To The Great Leaders of Tomorrow:

San Jose State University VSA and in partnership with Norcal UVSA formally invites you to the first annual Scavenger Hunt 2007. This exciting event is a continuation of our efforts to unite the VSAs of Northern California. In this email we would like to inform you about what we have done so far, describe the details of Scavenger Hunt 2007, and explain how and why your VSA should attend.

Two of our recent events were lucky enough to enjoy support from many of your schools. The first was a party held on November 4, 2006, which brought together roughly 80 VSAers from De Anza, Evergreen, Ohlone, San Jose City, Cal State East Bay, and UC Berkeley. The second event was our Winter Formal, which attracted approximately 150 people from an even greater number of schools. In attendance were VSAers from De Anza, Evergreen, Ohlone, San Jose City, UC San Diego, UCSF, UC Davis, SF State, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and Cal State East Bay.

The United Vietnamese Student Associations of Northern California (UVSA) is a non-profit, non-partisan, community-based organization. UVSA was founded in 2002 as a means for youths to organize socially and civically within the local communities. Committed to cultural awareness, educating youths, and community service, the UVSA staff is composed of volunteers including young professionals, college students, and high school students. Encompassing the finest young leaders in the Vietnamese American community, UVSA strives at accomplishing its educational goals, charitable goals, and cultural programs goals. Norcal UVSA’s objective from this event is to plant the seeds of communications between the schools of Northern California.

The leaders of Norcal UVSA and SJSU VSA proposed this event will be jointly organized among the schools, eventually to allow other schools to take the lead on the event in the future. This way we all share a little bit of the responsibilities and support one another through our collective efforts.

Scavenger Hunt 2007 is a cross between a picnic and a competitive activity where teams will complete a series of challenges for a number of highly valued prizes. Even better, this event is 100% FREE for everyone. Our goal is to create a fun shared-event that will bring the VSA community together.

• WHEN: May 26, 2007
  Check-in time for the event will occur from 9:00 to 10:00am
• WHERE: Central Park in Santa Clara, CA
  The address, driving directions, and a map will be provided.
• WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING
  To keep costs low and the event free-of-charge for all, Scavenger Hunt 2007 will be what we are calling “legit picnic style.” This means that you will need to pack your own lunch and picnic blanket. We suggest a sack lunch with sandwiches, fruit, chips, and a drink. But feel free to bring additional snacks or goodies, or whatever you feel like eating. We also recommend that your VSA bring a cooler that can hold all of the food supplies for you and your members. If, for some reason, you cannot bring your own food or forget to pack a lunch, there are several food stores and restaurants within easy walking distance of Central Park. These include Safeway, Taco Bell, Stuft Pizza, Togos, 7-11, Armadillo Willies, Quiznos, and more.

The rules of the Scavenger Hunt will be distributed upon your arrival along with a packet containing any and all information that you may need (maps, organizer’s contact info, etc.)

NOTE: We are encouraging everyone with a digital camera to bring it. Not only will there be plenty of photogenic moments, but the nature of the Scavenger Hunt requires the use of a digital camera. This is because the Scavenger Hunt teams will each have to take pictures with certain objects in order to complete their challenges. The details of the Scavenger Hunt will be explained in greater detail at the event itself, but know that your digital camera will be needed.

• To meet new people and have fun.
• This is a great opportunity to establish contacts and invite other schools to your events, such as culture shows, community service campaigns, and fundraising drives.
• To seek advice and share best practices from the political structure and procedures of our respective VSAs.
• To communicate with other VSA members about their experiences in their respective VSAs.
• The chance to mentor VSA members from local high schools who are curious about college life and making the transition from high school to higher education.
• To see the power of what a little effort it takes to do great big things.

NOTE: There is a pre-registration process where each school shall have a point of contact collecting the name, phone number, and email of the members participating in the Scavenger Hunt at least a week ahead of the event. High school students must have a permission slip signed by their parent or guardian and returned at least three days before the event. It is important that we have an idea of how many schools will be attending the event, and how many VSA members each school is planning to bring. This information is necessary for us to prepare the event in advance, and to provide adequate spacing, management, and equipment/facilities for all who will attend.

Huy Duong
NorCal UVSA President
408-431-6803
huy.duong@norcaluvsa.org

Minh Nguyen
SJSU VSA President
408-204-3627
minhnguyen@sjsuvsa.net

Crystal Vo
NorCal UVSA Secretary
408-416-1570
crystal.vo@norcaluvsa.org

Kim Le
SJSU VSA Activities Chair
408-230-8894
kimle@sjsuvsa.net

• April 27, 2007 Minutes