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In 2009, the Vietnamese Friendship Association (VFA) launched the Community Action Research and Empowerment (CARE) Project, a participatory research effort with four goals: Increase civic engagement and community involvement, foster positive youth development, improve understanding and connection between younger and older generations, and develop a community plan that would guide the Vietnamese community for the next several years. The project is divided into three phases: Community Assessment, Community Plan, and Implementation of the Plan. The dedicate team of undergraduate students, working with the Advisory Committee, conducted the research during Phase I, which lasted one year. These findings were compiled into the CARE Phase 1 Vietnamese Community Assessment Report (pdf).
Here are just some examples of the many things that we learn.
- the most frequently cited community-wide issues involved challenges for elders, including social and physical isolation and transportation;
- there is concern regarding youths’ losing connection to the Vietnamese culture and cultural identity;
- most respondents believe there is no effective leadership within the Vietnamese community;
- nearly 25% of respondents do not have healthcare coverage.
