human achievement. The application deadline is ongoing.

(http://www.fordfound.org/)

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CIRCLE ANNOUNCES NEW GRANT COMPETITION

The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement announced a new grant competition for community research conducted by young people. Teams that include youth researchers may apply to investigate a community issue of their choice. Proposals are due March 31, 2005.

(http://www.civicyouth.org/)

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JOBS/INTERNSHIPS

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: OCA PROGRAM MANAGER

The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), is a national non-profit nonpartisan advocacy organization founded in 1973 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. OCA represents 10,000 members in over 80 chapters and affiliates across the United States. OCA seeks to improve the livelihood of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs); promote civic participation at all levels of government; and monitor and advocate on behalf of Asian Pacific Americans to ensure equality and justice.

THE POSITION:
The Program Manager under the direction of the Executive Director is responsible for implementing various educational programs services as they are related to the mission of the organization and its various constituents. In this role, the Program Manager also handles the development and implementation of membership services and programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Develop, implement and coordinate several educational programs including OCA's leadership training program, scholarship programs, internship program
* Track and maintain OCA's membership database and develop its college affiliate program
* Provide organizing support for National Board Meetings, National Convention, and other special events
* Work closely with the OCA National Vice President of Education and Culture and OCA National Vice President of Membership Services to ensure efficiency and success of programs
* Work closely with local chapters, affiliates, and APA partners in conducting outreach and program initiatives
* Work in coalition with other APA and civil rights organizations
* Provide support and assistance in monitoring and promoting civil rights issues
* Provide guidance and technical assistance in implementing a wide variety of educational programs
* Supervise volunteers and interns
* Analyze and compose evaluation reports and grant proposals
* And perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
* Must have ability to prioritize multiple and competing projects, manage complex workload, and meet deadlines
* Ability to take initiative and to solve problems independently or collaboratively as a member of a team
* Ability to travel extensively
* Ability to assist in drafting, designing, and preparing educational materials
* Excellent organizing skills and attention to detail and follow-through
* Excellent interpersonal skills with ease in working with a diverse group of people
* Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and on deadlines
* Capacity to work in a fast paced nonprofit environment
* Strong written, communication and organizational skills
* Knowledgeable and articulate on the organization's mission for various speaking engagements and workshop settings
* Excellent clerical and computer skills
* High level of personal energy and commitment to working on behalf of Asian Pacific Americans
* Interest in grassroots organizing and in developing youth and college students
* Substantive knowledge of Asian Pacific American issues

SALARY & BENEFITS:
* Salary dependent upon experience
* Health & dental insurance
* Paid vacation & holidays

HOW TO APPLY:
* Send a resume with a letter of interest
* Send a writing sample - English - required; Chinese, if applicable

WHERE TO SEND TO:
OCA
Attn: Christine Chen, Executive Director
1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, #601
Washington, DC 20036

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: February 16, 2005 or until filled

START DATE: Immediately

The Organization of Chinese Americans is an equal opportunity employer.

(www.ocanatl.org)

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BROOKSBOWERASIA – SENIOR DIRECTOR / ANALYST

BrooksBowerAsia, Washington, D.C.
On or before 1 March 2005

SUMMARY:
The position is Senior Director at BrooksBowerAsia (www.brooksbowerasia.com).  Responsibilities include policy and business research and analysis; presentation of research to clients and government officials; interacting with senior level business and government officials; and support to Partners. 

Skills required are extensive experience in Asia policy and business issues, including Southeast Asia, China and India; outstanding research and writing skills.; and  interpersonal and communication skills.  A masters or advanced degree, and fluency in one or more Asian languages would be rated highly.  The position is full-time and may require some travel.  Salary is based on experience of the optimal candidate.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
BrooksBowerAsia (BBA) is one of the premier business advisory company_s supporting the top companies in their Asia strategies, transactions and investments.  Founded by two leading Asia experts -- Karen Brooks, former Director for Asia at the National Security Council and Ernie Bower, former President of the US ASEAN Business Council _ BBA is at an exciting stage in its development and looks forward to welcoming a new member to the team.  This is a unique opportunity for highly qualified individuals to use their Asia expertise to help advance the agenda of a range of Fortune 100 and other cutting edge multinational companies.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications will be reviewed immediately.  Please send resumes and cover letters via email_including your name in the TITLE line of the email - to Esther Chandran at echandran@brooksbowerasia.com, no later than February 21, 2005.

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SEEKING INTERIM DIRECTOR OF HOUSING

Dynamic community development corporation in Boston that has developed over $100 million of housing seeks an individual with a minimum of 2-year project management experiences in affordable housing development with a community-based organization or for-profit developer.

Demonstrated accomplishment in identifying and realizing new development opportunities is highly desirable.  Understanding of real estate partnership structure, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and New Market Tax Credit, and community planning issues desired. Graduate degree in real estate develompent, community development or urban planning preferred. Knowledge of Chinese (cantonese, toisanese, or madarine) a plus.

Successful candidate will work in projects ranging from 20 to 300 units, or $5 million to $100 million. Successful candidate will manage all housing development operations. This full-time consulting contract is for an eight-month period, with possibility of becoming permanent full-time staff position in the fall of 2005. Consultant will work under the direction of the Executive Director.

We are interested in hiring immediately.  Compensation is negotiable.

Please submit inquiries and/or detailed resume and cover letter including compensation requirements to: personnel@asiancdc.org.  More information about our organization is available at: www.asiancdc.org.  The Asian Community Development Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

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TIPS/RESOURCES

2005 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES NOTEBOOK

WHO: Faith-Based and Community-Based organizations interested in this year's federal funding opportunities from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

WHAT: A guide to this year's federal funding opportunities for faith-based and community organizations across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This notebook was developed by the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in partnership with the Administration on Children and

Families, the Health Resources Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Included in the notebook is information on approximately 40 grants in the following areas: Community Development, At-Risk Children and Youth, Senior, Health, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health programs. The block and formula grants that are HHS funds and administered by State and/or local governments are listed in the Partnership Opportunities section. Also included is information on the Compassion Capital Fund, how to be a grant reviewer, how to make a Freedom

of Information request, and web resources for organizations interested in federal funding. We strongly encourage everyone to download a copy of the 2005 Grant Opportunities Notebook. Unfortunately, our office will not be able to distribute printed copies this year.

CONTACT: The notebook is downloadable in PDF format at www.hhs.gov/fbci.

Click on the "New Information" tab in the yellow column. (An Adobe Acrobat reader is required.)

(www.hhs.gov/fbci)

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REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SCARCITY OF FUNDING FOR COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

Short Changed: Foundation Giving and Communities of Color
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement

"Short Changed: Foundation Giving and Communities of Color," a report published by Applied Research Center, examines the decline of foundation giving directed towards communities of color and racial justice and social change efforts. The report shows that although people of color make up nearly one-third of the general U.S. population, grants explicitly targeted to benefit them constituted only seven percent of foundation giving in 2001.

In addition to analyzing available data on giving to communities of color and civil rights and social action organizations, the report assesses the impact of giving trends on organizations conducting racial justice work; investigates how varied definitions of racial justice have produced different funding emphases; examines foundation initiatives that explicitly address race and racial justice; and discusses the impact of foundation staff diversity on racial justice funding.

(http://www.arc.org/Pages/pubs/shortchanged_b.html)
 
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NEWS

February 8, 2009

VIETNAMESE TO LEAD ST. JOHN VIANNEY IN SOUTH END

By Peter Smith (psmith@courier-journal.com)
The Courier-Journal

As they pounded drums and gongs, set off firecrackers and watched a costumed dragon dance at Mass on Sunday, hundreds of Vietnamese worshippers at St. John Vianney Church were celebrating more than just their new year.

They also were marking the first Sunday since Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly announced he would be "asking the Vietnamese community to take the leading role" at the church.

Members of the growing Vietnamese Catholic population, many of whom live near St. John Vianney, had been asking for a church of their own, saying they wanted to establish a spiritual home and a center for their community -- a place both for older Vietnamese speakers and younger people straddling two cultures.

"We appreciate the chance to celebrate our faith in our tradition," said parishioner MyDung Do, who also emphasized that the Vietnamese appreciate "the builders of the church."

For many longtime members of St. John Vianney, some of whom helped found the church in the 1950s amid growing residential development, the change is upsetting.

"I'm heartsick," said Mary Ann Vowels, a member for 33 years who saw most of her children and grandchildren go through the parish school before it closed.

She said her husband, Tom, has done so much maintenance on the church that "he's got the bricks numbered."

"It's hard to change a church and start over again somewhere else," she said, adding that some longtime parishioners are hurt about being displaced after years of welcoming the growing refugee population.

William O'Brien, who joined St. John Vianney in the 1950s and put eight children through its school, said he expects to look for another parish, and is disappointed after a "very enjoyable 50 years" there.

In a letter to parishioners, Kelly said all members are welcome to stay, or to join another South End parish. But no decision has been made on whether St. John Vianney will continue to have English-language Masses.

The transition, to take place formally in June, marks the first time the archdiocese has transferred leadership of an existing parish to a cultural group, said Brian Reynolds, chancellor and chief administrative officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville.

Several parishes in the archdiocese have both English and Spanish Masses, he said, but there are no plans to create exclusively Hispanic parishes.

Reynolds said Vietnamese members had asked for their own parish and one option was for them to move from St. John Vianney -- but officials feared the number of remaining parishioners then would dip so low as to lead to the parish's closing.

The neighborhood's white Catholic population has been declining, one of the factors blamed for the recent closings of the parish school and neighboring Holy Rosary Academy.

The Rev. Bob Ray, the pastor of the church who will be reassigned in June, said he is "happy for the growth of the Vietnamese community. They certainly are a vibrant and faith-filled community."

At the same time, he said he shares the "sense of loss" that many longtime members feel.

Ray said the parish has about 150 to 200 white families, 200 to 250 Vietnamese families and 30 to 40 African immigrant families. Like some white members, he said, the African immigrants also are trying to decide where they will go now.

Reynolds said the changes at St. John Vianney reflect larger demographic trends in the archdiocese -- its growing ethnic diversification and an increasing shift from the old city of Louisville to eastern Jefferson County and beyond.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 2,270 Vietnamese lived in Jefferson County in 2000.

Vietnamese Americans have been settling in Louisville since the arrival of refugees after the 1975 end of the Vietnam War, said the Rev. Anthony Chinh, a Vietnamese native and current associate pastor who will become pastor in June. Chinh himself is one of the refugee "boat people" who fled by sea and later lived in Chicago before coming to Louisville.

At Sunday's activities marking the new year, a major holiday on the Vietnamese calendar, parishioners spoke a mix of Vietnamese and English.

Their attire ranged from traditional robes and hats to business suits to modern leather jackets and jeans.

Chinh said he hopes the parish can help Vietnamese children to understand their native culture and language, even as they adapt to America.

"We have a materialistic society," said Dr. Luyen Cao, an active parishioner. "We see flashy cars and TVs and jewelry and so on. Kids want the same thing, and they don't feel they have a chance to achieve those, so they try some shortcut like drugs or crime. So we have to work with them and set an example and give them the long perspective rather than immediate gratification."

High school junior Kelly Nguyen said she is finding the church to be a center where she can learn about her religion and her culture and take part in such social-service activities as helping the homeless.

"If you don't have a community," she said, "it's like you don't have a family."

(http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050208/NEWS01/502080343)

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February 9, 2005

A THRIVING HERITAGE
VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY CLOSE TO ITS DREAM OF CULTURAL GARDEN

Mercury News Editorial

In the mid-1980s, San Jose's thriving Vietnamese community began dreaming about building a cultural heritage garden in the city with the world's largest population of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam.

Today, it's closer than ever to fulfilling that mission.

Vietnamese-Americans have formed a non-profit coalition of local Vietnamese business and community leaders who have the right experience, reputation and clout to get the job done. The project is sensible in size, scale and cost. And the new group has carefully worked for more than a year to regain city council support after groups in the past had failed to reach the finish line.

Tribute to diversity

What's taking shape in District 7 is both a tribute and a commitment to the ethnic diversity and history that make life in San Jose so rich. Within weeks, the Viet Heritage Society, the community group that jump-started what had become a stalled project, expects to have a contract with the city.

The city is expected to offer up at least $500,000. The organizers are hoping for a dollar-for-dollar match, bringing the city's share closer to $2 million. And they want the city to remain flexible about assuming responsibility for maintenance and programming of the garden. We think that's reasonable.

The plan is to build what will eventually be a $4 million-plus, 4.2-acre garden, museum and cultural center in Kelley Park near the intersection of Story Road and Roberts Street. If all goes well, the garden of cherry blossoms, orchids and hibiscus will be ready for the winter Tet festival in February 2007.

A 7,000-square-foot historical museum and 4,500-square-foot information center will be built later. Upon completion, the entire development will be donated to the city of San Jose, which more than 100,000 Vietnamese-Americans call home.

``This is a benefit for the whole San Jose community,'' says Henry Huong Le, local businessman and board president of the Viet Heritage Society. ``We just volunteered to build it.''

That volunteer work has been formidable: The society has set up a 14-member community board with expertise in real estate, business and fundraising. Each has also pledged to raise $10,000 a year. On Feb. 28, the group, which has already banked about $100,000 for the garden, will host a gala at the San Jose Museum of Art. It will be hosted by Mayor Ron Gonzales, Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez and council members Chuck Reed, Dave Cortese and Linda LeZotte.

`Trust and confidence'

``At first, the city was worried that we might start something we can't finish,'' says Le. ``I believe the trust and confidence we have with the city now is because of the diversity of who is on our board and the changes we've made.''

Those changes included a willingness to downsize the current project from an original cost of $13 million and curtail some hopes for a regional cultural center capable of handling tens of thousands of visitors. The new garden plan will accommodate 1,000 visitors at a time. Larger Vietnamese events could also be held at other parts of the park.

``We have a lot of friends out there who want to help,'' says Henry Le.

Count us among them.

(http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/10853636.htm)

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February 9, 2005

Chinese New Year feasts
TRADITIONAL FOODS ENSURE PROSPERITY FOR THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

By Marty Morrison
The Free Lance Star

Traditional foods bring good luck

Tonight, after Kin Chan closes the doors of his Fredericksburg restaurant, Fortune Gourmet, he'll return to the kitchen to prepare a special dinner for family and staff.

It's Chan's way of ushering in the Chinese New Year--the Year of the Rooster.

"It's like Christmas," said Chan's 19-year-old son, Tony. "We have a feast."

The dinner will include steamed fish, deep-fried lobster, shrimp and thin golden rice noodles--all symbolizing long life and prosperity.

And of course, the feast isn't complete without the traditional bean cake made of mung bean flour, peanuts and sugar.

"You only serve bean cake for Chinese New Year," said Chan, translating for his father. "It brings good luck for the new year."

In China, the celebration lasts for a month or more with firecrackers lighting the streets, parades and parties extending into the early hours. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom to sweep out all things bad. Everyone wears nice clothing and exhibits the best manners.

"That's the way you will be the rest of the year," said Chan, who is one of four children. He helps his family at the restaurant and attends Germanna Community College.

Custom dictates wearing red or gold for good luck and wealth. White is to be avoided. It's the color of death.

Chan especially likes the tradition of red envelopes. That's when children and unmarried adults get red envelopes containing money from their elders.

The practice is similar for Vietnamese-Americans, who also celebrate the lunar new year today.

"Good luck is the red envelopes," said Lisa Le, who lives in Spotsylvania County. She is the youngest daughter of Ann Tran and William Le, who own the Pho Saigon restaurant on Courthouse Road. Young children or unmarried adults who greet their elders with best wishes for a prosperous year are rewarded with the red envelopes containing cash.

And like the Chinese, a meal begins the new year for the Vietnamese. The Le family will enjoy theirs tonight after the restaurant closes.

"We eat our heart out," said Le, who is 27. She was 8 when the family emigrated to the United States from Vietnam, where the celebration is a big "to-do," she said.

"It's very traditional," said Le. "We sit youngest to oldest and we each greet our parents, wishing them good health."

Their good-luck feast includes cabbage pickled in salt and vinegar made weeks ahead of time. It's served with pork and eggs cooked in a sweet sauce.

"The fun part is all the kids come in and peel the shells off," she said.

Another festive dish made ahead of time, bánh tet, is a loaf cake made with sticky rice and pork and wrapped in banana leaves.

"You can't cut it with a knife," said Le. "You cut it with a string."

The family tops off the meal with a dessert called bánh ú, made of shredded coconut, crushed peanuts and mung beans wrapped in banana leaves.

Besides the festivities, Le enjoys another Vietnamese tradition that insures prosperity.

Said Le,
"The messier your house is, the better luck you have."

To reach MARTY MORRISON: 540-374-5423 mmorrison@freelancestar.com

(http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2005/022005/02092005/1662252)

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February 11, 2005

HOUSE OKS BAN ON LICENSES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Bill also encourages bounty hunters to track down those ordered deported

Edward Epstein, Chronicle Washington Bureau
San Francisco Chronicle

Washington -- The House, with proponents arguing for a more effective war against terrorists, overwhelmingly passed a bill Thursday that would make it practically impossible for California and other states to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

The legislation included a last-minute amendment that would encourage bounty hunters to track down hundreds of thousands of immigrants whom courts have ordered deported -- which opponents likened to efforts to round up slaves before the Civil War.

Most of the majority Republicans joined 42 Democrats in the final 261-161 vote for a bill that also makes it harder for asylum seekers to succeed in their claims and waives a host of laws in allowing the Department of Homeland Security to order completion of a 14-mile, three-tier fence along the San Diego-Tijuana border and similar border barriers along the country's boundaries with Mexico and Canada.

The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where senators object to some of the provisions and may favor taking a broader approach to changes in the immigration laws. House sponsors led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., said the goal of the legislation approved Thursday was to keep terrorists out of the country, not to deal with the immigration issue.

The bounty hunter provision was a last-minute addition by Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas. He said only 13 percent of the 400,000 people ordered deported by immigration judges had actually been sent back to their countries of origin, including those from countries linked to terrorism such as Iran and Sudan. Bounty hunting -- legal in most states including California -- is an additional way to enforce those court orders, he added.

Federal law already makes it legal for bounty hunters to capture those ordered deported, but Session's amendment would encourage the practice by establishing 10 centers around the country where bounty hunters could turn in deportees to immigration authorities.

"We need to make sure that those ordered deported are deported,'' Sessions told the House, which passed the amendment without a roll-call vote. "We need to use the tools we have to enforce the laws of the United States.''

Democratic opponents attacked the idea, saying the amendment had been introduced Wednesday evening and had never gone through hearings.

"The truly frightening aspect of this is it smacks of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850,'' said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas.

"You can be assured that in a discriminatory fashion you'll be rounding up people who look or speak differently,'' she added.

The slave law, part of the Compromise of 1850, said that blacks suspected of being runaway slaves could be arrested anywhere in the country, even in states that had abolished slavery.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, said, "I think it's really a bad idea. Unprecedented.

"If that becomes law, we will end up with violence that people will regret greatly. We have law enforcement officers to enforce the law, not vigilantes.''

Jeanne Butterfield, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which opposed the entire bill, said the bounty hunter provision was shameful.

"It illustrates the extremism of the House,'' added Butterfield. She said she doubted the Sessions provision would survive in the Senate.

Traci Hong, director of policy at the National Asian-Pacific American Legal Consortium, said Sessions' amendment would allow bail bondsmen to pick up people before a final deportation order had been issued. It also requires a minimum bond of $10,000 in deportation cases.

"It's all incredibly alarming to anyone who represents the immigrant community,'' she said.

But Dan Stein, president of the Federation of Americans for Immigration Reform, said the amendment provided immigration authorities with a "super- force multiplier.''

"How many years have to go by before these absconders are caught and not deported?'' asked Stein, whose group favors tougher immigration-law enforcement.

The other provisions in the bill were part of legislation Sensenbrenner wanted to include last fall as Congress rushed to adopt the recommendations of the bipartisan Sept. 11 commission. His ideas were pulled because the Senate found them too controversial, but GOP leaders promised him a vote on his bill in the new Congress.

The driver's license provision, which would render moot California's bitter debate over whether to allow illegal immigrants to get licenses, would require states to verify that all applicants for driver's licenses are U.S. citizens or are living in the country legally. If states don't comply within three years, their licenses couldn't be used for federal purposes, including boarding airplanes or opening bank accounts.

The license issue played a major role in Gov. Gray Davis' recall in 2003. After pledging not to give licenses to illegal immigrants, he changed course and signed such a bill after it was passed by the Legislature.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger persuaded the Legislature to repeal the law and pledged to work for a compromise, but last September he vetoed a new version.

"This bill does not require states to do anything or not do anything," Sensenbrenner said.

Opponents, who included the National Governors Association, say that is disingenuous because people's lives would be made difficult without valid driver's licenses. Other opponents said the provision would hurt public safety because illegal immigrants would keep driving, but without licenses, insurance or driver training.

By a 243-179 vote, the House turned aside a bid by Rep. Sam Farr, D- Carmel, to kill the border fence provision.

"It took a shorter period of time to win World War II then it has to complete this fence,'' said Rep. David Dreier, R-San Dimas (Los Angeles County). Then-President Bill Clinton signed the law authorizing the 14-mile barrier in 1997.

All but about 3 miles have been completed. The remainder -- now dubbed "smugglers' gulch'' -- was held up over environmental concerns for protecting wetlands, endangered species and American Indian artifacts.

Farr said allowing the federal government to skirt environmental, competitive bidding and labor laws was not the way to protect the nation from terrorists.

"My amendment was not about preventing the remaining 3 miles of border fence in San Diego from being built," he said after the vote. "My amendment was about preserving the rule of law that our nation was founded on.''

E-mail Edward Epstein at eepstein@sfchronicle.com.

(http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/02/11/MNG3HB99O41.DTL)

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February 13, 2005

HEALTH OF ASIAN IMMIGRANTS DECLINE OVER TIME IN THE UNITED STATES

Sing Tao Daily, News Report,
Translated by Yvonne Lee

In recent years prevalence rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancer has been increasing among Asian Americans. So far, there has been very limited research on the diet of Asian Americans’ and the impact on their health. As a result, the California Department of Health and the UCLA School of Public Health conducted a joint study on Asian Americans’ diet and exercise habits. It examines the differences between the Asian and American diet.

The study focuses on heavily Asian populated areas in San Francisco and Los Angeles examining first generation Chinese, Vietnamese and Hmong. These groups make up the fast growing Asian segment in California, nearly 20 percent of the state’s population.

According to Tu-Uyen Ngoc Nguyen, UCLA School of Public Health doctorate researcher, the traditional Asian diet includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, but as the first generation of immigrants become immersed in mainstream American life, they become influenced by the American dietary culture. As a result, they eat more fast food and less home cooking Though the interviewees hoped they could maintain their traditional dietary habits, because of convenience and lack of information on health or diet concepts, they could not.

As a result researchers stressed the importance of communicating and promoting the idea of healthy eating, dietary moderation and daily exercise to the Asian population.

After the survey, Nguyen believes Asian parents, teachers and community health organizations ought to strengthen counseling on the importance and advantage of traditional Asian dietary practices. In general he said that Asian food is healthier than American food. And only by starting with their own home can Asians pass the concept of traditional healthy diet to the next generation.

Nguyen also says the message may be different according to each individual Asian ethnic group, which may have different dietary practices and beliefs. Through this process children can also learn how to respect and recognize their diverse culture.

She pointed out that the California Department of Health recommends nine portions of fruits and vegetables a day, an increase from five portions. In addition it recommends some form of daily exercise for 90 minutes a day, up from 30 minutes. Nguyen explained some might think it is hard to achieve the five portions of vegetables and fruits. But in fact, one apple equals two portions and a plate of greens equals four portions.

Karen Lam with the Kai Ming Head Start program, which contributed to the survey, pointed out children in Asia have a higher rate of exercise compared to American children. This is because, she says, in Asian countries there are more opportunities to walk when they attend school or shop. But after they immigrate to America, a majority of Asian children often ride in a car instead of walking, thus decreasing their chances for daily exercise. For their children’s health, parents ought to pay attention to their children’s exercise, not only their children’s school achievement, she says.

In addition researchers say parents must also avoid buying junk food for their children. This can be difficult because of the prevalence of television advertising for fast food companies.

Despite healthier food available from home, many students also participate in school lunch programs which may not offer enough healthy food choices. For example, many schools sell pizzas, hamburgers and sodas. In order to be effective in promoting healthy dietary practices, schools and parents must take a joint approach.

A representative from Asian Perinatal Services, Asian family advocates, said when talking to parents, they discovered the parent’s eating habit had a direct impact on their children. If some parents don’t eat salad their children also did not eat salad. They may convey the wrong message that raw food is unsanitary and instead emphasize that food needs to be cooked before eating. At the same time vegetables lose vitamins if it is overly cooked.

(http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=01bffbe3a8807345f62f15f62cb01a47)

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February 13, 2005

PRAYING FOR HANOI
Some in the US want to export religious freedom to Vietnam

By Matt Steinglass
The Boston Globe

HANOI --When Thich Nhat Hanh, the Zen monk who has been in exile since leaving his native South Vietnam in 1966, returned to his country last month, he did so on his own terms.

When he left nearly 40 years ago, neither the generals in Saigon nor the Communists in Hanoi wanted him back. He went on to become one of the world's most popular Buddhist teachers, with thousands of followers in retreats like Vermont's Green Mountain Dharma Center. So, when the Vietnamese government invited him to return last year, according to Hanh, ''We told them that I would come back if they allowed my books to be published, and if they allowed me to travel and meet with other Buddhist leaders.'' The government accepted, and Hanh and 190 brown-robed followers arrived for a three-month stay. At an appearance at Hanoi's Dinh Quan pagoda, over 1,000 people turned up to join them in a day of dharma teaching and meditation.

The Vietnamese authorities point to Hanh's return as evidence that the country enjoys freedom of religion. The United States government, however, disagrees. Last September, the State Department labeled Vietnam a ''Country of Particular Concern'' under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, a designation that entails potential economic sanctions, which could damage US-Vietnamese relations.

US Ambassador Michael M. Marine raises the religious-freedom issue every time he meets with senior provincial officials. ''It is an area of concern to the American people,'' he said in a recent interview.

It is certainly of particular concern to evangelical Christian organizations, such as International Christian Concern, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, and the Southern Baptist Convention, which decry Vietnam's treatment of ethnic-minority evangelicals. Certain members of Congress also take a strong interest, notably Republican senator Sam Brownback of Kansas and Representative Chris Smith, Republican of New Jersey, who regularly denounces the ''dictators in Hanoi'' and their ''extreme policies against religion.''

. . .

To many longtime observers of Vietnam, such rhetoric gets the picture dramatically wrong. ''Religion is thriving today in Vietnam, in terms of numbers of adherents and diversity of faiths,'' according to Richard Taylor, an anthropologist at the Australian National University and an expert on Vietnamese religion. Services at Catholic cathedrals and Protestant churches, sparsely attended in the 1980s, are now packed to overflowing. In 2001, the Evangelical Protestant Church of Vietnam-South was officially recognized for the first time. New Buddhist pagodas are going up all over the country.

It's not that religion is unrestricted in Vietnam. Vietnam's new ordinance on religion, which came into force in November, still requires that all faiths register with the government, and not all applications are approved. Some pastors, particularly those belonging to unregistered churches, have been imprisoned and vilified in the Vietnamese press. Human Rights Watch has compiled numerous reports of unregistered ethnic-minority evangelical churches in the Central Highlands being razed and of some believers having been compelled to renounce their faith. Father Nguyen Van Ly, a Catholic priest who was freed in an amnesty on Jan. 31, had been sentenced to 10 years in prison after sending testimony to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The leaders of the banned Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam-the monks Thich Nhat Hanh insisted on visiting-have been largely confined to their pagodas for years.

But such cases, while serious, involve only a tiny minority of Vietnamese believers. Vietnamese are generally free to practice the religion of their choice-as long as they stay out of politics. Vietnam remains a one-party state, and any organizations, be they churches or soccer clubs, which engage in political activity are likely to get in trouble. And the CPC designation notwithstanding, clashes between the government and religious groups in Vietnam usually have more to do with politics than with religion.

Take the case of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam's Central Highlands. The montagnards, as they are often called, began joining evangelical churches under the influence of American missionaries in the 1950s. Today, Vietnamese conservatives consider them politically unreliable because many fought for the United States during the war and because of calls by a US-based exile group for an independent montagnard homeland. Meanwhile, over the past decade, many montagnards have lost their land to coffee plantations run by ethnic-majority Vietnamese. In 2001 and again last April, some montagnards were killed and many were arrested when the government broke up mass protests over both religious and economic issues. One may find the government's claim that the montagnards initiated the violence dubious. Still, to describe this conflict strictly in religious terms is to miss most of what is going on.

Similar political factors underlie the cases of the leaders of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam. The church, which has a long history of political activism, was outlawed in 1981 after it refused to join the national Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha. Another round of legal trouble began in 1992, after one leader wrote an open letter criticizing the Communist Party's record on religious freedom.

But the US International Religious Freedom Act does not attempt to disentangle the political and religious aspects of such cases. These cases and others were cited in the report issued by the US Commission on Religious Freedom recommending that Vietnam (along with Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and others) be labelled a ''Country of Particular Concern.'' Under the terms of the Act, Vietnam has until March 15 to demonstrate progress. If it does not, President Bush is required to impose at least one of 15 sanctions, ranging from restricting humanitarian aid to cutting off Export-Import Bank credits.

. . .

Not surprisingly, some of the loudest opposition to sanctions comes from the US business community. ''We think that cooperation and dialogue are much more useful than sanctions to resolve these issues,'' said Adam Sitkoff, director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi. (Two-way trade reached $6 billion in 2003, making the United States Vietnam's No. 1 trading partner.)

US businesses aren't the only ones leery of spoiling relations with Vietnam. The Pentagon has been cultivating closer ties with the Vietnamese military for years. And sanctions could disrupt the flow of foreign development aid to Vietnam, long known as a ''donor darling'' because of its effective use of such aid. Last June, President Bush made Vietnam the first Asian country included in PEPFAR, the United States' massive international program to fight HIV/AIDS.

US officials say it's hard to imagine the president imposing sanctions that interfere with PEPFAR. But the strongest American critics of Vietnam say a wrist-slap isn't enough.

''Designating Vietnam as a CPC, without sanctions, is meaningless,'' said Dr. Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, who was a member of the US International Commission on Religious Freedom when it recommended CPC status.

But others say the sanctions will be counterproductive. ''I think sanctions are likely to push Vietnam towards the Chinese, more than anything else,'' said David Koh, a Vietnam scholar at Singapore's Institute for Southeast Asian Studies. ''It's likely to breed suspicion among the conservative wing of the Communist Party.''

Sanctions would also hardly endear the United States to average Vietnamese, at least outside of the Central Highlands (where access by reporters is highly restricted). Ethnic-majority Vietnamese often say they are concerned about corruption, insecure land rights, poor health care and education. But very few complain about freedom of religion.

''The government is apprehensive'' with regard to certain religious groups, said Thich Giac Toan, vice dean of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy. ''They fear that ill-intentioned people backed by hostile regimes are involved.''

Americans may find such fears paranoid. But many in Vietnam can't understand why the United States would choose this moment to impose sanctions over religious freedom.

''Most Vietnamese people still compare themselves to how it was for their parents in the '70s and '80s,'' as one foreign-educated Vietnamese 30-something put it recently. ''They have so much more freedom now, in terms of religion and life in general.''

Vietnam is gradually liberalizing, but it may be a while before any organizations, religious or not, can criticize the government with impunity. And US sanctions seem as likely to retard this process as to speed it along.

Matt Steinglass is a writer living in Hanoi. He writes frequently for the Globe.

(http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2005/02/13/praying_for_hanoi/)

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About NCVA
Founded in 1986, the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community advocacy organization working to advance the cause of Vietnamese Americans in a plural but united America – e pluribus unum – by participating actively and fully as civic minded citizens engaged in the areas of education, culture and civil liberties.