When: Sunday, December 7th, 2008, 11am-1pm
Where: 2501 Richland Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125

On Sunday, December 7th, 2008, from 11am - 1pm, VA-NGO Network will be holding a forum on the topic of trafficking of human beings (THB) in Vietnam. It will be an open discussion to achieve the following goals, but not limited to:

1. Building a shared understanding of which NGOs are operating anti-THB related projects or have intentions to start new anti-THB related projects and their operational objectives for 2009.
2. Encouraging NGOs to explore opportunities to collaborate with each other and with the VA-NGO network on anti-THB projects or a component of the project when possible.
3. Assisting VA-NGO Network to explore and define its roles in working on anti-THB and assisting different NGOs to further their anti-THB project objectives.
4. Forming an anti-THB working group to further define objectives as discussed and agreed upon in this forum.

When: December 7, 2008 - 1 - 3 pm
Where: 2501 Richland Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Yet another year, 2008, is quickly coming to an end. Please come share an afternoon of beautiful friendship - một buổi chuyện trò - surrounded with artworks from celebrated US & Vietnam artists, provided by Mandala Art Gallery, with home made rượu nếp, xôi vò and delicacies.

Anh Hiền and chị Quyên had graciously offer to host this event at their home. Rare artworks from the renowned Trương Thị Thịnh are featured, along with new work from artists throughout Vietnam.

The Vietnamese American NonGovernmental Organizations Network (VA NGO Network) is proud to announce the election of the first Board of Directors. The Executive Committee for 2008-2009 was also selected at the first Boar Retreat on October 17th, 2008.

Dr. Quynh Kieu will serve as the Chairperson of the VA NGO Board of Directors. She is a pediatrician and founder of Project Vietnam (PV), initially founded as an international health program of the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 4.

"I believe on the mission of the network "the strength of many" and that we can enhance our respective work in Vietnam through collaboration and information sharing." Dr. Kieu said.

The VA NGO Network Board of Directors include:
* Ms. Quynh Kieu, M.D., Chair, Founder - Project Vietnam, California
* Ms. Binh Rybacki, Vice-Chair, Founder - Children of Peace International, Colorado
* Ms. Thu-Le Doan, Treasurer, Co-Founder - Vietnamese American Scholarship Fund, Nevada

Please join us to celebrate the VA NGO Resource Center!

Sat, 1 March 2008: Reception for the VA NGO Resource Center.

Sun-Tue, 2 - 4 March 2008: Capacity Building Workshops,
8:00am – 5:00pm
Khu Quy Hoạch Nam Vỹ Dạ, Huế, Trường Trần Hưng Đạo, Nguyễn Sinh Sắc St

"Seeds of Change" is the theme for a series of on-demand workshops on social work, building self-esteem, child development, targeted to educators, counselors, and other childcare providers, with the goal of providing practical skills for successful living. The workshops are conducted by member organizations of the VA NGO Network for their local partners, staff, and volunteers.

Through these workshops, and the Resource Center, the VA NGO Network is carrying forward the spirit of the 3rd VA NGO Conference in September 2007, and is realizing our common dream with our local partners and clients in Việt Nam.