Joseph Campbell’s mythic structure of the hero’s journey works in Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, and other Western folk, fairy, and myths. This structure is also deeply ingrained in the American life with origins including, but not limited to, Manifest Destiny, the American economy, and mental health. LSS – this character structure doesn’t work in reality. Using multiple theatre exercises including improvisation and devising, we explore together what it means to look at the hero’s journey from a Buddhist point of view to better understand karmic influences…or in Campbell’s words “tests.” *Note: This workshop session will last two hours.*

In response to the increased rise of Anti-Asian/American, xenophobic harassment, and anti-hate towards marginalized communities of color, OCA is providing educational and awareness tools to combat these types of systemic oppression. This workshop is an interactive training to teach people on how to be a confident and effective bystander against racism and discrimination. At the end of the training, each participant will have the tools to be able to intervene as a bystander whenever they see or experience harassment.

VieTalk prides itself on offering zero-cost, interactive, and activity-packed lessons while constantly curating them to fit the students’ needs. This workshop will teach you how to introduce yourself in Vietnamese through many engaging activities. While participating in this workshop, you will have a glance into the mission and operation of VieTalk and opportunities to connect with a 300-strong community.

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will:
1. Have an enjoyable experience learning the Vietnamese language and culture.
2. Obtain some basic Vietnamese through interactive games and activities hosted by our leaders and instructors of VieTalk.
3. Understand Vietnamese learning opportunities and resources available at VieTalk.

Can you express and control your emotions? If you can, can you also understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others? This workshop breaks down Emotional Intelligence by first defining what it is and then diving into understanding one’s own emotions. This will include lessons on how to prevent cognitive hijacks, disrupt thinking, and shift perspectives. Afterwards, we will explore how to take this ability and turn it outwards; understanding other’s emotions. This section will go over how to empathize and how to build successful relationships. Lastly, we will discuss how having a developed Emotional Intelligence will help in your career and in life.

Everyone has their own burdens and combats it differently. There will be those who choose to ignore it, those who are combating it, and those who are unsure where they are. There’s emotional baggage that comes with trying to make a change. The baggage can be good or tough to deal with, but regardless, will take a toll and add unbeknownst stress. It’s added weight that friends, family, and mentors can help you carry while continuing to live life. The three things I want you to think about while attending this workshop: Where you started, where you are, and where you’re going to be. The person you were 4 years ago and 4 years from now, will not be the same here today. What issue or aspect can I make a concerted effort to achieve what I want to achieve? What can I control? Where do I need to make a concerted effort to be the best version?

Everyone has had some sort of goal they wanted to achieve. Whether it’s to be a doctor, go to space, be a firefighter, professional athlete, lose weight, gain weight, or even go to the grocery store and buy ingredients, everyone has had some sort of goal. Life as we know it is full of milestones, goals and plans to make sure we stay on track. However, on the path we walk towards the goal, we face struggles, difficulties and the f word, failure. Some start ahead of others, be it being born in a better economically stable family, having access to a good educational support system or a loving family. Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, you will face failure. How do you turn that into a learning experience? How do you get back up? What are the next steps after I just cried on my grocery list?

In a life led by meetings, work, and school, the number one problem we face as a generation is vulnerability to burnout and stress. While we may have been raised to buy into hustle culture, there is an important component of a healthy and productive lifestyle that we are often missing: creative play. Creative play is critical to a balanced and more fulfilled lifestyle, as finding that right outlet for creative energy can lead to happier humans. In this workshop, we will explore what creative play is, why it’s so paramount to a wonderful life, and engage in a little creative play ourselves! This will include a wide range of different art forms. No artistry skills required to join, just an open mind and heart!

Have you ever had an idea that you thought was great, be a content creator (and make a lot of money), or wanted to build your own business or brand? There are few examples of successful entrepreneurs in the Asian American space due to misconceptions that it is out of their reach. Join David, a CEO of a start-up, in a session to learn how your life can change by breaking out from your comfort zone, and how anyone can become a part-time entrepreneur.

Experience the traditional arts of Lion Dancing in forms you have never imagined. Learn how the music, the movements, and a bit of imagination tells a story that isn’t just a stage show, but an adventure. Get ready to be hands on with drums, cymbals, and even a full size lion costume!

This workshop is titled “Advancing the Plot” and will center on Asian Americans (specifically Vietnamese Americans) being the main characters of their own stories and how they can use their narratives and experiences to advocate for their communities. This workshop is presented by members of PIVOT, the Progressive Vietnamese American Organization.

Many people that come into VSA are so awe-inspired by what it offers. The vibe, the people, the activities, the bonding, it’s all great! But everyone has to leave VSA eventually (adulting, who knew). What story and legacy will you leave behind for others? More importantly, how will others be impacted by said story and legacy? Whether you’re in any kind of VSA position or you’re thinking of taking one on, my goal is to show you how your actions today can affect the success of those that come after you via a simulation of activities, and how that translates into the real world.

Everyone has their own problems within their story, but finding a temporary escape from reality isn’t. Just like how some people can pick up a book and immerse themselves into a story to escape their current stressful situation, dance can help clear one’s mind with a creative outlet. Lose yourself in the music, let every emotion flow out of your body, and express yourself through the movement. Learn how dance can help YOU escape the stressful times of everyday life through relating dance with your body and strengthening that relationship to evolve those limiting conversations with yourself to empowering ones.