VietRISE's Tự Lực School for Organizing is an 8-week summer program for Vietnamese American youth* (ages 14-18) to build leadership skills, learn about activism and community organizing, and connect with Vietnamese culture. Through interactive workshops and discussions, participants explore topics like social justice, civic engagement, and Vietnamese American history. The program also offers cultural activities, including language learning.
Upon completing the program, participants may apply for a paid internship in the Fall to gain additional hands-on experience in civic engagement.
Participants will participate in a walking Political Tour of Little Saigon that recounts the diverse narratives and histories of the Vietnamese community's activism, creativity, resistance, and resiliency in their efforts to build the Little Saigon, Orange County we know today! For the final project, participants will organize a community art event where program participants and community members will have the opportunity to explore their cultural identities and history and engage with their visions for social change in their communities.
Activities include:
- Attending a walking Political Tour of Little Saigon: visiting major sites of significance and learning key events that took place at each site that relates to the formation and transformation of Little Saigon, Orange County
- Planning and co-leading a community art event
- Participating in a field trip to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Santa Ana city council chambers
- Learning and practicing speaking Vietnamese every week
*You do not have to be Vietnamese to apply!
