Saturday, January 31, 2009

White House Email Outage WHA??


I'm always amazed at how antique-like Washington D.C. can be. CNN reports there's some challenges in their email system, like an email outage!

"An apologetic Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters at 1:30 pm press briefing that the server meltdown was responsible for the delay in responding to their e-mailed questions. But late Monday, nearly six hours since the server first went haywire, staffers still can’t use their official e-mail addresses — and a press aide could not tell CNN when the press office might be able to start sending and receiving messages again."


Meanwhile, the Smithsonian wants Aretha's hat. Oye!

Source, Source, Source, more broken email commentary from Wonkette

Association for Asian Americans Studies Conference in Hawaii

AAAS Conference in Hawaii

April 22-26, 2009

Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel
2500 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815-3696
1-808-922-0811
http://www.WaikikiPrinceKuhio.com

For more information on the upcoming conference, visit:
http://www.aaastudies.org/2009

The Association for Asian American Studies was founded in 1979 for the purpose of advancing the highest professional standard of excellence in teaching and research in the field of Asian American Studies; promoting better understanding and closer ties between and among various sub-components within Asian American Studies: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Hawai'ian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander, and other groups. AAAS sponsors professional activities to facilitate increased communication and scholarly exchange among teachers, researchers, and students in the field of Asian American Studies. The organization advocates and represents the interests and welfare of Asian American Studies and Asian Americans. AAAS is also founded for the purpose of educating American society about the history and aspirations of Asian American ethnic minorities.

UIC Mr. Asian Sens-Asian 2009

My alma mater! Fun event. Details below.

Mr. Asian Sens-Asian '09
F.O.B.S = Fight Off Bad Stereotypes
Wednesday, April 8th
Illinois Room, SCE

**********************************************

HELLO EVERYONE

Its that time again, for MR ASIAN SENS-ASIAN. For those of you that do not
know what this is, it is a MALE talent show in the format of a beauty
pageant. The contestants are showcased off to the audience by performing
their talents, dances, skits, etc. The judges rate them on their
creativity, charisma, and talent.

**********************************************

Mr. Asian Sens-asian

Male Talent Competition
Entry Form

The Asian-American Awareness Month Planning Committee of the University of
Illinois at Chicago proudly presents the 5th Annual Mr. Asian Sens-Asian
Pageant on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. The purpose of this event is to
recognize highly motivated, ambitious, and talented Asian-American males
that wish to send a message about breaking traditional stereotypes formed
by our society. By celebrating the rich diversity of Asian-American
culture, these captivating and charismatic young individuals will
represent the underrepresented and serve as vehicle to raise awareness of
the issues that affect the Asian/Asian-American student population. The
Pageant will be comprised of a talent, formal wear, casual wear, and
question/answer round.


PRIZES for: 1st Place: TBA
2nd Place: TBA

Requirements:
The maximum number of contestants competing will range from 12-18 people.
It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible.
Spaces are limited.
*Please attach ALL additional requirements listed below along with this
signed application form.

The first general meeting will be held February 13, 2009 at 4:30 pm. The
room will be announced when you turn in your application forms.

• Eligibility
o Must be a current student at UIC
o Please enclose with application a quality photo of yourself
o Please include but not limited to: interesting information that you
would like to be presented to the audience.
o Must be able to perform talent on stage (i.e., singing, dancing, musical
instruments, comedic/dramatic monologues, exhibition, etc.)
o Talent may be performed solo or with a group or partner so as long as
the contestant has the main role.
***Please enclose a brief description of the talent you will perform. All
talent will be screened and approved***

• Short Answer
o Choose ONE of the following and enclose a brief response (1 or 2
paragraphs)
o In what ways do you promote/preserve your cultural heritage and promote
Asian-American awareness?
o To what extent do you feel preservation of your culture vs. assimilating
to American society is important?
o How would you describe being an Asian-American male in America's society
has influenced your life?
o What kind of stereotypes have you experienced growing up and why is it
important to break these stereotypes?


Deadlines:
o Application deadline is due February 12, 2009. Please send in the
application either through paper copy at our booths (which will be located
in front of the bookstore 2/9 - 2/11) or email it to one of our contacts
listed below.

Application:

Personal Information:
First Name:__________ MI:____ Last:________________
Nationality:____________________________________
Birthday:______/_______/__________
Street
Address:_________________________________________________________________
City:_______________________________________ State:________ Zip
Code:_____________
E-mail Address:
________________________________________________________________
Primary Phone: ( ) _______ – ___________ Secondary Phone: ( )_______ –
_________
Academic Major:
_______________________________________________________________
Hobbies/Interests:
_______________________________________________________________



Contacts:

Jennifer Guiang (aKDPhi) 773.787.3977 jenmarie7245@gmail.com

Alex Kim (CST) 630.251.7759 akim41@uic.edu

Participant's Agreement Statement:
I,________________________________, agree to participate in Mr. Asian
Sens-asian Pageant in April 2009. I have read and understand all of the
rules and regulations of this contest. If I do not meet all of the
requirements/rules, I understand that I will not be able to participate in
the pageant. I also agree to provide any information necessary to
participate in the contest. All of the information above, that I have
provided, is correct and true.
Participant's Signature: ______________________________________
Date: _______________

*If you would like to respond and are interested please copy and paste the
above form through word as an attachment and send to one of the contacts
filled out completely. Also, please provide us with one of the short
answer questions filled out through a word document.

-Alex Kim

Uniqueness at the Wang Center, Stony Brook University

Start it right - Reserve Your Tickets to these Unique Performances Now!

1. D'LO
Reflections & Rambles while Relevating Revolutionaries

Wednesday, February 11, 7:00PM

Hip Hop, Spoken Word, Stand Up, Poetry, and Theater Meld in a
Contemporary
Performance

With biting insight, D'Lo, a Tamil Sri-Lankan American, props an
uncompromisingly hilarious mirror to the stereotypes of South Asian
culture,
American life, and challenges misconceptions about sexual orientation and
queer lifestyles in a performance that has been inspiring audiences on
college
campuses throughout the United States. Described as a "jolt of
creative and
comedic energy," this political theatre artist/writer and music
producer uses
Hip-Hop to form the foundation for creative activism, which D'Lo has
shared
with diverse youth as a teaching artist.

Unafraid of offending the audience, D'Lo's stories are filled with
contradictions
of existing in America where one's traditions and culture are constantly
challenged; stories reflecting the experiences of being a person of
color and/or
from an immigrant community; stories showing the battle against ignorance
even in friendships and relationships; and finally, stories of love
that reflect
D'Lo's belief that you "can't call yourself a revolutionary if you
have a problem
being nice."

"D'Lo's vibrant commitment to freedom exemplifies how art and
creativity come
to bear on politics and oppression." – Zahra Dhanani, Xtra! Magazine
(Toronto)

Reservations highly recommended!
Pre-Order if Possible!

Event time: Wednesday, February 11, 7:00 PM
Tickets for this event are:
$10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission, $25 for VIP
To Pre-Order Tickets: go to www.stonybrook.edu/wang
To Reserve Tickets: email wangcenter@stonybrook.edu or call (631) 632-4400

To download flier:
http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/wang/D%27LoFlierfinal.pdf

2. TAIKOPROJECT
Friday, February 27, 8:00PM

Heard nationally on advertisements for Nike and Mitsubishi, the
TAIKOPROJECT
is a contemporary taiko drumming group originating from Los Angeles,
California. Dedicated to preserving taiko as a dynamic element of
Japanese
American culture and heritage, TAIKOPROJECT has crisscrossed the United
States and the world playing and giving workshops at taiko festivals,
community gatherings, theatres, universities, and other venues since
2000.
The February 27th performance at the Charles B. Wang Center in Stony
Brook,
NY is their Long Island debut.

Taiko drums were originally used in an ancient form of Japanese
courtly music
known as gagaku, in feudal military marches to set the tempo and
communicate, and in Buddhist and Shinto shrines during religious
ceremonies.
Modern Taiko was founded in Japan in 1951 when Daihachi Oguchi formed the
first taiko ensemble and integrated jazz rhythms into his performances.
TAIKOPROJECT continues the tradition of incorporating western and
contemporary elements into taiko, especially hip-hop, multimedia, and
storytelling.

TAIKOPROJECT: This ain't your mama's taiko, but it may be your hip,
younger
cousin's."–L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles, California

"...they blew the roof off with their energy and willingness to take
taiko into
the 21st century by experimenting with various media and settings.
They take
American taiko outside the box."–International Examiner, Seattle,
Washington

Reservations highly recommended!
Pre-Order if Possible!

Program time: Friday February 27, 8:00 PM
Tickets:
$10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission $25 for VIP

Master Class: Thursday February 26, 7:00PM
Tickets: $25 - very limited capacity

To Pre-Order Tickets: go to www.stonybrook.edu/wang
To Reserve Tickets: email wangcenter@stonybrook.edu or call (631) 632-4400

To download Flier: http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/wang/taiko%20flier%201.pdf

The Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University, located at Exit
62 off
the Long Island Expressway, initiates and collaborates with academic
departments, student groups, community organizations, art and cultural
institutions and individuals in presenting the public with a
multifaceted,
intellectually sound, and humane understanding of Asia and Asian American
cultures, and their relationship to other cultures.

For more information on these and other Asian American Programs at the
Wang
Center, please visit: http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/wang/events.shtml

"Deporting Cambodians: How Immigration Policy Shapes Our Communities": A New Dialogue Initiative Exhibit at the Wing Luke Asian Museum

Chicago Foundation for Women- Asian American Leadership Council Breaking Barriers Fundraiser

Save the Date!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Breaking Barriers: Honoring

Asian American Women in the Creative Arts
to benefit The Silk Fund

Hosted by the Chicago Foundation for Women?s
Asian American Leadership Council

Event details to follow

Join us to network, meet dynamic women in the creative arts, and raise money for the Silk Fund, which awards grants to organizations that support programs for women and girls of Asian descent in the Chicago area.
For more information, visit www.cfw.org.

Call for Nominations:

Do you know an Asian American woman leader in the creative arts community? Nominate her for recognition at ?Breaking Barriers.? Click here to download the nomination form. Submission deadline is February 20, 2009.

Strait Talk Symposium - Applications Now Being Accepted!

Strait Talk is now accepting applications for college-age student delegates from the U.S., Taiwan, and China.

Strait Talk is a weeklong symposium on the Taiwan issue that invites a total of 15 delegates (5 each from mainland China, Taiwan, and the United States). Each year Strait Talk runs a program at Brown University in November and, beginning this year, a program at U.C. Berkeley in March. During each program, Strait Talk strives to:

* Promote Constructive Dialogue: At the core of the week's activities is of dialogue sessions. These are facilitated, intensive dialogue sessions used to encourage mutual understanding of each participant's point of view. Delegates are aided in these sessions by a trained conflict resolution facilitator. Any viewpoints shared during these sessions are strictly confidential to allow for genuine discourse.
* Bring In Expert Information: Complementing the dialogue program, Strait Talk arranges distinguished speakers to share their experiences on Cross-Strait relations and exchange ideas with delegates in closed room meetings. Past speakers have come from all areas of expertise, including academia, business, art, and policymaking.
* Build Lasting Connections: While the focus is on the dialogue sessions and speakers, there are also social activities throughout the week that are meant to foster closer bonds among the delegates that will extend beyond their week together. This is the time to relax and explore attractions near the symposium's venue.
* Give Youth A Voice: The week culminates in the Consensus Recommendation presentation, where the fifteen delegates share their report on how they believe cross-Strait relations should move forward. This report will be published and circulated to scholars and policymakers in the United States and Asia.


Please note the following dates for application submissions:

China delegates, deadline: Jan. 27, 2009
Taiwan delegates, deadline: Jan. 27, 2009
U.S. delegates, deadline: Feb. 10, 2009

For more information please visit www.straittalk.org.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Organization: Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center

Position Title: Program Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Deadline to apply: February 27, 2008

Organization Description: The Asian Pacific American Dispute
Resolution Center provides mediation and conflict resolution services
to the diverse communities in the Los Angeles region. Through our
mediation services, we offer people an alternative to costly and time-
consuming court services. We also strive to improve human relations
and race relations by addressing complex, cross-cultural community
conflicts and their root causes through collaboration with community
partners. We are dedicated to serving traditionally under-served and
under-represented people in order to ensure equal access for all.
Please go to www.apadrc.org for program details.

Job Summary: Under supervision of the Executive Director, the Program
Director will oversee all aspects of the community and youth programs
including training, program curriculum and development. The Program
Director will also be directly responsible for various projects
within the unit. APADRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Primary Responsibilities

· Develop curriculum and deliver training to adults and youth

· Supervise program staff & interns

· Do program development (community and youth)

· Mediation case work

Desired Qualifications

· Knowledge of and experience in the Asian/Pacific Islander
community

· Experience working with youth

· Knowledge and experience in the field of conflict resolution

· Bilingual in English and Asian/Pacific Islander language

· 2-3 years supervision and team management experience in a
non-profit setting

· Legal authorization to work in the United States

Salary & Benefits

· Salary range: $35,000 - $40,000

· Medical and Dental insurance provided

· Mileage reimbursed

· Monthly parking offered

· Paid vacations, sick days, and holidays offered

To Apply, submit cover letter and resume to:

Ing Phansavath @ ing.phansavath@apadrc.org.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2009 CONVERSITY YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS from APADRC

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2009 CONVERSITY YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS

The Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center (APADRC)
announces up to four annual scholarships to be awarded to youths
enrolled in a Los Angeles County High School (9th – 12th grade). Two
of these scholarships will be given to a peer mediator who
participates in our Peer Meditation Program. Please visit
www.apadrc.org for more information about our partner schools.

The goal of these scholarships is to recognize the students who have
contributed to resolving disputes/ peace/ conflicts in their
communities. These four scholarships are $500 each and will be
awarded on Wednesday, April 22nd, at APADRC's 8th Conversity Awards
Reception celebrating 20 years of service to the community to be held
@ Luminarias in Monterey Park. Awardees MUST be able to attend this
evening event in order to receive the scholarship.

In addition to the $500 check, the awardees will receive a special
surprise political certificate, have their photo and bio published in
our program book (300 will be printed), and will receive other
special goodies.

Application Process
All applications must include:

1) 500 Word essay written by the youth applicants on the
topic, "How I have contributed to resolving disputes/ peace/
conflicts in my community." Include youth name, address, phone
number and school name with essay. (50% weight given)

2) A list of the applicant's volunteer and community service
involvement.
(25% weight given)

3) One signed nomination letter from a teacher, mentor or adult
who has knowledge of the applicant's contribution to resolving
disputes/conflicts in their community. Include nominator's name,
address, phone number and position with letter of recommendation.
(25% weight given.)

Deadline
Completed applications must arrive at the APADRC office by February
27th by 5:00 pm via e-mail to lisa.chong@apadrc.org, or via fax at
213-250-8195 or via mail to the following address:

Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center
Re: Youth Scholarship
1145 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Attn: Lisa Chong

Please note that this award is intended to contribute to the college
education expenses of the youth who receives the award. This award is
made possible by private donations of individuals and corporations
(Incomplete applications will not be accepted.)

Applicants will be selected by a group of community representatives
who are not employees of the APADRC. Please note that the decisions
of the Conversity Youth Scholarship Committee are final.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Chong at 213-250-8190
or lisa.chong@apadrc.org

Immediate Job Opening for Vietnamese Maternal Child Health Coordinator (Orange County, CA)

Dear Friends of MOMS: Perhaps you know a Vietnamese bi-lingual, bi-cultural individual who is interested in working with low income Vietnamese speaking mothers and their babies? I would appreciate you sending this e-mail along to your colleagues and friends! The particulars are below:



Maternal Child Health Coordinator: Provides in-home health screenings, individualized prenatal and early parenting education, support, and linkages to community resources for mothers and their babies. Services are designed to promote self care, positive health habits and infant development in a culturally appropriate manner.

* Full time with benefits
* Must be completely bi-lingual in Vietnamese and English
* Bachelor’s Degree in a Health Related field and/or solid experience working with the community
* 3 month intensive training program provided
* Willingness to travel throughout Orange County (mileage reimbursement provided)
* Salary range from $32,000 to $40,000 commiserate with education and experience



Those with recent experience in the non-profit community, who have been affected by down-sizing, or cessation of program funding will be given top priority. Please e-mail resumes to Yvette Bojorquez, RN, Director of Client Services at ybojorquez@momsorangecounty.org



THANKS!!!

Pamela

PLEASE NOTE: NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS

ppimentel@momsorangecounty.org


Pamela Pimentel, RN, CEO

MOMS Orange County

1128 West Santa Ana Blvd.

Santa Ana, CA 92703

Direct Line (714) 352-3423

(714) 972-2610 ext: 423

Fax (714) 972-2620

NAAAP 2009 Lunar New Year Celebration

Happy New Year! Kung Hai Fat Choi! Chuc Mung Nam Moi! Sae Hae Bok
Manni Bahdeh Sayo!

Whichever New Year you happen to celebrate, The National Association
of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) of Chicago welcomes you, along
with members of the Chinese American Service League (CASL), the
Chinese American Bar Association (CABA), the Korean American Bar
Association (KABA), and Korean American Community Services (KACS), to
join us and make the Year of the Ox a memorable one!

Kick off 2009 as part of this valuable networking opportunity.
Experience the wonderful similarities and differences in food and
traditions of the various Asian cultures which celebrate Lunar New Year.

Have a drink on us with 1 FREE DRINK ticket at our event's dynamic
River North location while you vibe to great lounge and down tempo
tracks provided by DJ Andy Olinski.

Don't walk away empty-handed! There will be great door prizes donated
by Silk Road Theatre Project, RA Sushi and Spoil Me Boutique.

**********************************************************************

RSVP AND PAY ONLINE ON OUR WEBSITE BY FEBRUARY 2ND TO RECEIVE
DISCOUNTED ADMISSION!

http://www.naaapchicago.org/Events.do?id=6933

Regards,

--------------------------------
Huu T. Ly
Director
Cultural Awareness
NAAAP Chicago
National Association of Asian American Professionals
www.naaapchicago.org

"We Make Leaders"

Vision New America 2009 Youth Leadership And Civic Engagement Program

Vision New America is currently accepting applications for our:
2009 YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM (YLCE)

Passionate about creating change?
Want to learn first hand how local, state and federal government operate?
Committed to advocating for yourself, your family, and your community?

Vision New America's Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement Programs (Bay
Area and Capitol) aims to empower high school and college students to
become community leaders in advocacy, policy, and service. Students are
placed in governmental and policy related offices in the Bay Area,
Sacramento, and Washington D.C and also participate in leadership
trainings, work in teams to develop and implement community service
projects, and participate in voter registration efforts. YLCE program
interns successfully completing the program are able to apply for a $1,000
scholarship.

The Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement Program aims to help interns:
1. Gain a better understanding of issues affecting communities
2. Develop leadership skills to take on community leadership roles
3. Become more effective advocates for change by collaborating with
community members and leaders to organize a community service project

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. No prior experience
necessary. We are looking for passionate individuals who are willing to
learn about themselves, their communities, and become leaders!

Download Applications* and information about YLCE online at
http://www.visionnewamerica.org.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Postmarked by FEBRUARY 13, 2009

Questions? Please Email or Call:
Christine Ngô, Program Manager-Government Liaison
christine@visionnewamerica.org

Diana Austria, Program Coordinator
diana@visionnewamerica.org

Tel: (408) 260-0116

*Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants will be
selected for interviews based on strength of their application.

Please Send Completed Applications to:
Vision New America
1922 The Alameda, Suite 208
San Jose, CA 95126

Vision New America (VNA) is a nonpartisan non-profit organization that
aims to increase civic participation among underrepresented communities by
developing young leaders through civic engagement and public service.

---
Diana Austria
Program Coordinator
diana@visionnewamerica.org

Vision New America
1922 The Alameda, Suite 208
San Jose, California 95126
Tel. (408) 260-0116
Fax (408) 260-0180
http://www.visionnewamerica.org

Summer Program in India!

www.SummerInIndia.org
Applications are due soon! Download yours today.

InSPIRE
India Service Program Inspiring Reflective Exploration
QUESTION assumptions.
EXPLORE your values.
CONNECT to your roots.
RELATE to humanity.
LIVE what you believe.

Spend your time this summer doing something meaningful in India.

InSPIRE College (India Summer Program Inspiring Reflective Exploration) is a 5-week long summer program in India for South Asians between the ages of 18 and 24, who are genuinely interested in exploring themselves and India.

Program Dates: June 26 to August 2, 2009

It is a travel, study-abroad, volunteer, self-discovery, and immersion program all rolled into one!

See our video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIZj9BNrn90

Applications are due March 9 and are available on the website for download!

The InSPIRE team consists of young Indian-Americans and young Indians who live in India . We have all spent significant time traveling in, serving in, exploring, and learning from India.

For more information, please email us at info@summerinindia.org.

InSPIRE Team

InSPIRE Now, LLC
www.SummerInIndia.org
info@summerinindia.org
510.793.0480

4663 Amiens Ave.
Fremont, CA 94555

Full-time/Internship Opportunity in Education Startup in China

Introduction:

Taurus Education is an education consulting company that operates in a number of major cities in China. Our adaptable curriculum is tailored to the needs of talented Chinese students who wish to pursue higher education overseas. Broadly, our goal is to help bridge the gap between the education systems in China and the U.S.

Through our comprehensive curriculum, we shape our students into competitive applicants, successful scholars, and innovative leaders. We develop programs and arrange various cultural exchange and community service opportunities. In addition, we offer SAT prep courses, college counseling services, application preparatory courses, and seminars. We also work with top U.S. colleges and high schools to facilitate their recruiting efforts in China.

Our high-caliber team consists of experienced local experts as well as educational advisors and associates who graduated from U.S. universities, including Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. Taurus Education was founded by Stanley Xu, who earned his MBA at Wharton and has a background in investment banking and private equity; and Brian Ong, a Yale and Stanford graduate with previous startup experience.

For more information about our company and our services, please visit us at: [http://www.tauruseducation.com/home.htm].

Openings:

Due to recent expansion, we are seeking full-time associates and summer interns with interest in China and/or education. In these exciting positions, you will be working with an ambitious team to develop various academic and educational programs. Other responsibilities may include:

· Designing course curricula

· Liaising with key partner universities, schools, and alumni clubs

· Connecting with partner programs worldwide

· Assisting in organizing seminars and marketing functions

· Conducting research assignments related to education

In the process, you will gain valuable knowledge about the education market in China, and make a lasting impact on talented, earnest students. Excellent performers who are keen to gain managerial experience may also have the chance to develop their careers in business management positions.

Qualities:

To be considered for this wonderful opportunity, interested candidates should meet the following criteria:

· Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills; must have the ability to work well with students

· Self-motivated in nature yet able to function well as part of a dynamic team

· A commitment to excellence, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to work efficiently in a startup environment

Experience in the education field and proficiency in Mandarin Chinese are added advantages, but not required.

Location:

Our office is headquartered in Shanghai with a network that spans across the major cities in China. Applicants must be flexible with regards to short-term travel.

Benefits:

We provide an excellent platform to experience the business world in China and be part of a growing business. We are a young and diverse crowd with a strong commitment to international education.

For both full-time positions and summer internships, compensation is negotiable based on the candidate's background and prior experience. Living and travel stipends may also apply.

Contact:

Please email your cover letter, an updated resume, and an expository writing sample to Brian Ong at hr@taurusedu.com

Taurus Education is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status or disability.

Seeking Asian Indian American Survivors of Suicide for study

Hello, My name is Suresh Unni, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a
doctoral candidate at Loyola University of Chicago. I am currently
recruiting participants to interview who may be interested in sharing their
story of losing a sibling to suicide. All interviews will be confidential.
The attached flyer specifies the criteria for participants and procedures in
conducting the research. Please take a look at the details below to see if
you, or anyone you know, may be interested in participating in the research.
If so, please contact me. Thanks for your time and consideration.

Suresh Unni, LCSW


SEEKING - - - ASIAN INDIAN AMERICAN SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE

~ Are you an adult of Asian Indian origin?

~ Have you lost a sibling to suicide who was between the ages of 18-30 at
the time of their death?

~Have you lived in the United States for at least 10 years?

If so, this research study provides an opportunity for you to share your
story of losing a loved one to suicide and contribute to the field of
suicide prevention.

Purpose of the Research Study
The research aims to better understand your experiences as a sibling
survivor and your perceptions of contextual factors that may have been
related to your sibling¹s suicide.

What is involved?
- Participants are requested to take part in semi-structured interviews that
will last 45-60 minutes with questions focusing on family relationships
and cultural issues in relation to suicide.
- Participants will remain anonymous and all interview results will be
kept confidential. Participants have the right to withdraw at any time.
- Participants will be asked to sign a consent form.

For further information please contact Suresh Unni, LCSW at
seshu98@hotmail.com or at 312-560-2454.

Thank you!

HOPE Director Position Opening! (UCLA)

The Vietnamese Student Union at UCLA is hiring a project director for the Higher Opportunity Program for Education for the 2009-2010 academic year. As an outreach project seeking to increase access to higher education for at-risk high school students since 2000, HOPE has served the communities of Westminster and Chinatown and has recently expanded its efforts into the San Gabriel Valley. The project is funded through the UCLA Student Initiated Access Center, which also oversees six other similar outreach projects jointly administered by both students and full time staff. As a project director, you will be responsible for day-to-day administration of the project as well as for building relationships within the communities being serviced. The position is a full time job that begins July 1st, 2009 and ends June 30, 2010, with the potential of rehiring pending an annual review.

Applicants are required to have a four year degree by June of 2009. Please note that applications are due by February 13th, 2009.

Additionally, we will be hosting a mixer for potential applicants at UCLA's Student Activities Center, room 105D on Saturday, January 24th from 4pm to 7pm.

Please see the attached application for more details, or email matthewvan@ucla.edu if you have any questions and to RSVP for the event.

Sincerely,

Matthew Van

Outreach Coordinator
Vietnamese Student Union at UCLA

Please forward this email to any related list-serves or any individuals that you feel may be interested in or qualified for this position.

P.S. HOPE's sister project SEA CLEAR (South East Asian Campus Learning Education And Retention) is also hiring a new Project Director for the upcoming 2009-2010 year. SEA CLEAR is aimed at increasing graduation rates of at-risk as well as non at-risk UCLA students through peer counseling, mentorship, and internship. If you are interested in working in retention of university undergraduates, you may access the application at www.vsu.bol.ucla.edu or contact the Vietnamese Student Union's retention coordinator, Layhearn Tep at laytep@ucla.edu.

APALRC Announces Summer 2009 Internship Opportunities (Early Applications Encouraged)

Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC)
Summer 2009 DC Area Internships

The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) is a 501(c)(3) community-based legal organization that works with low income and limited-English proficient Asian immigrant communities across the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Founded in 1998 by law students and members of the local Asian American legal community, the APALRC runs a multi-lingual legal intake helpline, a legal interpreter project, and legal representation and policy work in language access, immigration, domestic violence and family law, employment, affordable housing and tenants' rights, community development, and other areas. The APALRC combines innovative and collaborative approaches to legal services, advocacy, and organizing to both meet emergency needs and address the systemic inequities faced by Asian American, immigrants, and all residents of our region.

The APALRC has a number of full-time legal internship opportunities available in Summer 2009, as well as other opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to assist in our work.

Domestic Violence and Family Law Project:
Work alongside staff attorneys in MD or VA on domestic violence and family law cases and community education. Provides representation on immigration and family law issues to domestic violence survivors and their families.

Language Access Project:
This project focuses on language access issues in the District and throughout the region. Work with the staff attorney to outreach to local communities, identify potential language access violations, and work with community members to file language access complaints.

Employment Project:
Through this project, APALRC works to educate Asian Americans about their legal rights in the workplace, and provides legal advice and representation on employment-related matters to Asian Americans via our helpline and legal clinics held in partnership with community-based organizations.


Housing and Community Justice Project:
Addresses affordable housing, tenants' rights, and transactional issues. The ideal candidate(s) have an interest in housing and poverty law and policy, and some orientation to the basic principles of community lawyering. Urban planning or urban policy graduate students are also encouraged to apply for work related to Asian community enclaves in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.

Crime Victims' Assistance Project:
This project includes the work of the D.C. Crime Victims' Assistance Partnership, which reaches out to Asian victims of aggravated crimes and ensures that they can access law enforcement services and have information about the D.C. Crime Assistance Fund. Work with immigrant victims of crime who may be eligible for T and U Visa applications.


Asian American Legal Helpline
The helpline serves low-income and limited-English proficient Asian Pacific Americans in the D.C. metropolitan area, and has separate lines for Chinese dialects, Korean, Vietnamese, and Hindi/Urdu/Gujarati/Nepali. Helpline interns will take incoming calls, conduct initial intakes, work with the legal team to identify and outline next steps, conduct legal research, and take the lead on a docket of cases under the supervision of a staff attorney. Helpline interns are required to be bilingual in at least one Asian language, with a strong preference for one of the helpline languages listed above.


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Internship Description
Each program area differs in emphasis and specific job tasks. Full-time and part-time interns will be considered. Part-time interns work anywhere between 8 to 20 hours per week and internships usually commence with the start of the summer session. Full-time interns must work 40 hours/week for 10 weeks.



Full-time summer interns may be eligible for a $1,000 stipend and other funding opportunities from the APALRC, and the APALRC will assist interns to identify and apply for additional external funding resources. Academic credit can be arranged for interns/externs.

Rising third-year law students with authorization from a local state court may have the opportunity to present basic matters before courts or administrative hearings under the supervision of staff attorneys.


To apply:
Please send an email with the following attachments:

1) Cover Letter (1 page): explaining the specific project(s) in which you are interested, and your past experience or future plans for work in the Asian American community;
2) Writing Sample (up to 5 pages): that shows legal writing skills and/or ability to convey legal issues in plain English; and
3) Resume (2 page max): please include relevant course/clinical work and honest assessment of all additional language skills.


Please send attachments in a single email to Mr. Parag Khandhar (parag.khandhar@apalrc.org), with the subject line "Internship Application for Summer 2009" by February 13, 2009. Candidates will be interviewed and offered positions on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

Not all applicants will be contacted for interviews, and incomplete applications will not be considered. No Phone Calls, please.


###



***

Parag Rajendra Khandhar

Staff Attorney

Housing and Community Justice Project

Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center

1600 K Street, N.W. -- Mezzanine Level
Washington, D.C. 20006



MULTILINGUAL LEGAL HELPLINE: ext. 22

f: (202) 393-0995

parag.khandhar@apalrc.org

www.apalrc.org

Conflict Resolution Program Director in Los Angeles

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Organization: Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center
Position Title: Program Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Deadline to apply: February 27, 2008

Organization Description: The Asian Pacific American Dispute
Resolution Center provides mediation and conflict resolution services
to the diverse communities in the Los Angeles region. Through our
mediation services, we offer people an alternative to costly and time-
consuming court services. We also strive to improve human relations
and race relations by addressing complex, cross-cultural community
conflicts and their root causes through collaboration with community
partners. We are dedicated to serving traditionally under-served and
under-represented people in order to ensure equal access for all.
Please go to www.apadrc.org for program details.

Job Summary: Under supervision of the Executive Director, the Program
Director will oversee all aspects of the community and youth programs
including training, program curriculum and development. The Program
Director will also be directly responsible for various projects
within the unit. APADRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop curriculum and deliver training to adults and youth
• Supervise program staff & interns
• Do program development (community and youth)
• Mediation case work

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience in the Asian/Pacific Islander
community
• Experience working with youth
• Knowledge and experience in the field of conflict resolution
• Bilingual in English and Asian/Pacific Islander language
• 2-3 years supervision and team management experience in a non-
profit setting
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Salary & Benefits
• Salary range: $35,000 - $40,000
• Medical and Dental insurance provided
• Mileage reimbursed
• Monthly parking offered
• Paid vacations, sick days, and holidays offered

To Apply, submit cover letter and resume to:

Ing Phansavath @ ing.phansavath@apadrc.org.

Two positions at APPEAL in Oakland, CA - Dir.of Progs. & Hlth.Comms.& LdrshpCoord

I am helping to recruit for two positions at APPEAL - the Asian
Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership, whose work
is centered around critical public health issues - tobacco control and
soon, obesity control. I would greatly appreciate it if you could
please review these descriptions and forward this email to friends and
colleagues who might be interested.

If you or they have questions, please contact me at
grant@tonaidin.net. Thank you very much.

Grant Din
Consultant

Position Summary:
The Director of Programs, a member of the Management Team, oversees
APPEAL's programs, training and technical assistance activities. S/he
will develop and implement multiple health programs addressing tobacco
and obesity control and other health justice issues, supervise staff,
communicate with APPEAL network members, and conduct advocacy and
policy work. APPEAL seeks candidates with at least three years of
experience managing non-profit health programs and experience working
with Asian American and Pacific Islander and other diverse communities.

Position Summary:
The Health Communications and Leadership Coordinator provides key
support for communication and media-related activities for APPEAL and
will also be responsible for helping to implement APPEAL's fundraising
plan. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience
in developing and implementing communications strategies in the AAPI
and other diverse communities in the areas of health and social justice.

To view the full job descriptions and to find out more about APPEAL,
please go to www.appealforcommunities.org.

Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership
(APPEAL) is a national network of organizations and individuals
working towards social justice and a tobacco-free Asian American and
Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Development Director (Asian Health Coalition of Illinois)

Description: The Asian Health Coalition of Illinois is a small and expanding non-profit organization that seeks to improve the health and well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Illinois through advocacy, technical assistance, education, and community-based research. Our organization is involved in a number of health-related outreach programs and is now searching for a bright and enthusiastic individual to join us as a Development Director.

Key Responsibilities:

Work closely with the Executive Director to evaluate the organization's future financial needs and goals. Develop and implement on-going plan to diversify funding, expand public relations and special events, and increase volunteer efforts.
Identify and strategize the cultivation and outreach of prospective donors; develop corporate messaging and outreach materials.
Develop a long-range fundraising plan and update it yearly. Oversee financial donor database.
Supervise and coordinate fundraising, public relations events and direct mail campaigns.
Oversee volunteer recruitment and retention efforts.

Qualifications

At least 3-5 years of work experience in development work and/or fundraising in non-profit environment.
Healthcare or healthcare-related experience preferred.
At least 2-4 years of management and supervisory experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Energetic multitasker with ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure
Commitment to the mission and focus of the Asian Health Coalition

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates are asked to send a cover letter and resume/ curriculum vitae to:

If interested, please send a resume with a cover letter to:
Hong Liu, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Asian Health Coalition of Illinois
4753 N. Broadway, Suite 614
Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-8969 (tel)
773-878-0783 (fax)
hong@asianhealth.org
The Asian Health Coalition of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer.

International Examiner positions (Seattle, WA)

Job Opportunity: International Examiner Positions: Distribution Driver,
Webmaster/Web Designer, Production Graphic Designer, Spring 2009 Interns,
and Freelance Writers.*

* Distribution Driver*
Delivers newspapers throughout the greater Seattle region. The ideal
candidate is extremely reliable, physically capable, and willing to
replenish the newspaper at high-traffic areas a week later. Must be
available the first and third Wednesday of every month. It requires one
driver approximately three days to deliver newspapers to 160+ drop-off sites
in the region. The deadline for one driver to deliver all of the newspapers
is by the following Friday, two days later. The position is paid on salary
and the person delivers the paper twice a month. Mileage is compensated and
access to a vehicle and driver's license is required.

*Webmaster/Web Designer*
This individual would re-vamp our current Web site to optimize its functions
and include new features that will attract readership and foster more
interaction between the IE and its audience. For example, including PayPal,
blogs, video cams, polls and archives. Must be available to update the
Website for the first and third Wednesdays of every month (when our
publication is published) and available one day a week to place ads on-line.
Part-time. Knowledge of WordPress, MACs, Dream Weaver, HTML, preferred.
*
Production Graphic Designer*
This position requires knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Part-time. Salary base, with extra for special projects. Must be available
the Monday before the first and third Wednesday of each month, and
occasional weekends. This team member coordinates and designs the newspaper
layout, including content, images and photos, and places advertisements.
*
Spring Interns*
Deadline to apply is Monday, March 9, 2009. Programs offered in Editorial
(writing, researching, newsroom operations), Advertising/ Marketing, and
Development (Public relations, marketing, strategizing expansion of IE
visibility and finances through grants and events). A Graphic Design
internship involves producing layouts and the creative design of the
publication. This is considered an opportunity to practice skills in a real
newsroom and work setting. (note: The G.D. intern will not have an extensive
opportunity to work with our main Graphic Designer, except during
production).

*Freelance writers*
To write, research, and interview sources for articles (news, features,
Op-eds/columns, arts) to print. Freelancers must meet deadlines to submit
work. All writers can communicate with the Editor to pitch story ideas and
leads.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Diem Ly, Editor in Chief

International Examiner
622 S Washington St
Seattle WA 98104
(206) 624-3925 x3
fax: (206) 624-3046
editor@iexaminer. org
www.iexaminer. org

Community Advocate (Seattle, WA) Job Posting

CHAYA

.75 FTE Community Advocate Job Description

About Chaya

Chaya, (translated from the Sanskrit word for “shelter” or “shade,”), founded in 1996, is a community-based, non-profit organization that provides resources and services to South Asian women in situations of domestic violence, and works towards creating awareness about the issue in the South Asian and larger communities. Our work is informed by a complex understanding of the specific cultural circumstances surrounding domestic violence in the South Asian community.

Chaya’s mission is to support South Asian survivors and families impacted by domestic violence and abuse, and to engage communities to change the societal conditions that enable oppression, especially violence against women.

Chaya envisions a just and equitable world free of violence.

Chaya’s Philosophy and Commitment

Chaya understands domestic violence as an imbalance of power within relationships supported and made possible by larger imbalances of power in society, such as racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, sexism, homophobia, classism, and ableism. We believe that part of ending domestic violence involves acknowledging and talking about the larger systems of oppression that give rise to abuse and violence in our lives and communities.

We provide services to South Asian women who are past or present survivors of domestic violence and abuse. This work is grounded in an empowerment approach in which we recognize and support each survivor’s worth, integrity, right to self-determination and safety. We understand that the people we work with are unique, complex, and whole beings and that the domestic violence they experience is only one factor of many shaping their lives and the opportunities available to them. We support each woman within her own unique cultural context and are committed to improving a survivor’s access to services. We strive to do our work with compassion, respect and humility.

Chaya is committed to raising awareness about domestic violence issues in the South Asian context and inspiring and involving our communities to be part of this movement. In collaboration with our communities, we strive to achieve our mission by challenging systems of inequality and promoting positive social change.

Chaya also actively represents the South Asian perspective on key issue’s relevant to women at the policy level.


The Community Advocate Position

Chaya seeks a Community Advocate to work 30 hours per week on domestic violence issues primarily through direct services to survivors of domestic violence.

The Community Advocate will be primarily responsible for the following activities (comprising 80% of their work time):

Direct-Services:

* Respond to calls on the Helpline from survivors, family members and friends, and other service providers.
* Provide advocacy-based counseling* to survivors in a culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate manner.
o Advocate for survivors to safety plan, build support networks, process trauma, and heal from abuse.
o Make relevant and appropriate referrals for clients’ legal, medical, housing and related needs.
o Work collaboratively with others in the direct-service program, including staff and advocacy committee volunteers.
* Coordinate and facilitate a monthly support group for Chaya clients.
* Abide by Chaya’s confidentiality policies.
* Complete accurate and timely documentation and reports.
* Develop and maintain relationships with ally organizations, community members, and other service providers.
* Exhibit congruency between the mission and values of Chaya and one’s interactions with the community.

The Community Advocate will also be expected to devote 20% their time to supporting some of the following activities:

* Foster organizational and infrastructure development.
* Participate in organizational committees with board members and volunteers as needed.
* Represent Chaya on select coalitions.
* Advocate for key policy issues.
* Prepare and distribute education and outreach materials.
* Organize community events, forums, and trainings.
* Participate in South Asian cultural celebrations and other community events.
* Participate in fundraising activities and events.
* Conduct basic administrative/maintenance tasks to contribute to smooth functioning of office operations.
* Actively promote Chaya’s mission by participating in awareness-building opportunities, such as trainings, forums, panel discussions, etc.

Desired Qualifications:

* Experience with domestic violence and abuse advocacy-based counseling.
* Experience with community-based advocacy, social service work, and/or non-profit organizations in Seattle
* Experience with and knowledge of South Asian diaspora communities or experience working with other refugee/immigrant communities in the US
* Reliable transportation and a valid WA state driver’s license.
* Ability and experience with maintaining a compassionate and yet professional approach while working with people in crisis situations, who are of diverse ethnic, religious, national, educational, language, sexual orientation, cultural, and class backgrounds.
* Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Public speaking skills and experience in planning and giving trainings
* Experience in grassroots or community organizing
* Ability to speak a South Asian or Middle Eastern language
* Ability to Multitask

This is a ¾ time position with competitive salary and benefits.

Salary dependent on experience.

Chaya is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Women, minorities and people of color are encouraged to apply.

To apply:

We will begin reviewing resumes on February 1, 2009.

The position will stay open until filled.

Position to begin as early as February 17, 2009 .

Please send or e-mail a cover letter and resume to:

Chaya

Attn: Hiring Committee

PO Box 22291

Seattle, WA 98122

E-mail: hiring at chayaseattle dot org (written out to prevent automatic spam generation.)

Blagoman, seriously, stop Facebooking (Me)

Apparently, my facebook updates had ANOTHER update from Blagoman. In this update of his, it highlighted his "top 25" accomplishments as former governor of Illinois. I just want his facebook to stop sending me crap in the name of his former governorship. You can be the judge of his "top 25." I'm going to get something to eat, something like that french fry and hot dog pizza.

Top 25 Accomplishments of Rod Blagojevich

1. All Kids. Over 400,000 more kids are getting healthcare since Governor Blagojevich took office, including over 200,000 more kids since the Governor created All Kids, making Illinois the first state in the nation to provide healthcare to all children.

2. Minimum Wage. Raised the minimum wage twice in five years from $5.15 to $7.50, helping nearly 650,000 Illinoisans. Illinois' minimum wage will reach $8.25 by 2010.

3. Preschool for All. Created the Preschool for All program to make preschool available to every 3- and 4-year-old in the state who wants it. Now, 36,000 more children are able to attend preschool each year than did 5 years ago - a 64% increase.

4. Breast and Cervical Cancer. Became the first state in the nation to provide all uninsured women access to free mammograms and cervical cancer screenings and treatment; an additional 261,000 women are now eligible.

5. Veterans Healthcare. Established the Illinois Warriors Assistance Program, a
landmark Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder program for returning Illinois veterans. Illinois is the first state in the nation to offer screening to all returning vets for PTSD and TBI.

6. Renewable Energy. The Governor signed into law one of the nation's strongest renewable energy and energy efficiency standards. The renewable energy standard requiring utility companies to obtain 25% of their power from renewable sources, such as wind, by 2025.

7. Reduced Mercury Emissions. The Governor's historic mercury rule will protect the health of people and the environment by cutting toxic mercury emissions from nearly every coal-fired power plant in Illinois by 90 percent by 2009. This rule, among the strictest of any state and much stronger than federal restrictions, also requires the state's largest power producers to dramatically reduce emissions of dangerous smog and soot-forming pollution.

8. $8.4 billion for education. Over the past 5 years, the Blagojevich administration has invested $8.4 billion in new money into our schools, providing a larger increase to schools than any administration in Illinois history.

9. Dependent Care. 300,000 young adults in Illinois have access to health insurance because the Governor exercised his constitutional authority to improve legislation to allow young adults up to age 26, and up to age 30 for veterans, to stay on their parents' health insurance as dependents.

10. College Tuition. Expanded the MAP financial aid program to help nearly 15,000 more students.

11.Stem Cell Research. Signed legislation to become the first state in the Midwest to provide public support for stem cell research. Over the past few years, Illinois has provided $15 million for stem cell research.

12.Smoke•Free. Signed legislation to make Illinois Smoke-Free.

13,Campus Safety. Thanks to the Governor's leadership, Illinois is the first state in the nation to require that all public and private colleges and universities develop, maintain and practice a campus safety plan. These plans cover 183 colleges and universities and more than 800,000 students.

14.lIIinois Based Energy. In the last three years, Illinois has given more than $20 million to help build two biodiesel plants and three ethanol plants, creating new jobs and new markets for Illinois farmers. The Governor also committed $1 million to increase access to E-85 to increase access to E-85 and allow more gas station operators to offer ethanol fuel. Since 2004, the number of E-85 retail sales locations has increased from 14 to 145, which is about 20% of the entire nation's E-85 stations.

15.Open Road Tolling. Became the first state in the nation to
fully convert to Open Road Tolling, allowing millions of commuters more time to spend with their families while reducing pollution.

16. Mass Transit Funding. The Governor took action on legislation that modernized the funding system for mass transit in Illinois for the first time in more than two
decades. This increases funding for mass transit in Illinois by nearly $500 million year.

17.Seniors and Disabled Ride Free. Provided free mass transit rides to all Illinois seniors, as well 275,000 people with disabilities.

18.Investment Works and Summer Youth Employment. A community-based anti-violence initiative, to address the rising tide of violent crime among youth in Illinois. The Governor also provided 10,000 jobs to youth around the state during the summer of 2008.

19.FamilyCare. Over 250,000 more parents have enrolled in FamilyCare since the Governor took office, as a result of the Governor raising income eligibility to allow middle-class families to get comprehensive, affordable health insurance.

20.Illinois Cares Rx. Established Illinois Cares Rx as one of the nation's most generous and comprehensive safety nets for seniors who fall through the cracks of the federal Medicare prescription drug program. Since taking effect January 1, 2006, Illinois Cares Rx has provided extra assistance to nearly 250,000 seniors and other people needing prescription assistance.

21.Homeowner Assistance Initiative. Helped over 41000 homeowners who were having trouble with their mortgage facing foreclosure or who may have been a victim of mortgage fraud to refinance over $1 billion in home mortgages into loans they could afford and manage.

22.Veterans Memorial Tollway. Completed a major expansion of the Tollway system, the 12.5 mile Veterans Memorial Tollway, the first new highway in Illinois in two decades, spurring economic growth in Will County and making commuting easier.

23.Pensions. Invested a record $16 billion into our pension systems, more than any governor in Illinois history.

24.Government Efficiency. To cut costs, we have consolidated or eliminated 19 agencies. There are 141000 fewer employees today than in FY03, saving taxpayers more than $1 billion a year.

25.Graduation Standards. Raised graduation standards for the first time in 21 years All students are now required to take one additional year each of science, English and math, better preparing them for college and future careers.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Free Community Training on New U Visas, February 12

In February, the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) is conducting free community trainings at different community based and community service organizations around the area on a new advancement in immigration law, the U visa. The NAPAWF DC Chapter has been invited to participate in the next training on Thursday, February 12, 2-4pm.

The U visa is a new visa that is available for victims of certain types of criminal activity, including but not limited to blackmail, domestic violence, extortion, sexual exploitation, and torture. Individuals do not have to have status to get one and it can eventually lead to a green card. The concern for safety of immigrants is one of the primary reasons for creating the visa.

In the training, we provide the history behind the U visa, how the U visa can assist people now, and what community partners can do to assist in the whole process. The trainings will last about an hour and a half. We provide all the training materials, including a power-point presentation and different fact sheets in a folder for you to keep.

If your organization is working on issues affecting the immigrant community, this would be a great opportunity for your organization and especially frontline staff to learn more about the U-Visa. We welcome all who are interested in attending. Our next training will be on Thursday, February 12 from 2 to 4pm at the AFL-CIO (815 16th Street NW 20006). Attendees should sign in at the lobby.

If you plan to attend, please have email Betty Luan at the APALRC by February 10 at betty.luan@apalrc.org with "U Visa training" in the subject line, and your name and contact number in the email body.

Please take advantage of this free training!

Ping Pong Playa on DVD



Woohoo! Ping Pong Playa on DVD! I actually might get this in the future. I saw this movie at the 2008 FAAIM aka the Asian American Film showcase in Chicago. It was hilarious! For me, it was one of the few times I watched a movie and connected with the characters being played out in the movie. Jimmy Tsai, playing main character, Chris, is hilarious, fun, all over the place and I loved how he wasn't portrayed as a 'model minority', except, maybe the ping pong part. Roger Fan also played a part in the movie; for those fluent in Chinese, pay attention to Roger's Chinglish. It's great. :)

Here's a preview of the hilarious movie.





I got an email blast from the film crew and here's what they have to say.

Ping Pong Playaz in the hizouse!!!

PING PONG PLAYA hits on DVD January 6th (and Blu-Ray February 10th)!!!

Order now at your favorite online retailers including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, etc, and check with your local retailer for availability!

-Team PPP

Oh Glorious French Fry & Hot Dog Pizza

I really really want to try this, even though it looks like I'd get a heartattack just from looking at it, let alone attempting to consume it. Too bad it's only in NYC, NY. For now...!


National, state and international organizations sign-on to oppose the immigrant HPV vaccine requirement

January 26, 2009

Richard Besser, MD

Acting Director

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Road

Atlanta, GA 30333
RE: HPV Vaccination Mandate for Immigrant Women and Girls


Dear Dr. Besser:
The undersigned immigrants’ rights, women’s rights, public health, medical, and reproductive justice organizations write to express our opposition to the newly-imposed requirement that female immigrants ages 11 to 26, seeking permanent residence or entry to the U.S. be immunized against the human papillomavirus (HPV).


We urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to retract its listing of HPV as a required vaccination for immigrants in the revised Technical Instructions to the Civil Surgeons for Vaccinations Requirements, and to direct the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to modify its recommendation to state that the HPV vaccination should not be mandated for immigrants. We also ask the CDC to direct the United States Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to suspend the HPV vaccination requirement for immigrants applying to adjust their immigration status or to obtain visas for the U.S. In addition, we ask that the CDC re-examine and modify its current system of adding new vaccination requirements for immigrants to prevent future unintended additions to the list of mandatory vaccinations and undue burdens on immigrants. We outline the principal reasons for our objection to the mandated HPV vaccination below.


As you know, ACIP recommended in 2007 that Gardasil, the only FDA approved HPV vaccine, be administered to females ages 11 to 26 in the U.S. This recommendation became an automatic requirement for prospective immigrants when the government updated its vaccination list in July 2008. Unlike the other infectious diseases addressed on the list of required vaccinations, HPV does not pose an immediate threat to public health. Dr. Jon Abramson, former chairman ACIP, has said that Gardasil should not be mandatory because HPV, unlike measles or chicken pox, is transmitted only by sexual contact. Of the 14 required vaccinations for immigrants, 12 are intended to combat infectious diseases that are transmitted by respiratory route and are considered to be highly contagious. Gardasil and the only available vaccine for shingles, Zoster, are the only exceptions.


Furthermore, while the HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and women in the U.S., it is not currently required of U.S. citizens in any jurisdiction. We believe the mandatory use of a medical procedure on a targeted population, when it is not required by the general population, is discriminatory. Like their U.S. citizen counterparts, all prospective immigrant women should have the opportunity to make an informed decision about their use of the HPV vaccine, weighing both the potential costs and health benefits of this procedure. The HPV vaccination is not mandatory for U.S. citizens, and its inclusion as a required vaccine for immigrant women and girls raises tremendous concerns. The immigrant population also shares this sentiment. Immigration attorneys and on-the-ground advocates have received inquiries from immigrant women who question why this mandate impacts only them and their young daughters.
Moreover, the high cost of the HPV vaccine creates an unfair financial barrier for immigrant women. On average, the vaccine costs $120 per dose. The FDA approved regimen consists of three doses to be administered within six months, resulting in at least $360 in vaccine costs and several visits to the doctor or clinic. This is in addition to the cost of getting up to 13 other mandatory vaccinations, and application fees amounting to over $1,000. According to a recent survey of all designated civil surgeons in Maine that was conducted to determine the actual cost of receiving the series of Gardasil shots, the price of the series ranged from $600 to $1000.


Waiving the HPV vaccination requirement is also difficult and cost-prohibitive. While civil surgeons may apply a no-cost blanket waiver to the HPV vaccination under narrow circumstances, there is a mandatory waiver fee of $565 if an individual applicant is opposed to vaccinations in general based on her religious beliefs or moral convictions. We find the cost of the waiver unduly burdensome, and are also troubled that immigrants may resort to getting the vaccination in lieu of paying the even more expensive waiver fee. We are equally disturbed by the fact that some young immigrant women have decided to wait until they turn 27 years old to apply for adjustment of status so that they can age out of the vaccination requirement.
Finally, we have received accounts of the HPV vaccination being improperly administered. In one case, a pregnant woman received the vaccination even though the vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women by the CDC. While a pregnant U.S. citizen can decide whether or not to be vaccinated, a pregnant immigrant woman must be vaccinated without any opportunity to weigh the possible risks to herself and her pregnancy. Another case involved a woman who received the vaccine despite the fact that she was well over 26 years of age. These accounts reflect mistakes that could have been avoided if a more transparent and conscientious process was put in place during the implementation of the mandate.


Research that disaggregates data based on race and ethnicity show that cervical cancer has a disproportionate impact on certain immigrants, particularly Latinas and certain ethnic Asian groups including Vietnamese, Korean and Hmong women. However, the CDC’s and USCIS’s decision to mandate Gardasil for young immigrant women will not resolve these health disparities. For many immigrant women, the high expense of medical care, the lack of health insurance, and the difficulty in finding culturally competent services means that they forego routine preventive health care services such as pap smears. These inequalities in access contribute to the high rates of cervical cancer among immigrant women. While we support safe medical technologies that protect women’s health, mandating the use of medical procedures will not fully improve immigrant women’s lives.


We share your concern for the high rates of cervical cancer experienced by women of color and immigrant women, but we urge you to act quickly and retract your listing of HPV as a required vaccination in the revised Technical Instructions to Civil Surgeons for Vaccinations Requirements and to direct ACIP to modify their recommendation to state that the HPV vaccination should not be mandated for immigrants. We believe our focus should be on strengthening culturally-competent outreach efforts, increasing access to preventive health care services, such as Pap smears, for all groups of women facing a disproportionate risk of cancer. We also believe that all women should have the same right to informed decision-making over whether or not they want to be vaccinated against HPV.


Thank you for your consideration. We welcome the opportunity for further communication on this issue. Please contact Priscilla Huang at phuang@napawf.org, or (301) 270-4440, with questions or concerns.


Sincerely,
International Organizations
International Women’s Health Coalition
National Organizations
ACCESS/Women’s Health Rights Coalition
Advocates for Youth
American Immigration Lawyers Association
American Medical Student Association
American Social Health Association
Asian American Justice Center
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Black Alliance for Just Immigration
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law
Center for Reproductive Rights
Center for Women Policy Studies
Choice USA
Church World Service, Immigration and Refugee Program
Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP)
Law Students for Reproductive Justice
Legal Momentum
Migrant Health Promotion
National Advocates for Pregnant Women
Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)
National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD)
National Council of Jewish Women
National Council of La Raza
National Health Law Program
National Immigration Law Center
National Institute for Reproductive Health
National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
National Network of Abortion Funds
Nonviolent Choice Directory
National Partnership for Women & Families
National Women’s Health Network
OCA Embracing the Hopes and Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Pro-Choice Public Education Project (PEP)
Project PAP (Prevention Awareness Program) National Group
Quirky Black Girls
Reproductive Health Technologies Project
SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective
South Asian Americans Leading Together
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The MergerWatch Project
The Praxis Project
United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society
Women of Color Resource Center
State/Local Organizations
Act for Women and Girls
African Services Committee
American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, Pa
Asian Law Caucus
Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California
BARCA, Inc.
California Academy of Family Physicians
California National Organization for Women
Chicago Abortion Fund
Chicago Women’s Health Center
Coloradans For Immigrant Rights, a project of the American Friends Service Committee Colorado
Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity & Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
Daya, Inc. (Texas)
Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) (New York City)
Different Avenues
Entre Nosotras Foundation
Farmworker Legal Services of NY, Inc.
Feminist Women’s Health Center
Florida Coastal School of Law Immigrants Rights Clinic
HPV Awareness
Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, Inc.
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH)
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
Immigration Services, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Atlanta
Indo-American Center (Illinois)
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Refugee Immigration Project
Justice Now
Just Neighbors
Kentucky Health Justice Network
Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC), Chicago, IL
Korean Resource Center (KRC), Los Angeles, CA
Law Office of Jacqueline Tapia
LUZ: A Reproductive Justice Think Tank
Miami International Latinas Organizing for Leadership and Advocacy (MI-LOLA)
Michigan Asian Indian Family Services (Michigan)
Mitch Factors Innovation in Health & Wellness
Mujeres Latinas en Accion
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts
Narika
Nationalities Service Center
New Voices Pittsburgh: Women of Color for Reproductive Justice
New York City Latina Advocacy Network
Northwest Women’s Law Center
Our Bodies Ourselves
Pinay sa Seattle
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
Planned Parenthood of New York City
Prax(us)
Refugee Forum of Orange County
Reproductive Justice Collective
Reproductive Justice Committee of the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood (NJ)
Robin H. Thompson & Associates
SisterLove, Inc.
Southwest Women’s Law
Tewa Women United
The Feminist Women’s Health Centers of California
The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies
The New York Immigration Coalition
UCAN
Victims Resource Center
Women Who Care, Inc.
YWCA of the Sauk Valley
The Feminist Women’s Health Centers of California
The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies
The New York Immigration Coalition
UCAN
Victims Resource Center
Women Who Care, Inc.
YWCA of the Sauk Valley

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The BLAAAAAGO: Blago-O-Rama Fun


Oh Blagoman. What has happened now? Well, many things, that's for sure. He went on this bizarre offensive on his innocence, quoted people, chatted about fighting to his last breath, appointed Roland Burris, talked about cowboys, and even Mayor Daley called him cuckoo. Finally, he has bowed out. But while all this was happening, his FACEBOOK is sending me updates! Whaaat?!





By the way, the youtube channel's name is cheneywatch...

Lunar New Year: Year of the OX!

I kicked off my lunar new year with work during the day and watching my redbox DVD of KUNG FU PANDA. It was pretty ridiculous, to say the least. Especially while I was laughing at its ridiculousness with a mouthful of fried chicken and lasagna. Hot. Very hot. Okay, no. Not really.

Who got their red enevelope?!?!

Baracktion Figure



Barack Obama action figure! Wow, as if the folks selling at his inaugeration didn't have enough stuff to sell, this comes out! I mean there were the Sasha and Malia dolls over here.

Only time will tell if/when a Michelle Obama doll will come out. I mean, she's already being created in wax!

Source

Chicago Filipino Health Volunteer Opportunity - Meeting on Feb 21

Maligayang Bagong Taon!


We hope this email finds you well.


The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC) is a collaborative of community, health professional, and academicleaders united to address Filipino health issues in the Chicago area.


The mission of FACHIC is to increase awareness of Filipino healthdisparities, to engage the community in relevant research, and toimplement health interventions and educational programming to improvethe health status of the Filipino community.


The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC)is currently recruiting dynamic, compassionate and dedicatedindividuals of all backgrounds who would like to contribute to effortsto improve the health of the Chicago area Filipino and FilipinoAmerican community. Individuals with expertise and experience inmedicine, public health, social work, education and translation are aplus but anyone interested in contributing to the Filipino communityis highly encouraged to attend.


FACHIC will be hosting its second annual Volunteer Interest Meeting on Saturday, February 21 from 11 AM to 12 PM at a location to beannounced.At the meeting, FACHIC Steering Board Members will discuss the missionand vision of the organization and ways you can contribute your skillsand talents to improve the health of the Filipino community.


RSVP to the meeting is recommended by email tofilamcommunityhealth@gmail.com. Light refreshments will be served.If you are interested in getting involved with FACHIC but are unableto attend the meeting, please contact us at filamcommunityhealth@gmail.com to be added to our volunteer listservand to get more details.


FACHIC is also on Facebook! Search under"FACHIC" and join "FACHIC: Filipino American Community HealthInitiative of Chicago" to join our group!Please pass on the word and we hope to see you there! Be involved, beactive, empower your community!


Maraming salamat po,FACHIC Steering Board Carmela Estrada JP Jael Jane JihDan VicencioThe Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC)is a collaborative of community, health professional, and academicleaders united to address Filipino health issues in the Chicago area.The mission of FACHIC is to increase awareness of Filipino healthdisparities, to engage the community in relevant research, and to implement health interventions and educational programming to improvethe health status of the Filipino community.

SEARAC COMMUNITY ORGANIZER POSITION (Sacramento, CA)

Please find the following job announcement for SEARAC's new Community Organizer position.


If you have any questions about the position, you may contact me, Naomi Steinberg, at 202-667-4690 or naomi@searac.org.

Please distribute this announcement widely among your networks.

***Position Announcement** **Community Organizer** **Organization Background:*The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), founded in 1979, is a national organization advancing the interests of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans through leadership development, capacity building, and community empowerment.


SEARAC fosters the development of nonprofit organizations led by and for Southeast Asian Americans and serves as a coalition-builder and leader, carries out action-oriented research projects, and strengthens the capacity of community-based organizations such as mutual assistance associations (MAAs) and faith-based organizations (FBOs).


We also foster civic engagement among Southeast Asian Americans and represent our communities at the national level in Washington, DC.*


**Position Summary:* Reporting to SEARAC's management team, the Community Organizer will provide a wide range of organizing and training and technical assistance to Southeast Asian (SEA) American communities and organizations in California. S/he will be a highly skilled professional with a broad range of community organizing, project management, and training skills. S/he will have primary responsibility for working directly with SEARAC community partners throughout California in order to help them incorporate community organizing into their programming.


This will include helping community partner organizations either start or improve community organizing programs; offering community organizing trainings to organizational partners' staff/volunteers and community members; monitoring the development of the organizational partners' community organizing efforts; and, engaging community partners in actual community organizing efforts. In addition, s/he will assist SEARAC's community partners in their fundraising efforts to sustain their community organizing work. S/he will also work in cooperation with SEARAC staff to develop a community organizing curriculum for use with community partner organizations.


*Location of Position: *SEARAC California Office* - *Sacramento, CA* *


*Major Responsibilities:* * Develop and foster strong relationships with SEARAC's community partners * Design a community organizing curriculum for SEARAC to use when working with community partners * Provide training and technical assistance to community partners in order to help them holistically incorporate community organizing techniques into their civic engagement/social change work * Work in partnership with SEARAC community partners to design and actually implement community organizing efforts * Help SEARAC's community partners sustain their community organizing work by assisting the organizations fundraise in support of this work * Take the lead on data collection, drafting and submission of narrative and financial reports to funders, and other administrative duties as required * Carry out additional duties as directed by supervisors


*Required Qualifications:* * Relevant community organizing experience with immigrant/refugee groups * Relevant experience working with Southeast Asian American communities and/or community- based organizations in California * Experience providing training and technical assistance to community-based groups * Experience with program planning and administration * Excellent verbal and written communication abilities *


Experience in budgeting, financial management, and project reporting * Demonstrated ability to work with minimal direction supervision *


Undergraduate degree * Knowledge of SEA cultures and languages* *

*Compensation: *Commensurate with experience, plus a strong benefits package.


*Starting Date: *As soon as possible.*


**Application Procedure:


*Please e-mail, fax, or mail all three - resume, cover letter, and writing sample to:

Naomi Steinberg

SEARAC*

Attn: Community Organizer Job Search*

1628 16^th Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

Phone: 202-667-4690

Fax: 202/667-6449


SEARAC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/

An Invitation To A Symposium on Asian American Artists in California

The UCLA Asian American Studies Center and Hammer Museum cordially invites you to attend:
ASIAN AMERICAN ARTISTS IN CALIFORNIA:A Symposium


Saturday, March 14, 2009

9:00am - 1:00pm

Armand Hammer Museum

10899 Wilshire Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90024(located at the northeast corner of Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards in Westwood Village3 blocks east of the 405 freeway's Wilshire Boulevard exit)


This event is free and open to the public.

RSVP is requested.

Please call (310) 825-2974 or e-mail aascrsvp@aasc.ucla.edu by March 13, 2009.

Parking is available under the Museum. Rates are $3 for the first three hours with Museum stamp; $1.50 for each additional 20 minutes. Parking for people with disabilities is provided on levels P1 and P3.

This program is one of the events celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center and other ethnic studies centers at UCLA.
For more information, call (310) 825-2974.

Program Description
From the Chinese photographers of the Gold Rush to contemporary video artists, men and women of Asian descent have produced a rich and diverse body of artwork. Examining the lives and work of artists past and present offers insights into issues of cultural hybridity, race, social climate, and transnationalism.This symposium will celebrate the publication of the landmark Asian American Art, A History, 1850-1970, edited by Gordon H. Chang, Mark Johnson, and Paul Karlstrom, as well as present the dynamic work of three present-day artists in southern California. Asian American Art, A History is the first comprehensive study of more than 150 early artists in the United States before 1970. Artists of Asian ancestry have received little historical attention, even though many of them received wide critical acclaim during their productive years.


This pioneering work recovers the impressive artistic production of numerous Asian Americans, and brings to light their extraordinary range of vision and media. Amazon.com is giving a 34% discount (only $26.37 instead of $39.95) AND free shipping for this book. Purchase ahead for the best deal.The first panel explores the history of long-neglected artists, beginning with Sharon Spain's discussion of the innovative research project that gave rise to the book. Mark Johnson draws attention to the development of an international artistic sensibility among 19th-century Asian American practitioners, Karin Higa illuminates how the creative activity rooted in 1930s Little Tokyo also moved in national and global contexts. Gordon Chang considers the connection of war and art as well as the power of art to influence public mood.


For the second panel, contemporary artists Reanne Estrada, Yong Soon Min, and Viet Le discuss their work within a transnational context. Reanne Estrada reflects on the Galleon Trade project, a series of exhibitions and programs highlighting the linkages among the Philippines, Mexico and California. Yong Soon Min-decolonial art activist and scholar-will speak about her projects, including "transPOP: Korea Viet Nam Remix," co-curated with Viet Le, an artist and creative writer who examines memory, AIDS and representation in Southeast Asia and its diasporas.


Panelist BiosSharon Spain has been the associate director of the Asian American Art Project since 2004 and has managed the California Asian American Artists Biographical Survey project for more than ten years. She holds an M.A. in museum studies and has overseen major exhibition and publication projects, including Chang Dai-chien in California.


Mark Johnson is professor of art at San Francisco State University. He is the co-editor of Asian American Art: A History, 1850-1970, and guest curator for the de Young Museum exhibition Asian/American/Modern Art: Shifting Currents, 1900-1970' (2008) and other exhibitions of Asian American historical art.


Karin Higa is adjunct senior curator of art at the Japanese American National Museum where she recently curated "Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art." She is currently working on a study of art and culture in Los Angeles's Little Tokyo between World War I and II.
Gordon Chang is a professor of history at Stanford University. The author of numerous books and articles, he recently co-edited both Asian American Art: A History, 1850-1970 and Chinese American Voices: From the Gold Rush to the Present.


Valerie J. Matsumoto, an associate professor in history and Asian American Studies at UCLA, is a contributor to Asian American Art, A History, 1850-1970. She has just completed a study of Japanese American women in Los Angeles from the Jazz Age to resettlement after World War II.


Reanne Estrada, a Los Angeles-based visual artist, collaborates with Eliza Barios and Jenifer Wofford as Mail Order Brides/M.O.B. on video and works with Public Matters to integrate public-purpose media production with civic engagement.Yong Soon Min, professor of Studio Art at the University of California, Irvine, incorporates interdisciplinary sources and processes to engage issues of representation and cultural identities. Her work has been widely shown in exhibitions such as the 10th Havana Bienal and the 7th Gwangju Biennale.Viet Le is an artist, creative writer, and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Southern California. His work has been featured in the Asian Pacific American Journal and anthologies such as So Luminous the Wildflowers; he has exhibited at DoBaeBacSa Gallery, Korea, The Banff Centre, Canada, and the Shoshin Performance Space in New York.


Aimee Chang is Director of Academic Programming and Artist Residencies at the Hammer Museum.
Schedule:9:00-9:30am

Registration9:30-10:50


Art History Panel (Sharon Spain, Mark Johnson, Gordon Chang, and Karin Higa; moderated by Professor Valerie Matsumoto)10:50-11:00 Break11:00-12:20 Contemporary Artists Panel (Yong Soon Min, Reanne Estrada, Viet Le; moderated by Aimee Chang)Book signing afterward