ABOUT US
University of Toronto Vietnamese Students’ Association (UTVSA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1981. Since then, UTVSA has sought to promote and preserve Vietnamese language and culture by encouraging dialogue between University of Toronto students and the Vietnamese community. In collaboration with Vietnamese Students’ Unions from other Universities around Ontario, UTVSA has actively worked to better the University experience for Vietnamese students by providing a strong supportive social network, organized social and academic based events, and a forum for discussion within a vibrant Vietnamese community.
OUR VALUES
CULTURE
UTVSA seeks to promote and preserve Vietnamese culture and language through our events and platforms. Regardless of who or where someone is from, UTVSA aims to ignite a spark in them an appreciation for Vietnamese culture, and to continue fuelling the flames in those already with a burning passion for all that is Vietnam.
COMMUNITY
UTVSA always looks to be involved in community projects and learn from community members. Through our platform, we want to act as a bridge between our members and the wider Canadian-Vietnamese community.
CONNECTION
UTVSA is a club run by a diverse group of students for a diverse group of students; we value the unique individuals that make up our organization and the stories that they have to share. Our club would not function without the dedication and creativity of students, so we strive to maintain a relatable and friendly image.
CONVERSATION
Historically, UTVSA has fostered a politically-neutral, flag-free environment to welcome discussion from all Vietnamese experiences. Whether it’s the topic of mental health in Asian communities, race and ethnicity, diasporic Vietnamese experiences, or the ongoing cultural repercussions of the Vietnam war, we encourage our community to engage in respectful discussions, educate themselves, and push themselves to have these tough conversations.
COMMUNICATION
English is the main language of communication for UTVSA’s activities, given our cultural and geographical location. However, English communications are accompanied by the use of Vietnamese on social media platforms and throughout events to preserve and promote the Vietnamese language. All Vietnamese dialects and proficiency levels are welcomed in our community.
OUR GOALS
BUILD AN ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL COMMUNITY
We strive to host memorable social events for community members to bond on a personal level. In recent years, we have begun to develop and moderate our social media platforms and servers to foster a secondary, online-accessible community. Whether in-person or online, we create a safe space for discussion in regards to academic, social, cultural, and individual development. As a recognized student group from the University of Toronto, we provide helpful resources specific to U of T students, considered from a cultural standpoint.
ACT AS A BRIDGE TO THE GREATER CANADIAN-VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY
UTVSA aims to build a network with other Vietnamese Student Associations in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. We strive to connect students with local Vietnamese organizations, and connect international students with related resources and local organizations specific to the international-student experience.
GROW OUR NETWORK AND RESOURCES FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE MEMBERS
Within the University of Toronto community, we aim to build a network with other Southeast Asian and East Asian student associations and recognized groups. In recent years, we have begun to record and develop our network with past UTVSA members, and New College or U of T alumni of Vietnamese descent. We seek to expand UTVSA’s creative online presence to gain more exposure and grow our community, and expand UTVSA’s financial means through sponsorships, fundraising, and merchandise opportunities.
PROVIDE EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXECUTIVE MEMBERS TO GROW AS LEADERS AND INDIVIDUALS
Our executive members participate in internal team workshops about leadership skills, conflict resolution, and self-development. We aim to develop expertise and transferable skills within the executive roles that can be applied in professional life. We build strong relationships founded on trust between executive members on both a personal and professional level, and we strive to produce strong student leaders for fellow student groups, general members, and annual undergraduate representatives.