CARE is a participatory action research project designed to bring the community together to assess the strengths and needs of the Vietnamese community of Southeast Seattle, and to create a common vision and strategies to address those needs. The project has four main goals:
1. Promote greater civic participation, grassroots leadership development, and general community involvement among Vietnamese community members;
2. Foster positive youth development, encourage youth learning and to provide a positive opportunity for youth to contribute to their community and to develop critical career skills;
3. Provide an opportunity for youth and adults to work together and to promote greater understanding between different generations;
4. Develop a community-based plan that reflects community needs and desires, fosters community ownership of the plan, is recognized as an official community plan by the City, and can serve as a transferrable model for other immigrant communities.
The project will involve a cohort of youth who will be trained in community dynamics, participatory research, and leadership skills. They will be using technology in combination of standard assessment tools (interviews, focus groups) to conduct research. A Task Force comprising community elders will help shape research questions and to conduct outreach. An Advisory Committee of consultants and other community members, including non-Vietnamese residents, will help guide the project.
While the Advisory Committee and the Community Task Force will be comprised of volunteers, the Youth Action Team is a paid part time position. Youths between ages 16-20 are encouraged to apply by Monday, Oct. 26th.
For more information, please review our project description, as sent to the Department of Neighborhoods. A logic model is also available. Please keep in mind that this is a participatory research project, which means that the community will have a lot of involvement in shaping it as it progresses.
If you have questions, please contact Kathy at kathy.ho at vfaseattle.org or call (206) 760-1573.
