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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.


SPONSORS

NCVA eREPORTER - May 5, 2005

In this NCVA eReporter:

EVENTS

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

JOBS/INTERNSHIPS

TIPS/RESOURCES

NEWS

******************
 EVENTS

You are invited to attend a reception for Dean Harold Hongju Koh, Dean of Yale Law School.

EVENT:  Reception for Dean Harold Hongju Koh, Dean of Yale Law School

DATE:  May 10, 2005

TIME:  4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

PLACE:  National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) Conference Room
1050 17th St., NW, Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036
(p) 202/293-2688
Farragut North is the closest metro.

RSVP:  Please e-mail your RSVP by May 6, 2005, to Courtney Chappel, NAPAWF Legislative Staff Attorney/Women's Law Fellow at cchappell@napawf.org

SPONSORED BY:
Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL); National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF); Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC); Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC); Asian Pacific American Bar Association Educational Fund (AEF);South Asian Bar Association (SABA); National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium (NAPALC); Korean American Coalition-DC Chapter; Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA); National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (NCAPACD); Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Japanese American Citizens League (JACL); Hmong National Development, Inc. (HND); National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC); and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS).

SUMMARY OF EVENT:
This reception provides an opportunity to meet with Dean Koh, one of the preeminent legal scholars in the Asian American community and a champion for human rights and civil rights.  Dean Koh will be in Washington, D.C. on May 10, 2005, and is available from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM to meet with representatives from local and national APA organizations.  Dean Koh is required to leave sharply at 5:00 PM to catch a flight, so please arrive promptly at 4:00 p.m.  The reception will be open to all interested individuals.  Light refreshments will be provided.  There is no cost to attend.

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ACCESS TO SUCCESS: GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

History
The first Multicultural Business Conference was held on March 28, 2003 at the Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The theme was “Break the Walls, Break the Barriers, and Build Bridges to Succeed”. The conference drew more than 400 business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate and government people. The success of this event led to our Second Annual Multicultural Business Conference, which was held at the Johnson Center of the George Mason University on August 12, 2004 with over 500 attendees, and 36 exhibitors and major corporate sponsors.  The theme of our second conference was “Access to Success” highlighting the importance of networking, access to resources and business opportunities, education and training, and multicultural marketing.

Theme and Goals of the Third Annual Multicultural Business Conference
The theme for this year’s conference is “Access to Success: Global Challenges and Regional Opportunities”. Access, to training, timely information, resources and ability to identify new business opportunities remains the crucial element in any small, minority and women owned businesses in the area. While the multicultural business community has becomes the fastest growing segment of our regional economy, many are facing stiff competition from overseas.  Through the conference training workshops, legislative forum, networking with other businesses and government agencies, attendees will be able to map out a short and long-term business strategy to grow their businesses. Attendees will also be able to see the demonstration of how e-Commerce, e-Procurement, and e-Marketing can help increase their productivity.

Conference Organizers and Partners (Preliminary List)
Business Development Assistance Group, Center for Business Planning and Development, Arlington and Fairfax Counties, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), US Small Business Administration (SBA) Washington District Office, Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise, Mason Enterprise Center of the George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, Arlington Small Business Development Center, Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Korea-American Association of Northern Virginia, National Congress of Vietnamese Americans, and Asian Marketing Services.

The Location
The Johnson Center of George Mason University is a unique facility designed to encourage learning. Its programming and use of space emphasize integration of the curricular and extracurricular activities of the diverse communities that comprise George Mason University

Special Guest Speakers (invited)
Governor Mark Warner

Legislative Briefing: Federal Agenda for Small, Minority and Woman -Owned Businesses (invited)
Congressman James P. Moran (8th District, VA)
Congressman Frank Wolf, (10th District, VA)
Congressman Tom Davis (11th District, VA)

Global Challenges and Regional Opportunities (Panel Discussion) led by experts from the School of Public Policy of George Mason University, and leaders from the four fastest growing industries: Information Technology, Import/Export, Retail/Service, and Healthcare.

General Information Contact: Lauryn Han at (703) 993-4873, or Jenny Rico at (703) 538-7412; Fax (703) 237-3996; Email: lhan@bdag.org; Website: www.bdag.org

Media and Advertising Contact: Ms. Doan Huynh, Asian Marketing Service, (703) 534-8676; Fax (703) 534-8696

(http://www.bdag.org/2005Access.html)

******************

2ND ANNUAL CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS POLICY SUMMIT

“Unity In Action”

Sponsored By
California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute

Monday - June 6, 2005

Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento, California

 PRE-REGISTRATION FORM

__ Please pre-register me for the 2nd Annual API Summit and send me a complete registration packet.

____________________________________________________________________________________
Name Title

____________________________________________________________________________________
Company/Organization

____________________________________________________________________________________
Address City, State & Zip

____________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Fax Email

__ I WOULD LIKE TO BE A SUMMIT VOLUNTEER.

__ PLEASE LIST MY ORGANIZATION AS A COMMUNITY SUPPORTER. I WILL ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SUMMIT CONFERENCE FEE: $50

 API LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS INSTITUTE DINNER: $65

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
The California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus has reserved a limited number of rooms at the Sheraton Grand Hotel at a reduced rate. Call Sheraton Reservations at 1-800-325-3535 and cite "API Policy Summit" to receive group rate of $149.

HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE: May 20, 2005.

RETURN THIS FORM TO

Mail this form to API Summit, P.O. Box 189488, Sacramento, CA 95818 or fax this form to 916-442-3102.

For more information, call Pam Chueh at (916) 319-3686 or email pam.chueh@asm.ca.gov.

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NAVASA 2005 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

In celebrating NAVASA’s 10th Year Anniversary of supporting Vietnamese American nonprofit organizations across the United States, NAVASA 2005 National Conference will focus on “Empowering the Community Through Giving”, in which NAVASA encourages an “everybody-gives philosophy”. Whether you are from a corporation, foundation, federal agency, community, small business, or nonprofit, NAVASA would like to cordially invite you to join us in promoting the spirit and concept of giving. NAVASA’s 2005 National Conference will be held at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner on July 15 and 16, 2005.

The two-day conference will feature training workshops targeting current and future nonprofit sector employees. In addition to scheduled workshops, there will also be an open forum, focusing on “Youth, Elders, and the Generational Gap”, in which conference participants will have the opportunity to share with each other their concerns, their professional and personal experiences, and possible solutions to problems they see within the Asian American community. Moreover, experienced professionals will present promising practices and programs addressing the topic at hand.

The conference will conclude with a recognition banquet where three “past givers” will be recognized and ten young potential social change philanthropists will be acknowledged.

NAVASA 2005 National Conference: “Empowering the Community Through Giving” online registration is available at:

http://www.navasa.org/National_Conference/2005/conference2005/register.htm (if the link does not work, copy & paste onto new browser)

The Deadline for Conference Registration is June 30, 2005.

NAVASA has a limited number of rooms reserved at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner hotel (7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102) at a discounted price of $95 per night on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, $129 per night on Wednesday night. Rooms with discounted rate are limited, and will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Register early to secure these discount rates for your hotel rooms.

For Reservations please call: 1-800-Hiltons or 703-847-5000. Refer to “NAVASA Conference” to receive the discounted rate. You can also make reservation online at www.mclean.hilton.com (use the discount code: NAS)

In an effort to help you in lowering your hotel costs, NAVASA has set up a forum to assist conference participants who are looking for roommates. It is an open forum where you can post your contact information so that other conference participants who are also looking for a roommate can contact you.

The forum is located at: http://www.navasa.org/board/

The Login in name and password is (case sensitive): Lodging

For updated information about NAVASA 2005 National Conference as well as online registration and hotel information, visit the conference website at:

http://www.navasa.org/National_Conference/2005/index.htm

NAVASA looks forward to welcoming you to Washington D.C.

******************

WORKSHOP FOCUSES ON MUSEUM COLLECTION MANAGEMENT

Smithsonian Institution: Introduction to the Management of Museum Collections

"Introduction to the Management of Museum Collections," a workshop sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, focuses on the various elements in the management of collections. The workshop will address the practical application of policies and procedures necessary to establish and maintain intellectual and physical control of museum collections. This workshop is designed for people responsible for planning, managing, coordinating, delegating, and performing collection care and management activities. The workshop will be held on the September 26-30, 2005 at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The application deadline for attendance is June 10, 2005.

(http://museumstudies.si.edu/workshops/colmgt.htm)

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 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) – ADDRESSING PRIORITY POPULATIONS IN TOBACCO CONTROL

DHS/Tobacco Control Section announces a tentative release date of May 2, 2005, for RFA TCS 05-102 entitled Addressing Priority Populations in Tobacco Control.

The purpose of this RFA is to fund local community planning grants to conduct tobacco control need assessments for the following communities: 1) African American; 2) American Indian/Alaskan Native; 3) Asian and Pacific Islander; 4) Hispanic/Latino; 5) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender; 6) Low Socio-Economic Status.

Approximately $7 million is estimated to be available for this RFA. The contract period begins October 1, 2005, and ends June 30, 2008, for a project period of 33 months. Projects will be expected to complete two phases: 1) A nine month assessment phase; and, 2) A two year implementation phase.

The RFA information meeting schedule is: Monday, May 9, 2005

The Letters of Intent are due May 20, 2005

The anticipated proposal due date is June 7, 2005

You can download the RFA at the TCS website: www.dhs.ca.gov/tobacco after May 9, 2005.

Please contact Marjorie Rogers at (916) 449-5517 or E-mail: mrogers1@dhs.ca.gov for questions

******************

 NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

Strengthening Silicon Valley arts organizations and building connections to the arts are the goals of Community Foundation Silicon Valley's Advancing the Arts Initiative.

Applications due Monday, May 9 for Advancing the Arts grants!

* $5,000 to $15,000 grants
* Additional technical assistance funding available (up to $1,500)
* Networking, workshops, and technical assistance
* One-year grant period
* 15 to 20 grants will be awarded
* Small and mid-sized arts organizations (budgets between $50,000 and $2M)
* Serving Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County and Southern San Mateo County)
* Grants will be awarded in June 2005

To achieve the goals of the Advancing the Arts Initiative, the Community Foundation will award grants to organizations that represent diverse geographies, budget sizes, and disciplines. A full description of the Arts Initiative and the Application Guidelines and Procedures are available online at http://www.cfsv.org/advancingthearts.html

Questions? Contact Maya McCray, Program and Grant Services Manager, at MMcCray@CFSV.org or (408) 278-2224.

(Made possible by The James Irvine Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation)

(www.cfsv.org)

******************

GOOGLE OFFERS FREE SEARCH TOOLS TO NONPROFITS

Google Public Service Search

Google, through its new Public Service Search section, is offering nonprofit organizations two free search tools for use on their websites: SiteSearch, for searching within sites, and WebSearch, enabling users to search the Internet by keyword. The new, cost-free service also offers traffic reports, unlimited queries, and allows for customization, and no banner ads or other paid advertising will show on search result pages.

(http://services.google.com/publicservice/login)

******************

FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

May Department Stores Company Foundation

The May Department Stores Company Foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations in the communities where company stores are located throughout the U.S. Selected national organizations are also supported. The Foundation provides grants for programs that fall into the following major categories: health and welfare, education, arts and culture, and civic affairs. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

(http://www1.mayco.com/common/com_index.jsp)

******************

SEED MONEY FOR ARSON PREVENTION

FM Global Arson Fund

The FM Global Arson Fund supports fire departments and other public agencies throughout the world by providing seed money to assist in the development of arson prevention and control programs. Grants have been awarded to fire departments and related agencies for investigative tools, flammable accelerant detectors, training programs and juvenile firesetter programs. Grants have also funded computer software to track arson incidents, training seminars for arson investigators, student workshops on fire investigation, and equipment purchase. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

(http://www.fmglobal.com/about/facts/arson_grant_program.asp)

******************

SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTERS

Microsoft Unlimited Potential

Microsoft Unlimited Potential is a global initiative that focuses on improving lifelong learning for disadvantaged young people and adults by providing technology skills through community technology centers. A community technology center is a free or low-cost place (in a community center, school, library, housing facility, etc.) where people of all ages and abilities can come to learn about computers, use the Internet, explore new careers, further their education, or participate in community activities. The initiative provides grants, software donations, technical assistance, and in-kind support to eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and non-governmental organizations outside the U.S. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For information on how to apply through Microsoft subsidiary offices located around the world, visit the website listed above.

(http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/)

******************

GRANTS FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS

Finish Line Youth Foundation

The Finish Line Youth Foundation provides funding to organizations where company stores are located, or communities where donations to the Foundation are raised. (Finish Line operates over 605 stores in 46 states. To find out if there's a store in your community visit http://www.finishline.com/store/corporate_info/storelocator.jsp.) The Foundation's primary focus is to support youth athletic and wellness programs. Grants generally range from $1,000 to $5,000. The remaining application deadlines in 2005 are June 30, September 30, and December 31. Application guidelines and forms are available online.

(http://www.finishline.com/store/corporate_info/youthfoundation.jsp)

******************

RURAL PROGRAMS SUPPORTED

 CHS Foundation

The CHS Foundation is committed to investing in the future of rural America, agriculture and cooperative business through education and leadership development. The Foundation supports national efforts, as well as those within the CHS trade territory. The Foundation's funding focuses on the following six program areas: Cooperative Education, Rural Youth and Leadership Development, Farm and Agricultural Safety, Returning Value to Rural Communities, Emergency Assistance and Disaster Relief, and Scholarship Programs. All grants requests are accepted on an ongoing basis, with the exception of the Cooperative Education Grants, which are due in the fall of each year.

(http://www.chsfoundation.org)

******************

FUNDING FOR ALCOHOLISM PREVENTION

Christopher D. Smithers Foundation

The Christopher D. Smithers Foundation focuses its grantmaking on the issues of alcoholism, including prevention, treatment, research, public education, and creating awareness of these problems in the nation's work world. The main thrust of the Foundation's funding is in the field of alcoholism prevention and education. While a number of grants go to national organizations, regional and local organizations across the country also receive funds. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

(http://www.smithersfoundation.org)

******************
 JOBS/INTERNSHIPS

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES PROGRAM

Associate Director
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks an Associate Director for the Asian American Studies Program, an interdisciplinary academic program that coordinates a wide range of research, teaching, and public service activities centered in the humanities and social sciences.

Position:
The Associate Director works closely with the Director to develop and implement programs, policies, procedures, and objectives of the Program and to advance research, teaching, and service in Asian American Studies.  The Associate Director supervises other program staff and student employees of the unit and oversees daily operations.  S/he also represents the Program and its needs on campus, locally, and in the national community.  The Associate Director provides primary support to the Director and assumes full direction in the absence of the director.

The Associate Director's duties include (but are not limited to): developing and coordinating the curricular developments of the program (advising of students and helping build future undergraduate and graduate degrees); implementing conferences, symposia, speaker series, and other public events on topics of political, social, and cultural importance for Asian American communities; fostering student development in the Program through collaboration with Student Affairs; identifying and obtaining support for the Program through grants, alumni networks, and development;  assisting with hiring and personnel issues including faculty searches, post- doctoral fellowships, graduate assistantships, and student employment; overseeing the publishing of Program public relations materials such as the newsletter, brochure, and website.

Position Requirements:
Minimum education: Ph.D. or equivalent, terminal degree, with preference given to candidates with research/work in Asian American studies.

Required work experience: Interest and/or experience in the field of Asian American Studies; strong writing and communication skills; an ability to multitask; interest in and ability to work with faculty, staff, students, and administrators; and an ability to work with people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  Work for this job often extends beyond regular working hours, including weekends and evenings.

Preferred Qualifications: Two to three years of administrative experience at university/college level.  Managerial/supervisory experience. 

This position is a full-time, 12- month Academic Professional administrative position. Proposed starting date: July 16, 2005. Salary commensurate with experience.  Generous vacation/ sick leave/ paid holidays.  State retirement system.  State sponsored group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Application:
Applicants should submit a detailed letter of application explaining qualifications for the job; a resume or curriculum vitae that includes work history; names and addresses of three references; and any additional relevant information.  To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by June 10, 2005.

Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date.

Send application to:
Search Committee, Asian American Studies
1208 W. Nevada, MC-142
Urbana, IL  61801
217-244-9530; fax: 217-265-6235

For more information, contact the Director, Kent A. Ono, at kaono@uiuc.edu

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer

******************

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: CALIFORNIA PROJECTS DIRECTOR
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
Sacramento or San Francisco Bay Area, California

April 29, 2005

Link: http://www.searac.org/po-help-caprodir-42905.pdf

Summary:  The California Projects Director will provide a wide range of integrated advocacy, training, and technical assistance services to Southeast Asian American (SEA) communities and organizations throughout the State of California.  S/he will be a highly skilled professional with a wide range of community and technical skills.  S/he will have primary responsibility for implementing SEARAC's projects in the State of California, including HELP (SEA Healthy Elders Leadership Project; http://www.searac.org/help.html) and the California components of the VERB project (Values, Empowerment, Resources and Betterment).  Beginning in 2005, this will entail the re-establishment of full-time staff presence in California for SEARAC, the initial implementation of the HELP project, and the provision of training and technical assistance services to SEA community organizations that are SEARAC subgrantees through the VERB project.  In future years the California Projects Director will supervise additional SEARAC staff members in California, and participate in project development.

Location of Position:  Primary preference is Sacramento with consideration for San Francisco Bay Area.

Major Responsibilities:
* Work in close cooperation with SEARAC's Executive Director and Deputy Director in Washington, DC (who are the supervisors for this position), in addition to state-wide partners California Health Advocates (CHA) and the National Asian Pacific American Center on Aging (NAPCA).
* Southeast Asian American Healthy Elders Leadership Project (HELP):

o        Lead the selection, with partners, of six SEA mutual assistance associations (MAAs) that will serve as partners in the project during project year one, six additional MAAs in project year two, and six more in project year three;
o        Provide training and technical assistance in diverse organizational development and advocacy topics to MAA partners, in coordination with state-wide project partners, and (after project year one) with additional project staff;
o        Lead planning and implementation for annual advocacy trainings for SEA elders and friends in Sacramento;
o        Lead hiring of additional project staff for Central California (year two) and Southern California (year three);
o        Supervise additional California staff members;
o        Lead the drafting and submission of reports to funders; and
o        Carry out additional duties as described in the HELP proposal and directed by supervisorss

* Values, Empowerment, Resources and Betterment (VERB) Project: Provide training and technical assistance to four VERB project partners in Northern California.
* Planning: Participate in project planning, including ongoing planning for existing projects as well as planning for new projects.
* Fundraising: Participate in fundraising for existing and new projects.
* Representation of Community Concerns: Represent SEA concerns with state legislators and other California-focused decision-makers.

Required Qualifications:
* Relevant experience working within, or with, SEA MAAs or other community-based groups in California.
* Experience advocating for the interests of SEA communities.
* Fundraising and program-planning experience.
* Experience in staff supervision and hiring.
* Extensive knowledge of SEA cultures and languages.
* Superior verbal and written communication abilities.
* Experience in budgeting, financial management, and project reporting.
* Ability to work with minimal direct supervision.
* Undergraduate degree.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Two or more years of experience in budgeting, financial management, and project reporting.
* Two or more years of experience with program planning and fundraising.
* Experience working with SEA American elders.
* Research and publication experience.
* Graduate degree.

Compensation: $50,000-$55,000 depending on experience, plus a strong benefits package.

Starting Date: June 1, 2005 or as soon as possible.

Deadline: This position is open until filled.

Application Procedure:
Doua Thor
Deputy Director
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
1628 16th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Fax: 202/667-64490
E-mail: doua@searac.org

SEARAC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

******************

MINERVA SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Maria Shriver and the Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women and Families are proud to announce the Minerva Scholars Program.  The program is committed to providing California women with a means to further their personal and professional goals, while inspiring a desire to make community service an important part of their lives.  Scholarships will provide $25,000 for the final two years of undergraduate study at a four-year college or university in California..

Eligible applicants for the Minerva Scholars Program are women who:

*   Are California residents completing their second year in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in California;
*   Plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in one of the following areas of study: nursing, business, math or science, or special education (with plans to become a special education teacher); and,
*   Have demonstrated considerable involvement in community service activities over the past two years.

Finalists will be selected on the basis of financial need, leadership and participation in community activities, past academic performance, statement of career and educational aspirations and goals, unusual personal or family circumstances, outside appraisal and an essay.

The program will provide one scholarship for each of the four designated areas of study.  Scholarship awards may fund comprehensive school costs, including tuition, fee, books and supplies, room and board, and estimated transportation costs, when applicable.

Applications are due by June 1, 2005.  Final selection of applicants will be complete by the end of August 2005.  For scholarship applications and additional information, visit www.minervascholars.scholarshipamerica.org or call (507) 931-1682.

(www.minervascholars.scholarshipamerica.org)

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DIRECT MAIL – NEW NEIGHBORHOOD, NEW DONORS

Movers are givers. Historically, this "change-of-life" niche market has been very responsive to a variety of fundraising offers

According to Bruce Dulberg , president and CEO of HomeData Corporation, Melville, N.Y., first and foremost, the New Homeowner segment is establishing roots within their community, thus they contribute generously to local fundraising chapters. Second, they have just been approved for a mortgage, thus they have established credit worthiness. Third, they are big spenders.

In general, their basic profile makes them a good donor prospect. But why to fundraising offers?

Movers have a tendency to change their buying preferences and are also very impressionable buyers, thus a timely fundraising offer seems to generate response, Dulberg explained. As noted above, since they have money and are big spenders, they do give generously. Many prominent nonprofits have discovered that by putting a simple address label offer in front of a family in need of such an item, they will not only use these stickers, but donate generously for you providing them with this much needed little stipend. Who has time to shop for things like stationary right after they move?

It is important to note that those fundraisers who enjoy success mailing both the new mover and new homeowner market segments take advantage of two important features. They mail movers right away, because most are in their homes for just a matter of weeks and, secondly, they mail them frequently, because this market represents a continuum of new mailing prospects.

Mailing the same donor files all the time just equates to lower response rates, mailbox glut, and saturation of your best mailing prospects. By introducing movers into your mailing mix, offers you a fresh, lucrative, and responsive new audience to mail, he said.

(http://www.nptimes.com/enews/tips/directmail.html)

******************

GRANTS – ELEMENTS OF A CASE STATEMENT

A good case statement must be one that grabs a reader's that is prospective donor's attention, and then offers a solid reason for investing in a program..

According to Jerold Panas in his book Making the Case, a case statement must have eight essential elements. Panas cautions that these elements will not necessarily show up as separate items and that they may overlap or even be repeated. Nevertheless, they must be present.

The elements are::

* The title. It develops the theme and the tone for the case statement. Its job is to get the reader to turn to page one and begin reading.

* Grabbing the reader. This happens in the first few paragraphs. Often, a compelling quote in the early part of the case works wonders.

* The irrefutable case. Here is the need and the urgency.

* Your unique position. This describes how the organization is positioned to meet the need head on. It must burn itself into the minds and hearts of the readers.

* Waving the flag. Here you describe the history of the organization, its mission and its history.

* Reinforcing the urgency. This reminds the reader of how pressing the need is and how it must be dealt with immediately.

* Making it happen. This describes what will be required financially to relieve the need.

* The benediction. This provides the closing and final blessing to the program. The theme is employed again for emphasis.

(http://www.nptimes.com/enews/tips/grants.html)

******************
 NEWS

April 26, 2005

MORE YOUNG AMERICANS TAKE CHINESE LANGUAGE CHALLENGE

By Paul Eckert, Asia Correspondentt

POTOMAC, Maryland (Reuters) - Studying geometry can be taxing for a 10-year-old. But Dr. Zhang's class of young American students are not merely learning all the angles, they are doing it in Chinese.

Maryland's Potomac Elementary School, in a prosperous suburb north of Washington, D.C., is one of a growing number of U.S. schools that teach Chinese -- a hot language thanks to China's surging economy and growing world clout.

At Potomac Elementary, children as young as 6 are honing their Chinese, motivated by a mix of parental prodding and their own desire to do something different.

"It's pretty amazing, especially the first few months at school, when you walk into a kindergarten classroom, and the children are understanding what the teacher is saying and it's all in Chinese," said Linda Goldberg, the school's principal.

"Half of the time the kids aren't even aware that the teacher is speaking a different language. They just fall right into it," said Holly Hand, whose daughter Chloe is in Zhang's immersion class.

The United States has declared 2005 the "year of languages" although few Americans are aware of the designation. According to a 2002 Modern Language Association survey, more college students are studying foreign languages than ever before. Enrollment in Chinese rose 20 percent over 1998.

The 1.4 million students learning 15 leading languages represented a 17 percent increase over 1998. But only 9.3 percent of Americans are able to speak both their native language and a second tongue, compared to 52.7 percent of Europeans, according to the Census Bureau.

At first glance, weighty national priorities take a back seat to the fun of cultural exchange at Potomac Elementary.

Hallways are festooned with Chinese art and learning aids, such as stuffed animals labeled with Chinese names. Children sing Chinese folk songs and U.S. nursery rhymes in Chinese.

CRITICAL LANGUAGE

But in Zhang Zhian's fifth-grade immersion class, songs and games come only after a rigorous vocabulary drill and lessons on triangles and trapezoids -- all taught in Chinese.

"My students are good at listening and do pretty well at reading, but writing is a weak point," said Zhang, who has a Ph.D. in education and was a teacher in his native Beijing..

Ian Alers said mastering Chinese characters was tough.

"Writing's pretty hard because you have to do the strokes in the right order," said the fifth-grader..

Chloe Hand, 10, says Chinese is "cool" and that she is starting to catch on to the complex writing system of characters that contain elements of meaning and sound.

"It's a totally different language. There's nothing to refer to," she said. "I can write Coca-Cola in Chinese and it has a lot of little boxes that refer to a mouth."

Dreams of selling Coca-Cola and other U.S. products to China have helped drive interest in Chinese studies. According to the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, 640 U.S. colleges offer Chinese programs, while 102 schools from kindergarten to 12th grade teach Chinese.

Teaching Chinese is also of keen interest to the U.S. government, which launched the National Security Education Program (NSEP) in 1994 to fund university studies of languages of key world regions, including East Asia and the Middle East.

The NSEP in 2002 inaugurated the National Flagship Language Initiative, a pilot program in Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Russian -- languages deemed critical to U.S. security.

GREAT LEAP FOR AMERICA

At the London School, a private boys school in nearby Bethesda, Maryland, 17-year-old Quentin West said he started Chinese six years ago because "I thought it would be pretty fun."

But as he contemplates college, the Clinton, Maryland native recognizes good opportunities in China.

"China's expanding, and now they need services and what not, and I guess lawyers and businessmen," West said.

Parents of Potomac students, some of whom are taking Chinese night classes to keep up with their children, say they are loathe to plan careers for 10 year olds.

"Even if my child doesn't use her Chinese going forward, she's learned so much about another culture," said Hand. Learning Chinese helps kids by "making their synapses jump in a different way than if they just learn their ABCs," she said.

Allison Rosenstock, 10, said she wants to follow her father and "start my own business and have an office in China."

Landon student John Skolnik, 17, said his studies would bring national gain as well as personal achievement.

"When a lot of kids like us grow up and hopefully are able to speak Chinese, and get jobs with businesses who are trading and doing business with China, it will be a big leap for a country like the United States," he said..

(http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050426/lf_nm/life_language_dc)

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Press Release

April 27, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAWAII’S UKULELE SENSATION JAKE SHIMABUKURO TO PERFORM AT APAICS GALA

Washington, D.C. - APAICS’ eleventh annual Gala Dinner on May 17 will feature the ukulele talents of 28-year-old Jake Shimabukuro from Honolulu, Hawaii. Though Jake has full respect for his roots in traditional Hawaiian ukulele music, he skillfully blends jazz, blues, funk, pop, Hawaiian and rock to create music that demonstrates the instrument’s broad range of capabilities, as well as his own. Often referred to as the ‘ukulele master,’ he was taught by his mother to play the ukulele, a four-string, two-octave instrument, at the age of four.

Starting from performances at local café’s, Jake has debuted at both the national and international levels. He has played at hot spots such as the House of Blues in Las Vegas, the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, B.B. King’s Nightclub in NYC, and at the 2003 Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. He was the first Hawaiian musician and the first ukulele artist to sign with Epic Records, International, a division of Sony Music Japan, International. In February, his last CD, Walking Down Rainhill was listed as the #1 album in Okinawa, Japan.

Aside from his musical talent, Jake Shimabukuro is also known for his good heart. After the 2001 fatal collision of a U.S. submarine with the Japanese fishing vessel, Ehime Maru, Jake arranged a musical piece and named it after the vessel to honor the 9 victims and their families. Ehime Maru was recorded as a single, and its proceeds were placed in a fund for these families. While home, he visits schools to talk with and play music for the young children. He was named Hawaii’s goodwill ambassador to Japan in 2004 and is the spokesperson for the Hawaii Alliance for Arts Education.

Jake Shimabukuro’s performance is being sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

The Gala, to take place in Washington, DC, will pay tribute to the late Congressman Robert T. Matsui and the late Dr. John Tsu. Tickets will be available until May 9. For more information please visit <http://www.apaics.org//>.

(www.apaics.org)

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April 27, 2005

30 YEARS AFTER THE FALL

By Crestina Chavez
News 8 Austinn

April 30 marks 30 years since the Fall of Saigon, and the end of the Vietnam War.

Many Americans remember it as the day the United States gave up trying to keep Communism out the Southeast Asian Country. But three decades after what seemed like a failure, many Vietnamese in the States are living better, free lives.

On that day in 1975 thousands of people rushed to boats and helicopters to escape from Communism. It was a journey some didn't survive.

"I'm one of the lucky ones. A lot of people lost their life," said Luan Nguyen.

Nguyen was one of them. It's hard for him to think back on that time.

"People losing parents, losing relatives, losing kids over there, either because of the war, or going out in search for a new life," Nguyen said.

Others remember the horror and the struggle.

"I remember it well because my father served in the war. And,just like any other officer, he was sent to re-education camp, almost died in prison. When he was released that was our ticket to America," David Nguyen, president of the Vietnamese-American Community of Austin, said.

He was just 5 years old..

"How your fate is going to like, or determined by somebody else. It was very scary and dangerous and I still remember fresh in my mind," said David.

Three decades later, it's not just an older generation that remembers the communist takeover, but a younger one that's risen from the fall.

"We really don't know that much. they don't teach us that much in the textbooks, They leave out important details. And, what we really can do, is listen to those who are older, listen to those that have been through it," Paul Nguyen of The University of Texas Vietnamese Student Association
VSA is hosting an event called Black April a day of remembrance for those who fought in the Vietnam War, those who survived and those who didn't, trying to free Vietnam.

"To have that link, because if we don't have these kinds of events, we're not gonna have the same culture. We're not gonna have the same knowledge," Paul said.

That's exactly why their elders want these young adults to embrace new lives here..

David has become a financial advisor. Luan owns his own company.

"We've made something good out of life at the same time, we contribute back to the community." said Luan.

Reflecting on the time, they don't look back with defeat but, with the thought of how much more they want to do for those they left behind.

"We always have a tie back there and to make life better in Vietnam."

A banquet and candlelight vigil to honor Vietnamese and Americans killed during the "Fall of Saigon" will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Tien Hong restaurant at 8301 Burnet Rd.

There is a charge for this fundraising event. Money helps the Vietnam Veterans living in Ho Chi Minh City.

((http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=136150)

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April 28, 2005

HISTORY ISN’T PAST FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEE

By William F. West
Montgomery Advertiser

Van Nguyen considers the American fighters who died in the Vietnam War brave, and he said he tries everyday to be a U.S. resident worthy of their sacrifices.

Nguyen, who lives in Montgomery, was forced to flee his native South Vietnam as it began falling to Communist North Vietnamese forces 30 years ago Friday. Though he was forced to bid an abrupt farewell to his homeland, he feels no sense of abandonment by U.S. forces.

"They are my heroes," he said of the Americans who perished in combat.

Nguyen expressed those sentiments in a recent letter to a Vietnam War veteran in Mississippi.

"I often think about the extended families of those service men and women who did not return home, and the veterans who are still living with their scars today," he wrote.

"You and your comrades were placed in a war that you were not allowed to win," he added.

Nguyen works for a business in Atlanta, but calls Alabama's Capital City home. He maintains his journey to the United States isn't any more spectacular than any other immigrant arriving with nothing but a shirt on the back.

Yet it's a dramatic story.

On April 29, 1975, Nguyen was a teenager and one of the masses of people fleeing Saigon, the South Vietnamese capital, as the North Vietnamese Army tanks were rolling in.

U.S. involvement in the unpopular war ended following the 1973 signing of the Paris Peace Accords. North Vietnam then made an all-out thrust into South Vietnam, routing the American-trained army and causing the collapse of the pro-western regime in Saigon.

The city quickly became gripped with hysteria.

Nguyen's father was a South Vietnamese Army colonel, so there was no question the family would have to leave, and fast.

The problem was that droves of others were trying to do the same thing. The exit options were becoming increasingly narrower, especially when Than Son Nut Airport came under North Vietnamese fire.

Nguyen and his family went to the U.S. Embassy, which was the American-planned fallback escape point.

When they got there, he recalled, "We looked up at the top. Helicopters were coming in and out. People were pushing off each other."

Seeing they couldn't get inside the compound, Nguyen's family instead went to the shipyards and managed to board a vessel being sponsored by a Catholic ministry. They made it to the massive U.S. Navy force dispatched to the South China Sea to lead the rescue effort, and eventually got to America.

Had they been able to get past the U.S. Embassy gates in Saigon, chances are they could have been rescued more quickly and by Darrell Browning, a Montgomery resident originally from Frisco City in Monroe County.

Despite the chaos engulfing Saigon, Browning was one of a group of Marine helicopter pilots who helped lift approximately 7,000 people out by flying aircraft back and forth from the Navy ships to the embassy roof.

"It was kind of a defining moment of my military career," said Browning, a retired colonel with 30 years of service.

During his time in the military, he directed the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, based at Quantico, Va. He's now retired from the real estate business.

In 1975, Browning was a young lieutenant who, along with his fellow squadron members, were ordered to leave their base in Japan to help with the evacuation. By the afternoon of April 29, he had to begin making what turned out to be about eight hours of shuttle flights to the U.S. diplomatic high-rise.

Browning made his rooftop landing with a helicopter capable of transporting 21 people. Soon, he was improvising and hauling as many as 36 people at the time.

"That shows you the urgency or desperation to get as many out as we could," he said. "We did what we had to do, regardless of what the book said."

"In actuality, aside from the political issues associated with the Vietnam War, militarily that was the largest helicopter evacuation ever," he said.

However, it's the American policies in Southeast Asia that continue to spark intense feelings among Americans who served in the Vietnam War. Nguyen has never returned to Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the late North Vietnamese leader. But he said he nonetheless appreciates the freedoms he currently enjoys at home.

"I'm always going to do the best to really prove to these guys that they did not die for nothing," he added.

(http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5early2_28.htm)

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May 3, 2005

A NIGHT FOR PRIDE AND FOR THANKS

ANH DO
ASIAN AFFAIRS, Register columnist

WASHINGTON, D.C – . The superlatives started rolling.

Incredible, the participants said. Unimaginable. Amazing. Awesome..

Those attending the Vietnamese -American National Gala - a celebration of a community and what it has built in 30 years - and those who staged it Monday gushed when asked to describe it.

But who can blame them, I thought. Half the guests had arrived hours before the dinner began. At the Mayflower Hotel, an entire ballroom graced with calla lilies filled with movers, shakers, donors and mentors, flying in from Hollywood, from Houston, from Atlanta. An entire delegation from Orange County packed the red-eye flights to make it here, wanting to be seen and heard and to laud three of its own activists - honored for achievement in arts, public service, politics.

Everyone seemed to have a message.

Reach back to your history and be proud, they told each other. Fight for a voice in the houses of government. Give, always give, to the nation that welcomed us as immigrants, then give more to advance the causes of these immigrants.

I stood in a corner, soaking up the scent of wine, my fingers racing to catch up with what they were saying.

Someone in the sea of gowns bumped into me. I stepped back, and the budding singer in flowing silk whispered: "You know what? I'm so excited. I just feel like dancing! This, this whole evening has been a long time in coming."

A long time, for sure.

The folks behind the event, VANG, a word that in my native language means "gold," thought it would be a good idea to pay tribute to pioneers in different professions - sort of the best of the best - and to do it in May, a month when Asian Pacific Americans and their heritages would be highlighted. So they started fundraising and selecting from their Rolodexes of who's who. Who to acclaim? Who to invite?

They launched their first ceremony in 2004, followed by this one, flashing the images of the refugee escape from Vietnam on a screen during the program, moving many of us to tears..

I hopped from crowd to crowd, and for a change, source after source appeared, glad to be quoted. They were lawyers and professors, doctors and millionaires and mothers. Some felt humbled by the collective talent under one roof. Others felt pushed to do much, much more.

"We had 400 attendees, confirmed, with 180 on the waiting list. It's very, very hard to get in," said Ryan Nguyen Hubris, one of the main organizers. "Ultimately, we want to showcase Vietnamese-Americans. To find a way to use our leverage, to boost our strength. In one word, I think it's 'inspirational.'"

I'd like to offer still another word: Essence.

To me, the meaning of the gathering lies in longing. The longing to express ourselves as humans. We live our outer lives and our inner lives, asking: Where is our place in the world? Where is our home? Where is our heart?

On this night, at least, our heart was tied to our people, the Vietnamese people, at once struggling and thriving far from the native soil. We move forward - and we have America to thank.

CONTACT US: Apart from this installment, this column on Asian cultures and communities appears every other Friday in Local. Please contact Do at anhdo_2000@yahoo.com.

(http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/05/03/sections/local/local_columns/article_504795.php)

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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary


May 3, 2005

 ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2005

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Millions of Americans proudly trace their ancestry to the many nations that make up Asia and the Pacific islands. For generations, Americans of Asian/Pacific heritage have strengthened our Nation through their achievements in all walks of life, including business, politics, education, community service, the arts, and science.

This month we honor Asian/Pacific Americans for their contributions to our Nation's growth and development and to the spread of freedom around the world. This year's theme, "Liberty and Freedom for All," honors the sacrifices of Asian/Pacific Americans in the defense of freedom and democracy. We remember the bravery of soldiers of Asian/Pacific descent who have served in our military. These proud patriots stepped forward and fought for the security of our country and the peace of the world, and they will always hold a cherished place in our history. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century and fight the war on terror, Americans of Asian/Pacific descent continue to serve in the Armed Forces and are working to secure our homeland and promote peace and liberty around the world. Their dedication and patriotism uphold the highest ideals of our country.

To honor the achievements and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress by Public Law 102 450 as amended, has designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 2005 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian/Pacific Americans and their many contributions to our Nation and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth. GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

(http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050503-6.html)

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May 3, 2005

D.C. GALA MARKS PROGRESS
Vietnamese- Americans gather to recall difficult times, honor the present and look hopefully to future.

By Dena Bunis
The Orange County Register

WASHINGTON – Just days after the 30th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, a who's who of Vietnamese-American society gathered in the nation's capital Monday evening to pay homage to the struggles of the past but mostly to revel in their community's accomplishments since.

The second annual Vietnamese-American National Gala tapped six Vietnamese-Americans in business, culture, politics, service, medicine and technology to receive Golden Torch awards.

It was the ultimate networking event for about 400 Vietnamese-Americans from all over the country. There were pre-dinner receptions, a dinner program that featured remarks from Secretary of Labor Elaine Chou, a fashion show of ao dai – the traditional Vietnamese dress – and a post-dinner dessert reception.

The most emotional part of the evening was a vivid video that started with the despair of 1975 and the journey of tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees and included a photo of Camp Pendleton's tent city. But the film soon became a celebration, chronicling the successes of those same refugees and the next generation of Vietnamese-Americans.

When Hau Thai-Tang was a young boy in Vietnam, he dreamed of one day maybe owning a car. Thirty years later, he led the team that designed the new 2005 Mustang. He compared the need to keep the character of the classic sports car while still modernizing the design to his community's transformation.

"Events like this evening demonstrate that we can leverage and embrace our heritage and history and further advance ourselves and contribute to American society,'' he said.The award recipients were a mix of the generations.

"Tonight the old generation and young generation meet,'' said actress Kieu Chinh of Garden Grove, who is best known for her role in "The Joy Luck Club." "We really need that."

Tony Lam, who as a member of the Westminster City Council was the first Vietnamese-American elected to public office in 1992, said his work was done and it was time for him to "pass the torch'' to the next generation of political leaders. Former Orange County Supervisor Chuck Smith and Westminster Mayor Margie Rice attended the dinner in honor of Lam.

Rep. Loretta Sanchez said the events in Washington make a statement about the growing political clout of Vietnamese-Americans.

"It says we're strong, we're united and we're going to have our presence felt in Washington,'' said Sanchez, D-Santa Ana. Sanchez said she has seen the community mature politically much quicker than other immigrant groups, including Latinos.

"Vietnamese parents have said, 'Stay politically active. Make your voice heard. Don't let what happened in Vietnam happen here,'" she added.

Rep. Ed Royce said their power will be felt beyond a gala honoring their own.

"Work will go on as they continue to try to keep a spotlight on the conditions that the Vietnamese face with respect to human-rights abuses and the lack of religious freedom in Vietnam,'' said Royce, R-Fullerton.

CONTACT US: (202) 628-6381 or dbunis@ocregister.com

(http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/05/03/sections/local/local/article_504973.php)

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MEDIA ADVISORY-ASIAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 3, 2005

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Margaret Fung, Exec. Dir. 212.966.5932 x201
Glenn D. Magpantay, Staff Att'y, 917.439.3158
Nancy Yu, Policy Analyst 212.966.5932 x207

THE ASIAN AMERICAN VOTE 2004
With special analysis about Asian American women voterss

Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund reports on exit poll results

Washington, DC . On Monday, May 16, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund will present findings from its national multilingual exit poll of almost 11,000 Asian American voters in the November 2004 Presidential Election, the largest nonpartisan survey of its kind in the nation.

AALDEF's new publication, The Asian American Vote 2004:  A Report on the Multilingual Exit Poll in the 2004 Presidential Election, provides a snapshot of the voter preferences of Asian Americans in 20 cities in 8 states: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.  Detailed information will be given on the following topics:

* Vote for president and most important reasons whyy
* Party enrollment
* First-time voters

* Top immigrants' rights issues
* Foreign born vs. native born voters
* Citizenship tenure (duration)
* Ethnicity

* English proficiency
* Use of bilingual ballots
* Main source of news
* Voting barriers

AALDEF's multilingual exit polls reveal vital information about Asian American voting patterns that is often overlooked in mainstream voter surveys.  AALDEF has conducted exit polls of Asian American voters in every major election since 1988.  The 2004 multilingual exit poll was conducted in 23 Asian languages and dialects.  AALDEF worked with several community groups to mobilize 1,200 attorneys, law students, and volunteers to conduct the multilingual exit poll and to monitor poll sites for incidents of voter discrimination.

EVENT:
Presentation on The National Asian American Vote 2004: A Report on the Multilingual Exit Poll in the 2004 Presidential Election with special analysis about Asian American women voters

DATE/TIME:
Monday, May 16, 2005
11:00 AM

PLACE:
Longworth House Office Building, Room 1539, S.E.
Independence Avenue, between South Capitol St. and New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Metro Orange and Blue lines to Capitol South 

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Fung, AALDEF Executive Director
Janelle Hu, APIA Vote 2004 National Director
Kiran Ahuja, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum Executive Director
Jane Chung, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Prog. Assoc.
Deepa Iyer, South Asian American Leaders for Tomorrow Executive Director

RSVP: 800-966-5946, ext. 200 or info@aaldef.org

*     *     *
The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, founded in 1974, protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans through litigation, legal advocacy and community education in the areas of immigrant rights, civic participation and voting rights, economic justice for workers, racially-motivated violence and police misconduct, youth rights and educational equity, and language rights.

MARGARET FUNG
Executive Director
mfung@aaldef.org
212.966.5932 x201

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May 5, 2005

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

By Anh Do

WASHINGTON — The lights dimmed. The noise of the crowd, at a crescendo before the emcees walk onstage, started to dip as a voice announced: “And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for...” He invited the VIPs to come on up..

A single file follows, the men in tuxedoes, the women bedecked. They sit back on brocade chairs as one by one, they will be singled out for honors.

The main event of the main event had arrived. At the Vietnamese American National Gala celebrated Monday, the audience was about to meet those whose work they came to laud.

More than 400 people, in a ballroom at the Mayflower Hotel, graced with lilies, turned to the podium. They had flown in from Atlanta and Houston, from the huge immigrant communities in California to the less than a handful guests hailing from Hawaii, echoing thanks for freedom and more importantly, thanks for America, which welcomed them and these pioneers, many who fled Việt Nam in 1975, at the end of the war.

Participants said they were proud of how much their people had thrived in 30 years. And on the anniversary of the three decades, they applauded their host country and the success stories it helped to inspire:

Kiều Chinh

The actress is not just a presence in front of the camera. Away from it, she is a humanitarian, an author, an Emmy winner and a mother. Her personal story of her refugee flight became a documentary, chosen for that award by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Growing up in battle-scarred Việt Nam, she overcame the loss of most of her family to emerge as the biggest female star in Indochina, only to lose it all again with the fall of Sài Gòn.

She was calm, modest, accepting the Golden Torch trophy this week..

“There are so many out there, doing just what I do, hoặt động trong bóng tối,” she says, referring to their activism in the shadows. “They are unsung heroes, they deserve praise.”

Kiều Chinh says she’s been lucky.

Her son says she’s the quintessential Vietnamese woman, caring, risking everything for her brood. “In the history of our country, every mother is a special mother, and mine is truly that,” said Tuấn Cường, who accompanied her to her table. “She shows me how to live life just being a good person. She tells me that whatever you do, never harm anyone, and always be clean. Cleanliness is important.”

So is consistency. The resident from Garden Grove, Calif., has appeared in countless films, from “The Joy Luck Club” to three starring roles this year alone, in “Journey from the Fall,” in “Face” and “Five Spices.””

She is the co-founder and co-chair of the Vietnam Children’s Fund, a nonprofit with volunteers building schools in the most damaged areas of her homeland. She received the “Woman Warrior Award” from the Asian Pacific Women’s Network and was the only Vietnamese person asked to speak at the 10th anniversary ceremonies for the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1996.

Chi Văn Đặng

The educator is a multi-tasker. He is vice dean for research at the School of Medicine at Johns Hop-kins University in Maryland, where he ov