DILP 2022 Crowdfunding Campaign

ABOUT DILP

The Dual Identity Leadership Program, DILP, was established in 2014 after VCA-Vic saw a need to support and encourage second-generation Vietnamese-Australians to reach their potential and become the best leaders representing two cultural identities. Since then, the program has expanded into a successful program, where participants develop essential leadership skills and embrace their dual heritage and culture. Altogether, DILP aims to address the lack of proportionate representation, as well as the lack of cultural understanding and identity across young Vietnamese Australia. The program provides a rewarding experience where participants are empowered to embrace their dual identity alongside valuable skills in navigating real-world problems which they may encounter.

Every year, participants have the opportunity to contribute to a cause that is passionate to them through our Social Impact Projects (SIPs). In their SIPs, participants work in teams to raise awareness for social issues close to our hearts, including Mental Health, Anti-racism, Gender Equality, Preserving Cultural Heritage, LGBTIQA+, and Accessibility.

Unlike other community leadership programs, DILP is uniquely led by our alumni, who have already graduated from the program yet have chosen to return and volunteer their time in delivering the program to the next generation. We are also led by an incredible advisory board that encompasses young and diverse leaders of dual identity across both the private and public sectors, including mayors, councillors, entrepreneurs and teachers, to name a few.

Upon completing the program, the participants, now part of the DILP ALUMNI family, are equipped with skills that empower them to become successful and valuable members of their respective fields and communities.

To learn more about us, visit our website: https://www.dualidentityleadership.org.au/

OUR ALUMNI

Much success has been seen within the Program, particularly with participants learning more about their cultural roots and embracing their dual heritage as part of their identity. Alumni of the Program have gone on to break the “bamboo ceiling” and champion their Asian Australian identity in their everyday lives. We see this in individuals like Anthony Tran, the youngest mayor of the City of Maribyrnong, Jasmine Nguyen, the youngest mayor of the City of Brimbank, and Claudia Nguyen, Councillor of Yarra City Council, who have all overcome barriers faced by Asian Australians in the professional arena, and are continuing to pave the way for future generations.

Each year, we consistently see groups of young individuals graduate from the program with a deeper understanding of their dual identity and an eagerness to give back to their communities.

ABOUT VCA-Vic

DILP is a proud and flourishing initiative of the Vietnamese Community in Australia Victorian Chapter (VCA Vic), a not-for-profit organisation. Through this program and its many initiatives, VCA Vic continues to preserve Vietnamese heritage across generations; support young Vietnamese-Australians, and encourage our youth to give back to the community.

HOW WILL THE DONATIONS BE USED?

Many expenses are involved in continuing to run and elevate our annual program. Without state government funding this year, it has been difficult to cover the costs of our program without compromising the quality of our delivery. To put this into context, our program recruits approximately 30 participants every year, costing us roughly $1000 to $1200 per participant. These expenses include running sessions, a leadership retreat, program equipment, guest speakers, catering, venue bookings, marketing, running alumni events, graduation etc. Donations of any amount are welcome, as every contribution will help ensure our program remains at its highest standard.

WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU?

As mentioned above, this is the first year that DILP has not received funding from the state government. Hence, we need your help in supporting the next cohort of leaders. Through your donations and support, young adults can be given the opportunity to grow and evolve into future leaders; building their capacity to empower those around us. Whether you’ve gone through the program yourself, heard about it from friends and family or just happened to stop by, we very much appreciate your love and support.

It would also mean a lot to us if you could kindly share that you’ve donated via your social media, or simply share our fundraiser link. The more exposure we get, the higher the chance we can reach our goal.

We would love to talk to you in person about our fundraiser, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of the DILP committee members.

Thinking of becoming a corporate sponsor for DILP? Learn more about the benefits and details by contacting Kenny on 0491 063 551 or [email redacted].

With much love,

Kevin Nguyen, on behalf of the 2022 DILP Committee