Who We Are

The Viet Gulf Coast Solidarity Network is an effort that came out of the “Beyond 35 Years: Organizing in the Vietnamese Community” workshop at the 2010 US Social Forum. The workshops, facilitated by VietUnity members, brought together organizers and workers from VAYLA, MQVNCDC, VietUnity, CA Healty Nail Salon Collaborative, Hope CDA,  CAAV (NY) and individuals from Minnesota. After being educated about the conditions, needs, and organizing work currently going on in NO/Gulf regions, we broke out into two groups, with one focusing on what Gulf Coast solidarity work would like.

From that small group, with input from VAYLA, Hope CDA and MQVNCDC, we identified that we could begin a solidarity network that supported in 3 main ways:

1. Communications support (getting the word out with a specific ask)

2. Grassroots fundrasing (to support grassroots organizing work)

3. Supporting the coordination of a training for trainers project to support the growth and sustainability of local leadership

Since then, those of us who attended the forum have reported back the information and have begun the mobilization of the VGCSN. We have been holding monthly meetings with folks interested in supporting the VGCSN, in varying capacities. There is a core group of us, all based in the Bay Area, who coordinate the meetings and network, which is about 17 people all together, based in various places, such as Southern California and Minnesota, with various interests and backgrounds.

As we continue this work, we are maintaining conversations with those on the ground to ensure our efforts are effective, principled, and aligned with the work and vision of those in the Gulf.

For more information or to get involved, email us at:
vietgcsn@gmail.com