The 6th Annual VIA-1 Conference

April 11-13, 2008 @ the University of Notre Dame

Why should you attend?

...because you can

  • Develop effective leadership skills
  • Learn and Discuss common VSA issues
  • Network with students across the nation
  • Learn more about culture

Workshops

Workshop Session 1:

Personal Improvement Workshop: “Dress to Impress”

It can be tough - fresh out of school trying to make a name for yourself with the couple bucks you have in your bank account. On top of that, you can't seem to find a look that suits you. This workshop is intended to provide fundamentals that every man can use to improve his dress sense and lifestyle. Learn how to build a versatile wardrobe that will work for you, which clothes and colors flatter you, and how to dress appropriately for any occasion or environment.
 

Leadership Workshop: “Impressive Impressions”

Research shows that within 30 seconds (or less) people form impressions of you, founded or not. You've only got one shot at making a strong first impression. If you make a bad first impression, you may not get a second chance to make a better one. The session discusses how people perceive these images we portray and how to become aware of our self-image, as well as how to understand the perceptions of others. Learnings will be interactive, along with some practical takeaways. 

VSA Development Workshop: “VSA Diagnosis”

This workshop is geared towards gathering leaders from the various VSAs attending VIA-1 to share best practices, diagnose challenges, and brainstorm improvements to the operations and internal functioning of their club. This interactive discussion will focus on which methods work best for each individual club, what doesn’t work, and most importantly, why. It is the hope that attendees will take away valuable ideas for improvement, enhancement, and success.

Workshop Session 2:

VSA Development Workshop: “People vs. VSA: Case #2008”

Description:

1.) Your members seem to be really excited when brainstorming ideas for your new club event, but when it comes time to delegating tasks and staying on schedule, it's comparable to pulling teeth.

2.) You love going to other clubs' events, but can't seem to get them interested in yours.

3.)You've just been elected to office. You dream of taking your VSA to the next level, but don't know where or how to start.

Have you ever been in one of these situations – and were at loss as what you should do? If so, join in the discussion as other VSAs share their experiences, approaches, and successes combating these common speed bumps.   

Practical Skill Workshop: “Simply Homemade Vietnamese”

So of course we have kept with the traditional “how to cook a Vietnamese dish workshop.” Come learn how to make a traditional Vietnamese Dish that is not only easy to prepare, but also cheap, quick, and nutritious. Watch as our masterful chef creates foods that will tingle your taste buds and excite your senses. So come on down and find out ways to to cook quick, easy, delicious Vietnamese dishes, without breaking the bank. 

Personal Image Workshop:“Issues of Race and Racism Today”

Description:

This year’s presidential candidate Barack Obama has had a historic run because his message of change has inspired people everywhere to vote in record numbers. But it seems as though Obama has been able to transcend the barrier of race. Or has he? The issue of his race was never a forefront issue in the campaign. That is until controversial comments made by his former pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright showed up in the media. This issue of race has caused some of the following questions to arise.

1.) How has Obama managed to keep the race issue from overshadowing his message?

2.) Is race truly not an issue in voters’ mind?

3.) Will race be the only reason that Obama is never to be president? Should race be an issue when voting?

4.) Is Obama’s popularity because of his race?

5.) Is race/racism only a black or white issue?

6.) Where does being Vietnamese American fit into the discussion of race/racism?

7.) Are we removed from the conversation?

8.) How do we talk about race/racism?

This interactive workshop will discuss these and other questions about race and racism in the pertinent events of today’s society. Participants will also analyze their view of race and racism in politics, as Vietnamese Americans. By discussing these questions and understanding where these answers are coming from, participants can gain a better understanding of themselves for development of their own personal identity.