Light Up Our Faith
Vietnamese-American Youth Network of Northern California

1177 Branham Ln, PMB #251, San Jose, CA 95118
Phone: (408) 363-9656
Email: contact@thapsangniemtin.net

Vietnamese-American Youth Network – Light Up Our Faith (its acronym is MLNT for Mang Luoi Niem Tin) is a medium where young people worldwide, particularly from Northern California can come together to share common interests. Because it is a network and not an organization, MLNT lets its members retain their own identity and activities while allowing them to support each other and work toward common goals.

Objective

1. To develop a framework for Vietnamese youths in both Vietnamese culture and leadership skills
   • to help them understand more about Vietnam, its people, and its culture
   • to create a sociable environment where they can foster a sense of pride in the Vietnamese origin
   • to bring forth awareness and understanding on the values of Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights and the need for these values to the people in Vietnam
   • to help youths reach their full potential in leadership, public speaking, interpersonal, and organizing skills
2. To serve the Vietnamese community overseas: to bolster the youths’ interest in community service and to assist them in projects constructive to society, particularly activities aiming toward empowering the youths.
3. To campaign for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights in Vietnam: to encourage everyone to partake in this noble goal and worthwhile movement.

Target Audience

• Youths, principally from Northern California.
• American politicians: Executive and legislative constituents.
• American populace: All race and ethnicity, especially the Vietnamese community.
• Vietnamese and American media: Newspapers, Television and Radio Stations.

Principles

1. Vietnam: The interest of the country should precede individual and organizational interests.
2. Democracy: This democratic principle is encouraged to ensure equal expression of all ideas and opinions. Decisions are made according to the majority votes.
3. Indepedence: MLNT is not affiliated with any group or organization. This independence is important in ensuring consistency and cooperation among the members within the network. MLNT does not accept any outside pressure to benefit a particular individual or group.
4. Progressiveness: Every constituent of MLNT should always be ready with an open-mind and humble attitude to receive constructive inputs from others, and to selectively accept valuable knowledge and experience imparted by the elders. Besides, one should also be willing to volunteer for any task.

Activity Plans

Short-Term Plan

• To build up the Vietnamese Network infrastructure.
• To establish a youth base network.
• To foster the positive development in the youths through community service projects and a mutual support system.

Long-term Plan

• To connect with other youth networks, groups and movements throughout the United States and overseas.
• To collaborate with other youth groups in the campaign for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights in Vietnam
• To prepare youths in rebuilding a free, democratic and prosperous Vietnam.

Organization Structure

Organizing Committee

• Will comprise of officers either through nomination or election. The number of officers will be determined as needed.
• The task is to coordinate all activities of MLNT.

Main Body

Will comprise of student associations, youth groups, individuals, and professionals.

Support Committee

Can comprise of individuals, groups, political or social organizations, media, and professionals.