Welcome to uNAVSA Conference 2008!
The Union of North American Vietnamese Student Associations (uNAVSA) welcomes you to Portland as this year’s host city for the annual uNAVSA Conference to be held this July 31st–August 3rd, 2008. This year's theme of Sharing our Past, Shaping our Future sets the stage for uNAVSA's 5th Anniversary and a reflection of who we are, how far we've come and where we ultimately want to go as a Vietnamese youth community.
Over the course of four days, attendees from around the United States and Canada will participate in leadership development, community dialogue, networking and entertainment programming proudly led by Vietnamese youth leaders from around the nation. Additionally, a new Collective Philanthropy Project will be selected by conference attendees as a vehicle for conference attendees and uNAVSA constituent organizations to develop and hone leadership skills through philanthropy during the upcoming 2008–2009 term. This year will mark an election year for brand new uNAVSA officers as well!
Through uNAVSA, young Vietnamese American professional and student leaders from the East Coast to the West Coast collaborate to develop their leadership skills, strengthen their organizations and reinforce the personal bonds in our community. By promoting knowledge acquisition and mustering collaborative action, the uNAVSA 2008 Conference will continue to empower today's emerging generation of leaders to better serve the communities in which you live.
We realize that so much learning is derived from the social interactions between our amazing, passionate attendees. With that in mind, uNAVSA Conference 2008 will also provide opportunities to mingle informally with the other attendees. Highlights will include showcases by rising performing artists, teamwork activities, a gala, and parties. Don’t forget the late-night hallway conversations either. Seize the opportunity to get to know one another on a personal level and expand your network of lifelong friends.
If you are ready to hone your leadership abilities, open your mind and heart to important community issues, and meet 350 other outstanding Vietnamese American youth, prepare yourself for uNAVSA Conference 2008!
On behalf of the entire conference planning staff, we look forward to seeing you all in Portland this July!
Hai Ton
President, Union of North American Vietnamese Student Associations
