Meeting Minutes --------------- Date & Time: Saturday Sep 7th, 2002 6:30 pm PST (California time) Agenda: 1. What should we do to motivate existing members' participation? 2. Preparations for the PR Campaign in Quarter 1-2/2003 (Vietnamese New Year) a) Strategies? b) Website readiness c) Material readiness Attendee: Tha`nh - Thanh Nguyen, Canada tlhp - Tran Le Hong Phuc, Canada LongCali - Long Tim Ha, USA tn - Nguyen Tien Hien, Australia Minutes: [06:15] * Tha`nh (~tnguyen@srry01m07-5.bctel.ca) has joined #crctvn [06:18] * LongCali (~LongCali/@ACC359DB.ipt.aol.com) has joined #crctvn [06:18] hi anh Thanh [06:18] Hi Long [06:18] How are you? [06:18] A bit busy with last minutes gardening work before the summer is over. [06:18] How's your school? [06:19] * LongCali has quit IRC (Today is a good day to chat.) [06:19] * LongCali (~LongCali/@ACC359DB.ipt.aol.com) has joined #crctvn [06:20] I talked to Phuc today regarding the emblem design. [06:20] I have registered for classes and will begin in Sept. 26. [06:20] Yes [06:20] your idea about mother/father/child is a good idea. However the artist gave up on us, so ... [06:21] Yes [06:21] Phuc and I will try to cut and paste and rearrange the picture to get what we want. I'll try to contact [06:21] one CRCTVN member who is an artist in VN, and see if he wants to continue and help us out. [06:21] Yes [06:22] Wait. I'll check for his name... [06:22] Okay [06:23] His name is "truong trong chinh", he couldn't make the Chat the last time, he might join in today. [06:23] That's good. [06:24] Do you have any good ideas on how we can launch our PR in Q1/2003? [06:26] We can put the CRCTVN advertisements in Vietnamese newspapers and magazines. [06:27] I can go to Vietnamese New Year's Celebrations and pass out the CRCTVN brochures. [06:27] Can you check which ones would give non-profit orgs to put add for free (wishful thinkin). [06:27] Yes [06:28] There is a Vietnamese/English Magazine called Viet Tide located in Orange County. [06:28] and? [06:29] The magazine is popular among Vietnamese youth, middle aged people, and elders. [06:29] After we have the advertisement kits ready, I am going to contact them. [06:30] Good. Phuc mentioned he will focus on this topic to make sure we have all material ready for the VN New Year. [06:30] Yes [06:31] * tlhp (~tlhp/@cnq43-213.cablevision.qc.ca) has joined #crctvn [06:31] FYI, Thai's father passed away a few weeks ago, so Thai won't be here today. Hoi has a wedding party to go to so he won't make it neither. [06:32] Hi Phuc. [06:32] Hi everyone [06:32] Hi anh Phuc [06:32] How are you long [06:32] I am fine, anh Phuc. How about you? [06:32] Phuc, do you know how to use FTP to download something if I put it on CRCTVN site? [06:33] i have to try first [06:33] We are just 3 people? [06:33] No problem. I'll send you an email with instruction on how to get it. [06:34] Yes. [06:34] Yes [06:34] I like the CRCT Emblem very much. [06:34] Long, did you receive my message on logo? [06:35] Yes, I received the Word Document from you a while ago, anh Phuc. [06:35] Mr Tuan can't no longer continue. We have to do it ourselves [06:35] We can start to brainstorm on how we should prepare for our VN New Year campaign. [06:35] Yes [06:35] I'll try to do some corrections [06:36] Mostly for the Chim La.c and the dragon [06:36] * tn (~tn_h_nguy@210.50.94.94) has joined #crctvn [06:37] Hi tn [06:37] Hi tn [06:37] hi guys/girls [06:37] you all in north america? [06:37] There's still no girls [06:37] Yes, i am in canada [06:37] Phuc, regarding the wording on the flyer + poster do you think you can really start working hard on this item to make sure we have them. [06:37] just trying to be politically correct :) [06:38] Yes, I am from Los Angeles. [06:38] Sure, i think about it [06:38] tn? Is this Tung? [06:38] I think about the message on poster and flyers [06:39] tien [06:39] Where are you from, Tien? [06:39] australia [06:39] Wow [06:39] Tien is an Aussie :) [06:39] Kangouru [06:40] I'll be in Australia in Jan 2005 [06:40] nah still a viet [06:40] for the medical convention [06:41] what state? [06:41] FYI guys, tn is a CRCTVN member and passionately share our dream. [06:41] Sydney and we will visit Queensland, NSW [06:41] I see [06:42] great place for holiday :) I haven't been up to date with what crctvn is about, so I guess I'll do more reading this session if you guys don't mind [06:42] That's fine, Tien. [06:42] Sure, Thanh can you put the agenda on? [06:43] Suggestion: We should use the name nickname when chatting so we don't have to ask who people are - saving time. [06:43] I meant for next times... [06:43] Back to the brainstorm on how we should prepare for our Tet PR campaign. Any ideas? [06:44] We should start the campaign small and manageable. [06:45] To see how people react first and then adapt to their reactions. [06:45] Good point. Any specific recommendations? [06:45] I think we should rewrite our website, finish our flyers and distribute them [06:46] small campaign meaning contacting other viet groups oversea? or just viet? [06:47] Tung, Thai, Hoi and I will take care of updating our website and get it ready for the Health Care pilot. Phuc, can you make sure we have the new text. [06:47] I'am busy right now because of medical association but after some weeks, i should be fine [06:47] Can you finish the poster text for Thanh to go back to VN for printing? [06:48] This weekend, i write a protocol for our convention in Australia and then go on for the poster [06:48] Thanks for trying, we can take care of the tech stuff but without the new text the website won't be much different in context. [06:48] Tien, I plan to contact an English/Vietnamese Magazine called Tiet Tide in Southern California for the campaign. [06:48] and the new taxt [06:48] Viet Tide [06:48] text [06:49] tn, FYI CRCTVN invites all Viet regardless where they are in helping VNese inside VN. [06:49] Thanh, be ready for the interview with TV and Radio [06:50] Anyone knows how best to contact media and self invite us for interviews? [06:51] I can give email and phone numbers of RFA, SBN, Radio in Ottawa [06:51] so you can contact them [06:52] One of the best ways to present CRCT to the media is to have our Prototype Health Project ready. [06:52] Good point [06:53] We must have some thing to present to these people [06:53] had any project began yet? or is health project the first? [06:53] That's what we are planning for. As I mentioned the new website to be ready before VN Tet 2003 will be equipped to contain health care issues. However, we don't have content yet. Phuc is resp. for collecting artciles within his MD friends. [06:54] You will have your articles soon [06:55] Starting from now, can you guys (besides Phuc) help in try to collect articles (links are ok) and send them to me please. [06:55] You want only Health related articles, right? [06:55] We aim to have 100-200 articles before VN Tet. Phuc, do you think you can collect this much? [06:56] Long, Yes. [06:56] Okay [06:56] Maybe 50 first [06:56] and then more later [06:57] Articles could be in English or VN. If each of us collects 5 each then we might be able to make it. [06:57] Okay [06:58] I'll send message to docvincent and some of top writes in vietnamese medical community [06:58] Phuc. OK your goal is 50 then. Can each of you committe to collect at least 5 before the end of this year? [06:59] but first they will go to see what crct is about, so be ready with our website [06:59] Okay [07:00] Phuc, our tech team is converting the current website to new dynamic format, we just concentrate on technology, content won't change unless you give me new text. [07:01] OK, I work hard on it... [07:01] i go for it right after finishing with VMAFW [07:01] FYI, Monday I'll put up on our website what we are planning to do the website before VN Tet. You can can check it out, so you can see what the tech team is up to. [07:02] I'll wite in Vietnamese, OK [07:02] unless you prefer English [07:03] VNese is preferable, but English would be ok too at this stage since we want to collect content otherwise the search engine and the table of content won't have much. [07:03] Yes [07:04] Assuming the tech team can deliver this and with your committed effort we have 100 articles, what else we should do? [07:04] Thanh is going back to VN on Sept 12th? [07:05] GO for PR [07:05] I can check his email, hold on... [07:05] Sorry I don't have his email at home. [07:06] Present our project to VN communities... [07:06] "Go for PR"? Any specific recommendations? [07:06] and go on for other fields [07:06] How do we get spaces infront of them? [07:06] Hm? [07:07] By being professional and well prepared [07:07] Use the TV, Radio [07:07] and send our email to some forums [07:08] Any good "pitch" we could use for tv/radio? [07:08] and talk about our meeting in summer [07:08] you meant inviting them to our 2003 conference? [07:09] Why not? [07:09] Sure, but we need to interest them before they "waste" their time and money attend the conf. [07:09] We also send our email to many people who have their projects for vn [07:10] in the case, focus on our website [07:11] and build our virtual library [07:11] and our search engine [07:11] we just mention of our conference.. [07:11] if they are interested so they can come.. [07:12] Our website is our main PR instrument [07:12] good points. Two tiers: build the pilot and try to PR at the same time. Besides PR, any ideas on how we can motivate the 50 other CRCTVN members to get active? [07:13] Are we doing something wrong? are we missing something? etc...? [07:14] give them project like collecting articles... [07:15] It's hard for the members to market and sale CRCTVN idea. [07:15] Because as you know, Vietnamese are more reserved. [07:16] I think the passive members are there to lend us moral supports. [07:16] Until now, all we could do is improve and perfect our website and our library. Later, we can have some better projects in Vn... [07:16] Then people will answer [07:17] I agree with anh Phuc. [07:17] because now, even they don't know how to help [07:18] WE can't carry on heavier project for now [07:18] The important thing is keeping them updated with our progress. [07:18] Don't forget to link other organisations [07:19] Keeping them informed. [07:19] humanitarian organisatons for vn [07:20] Don't forget, even they can't help us now; they still watch us CLOSELY [07:20] I had friends just came back from VN, and they mentioned VN is making a lot of good steps in their planning and people only concentrate on make their lifes better.... [07:21] You mean the government or the people? [07:21] Build our credibility and show them our good faith, time will come and opportunities too... [07:21] Can you elaborate on that statement, anh Thanh? [07:21] The trend of overseas VNese today are more and more of them are participating (instead of just thinking) about helping VNese. [07:22] Long, I meant the gov. about planning and people in term of their thinking. [07:22] Did your friends tell you why the government are changing for better? [07:23] Is it because out of survival and they have no choice? [07:23] They won't know. [07:23] Okay [07:24] Besides Tri' Viet, Phuc and I thought we should find ways for VNese around the world to learn about other's effort and opportunities for them to collaborate on non-local projects that help VNese in VN. [07:25] yes [07:25] Do you guys know any such org. which fosters and encourages this idea? [07:25] do you want me to send you the list in australia? [07:25] Please. [07:26] This concept of "Portal" place for non-profit gives everyone the following benefits:... [07:27] . moral support - saying there are other people around the world who had the same dream and working on it. [07:27] . some wants to help, but tired of local involvement [07:27] Okay [07:28] . some wants to help but, their "dream" project is not available at the local level [07:29] . larger scale (global and long term). Currently there are not many who dares to go beyond local and short term projects for many fears of failure. However, VNese around the world are now at the stage where we can unite to propose and work on large and long-term proj. [07:29] done. [07:29] our website intend to let people with good faith meeting each other and plan good things for vn [07:30] currently Tri' Viet is only for the "knowledge booster", it does not act like a portal yet. [07:30] yes [07:31] Do you think we should stick out and take the mission to create this portal and call for VNese to unite to help VNese in VN? [07:32] I think we should postpone this idea until we finish other goals first. [07:33] I agree with Long [07:33] same [07:33] website and virtual library [07:33] We must focus on the main goals. [07:34] Very practical Long. We should concentrate on what's on the table and complete it with high score first then - one good step at a time. [07:34] and then create 'portal' [07:34] Yes [07:34] OK. We can park this idea, and perhaps we will discuss it at 2003 conf. [07:34] Yes [07:35] Very good idea [07:35] Time check: it's 7:30 pm. I am ok to continue until we finish any misc. issues left. [07:35] It's all right for me to continue. [07:35] keep going [07:36] ok [07:36] What time is it in Australia? [07:36] 12pm [07:36] 10:30 PM in Quebec [07:36] anh Tha`nh, I have an idea [07:37] You know the event of September 11th in New York City and the Pentagon, right? [07:37] go on... [07:38] Do you think it's all right with you to put something on the CRCTVN web site to remember that event? [07:39] I haven't thought about this yet, but go on share with us what you think of its effect? [07:39] First of all, it's the right thing for Con Rong Chau Tien Vietnam Society to do. [07:40] Secondly, it will build our Public Relations with the media positively. [07:42] FYI, regarding the website. Our website content does not "pull" people to it yet, so "new visitors" do not come to oursite unless we make some PR and some might come. Existing members and supports come back once in a while, but if our content does not improve they will loose interest (especially the supporters). [07:42] Yes [07:43] i don't know if it will have impact on our website because people in VN and in other countries don't have the same emotional feelings for this event [07:43] So putting 9/11 stuff on our website would not bring new visitors, it shows existing members / supporter that we care but I think that's it. [07:44] I know that [07:44] until now, thers are many tragic events in Asia and in VN so it does not mean that we have to put them on our website... [07:44] Bottom line regarding the web, the marketing team bring people in, the content team keeps them coming back. [07:45] But since the majority of members are from North America... [07:45] Anyway, people are 'flooded' with the informations about 911.. [07:45] Yes, anh Phuc [07:45] on TV and Radio and internet... [07:45] go on... [07:46] They do the job much better than we do [07:46] anh Thanh, I know that CRCTVN Society's focus is to help the Vietnamese people. [07:46] we should focus on our goals: Renew our website [07:46] update our content [07:47] yes, it's already on the action plan. [07:47] Any comments / tips on how I can improve our current communications to all members and supporters? [07:47] I think if we put our emblem on our website, it will have more impact on people [07:48] yes [07:48] Good point, the moment we have it done I'll put it up within 24 hours (how's that). [07:48] and with the heath project, they will see some thing tangible [07:49] Regarding communication methods, we have chat, forum, news server, website. Tung, Thai, Hoi and I were brainstorming... [07:49] yes [07:50] on how we can use them effectively (not to overload members and supporters with messages, but at the same time let them knows what's going on in each task team - in hoping that... [07:51] they might interest and join in). Are you interested in the brainstorm for this, so I can include you in all our chit/chat. [07:51] When is this meeting? [07:51] We use emails and bounce ideas around back and forth. [07:52] Sure, anh Thanh [07:52] We intended to have a Chat but Tung got busy with his father's funeral so we postponed it. However, it will pick up within the next few weeks. [07:53] Should we do something for Tung, anh Thanh? [07:53] Since it's sad news for Tung. [07:53] Any suggestion? [07:54] Sorry, it's Thai not Tung (Tung will kill me - sorry Tung). [07:54] Ha,ha [07:54] :) [07:54] Thai's is in Oakland, CA. [07:54] Did you go to the funeral? [07:54] No. [07:55] CRCTVN Society can send Thai's our condolences. [07:55] Good point [07:55] We (Tung, Hoi and I) did on personal level. [07:56] Phuc and Tien, do you have bandwith to join our "communication" team in brainstorming on how best to communicate with each other? [07:56] What's Bandwith? [07:57] extra time and focus? [07:57] 56kb? :) [07:57] yeah sure [07:57] ok [07:57] One point i would like to make. i really feel that what phuc mention a while ago about getting other vnese to collect article is a great idea. often members lose interest because there's no involvement. if you could related a the goodness of their 'article collection' activities back to vnese back home (some example), i feel it will motivate them to complete the task. of course article collection isn't the only tasks. [07:58] Can you elaborate on "goodness"... [07:59] in terms of humanitarian, like if you are gonna collect an article, give an example of who will use it once they collected it [07:59] vnese back home ie [08:00] You meant in my request for help, I should make some example, etc... [08:00] yes [08:01] Good point and good timing, since had been waiting to send this request out - I wait until people come back from holiday. [08:01] but the concept of getting people involve at the early stage, even if it's just small task is great. like when you ask us to get more members [08:02] I did send a note around work, but I guess I am not too good with PR. where I work, there's at least half a dozen viet phds [08:02] What do you do, Tien? [08:02] where do you live, Tien? [08:03] I work for defence science, there are also lots of viet engineers [08:03] but I'll be going back to uni next year [08:04] Tien, I am studying to become an Elementary School Teacher. [08:05] your viet spirit is much greater than many phds I know :) on the surface anyway [08:05] :) [08:05] Tien, Long and Phuc, any comments / suggestions on how we conduct this Chat this 2nd time? [08:07] No, anh Thanh [08:07] i think we just get to the point and help motivate us for the work [08:07] I agree with anh Phuc. [08:08] Can I suggest and summarize action items for us: [08:08] Phuc, complete the text for poster, website by end of October [08:08] Tien, collect contacts (email address) of VNese media in Australia [08:08] Long, collect contacts (email address) of VNese media in Australia [08:08] Thanh, complete the new website engine by Dec. [08:09] Long, for California not Aus. [08:09] Yes, anh Thanh [08:09] ok, in a couple of days [08:09] ok [08:10] Thanks guys. FYI, the "NoteTaker" records this session into a log file, and we will post this meeting minutes on the web for others to follow. [08:11] ok boy, Tung will like to read this one [08:11] Poor Tung :) [08:11] Tien, before signing off, could you share your experience with us? [08:11] ok [08:11] I meant feeling? [08:12] as all multi user chat session, it's a little confusing, although I speed is good. maybe more details on the agenda. [08:13] but I like these session cos it keep up my spirit :) [08:13] What is your spirit, Tien? [08:14] I like to see vietnamese in vn more happy, better feed [08:14] what about yours? [08:16] I want to help Vietnamese to have better living conditions. [08:18] Guys, anything else before we let Phuc goes to bed (11:20 pm his time)? [08:18] i want to be a citizen in a free and properous Vie^.t Nam. I want Vie^.t Nam to be a superpower as it shoul be [08:19] hihi, anh Phuc :) [08:19] I want VNese to have a fair chance in the world, not to be taken advantages by other countries, my direct action is to help giving them opportunity. [08:19] Japan, Singapore, Korea can do it so can we [08:20] That's so cool :) [08:21] We (all of us here) are no smarter than VNese in VN, however we had the opportunity. By helping VNese in VN with opportunity, they can excel by themselves. [08:21] yeah, no help is better than own help [08:22] If we don' t help our people, Who will do it? [08:22] No one will [08:23] This is great I think the sign off could end with personal thoughts, and it refreshes our motivation (at least for me). What's about you guys? [08:23] It's a great way of keeping members motivated. [08:23] it gives me good dream [08:23] for tonight [08:24] Let's make it the tradition for future chat rooms (and conferences too). [08:24] sure does Thanh, I'll hope to chat again with you guys next month [08:24] Con Rong Chau Tien [08:24] Nang Cao Tri Khi [08:24] crct [08:24] :) [08:24] Until next time guys. Bye for now. [08:24] bye [08:24] Bye Bye [08:24] Bye [08:24] * tn has quit IRC (EOF From client) [08:25] * Tha`nh has quit IRC [08:25] * tlhp has quit IRC (Today is a good day to chat.) [08:25] * LongCali has quit IRC (Today is a good day to chat.) [08:25] * hongphuc (~tlhp/@cnq43-213.cablevision.qc.ca) has joined #crctvn [08:25] * hongphuc has quit IRC (Today is a good day to chat.) 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