Come get'em! And if you haven't paid for yours, come pay and get yours as well!
They look great over a long-sleeve shirt and tie...I'm setting a fashion trend.
They look great over a long-sleeve shirt and tie...I'm setting a fashion trend.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Matt Perry '06 and a Local Internship Opportunity
I had a chat with Matt Perry '06 yesterday and learned that he has joined the UPS-Congressman Smith cabal. Much of Congressman Smith's office in town and DC is controlled by UPS PG alums, so I'm happy to see that we're ever tightening that grip (I've got some pork-barrel legislation I need pushed through). Interning for Congress is a great opportunity, even if US politics is not your main interest. Give Matt a call or drop him an email.
Hi there, my name is Matt Perry and I am an '06 PG grad. I spent this summer working on U.S. Congressman Adam Smith's (WA-09) re-election campaign and have recently started working in the Congressman's District Office here in Tacoma. I am the latest Logger to join the staff (there are five of us) and I am looking for college students interested in internship opportunities.
As someone who completed two of these internships while attending UPS, I strongly encourage anyone interested to apply. I interned for Reps. Adam Smith and Norm Dicks and found both experiences very rewarding.
The District Offices of U.S. Representatives function often as a resource for constituents who have nowhere else to turn. We help constituents who are having trouble with the Social Security Administration, the State Department, Homeland Security, etc. We also work with community groups and research legislation. It is rewarding, both personally and professionally.
In my experience working in government, one job has always led to the next (thank you to Professor O'Neil for setting up my first interview). By interning as a college student, I graduated already knowing what types of government work interested me and with a strong resume.
If you have any questions about the internship or otherwise, please don't hesitate to contact me:
253-896-3775 (work)
matt.perry@mail.house.gov
Program Outline: Internships are available for school credit if approved by your college or university. Interns may work full-time or part-time.
Job Description: Internships are both administrative and legislative in their nature. Some responsibilities include: attending community meetings, researching and writing responses to constituent inquiries, and performing a multitude of administrative tasks.
Application Procedure: To be considered for an internship, please submit the following information as a complete packet: cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, and a one-page writing sample on why you would like to be a congressional intern. Please send your packet to:
Congressional District Office: Congressman Adam Smith
3600 Port of Tacoma Rd, Suite 106
Tacoma, WA 98424
Attn: Diane Brazell, Office Manager
All students are encouraged to apply. For further information, please contact my district office at 253-896-3775.
Matt Perry
Office Assistant, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith
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Hi there, my name is Matt Perry and I am an '06 PG grad. I spent this summer working on U.S. Congressman Adam Smith's (WA-09) re-election campaign and have recently started working in the Congressman's District Office here in Tacoma. I am the latest Logger to join the staff (there are five of us) and I am looking for college students interested in internship opportunities.
As someone who completed two of these internships while attending UPS, I strongly encourage anyone interested to apply. I interned for Reps. Adam Smith and Norm Dicks and found both experiences very rewarding.
The District Offices of U.S. Representatives function often as a resource for constituents who have nowhere else to turn. We help constituents who are having trouble with the Social Security Administration, the State Department, Homeland Security, etc. We also work with community groups and research legislation. It is rewarding, both personally and professionally.
In my experience working in government, one job has always led to the next (thank you to Professor O'Neil for setting up my first interview). By interning as a college student, I graduated already knowing what types of government work interested me and with a strong resume.
If you have any questions about the internship or otherwise, please don't hesitate to contact me:
253-896-3775 (work)
matt.perry@mail.house.gov
Congressman Adam Smith
Welcomes Internship Opportunities
Congressman Adam Smith is currently in the process of looking for interns who want to learn about the daily operations of Congress and its inner workings. He is looking for individuals who want to be a part of a hard-working team of people who are willing to serve the citizens of Washington State.Welcomes Internship Opportunities
Program Outline: Internships are available for school credit if approved by your college or university. Interns may work full-time or part-time.
Job Description: Internships are both administrative and legislative in their nature. Some responsibilities include: attending community meetings, researching and writing responses to constituent inquiries, and performing a multitude of administrative tasks.
Application Procedure: To be considered for an internship, please submit the following information as a complete packet: cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, and a one-page writing sample on why you would like to be a congressional intern. Please send your packet to:
Congressional District Office: Congressman Adam Smith
3600 Port of Tacoma Rd, Suite 106
Tacoma, WA 98424
Attn: Diane Brazell, Office Manager
All students are encouraged to apply. For further information, please contact my district office at 253-896-3775.
Matt Perry
Office Assistant, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith
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Cain Scholarship: Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
Some time back I mentioned that thanks to the efforts of Mark Smith '61 the Cain Scholarship, administered by the School of Business Leadership, has been opened to applicants in any department.
I noticed this morning that the SBL website has not made this change, so I confirmed that indeed, it is now open to all UPS students. The deadline is March 10 and the application can be found here. The scholarship "was established to encourage students to support an ethical or moral position which may be unpopular. It seeks to support personal risk-taking in a controversial environment."
The department would very much like to see several of our majors apply.
I noticed this morning that the SBL website has not made this change, so I confirmed that indeed, it is now open to all UPS students. The deadline is March 10 and the application can be found here. The scholarship "was established to encourage students to support an ethical or moral position which may be unpopular. It seeks to support personal risk-taking in a controversial environment."
The department would very much like to see several of our majors apply.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Record-Breaking Blogstats
More amazing traffic growth on the department blog
Note to self: good time to unleash my get-rich quick scheme on our unsuspecting readers
The Social Networks of Violence
Thanks to Stefan Moluf for pointing out a recent Wired article that looks at a triple murder last year that took place not far (as in a block) from campus. The piece explores how the lives of the killer and victims were embedded in the social networks of MySpace. Read the piece here.
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Gay Ghetto
In August the university let us know that UPS has been touted as "as one of the 20 Best Campuses for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) students in the nation". But that's not all, apparently. Via Exit133, the websites 247Gay.com and gayghettos.com have come out with a list of the top twenty emerging gay neighborhoods in the country. And on that list? Hilltop. According to them, "the area will only see more gentrification in the years to come due to planned office and condo developments, affordable historic homes, great sense of community and easy access to downtown Tacoma."
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Tuesday, November 28, 2006
More Icy Pics
Getting a coffee I shot a few more pics at Harned Hall.
The snow makes the glass look like it's been shattered
Looking back toward Thompson
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Principia College Public Affairs Conference
Another conference opportunity. Want to go? Let us know.
I would like to inform you of Principia College's 58th Public Affairs Conference (PAC), entitled Is Democracy the Global Solution? Navigating Democratic Ideals and Realities.
First held in 1939, Principia's PAC is the oldest student-run conference
of its kind. Its purpose is to inspire active citizenship and participation in public affairs by creating a forum in which students nationwide come together to examine vital contemporary issues with their peers. The conference is designed to allow students to interact with a host of distinguished speakers, notable academicians, and accomplished professionals by means of lectures, expert panels, and solutions-oriented workshop groups.
This year's PAC will be held from Thursday, April 12th to Saturday, April 14th 2007. The conference will explore the many facets of democratization and seek to answer questions such as: Are elections the best indicator of democracy? Are democracy and liberty the same thing? Is democracy culturally exclusive? Will democracy lead to a more peaceful world? This year delegates will get to hear from a diverse range of panelists and speakers. Marc Howard, associate professor at the Center for Democracy and Civil Society at Georgetown University and author of The Weakness of Civil Society in Post-Communist Europe, will be our keynote speaker. Other featured speakers include Amy Chua, author of the best-selling book, World on Fire, and Professor of Law at Yale Law School. In addition, a panel of experts will explore in-depth the current cases of Iraq and Afghanistan, as post-9/11 transitions.
Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in workshops to develop solutions to the many questions posed throughout the conference and to present these proposals in a multi-media format.
In January, I will be sending you a packet of brochures with more information about our conference. Please distribute this information to students who may be interested in attending PAC. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit our website at www.prin.edu/pac.
I appreciate your help in generating interest among potential delegates. If you have questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact me or Executive Directors Sarah Andrews and Jessica Morton.
Sincerely,
Jordan Vivian
Director of Off-Campus Delegates.
Email: jordan.vivian@principia.edu
Phone: (248) 891-5441
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I would like to inform you of Principia College's 58th Public Affairs Conference (PAC), entitled Is Democracy the Global Solution? Navigating Democratic Ideals and Realities.
First held in 1939, Principia's PAC is the oldest student-run conference
of its kind. Its purpose is to inspire active citizenship and participation in public affairs by creating a forum in which students nationwide come together to examine vital contemporary issues with their peers. The conference is designed to allow students to interact with a host of distinguished speakers, notable academicians, and accomplished professionals by means of lectures, expert panels, and solutions-oriented workshop groups.
This year's PAC will be held from Thursday, April 12th to Saturday, April 14th 2007. The conference will explore the many facets of democratization and seek to answer questions such as: Are elections the best indicator of democracy? Are democracy and liberty the same thing? Is democracy culturally exclusive? Will democracy lead to a more peaceful world? This year delegates will get to hear from a diverse range of panelists and speakers. Marc Howard, associate professor at the Center for Democracy and Civil Society at Georgetown University and author of The Weakness of Civil Society in Post-Communist Europe, will be our keynote speaker. Other featured speakers include Amy Chua, author of the best-selling book, World on Fire, and Professor of Law at Yale Law School. In addition, a panel of experts will explore in-depth the current cases of Iraq and Afghanistan, as post-9/11 transitions.
Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in workshops to develop solutions to the many questions posed throughout the conference and to present these proposals in a multi-media format.
In January, I will be sending you a packet of brochures with more information about our conference. Please distribute this information to students who may be interested in attending PAC. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit our website at www.prin.edu/pac.
I appreciate your help in generating interest among potential delegates. If you have questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact me or Executive Directors Sarah Andrews and Jessica Morton.
Sincerely,
Jordan Vivian
Director of Off-Campus Delegates.
Email: jordan.vivian@principia.edu
Phone: (248) 891-5441
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Snow. Really.
Last night it started to snow for real, and the temperature dropped down well before freezing. We woke up to a fine powder.
All the schools around town are closed, including UW Tacoma, and PLU is on late start. But not UPS. We can take it!
It would be fine if it were a slushy mess, but it's only in the twenties outside and not supposed to get much higher during the day. The result is a packed sheet of ice that now covers the roads and sidewalks.
Sliptacular.
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Monday, November 27, 2006
Snow?
Well, not too much, but you know how the smallest bit of frozen precipitation freaks out people in the Puget Sound. If you squint hard enough you can see a flake or two in the air.
(please no guffaws from those of you in places with a real winter).
Zorba Leslie, Watson Fellowship Nominee
Zorba Leslie, one of our majors, is one of the university's three nominees for the Watson Fellowship. His proposal is titled "Finding Justice: Learning to Reconcile the Past to Live the Present," and seeks to visit Chile, South Africa, Rwanda and Cambodia in order to "to assess the effectiveness of the retributive and restorative methods of securing justice available to post-conflict societies as they attempt to strike a balance between forgiveness and vengeance." Read more about his proposal here.
And what about the fellowship itself?
"The fellowship program provides fellows an opportunity for a focused and disciplined year of their own devising—a period in which they can have some surcease from the lockstep of prescribed educational and career paths in order to explore a particular interest thoroughly. During their year abroad, fellows have an unusual, sustained, and demanding opportunity to take stock of themselves, to test their aspirations and abilities, to view their lives and American society in greater perspective, and to develop a more informed sense of international concern.
And what about the fellowship itself?
"The fellowship program provides fellows an opportunity for a focused and disciplined year of their own devising—a period in which they can have some surcease from the lockstep of prescribed educational and career paths in order to explore a particular interest thoroughly. During their year abroad, fellows have an unusual, sustained, and demanding opportunity to take stock of themselves, to test their aspirations and abilities, to view their lives and American society in greater perspective, and to develop a more informed sense of international concern.
Administered in cooperation with fifty outstanding private colleges and universities throughout the United States, the Watson Fellowship provides a grant of $25,000 to each recipient. (Fellows whose spouse or dependent child will accompany them may be eligible for a grant of $35,000.) In addition, the fellowship program will supply, as a supplement to the stipend, an amount equal to twelve-months' payment of eligible federally guaranteed and/or institutional student loans issued in the fellow's name. The purpose of the loan program is to help ease the financial burden of Watson Fellows during their fellowship year, and to provide encouragement for all students, regardless of student loan debt, to apply for Watson Fellowships."
Find out more here.
Air Force Academy Undergraduate Student Conference
"Each year the US Air Force Academy hosts and undergraduate student conference on a topic of contemporary political significance. The 49th Air Force Academy Assembly, Continent at a Crossroads: Prosperity, Justice and Security in South America, will take place February 6-9 2007.
Convened annually since 1959, The United States Air Force Academy Assembly is an undergraduate student conference sponsored jointly by the Air Force Academy and Columbia University's American Assembly. This student-run conference provides a unique opportunity for approximately 150 highly qualified undergraduates to discuss a topic of contemporary significance. Prominent academics, business leaders, government officers and non-governmental organization members serve as speakers and roundtable leaders. Students cap the four day conference with a written consensus report that reflects the conference's views. It is widely distributed to both academic and government institutions. The Assembly includes keynote and banquet presentations by national and international leaders in the year's topic area."
The conference does not cover transportation, lodging or the registration fee, but if you are interested in applying we'll work on funding toward that end. Deadline for registration is December 15, and we can send two delegates, so if you are interested let me know soon.
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Convened annually since 1959, The United States Air Force Academy Assembly is an undergraduate student conference sponsored jointly by the Air Force Academy and Columbia University's American Assembly. This student-run conference provides a unique opportunity for approximately 150 highly qualified undergraduates to discuss a topic of contemporary significance. Prominent academics, business leaders, government officers and non-governmental organization members serve as speakers and roundtable leaders. Students cap the four day conference with a written consensus report that reflects the conference's views. It is widely distributed to both academic and government institutions. The Assembly includes keynote and banquet presentations by national and international leaders in the year's topic area."
The conference does not cover transportation, lodging or the registration fee, but if you are interested in applying we'll work on funding toward that end. Deadline for registration is December 15, and we can send two delegates, so if you are interested let me know soon.
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John Ross
Last week John Ross spoke on campus to students in Professor Share's Latin American Studies 100 course and later in the day to the few who were still on campus. Professor Share said that Ross' work on the Zapatistas is particularly fascinating and based on a great deal of time that Ross has spent with the Zapatistas themselves.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Radio Silence
I'll be signing off of the blog for a few days for Thanksgiving. Tomorrow is a travel day for students, though many are already bugging out--I'll be interested in seeing how many I have in my afternoon classes.
I want to extend our department's wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you may be.
I want to extend our department's wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you may be.
Security, the Persian Gulf, and Professor Weinberger's Blog
So very cool--Professor Weinberger has been invited by the Manama Dialogue to live-blog their upcoming summit in Bahrain:
The International Institute for Strategic Studies is hosting its Third Annual Regional Security Summit http://www.iiss.org/conferences/the-iiss-regional-security-summit This year, it has been renamed the Manama Dialogue and will take place in Bahrain from 8-10 December. In a new departure, we would like to invite you to become one of the first bloggers of the Manama Dialogue.
The Dialogue is the primary security institution in the Persian Gulf and will see the greatest ever involvement of the national security establishments of the region with key outside powers this year. As in previous years, the Dialogue will provide a unique forum for the discussion of the regional security challenges by the most senior authorities responsible for defence, foreign policy and security issues in the participating states.
The summit will be opened formally by the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Highness Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who will deliver the Keynote Address on Friday 8 December. On Saturday 9 December, the US National Security Advisor, Stephen Hadley, will make a key statement on US security strategy in the Persian Gulf. Delegation leaders from the other participating countries will also deliver official policy statements throughout the course of the weekend. Plenary session subjects include: “The U.S. and Gulf Security,” “Regional Perceptions of Gulf Security,” “The Gulf and the East,” “Security Guarantees and Regional Stability,” “The Situation in Iraq,” “The Gulf and Europe,” and “Iran and Outside Powers.”
We look forward to following this on Security Dilemmas as it unfolds.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies is hosting its Third Annual Regional Security Summit http://www.iiss.org/conferences/the-iiss-regional-security-summit This year, it has been renamed the Manama Dialogue and will take place in Bahrain from 8-10 December. In a new departure, we would like to invite you to become one of the first bloggers of the Manama Dialogue.
The Dialogue is the primary security institution in the Persian Gulf and will see the greatest ever involvement of the national security establishments of the region with key outside powers this year. As in previous years, the Dialogue will provide a unique forum for the discussion of the regional security challenges by the most senior authorities responsible for defence, foreign policy and security issues in the participating states.
The summit will be opened formally by the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Highness Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who will deliver the Keynote Address on Friday 8 December. On Saturday 9 December, the US National Security Advisor, Stephen Hadley, will make a key statement on US security strategy in the Persian Gulf. Delegation leaders from the other participating countries will also deliver official policy statements throughout the course of the weekend. Plenary session subjects include: “The U.S. and Gulf Security,” “Regional Perceptions of Gulf Security,” “The Gulf and the East,” “Security Guarantees and Regional Stability,” “The Situation in Iraq,” “The Gulf and Europe,” and “Iran and Outside Powers.”
We look forward to following this on Security Dilemmas as it unfolds.
Civil Liberties and National Security Student Roundtable
Students on campus (including some of our majors) have created a libertarian themed club, the Liberty Defense Alliance. Their first event will be a roundtable talk with assistance from the local chapters of Students for a Democratic Society and NORML. The roundtable looks wide-ranging, dealing with a wide range of issues of national security and civil liberties. If you're interested in going, here are the details:
Thursday, 11/30, 6:00PM in WSC101
...there will of course be free snacks.
Thursday, 11/30, 6:00PM in WSC101
...there will of course be free snacks.
Monday, November 20, 2006
T-Shirts En Route
We gathered the funds and placed the order; our T-shirts will take a couple of days to print and a good week of shipping time. With Thanksgiving ahead of us I don't expect the shipment to arrive until early December.
And for those few who put in an order but didn't get your payment to us in time? Don't worry, we've got you covered--your shirts will be coming as well. When they are here you can come by the department and part with your hard-earned cash.
And for those few who put in an order but didn't get your payment to us in time? Don't worry, we've got you covered--your shirts will be coming as well. When they are here you can come by the department and part with your hard-earned cash.
Christy Thomas '00: Brush with Greatness
This from Christy Thomas '00:
"I just discovered that the Congressman I interned with at UPS is now the Majority Whip. I spent the summer of 1998 in DC through an internship program and while the program wasn’t the best, the office I worked in was amazing. Congressman Clyburn focused most of his staff in the district, so the DC office had four full time staff members and four college interns. I highly recommend DC internships and choosing to work for someone outside your home state. I learned a lot about tobacco, transportation and race issues that summer."
Christy is currently Special Gift Officer at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Thanks for the note and the good word on the value of internships.
"I just discovered that the Congressman I interned with at UPS is now the Majority Whip. I spent the summer of 1998 in DC through an internship program and while the program wasn’t the best, the office I worked in was amazing. Congressman Clyburn focused most of his staff in the district, so the DC office had four full time staff members and four college interns. I highly recommend DC internships and choosing to work for someone outside your home state. I learned a lot about tobacco, transportation and race issues that summer."
Christy is currently Special Gift Officer at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Thanks for the note and the good word on the value of internships.
And Yet Another Congratulation...to Bill Haltom
A trifecta of triumphs! Professor Haltom was awarded a John Lantz Sabbatical Enhancement Award for 2007-08. While on sabbatical Professor Haltom will be persuing his project entitled "Culture Wars and Civil-Justice Reforms," which will look at how cultural conflict has affected debates over legal reform.
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Sunday, November 19, 2006
Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Major?
There are some of our majors out there who are not yet declared. It may seem relatively unimportant, a bit of paperwork you can deal with later on; or you might feel the opposite, that selecting a major is an iron-clad agreement you're bound to.
Neither is true. For the department, knowing who our majors are helps us with communication, mentoring and networking; we can't help you if we don't know you. At the same time, should you decide down the road that a major other than PG is looking more attractive, it's rather easy to switch, and you won't hurt our feelings (much).
So if are planning on Politics and Government as your major or minor but haven't declared, think about doing so, or get in contact with me if you have questions.
Neither is true. For the department, knowing who our majors are helps us with communication, mentoring and networking; we can't help you if we don't know you. At the same time, should you decide down the road that a major other than PG is looking more attractive, it's rather easy to switch, and you won't hurt our feelings (much).
So if are planning on Politics and Government as your major or minor but haven't declared, think about doing so, or get in contact with me if you have questions.
Social Networks
Friday President Thomas and David Beers from university relations spoke to department heads. Among their discussion was the interesting news that the university is working on implementing social networking software that will more effectively integrate alums into our community. As it stands, there's really no easy way for alums to connect and stay connected through the university. I'm looking forward to see what they roll out and hope the departments will be brought into the act.
Congratulations Professor Ferrari!
More congratulations are in order. Professor Ferrari has been granted a Martin Nelson Summer Award for 2007. Professor Ferrari intends to use the award to finance field research in Africa, where she will be looking at the role of the Catholic Church as a political actor as it relates to women's issues. I'm envious--well done, Professor Ferrari!
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Saturday, November 18, 2006
Congratulations Professor Sherman!
Congrats to Professor Sherman who was awarded a Martin Nelson Junior Sabbatical Fellowship for Spring Semester 2008. Professor Sherman plans to finish his book, The Waste is a Terrible Thing to Mind, a study of the politics of low-level radioactive waste disposal. The book is based on Professor Sherman's doctoral dissertation, which won the 2005 American Political Science Association Virginia M. Walsh Dissertation Award for the best dissertation in the field of science, technology and environmental politics. Way to go, Professor Sherman!
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Friday, November 17, 2006
Global Institute for Leadership and Civic Development
An interesting variant on study abroad, especially for those who don't want to give up a whole semester.
Global Institute for Leadership and Civic Development
http://www.globalleaders.info/
Become a Global Leader and Study Abroad
Our programs are comprehensive in nature and incorporate all of the essential components: summer study abroad, academic courses, international participants, leadership training, and community service.
International Participants
Over the last seven years, we have trained hundreds of students from over 45 different countries. Each program typically includes student from 15-20 different countries. Surrounding yourself with students from around the world allows you the unique opportunity to learn not only about the host country but a diverse range of cultures. In this environment, you will learn the true meaning of global citizenship and your relationship to it.
Dynamic Instructors
Our instructors are hand picked for their expertise in their field, interactive teaching style, and international experience. In addition, most of our instructors work towards making systemic change. For example, Petra Hejnova, Coordinator and Instructor for the Prague program, is the former Director of the Gender Studies Center in Prague and has delivered reports to the United Nations regarding the status of women in the Czech Republic.
Commitment to Academic Excellence
An essential part of becoming a global citizen is gaining knowledge. We offer specially designed courses which focus on issues of global importance. Through each course, students are challenged to grapple with the significance, consequence, and relevance of course concepts not only to themselves but to the world around them.
Our courses are not lecture-style. Quite the contrary, they are highly interactive, utilizing experiential learning, guest lectures, and fieldtrips.
Community Service
During our programs, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the local community. These activities are not only rewarding, but allow you to put theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to practical use. Past projects include working with: Klicek Children's Hospice, Rolnicka School for the Disabled, and Veseli nad Luznici Flood Recovery Project.
Multiple Locations
While each program retains the same structure and philosophy, each has its own courses. This allows participants to attend multiple programs in exciting locations. Past participants from the Prague program have gone on to attend our programs in Bologna and Cuba.
Future Leadership Positions
Each summer, we promote past participants to become Student Coordinators. These internships allow participants to take their leadership skills to a new level. Past participants have even gone on to create their own programs! We are very proud of Vladimir Mladjenovic (Yugoslavia) and Luis Lopez (Mexico) who created and served as the Co-Directors for the 2004 Global Education Program in Cuba. Daniel Epstein (US/Canada) and Michael Forte (US)are also working on creating our first US program!
Aside from our leadership opportunities within our organization, several students have gained scholarships and entrance into other leading programs through letters of recommendation from our Instructors.
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Global Institute for Leadership and Civic Development
http://www.globalleaders.info/
Become a Global Leader and Study Abroad
Our programs are comprehensive in nature and incorporate all of the essential components: summer study abroad, academic courses, international participants, leadership training, and community service.
International Participants
Over the last seven years, we have trained hundreds of students from over 45 different countries. Each program typically includes student from 15-20 different countries. Surrounding yourself with students from around the world allows you the unique opportunity to learn not only about the host country but a diverse range of cultures. In this environment, you will learn the true meaning of global citizenship and your relationship to it.
Dynamic Instructors
Our instructors are hand picked for their expertise in their field, interactive teaching style, and international experience. In addition, most of our instructors work towards making systemic change. For example, Petra Hejnova, Coordinator and Instructor for the Prague program, is the former Director of the Gender Studies Center in Prague and has delivered reports to the United Nations regarding the status of women in the Czech Republic.
Commitment to Academic Excellence
An essential part of becoming a global citizen is gaining knowledge. We offer specially designed courses which focus on issues of global importance. Through each course, students are challenged to grapple with the significance, consequence, and relevance of course concepts not only to themselves but to the world around them.
Our courses are not lecture-style. Quite the contrary, they are highly interactive, utilizing experiential learning, guest lectures, and fieldtrips.
Community Service
During our programs, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the local community. These activities are not only rewarding, but allow you to put theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to practical use. Past projects include working with: Klicek Children's Hospice, Rolnicka School for the Disabled, and Veseli nad Luznici Flood Recovery Project.
Multiple Locations
While each program retains the same structure and philosophy, each has its own courses. This allows participants to attend multiple programs in exciting locations. Past participants from the Prague program have gone on to attend our programs in Bologna and Cuba.
Future Leadership Positions
Each summer, we promote past participants to become Student Coordinators. These internships allow participants to take their leadership skills to a new level. Past participants have even gone on to create their own programs! We are very proud of Vladimir Mladjenovic (Yugoslavia) and Luis Lopez (Mexico) who created and served as the Co-Directors for the 2004 Global Education Program in Cuba. Daniel Epstein (US/Canada) and Michael Forte (US)are also working on creating our first US program!
Aside from our leadership opportunities within our organization, several students have gained scholarships and entrance into other leading programs through letters of recommendation from our Instructors.
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John Ross Visits Campus Tuesday
This from Professor Share:
I’d appreciate it if you could add a piece on the blog about John Ross’ visit (4 p.m., Tuesday, SUB boardroom). Ross is considered one of the world’s leading experts on the Zapatista uprising in Southern Mexico. His latest book is entitled ZAPATISTAS - Making Another World Possible: Chronicles of Resistance 2000-2006. A description of that book follows:
"On New Year's Day 1994 a small group of Mayan peasants, led by a charismatic former University Professor, grabbed the attention of the world by taking over San Cristobel, the capitol of Chiapas, Mexico and proclaiming 'Basta!' to the prevailing orthodoxy of neo-liberal capitalism that was destroying the infrastructure of the peasant economy. Their cry was heard across the world and in the next decade the Zapatistas became a beacon of hope and a model to hundreds of thousands of activists across the world fighting globalization.
John Ross was there from the beginning, following the Zapatistas on their journey, to the extent that he has been nicknamed 'the Willy Loman of the Zapatistas.' His first book, Rebellion from the Roots was praised by Alma Guillermoprieto in the New York Review of the Books.
This book chronicles the last six years of the rebellion — a phase where the Zapatistas have been below the media radar in many respects, and a period where Ross argues that the Zapatistas have been 'Changing the World Without Taking Power.'
Part John Reed, part magic realist poet, Ross reveals the extraordinary events in Chiapas and explores the unique political experiment the Zapatistas have pioneered."
I’m attaching John Reed’s latest dispatch on Mexico, Oil, and the Halliburton connection for those who would like to get a sense of his outlook. I’m also attaching a piece on the Mexican elections written by Joseph Klesner, a political scientist from Kenyon College, and the forthcoming introduction to a special issue of PS on Mexico’s recent elections. Reed’s analysis represents the left, while Klesner’s reflects mainstream political science analysis.
I’d appreciate it if you could add a piece on the blog about John Ross’ visit (4 p.m., Tuesday, SUB boardroom). Ross is considered one of the world’s leading experts on the Zapatista uprising in Southern Mexico. His latest book is entitled ZAPATISTAS - Making Another World Possible: Chronicles of Resistance 2000-2006. A description of that book follows:
"On New Year's Day 1994 a small group of Mayan peasants, led by a charismatic former University Professor, grabbed the attention of the world by taking over San Cristobel, the capitol of Chiapas, Mexico and proclaiming 'Basta!' to the prevailing orthodoxy of neo-liberal capitalism that was destroying the infrastructure of the peasant economy. Their cry was heard across the world and in the next decade the Zapatistas became a beacon of hope and a model to hundreds of thousands of activists across the world fighting globalization.
John Ross was there from the beginning, following the Zapatistas on their journey, to the extent that he has been nicknamed 'the Willy Loman of the Zapatistas.' His first book, Rebellion from the Roots was praised by Alma Guillermoprieto in the New York Review of the Books.
This book chronicles the last six years of the rebellion — a phase where the Zapatistas have been below the media radar in many respects, and a period where Ross argues that the Zapatistas have been 'Changing the World Without Taking Power.'
Part John Reed, part magic realist poet, Ross reveals the extraordinary events in Chiapas and explores the unique political experiment the Zapatistas have pioneered."
I’m attaching John Reed’s latest dispatch on Mexico, Oil, and the Halliburton connection for those who would like to get a sense of his outlook. I’m also attaching a piece on the Mexican elections written by Joseph Klesner, a political scientist from Kenyon College, and the forthcoming introduction to a special issue of PS on Mexico’s recent elections. Reed’s analysis represents the left, while Klesner’s reflects mainstream political science analysis.
Need a Christmas Gift?
If you're looking for something for the Holidays, this weekend the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio is having a sale of seconds and other items. Who knows, might there be just the gift you're looking for? Tacoma is becoming such a glass mecca that there's no better thing to take home with you over the break. Check out their site here, and go see them downtown, just off of Pacific.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Go Out Tonight!
Tonight's the big out on the town in Tacoma, where a number of establishments will be open late for good food and general carousing. Exit 133 readers will also be out en masse and apparently in a pack. If you see them, ask after Derek and say hello to our PG alum. Derek's rundown of what's up can be found here. His post also serves as a good list of the new and trendy places in town.
Dorm Transuming
I've always wanted to title a post like that. From Springwise, a new student start-up at Dartmouth that rents everything you'd need for your dorm. Brilliant idea or another failed business idea in play? You be the judge--and perhaps their local representative for UPS?
Ninjawords
An easy online dictionary that's "fast like a ninja," with definitions largely from the Princeton WordNet Project. Neato.
http://www.ninjawords.com/
http://www.ninjawords.com/
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Student Conference: Crossing Borders
Professor Ferrari sends along this great opportunity--a conference on US Canada relations in Seattle, with travel, hotel and meals provided. You can find the application here. We'd love to see one or more of our students attend.
STUDENT CONFERENCE
'Crossing Borders - Issues & Resolutions'
Seattle WA / 15-16 March 2007
Application Deadline: 15 January 2007
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortim, Canada America Society, World Affairs Council, Pacific NW Economic Region & Border Policy Research Institute invite applications from Undergraduate Students in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia & Alberta to participate in this two day Canada - US Border event
Sixteen students (8 American and 8 Canadian) will be selected. Teams will be composed of one American and one Canadian student to research, present and offer solutions/resolutions to issues of importance to the Canada - US relationship.
Possible Issues:
Border Security, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Northwest Passage,
Health Care & Drugs, Columbia River Treaty, Gays in Military & Marriage
Travel, hotel and meals provided.
Thursday 15 March / Border Tours & Welcome Dinner
Friday 16 March / Student Panels / Microsoft Auditorium - Seattle Public Library
Awards Reception & Dinner / College Club
Questions: Kevin Cook
kevin.cook@international.gc.ca
206-770-4065
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STUDENT CONFERENCE
'Crossing Borders - Issues & Resolutions'
Seattle WA / 15-16 March 2007
Application Deadline: 15 January 2007
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortim, Canada America Society, World Affairs Council, Pacific NW Economic Region & Border Policy Research Institute invite applications from Undergraduate Students in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia & Alberta to participate in this two day Canada - US Border event
Sixteen students (8 American and 8 Canadian) will be selected. Teams will be composed of one American and one Canadian student to research, present and offer solutions/resolutions to issues of importance to the Canada - US relationship.
Possible Issues:
Border Security, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Northwest Passage,
Health Care & Drugs, Columbia River Treaty, Gays in Military & Marriage
Travel, hotel and meals provided.
Thursday 15 March / Border Tours & Welcome Dinner
Friday 16 March / Student Panels / Microsoft Auditorium - Seattle Public Library
Awards Reception & Dinner / College Club
Questions: Kevin Cook
kevin.cook@international.gc.ca
206-770-4065
Tags:
Wait Lists---Argh!
Wow, there are a lot of folks on wait lists for some of our classes. In spite of our collective efforts to drive away students by affecting nasal drones and falling asleep in the midst of rambling lectures, they just keep coming.
Upshot: If you are a major and on a wait list for one of our classes, you should contact the professor and inquire about the possibility of you getting in. We want to make certain that our majors are able to take the courses they want and need for graduation, and we'll make every effort to accommodate that.
Upshot: If you are a major and on a wait list for one of our classes, you should contact the professor and inquire about the possibility of you getting in. We want to make certain that our majors are able to take the courses they want and need for graduation, and we'll make every effort to accommodate that.
T-Shirt Update
We're still taking orders for the department T-shirt, and will be putting in the order on Monday. The overwhelming number of orders has been wonderful, and to facilitate their purchase and make certain we're not stuck with a large overstock, we're asking that you please prepay for your shirt. So if you've sent a note to Irene saying you wanted a shirt or were still planning on it, would you please drop by her office by Monday. Cash is easier for us to launder handle than personal checks. Thanks!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Meet Meat (and Produce and Cake)
I've not been yet, but Derek Young '96 writes on Exit133 that Dave's Meat and Produce is now open, located between campus and the Stadium District just off of 21st. A good alternative to Metropolitan Market.
Sadly, I see that Dad's Bakery on Sixth has already folded. I think it must be hard to run an old-style donut shop these days. However, we've got Corina's just down Sixth, and if you haven't had one of their desserts...well, I have two words for you: Chocolate Cheesecake. Here's a fascinating article on the owners, Walter and Jessica Gaya, and Walter's path from Argentina to fighting and photographing in Iraq to baking in Tacoma.
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Sadly, I see that Dad's Bakery on Sixth has already folded. I think it must be hard to run an old-style donut shop these days. However, we've got Corina's just down Sixth, and if you haven't had one of their desserts...well, I have two words for you: Chocolate Cheesecake. Here's a fascinating article on the owners, Walter and Jessica Gaya, and Walter's path from Argentina to fighting and photographing in Iraq to baking in Tacoma.
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Alum Update: Chris Kenny '90
This in from Chris Kenny '90 by way of Professor Share:
It’s hard to believe we haven’t talked since I graduated, although I think I caught one of your bluegrass shows here in Portland in the early ‘90s at La Luna. As for me, career-wise I’ve tried a few different paths and now work as a senior writer at an interactive marketing agency (www.overlandagency.com).
Although it’s a different kind of writing, I attribute a good deal of my skills to the rigors of the UPS P&G department and especially your weekly 3-page paper regimen. Like a lot of my peers, I was caught up in the Internet craze—moved to San Francisco, worked for a couple of start-ups, made some big dough and spent it all—it wasn’t unlike a Latin American quagmire. Prior to that (and immediately after leaving UPS) I spent about 7 years doing medical research at OHSU (and did some graduate work in epidemiology), and worked a biotech company in Portland.
That said, don’t think I haven’t remained a life-long student of political science—and especially Latin America! I still dream about the academic life and haven’t entirely ruled it out. I’d love to come take a course from you in London (Professor Share is leading the university's study abroad in London this year--Prof. O'Neil).
Watching the outcome of the elections in Nicaragua brought back great memories of that trip.
Don sent along a picture from Chris on the Latin American study tour in Nicauragua in 1989, and Chris a newer portrait.
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It’s hard to believe we haven’t talked since I graduated, although I think I caught one of your bluegrass shows here in Portland in the early ‘90s at La Luna. As for me, career-wise I’ve tried a few different paths and now work as a senior writer at an interactive marketing agency (www.overlandagency.com).
Although it’s a different kind of writing, I attribute a good deal of my skills to the rigors of the UPS P&G department and especially your weekly 3-page paper regimen. Like a lot of my peers, I was caught up in the Internet craze—moved to San Francisco, worked for a couple of start-ups, made some big dough and spent it all—it wasn’t unlike a Latin American quagmire. Prior to that (and immediately after leaving UPS) I spent about 7 years doing medical research at OHSU (and did some graduate work in epidemiology), and worked a biotech company in Portland.
That said, don’t think I haven’t remained a life-long student of political science—and especially Latin America! I still dream about the academic life and haven’t entirely ruled it out. I’d love to come take a course from you in London (Professor Share is leading the university's study abroad in London this year--Prof. O'Neil).
Watching the outcome of the elections in Nicaragua brought back great memories of that trip.
Don sent along a picture from Chris on the Latin American study tour in Nicauragua in 1989, and Chris a newer portrait.
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Monday, November 13, 2006
Cat Fish: DC Internship Update
Cat Fish '08 has taken the semester off to intern in DC at Adam Smith's office in Congress. I asked her to send us an update on how it's been going. Here is her response, and if you want to know more you can ask her in person when she gets back on campus next semester.
Last night I had trouble sleeping. It was because that butterflies-in-the-stomach eagerness comparable to the feeling you get as a kid on Christmas Eve or the first day of school. From what I know, this specific reaction to the approaching midterm elections is not common. But let’s face it, I’m not normal. I’m a politics nerd. This is why I decided to spend the semester in D.C.
While most of my buddies at UPS were choosing where in Europe they would spend the fall semester partying, I was itching to do something (or at least partying somewhere) a little different. I found an internship in the office of Representative Adam Smith from Washington’s ninth Congressional district. I organized housing with the Washington Student Intern Housing program, through which I was assigned a place in a townhouse with eight other interns, just two blocks from the Capitol building. I moved out east in late August.
I work as Representative Smith’s only fulltime D.C. intern. My duties include legislative research, writing memos, responding to constituent mail and calls, attending briefings and giving Capitol tours. I have developed close relationships with Smith’s legislative staff as well as the Congressman himself, all individuals who are exceptionally accessible unbelievable committed to the citizens of Washington State. Some of the perks of the job include the day-to-day contact with policy-makers, access to Congressional resources, the social functions and the up-close observation of the midterm elections. While the internship has been exhausting and daunting at times, it has also proven to be thoroughly educational and ridiculously fun.
Interning in Congress has transformed and clarified my initial ideas about what I do, and do not want to do with my future. It has provided me with a unique perspective of the American political system, and unquestionably benefited my education as a whole. This experience has reinforced my love for politics and given me the opportunity to meet remarkable people. Best of all, I have learned America’s Capitol is an entire city of politics nerds, just like me.
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Last night I had trouble sleeping. It was because that butterflies-in-the-stomach eagerness comparable to the feeling you get as a kid on Christmas Eve or the first day of school. From what I know, this specific reaction to the approaching midterm elections is not common. But let’s face it, I’m not normal. I’m a politics nerd. This is why I decided to spend the semester in D.C.
While most of my buddies at UPS were choosing where in Europe they would spend the fall semester partying, I was itching to do something (or at least partying somewhere) a little different. I found an internship in the office of Representative Adam Smith from Washington’s ninth Congressional district. I organized housing with the Washington Student Intern Housing program, through which I was assigned a place in a townhouse with eight other interns, just two blocks from the Capitol building. I moved out east in late August.
I work as Representative Smith’s only fulltime D.C. intern. My duties include legislative research, writing memos, responding to constituent mail and calls, attending briefings and giving Capitol tours. I have developed close relationships with Smith’s legislative staff as well as the Congressman himself, all individuals who are exceptionally accessible unbelievable committed to the citizens of Washington State. Some of the perks of the job include the day-to-day contact with policy-makers, access to Congressional resources, the social functions and the up-close observation of the midterm elections. While the internship has been exhausting and daunting at times, it has also proven to be thoroughly educational and ridiculously fun.
Interning in Congress has transformed and clarified my initial ideas about what I do, and do not want to do with my future. It has provided me with a unique perspective of the American political system, and unquestionably benefited my education as a whole. This experience has reinforced my love for politics and given me the opportunity to meet remarkable people. Best of all, I have learned America’s Capitol is an entire city of politics nerds, just like me.
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DC Trip Financial Support
We are working on putting together some funds for those who might want to go on the DC trip but are finding it a bit spendy. No guarantees but I'll keep you posted as I look around for funds.
Again, if you're interested in going, email me ASAP.
Again, if you're interested in going, email me ASAP.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Spring Break in DC? Time to Commit!
The department needs to get started on planning the Spring Break to DC. As we've mentioned on the blog before, our intention is to schedule a series of informational meetings, tours and social events with UPS alums in the DC area to give students a sense of life around Capitol Hill. You will be responsible for the costs involved, though we'll work on finding inexpensive housing. Right now it looks like there are flights to Baltimore for about $300 from Seattle, and there are various guest houses in DC where you should be able to stay for under $50 a night.
In order to get moving on this we need firm commitments from all those students interested in going. I know I have already heard from some of you, but would you email me and let me know if you plan on attending? I'd like to get a head count to see if we have enough folks to get this going. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.
P.S. This is open to ALL students on campus, irrespective of major.
In order to get moving on this we need firm commitments from all those students interested in going. I know I have already heard from some of you, but would you email me and let me know if you plan on attending? I'd like to get a head count to see if we have enough folks to get this going. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.
P.S. This is open to ALL students on campus, irrespective of major.
Keywords
I hadn't considered that in a world of online submissions and data-sifting software, resumes and applications are mined for certain keywords. This article in the Wall Street Journal online suggests how to craft your resume with this in mind.
Update: A piece in the New York Times adds further good advice on do's and don'ts when applying for a job. Find it here.
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Update: A piece in the New York Times adds further good advice on do's and don'ts when applying for a job. Find it here.
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Saturday, November 11, 2006
All of Our Base Items Belong to You
The call for t-shirt orders below may have disenfranchised those not on campus. Worry not! We've got goodies galore for student and alum alike at our Cafe Press store:
http://www.cafepress.com/upspolitics
There's a whole lot of stuff here: mugs, shirts, buttons, etc. If you're looking for that special something for the person who has everything, here's the gift that keeps on giving. And nothing has a mark-up on it, so you can buy at cost. Shop away!
http://www.cafepress.com/upspolitics
There's a whole lot of stuff here: mugs, shirts, buttons, etc. If you're looking for that special something for the person who has everything, here's the gift that keeps on giving. And nothing has a mark-up on it, so you can buy at cost. Shop away!
T-Shirts! Get Your Red Hot T-Shirts!
If you are on campus or in town, we're now taking orders for our official ash grey shirt:
And you can have a shirt for the low price of just ten bucks. What a deal! Buy one for yourself, your parents, your friends and rivals. Be the envy of the neighborhood this Holiday Season.
We need a minimum order of 15 shirts, so the sooner we hear from you the sooner we can send off the order. Just send an email to Irene Lim (ilim@ups.edu) and let her know what size and how many you want. Once the shirts are in you can come by and pay for it then.
I hope to see these shirts far and wide in future, in study abroad pictures, significant political events, mug shots, etc.
And you can have a shirt for the low price of just ten bucks. What a deal! Buy one for yourself, your parents, your friends and rivals. Be the envy of the neighborhood this Holiday Season.
We need a minimum order of 15 shirts, so the sooner we hear from you the sooner we can send off the order. Just send an email to Irene Lim (ilim@ups.edu) and let her know what size and how many you want. Once the shirts are in you can come by and pay for it then.
I hope to see these shirts far and wide in future, in study abroad pictures, significant political events, mug shots, etc.
New Course for Spring 07
Professor Haltom will be offering PG 440A in the Spring 2007 schedule on
T 14:00-15:20 in WY307. I have posted the department description below, though anyone interested should consult Professor Haltom directly to find out about the details.
PG 440 Seminar in Modern Political Thought
This senior seminar is designed to allow students to seriously engage with recent trends in political theory. Although topics will vary some potential themes include concepts of power, democratic theory, and contemporary theories of identity and subjectivity. The aim of this seminar is to develop students' skills in political theory methods including textual analysis, theoretical criticism, identifying and engaging contrasting theoretical approaches as well as creating clear analytical questions for theoretical writing. Seminar readings and assignments will assist students in creating a final senior thesis on a topic created under the guidance of the instructor.
Prerequisite: PG 104, major concentration in political theory, PG 250, and senior standing or permission of instructor.
T 14:00-15:20 in WY307. I have posted the department description below, though anyone interested should consult Professor Haltom directly to find out about the details.
PG 440 Seminar in Modern Political Thought
This senior seminar is designed to allow students to seriously engage with recent trends in political theory. Although topics will vary some potential themes include concepts of power, democratic theory, and contemporary theories of identity and subjectivity. The aim of this seminar is to develop students' skills in political theory methods including textual analysis, theoretical criticism, identifying and engaging contrasting theoretical approaches as well as creating clear analytical questions for theoretical writing. Seminar readings and assignments will assist students in creating a final senior thesis on a topic created under the guidance of the instructor.
Prerequisite: PG 104, major concentration in political theory, PG 250, and senior standing or permission of instructor.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Resource: Alliance for Conflict Transformation
This could be a good resource. They have special subscription rates for students that gets you access to job, internship and grant opportunities. There are also numerous links to programs and sites that can be accessed for free. Take a look.
www.conflicttransformation.org
ACT FORUMS: CAREERS & OPPORTUNITIES IN
Peace & Conflict Resolution, International Development, Human Rights & Related Fields
Over 100 organizations and universities throughout the world currently use the ACT Forums to recruit entry-level to advanced professional and academic candidates in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights, and related fields. The Forums posts over 5,000 entry-level to senior-level jobs, internships and consulting opportunities worldwide every year in these fields. The Forums are available for individuals seeking jobs, scholarships, grants and information on conferences/events, and for organizations interested in recruiting qualified candidates. Current membership has grown to several thousand people internationally. There is a small sliding-scale subscription fee to receive regular e-mail announcements of opportunities. Posting messages is free.
LIST OF FORUMS:
• JOBS - Find job opportunities from entry-level to senior level positions in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS - Find scholarship, grants and other funding opportunities in the fields peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• EVENTS – Check the Calendar for talks, conferences, and cultural events in the Washington, DC area and worldwide.
The Forums are subdivided into geographic areas of the world (for example United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and so on).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
• RESUME DATABASE - Individuals can upload their resumes and employers can search for qualified candidates.
• DISCUSSION FORUMS - Subscribers can post their own profiles and interact with other subscribers from throughout the world. Participate in on-line discussions with leading scholars/practitioners in the field and read transcripts from previous discussions.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE/POST MESSAGES:
For more information on how to receive a 6-month or 1-year subscription, or to post messages, please visit the ACT website at www.conflicttransformation.org or via email to forums@conflicttransformation.org
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www.conflicttransformation.org
ACT FORUMS: CAREERS & OPPORTUNITIES IN
Peace & Conflict Resolution, International Development, Human Rights & Related Fields
Over 100 organizations and universities throughout the world currently use the ACT Forums to recruit entry-level to advanced professional and academic candidates in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights, and related fields. The Forums posts over 5,000 entry-level to senior-level jobs, internships and consulting opportunities worldwide every year in these fields. The Forums are available for individuals seeking jobs, scholarships, grants and information on conferences/events, and for organizations interested in recruiting qualified candidates. Current membership has grown to several thousand people internationally. There is a small sliding-scale subscription fee to receive regular e-mail announcements of opportunities. Posting messages is free.
LIST OF FORUMS:
• JOBS - Find job opportunities from entry-level to senior level positions in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS - Find scholarship, grants and other funding opportunities in the fields peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• EVENTS – Check the Calendar for talks, conferences, and cultural events in the Washington, DC area and worldwide.
The Forums are subdivided into geographic areas of the world (for example United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and so on).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
• RESUME DATABASE - Individuals can upload their resumes and employers can search for qualified candidates.
• DISCUSSION FORUMS - Subscribers can post their own profiles and interact with other subscribers from throughout the world. Participate in on-line discussions with leading scholars/practitioners in the field and read transcripts from previous discussions.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE/POST MESSAGES:
For more information on how to receive a 6-month or 1-year subscription, or to post messages, please visit the ACT website at www.conflicttransformation.org or via email to forums@conflicttransformation.org
Tags:
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Our Greatest Shortcoming
I've been told in no uncertain terms that the major limitation of this blog is that it lacks pandas.
In the Campaign Trenches
Earlier we blogged on Sam Kussin-Shoptaw '09's experiences interning with Darcy Burner's campaign for Congress. He snapped a few more pictures of the last stretch when he and other interns were working round the clock. Sam said that by the end he had a team of some 25 volunteers working ounder him, so give you some sense of the kind of responsibility you can have thrust upon you if you take the initiative. The race was very, very close:
Darcy Burner Democrat 74,861 49.1027%
Dave Reichert Republican 77,597 50.8973%
At first no one expected Burner to do that well, so I chalk that up to Sam's campaign skills. Next stop: The White House.
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Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Blogback Loop
Now we know we're making the big time--one of the Tacoma News Tribune's blogs has blogged about our blog. According to them, our blog is " a worthwhile regular stop while you’re on your rounds looking for good, local information. It’s smart (they’re professors, after all), and friendly instead of stuffy." They've got us to a T. Maybe that should be our new slogan to go with our logo: "Politics and Government: Friendly, Not Stuffy"
And since they had a screenshot of our blog in their blog, here's a screenshot in our blog of their blog with their screenshot of our blog.
My brain hurts.
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And since they had a screenshot of our blog in their blog, here's a screenshot in our blog of their blog with their screenshot of our blog.
My brain hurts.
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Congratulations, Professor Sousa
For the forthcoming book:
Paths Through the Green State: American Environmental Policymaking Beyond Gridlock, 1990-2006
Professor Sousa's co-author is Christopher McGrory Klyza, Stafford Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies at Middlebury College.
Professors Sousa and Klyza have been given a contract for their book to be published as part of the MIT Press Series on American and Comparative Environmental Policy
Paths will come out in 2007; in the meantime, some draft excerpts can be found here.
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Paths Through the Green State: American Environmental Policymaking Beyond Gridlock, 1990-2006
Professor Sousa's co-author is Christopher McGrory Klyza, Stafford Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies at Middlebury College.
Professors Sousa and Klyza have been given a contract for their book to be published as part of the MIT Press Series on American and Comparative Environmental Policy
Paths will come out in 2007; in the meantime, some draft excerpts can be found here.
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Drubbing
Professors Sousa and Haltom were a bit conservative in their projections for the Democrats' majority in the House, though Professor Sousa called all but one of the races he touched on in the earlier post. And he was even right on the Nicaraguan election.
Here in Pierce County, it looks like a charter amendment will pass, giving us instant runoff voting--essentially an electoral mechanism where voters will be able to rank their preferences on the ballot when they vote, as opposed to the simple plurality system most of us use now. IRV is still rather rare around the world, and some see it as an improvement on the single member district system the US currently uses. If you're interested in IRV, there's lots of the web, most by advocates for electoral reform. See, for example, here.
Here in Pierce County, it looks like a charter amendment will pass, giving us instant runoff voting--essentially an electoral mechanism where voters will be able to rank their preferences on the ballot when they vote, as opposed to the simple plurality system most of us use now. IRV is still rather rare around the world, and some see it as an improvement on the single member district system the US currently uses. If you're interested in IRV, there's lots of the web, most by advocates for electoral reform. See, for example, here.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Congressional Bets
Not being a specialist in American politics, I thought I'd prevail upon those in my department to give their election predicitions:
David Sousa:
I think that Daniel Ortega will win the Nicaraguan presidency. Here is a
prediction about a country I know little about that will turn out right.
Now let me try the country I know something about.
House predictions are perilous given how tight many contests are and the
financial and other advantages of incumbents facing unexpectedly stiff
challenges. Add to this the recent Republican surge, and it's a tough
call. I say the Democrats will win a narrow majority in the House; if I
have to pick a number of seats, I'll say 19.
The Republicans should retain control of the Senate.
Webb over Allen in VA: I can't see Allen holding on against the damage
he has suffered in this campaign, against a populist conservative
Democrat.
Tester over Burns in MT: Democrats will then control the governorship
and both Senate seats in the Big Sky.
Talent over McCaskill in MO, though this is a dead heat; word has it
that Talent has been an effective campaigner, and I think this gives the
well-funded incumbent the nudge
Corker over Ford in TN: Tennessee is Republican country, and the
failure of an extremely conservative D in this state in a year like this
confirms the problems Ds have in the state and in large parts of the
south.
Whitehouse over Chafee in RI: Word has it that Lincoln Chafee is (like
his father) a person of considerable integrity and that he is growing
into the job. But the (R) by his name will finally do him in Democratic
RI, given the partisan 2006 political climate.
Cardin over Steele in MD: probably close; divisive Democratic primary
hurts Cardin and Steele has appeal across party lines.
Menendez will carry NJ, Kyl should hang on in AZ.
A more terse prognostication:
Professor Haltom:
Please note that I profess no special knowledge, despite what Puget
Sound pays me to do.
That said,
DA HOUSE becomes 228 Dems and 207 Repubs
DA SENUT becomes 49 Dems 51 Repubs
DA GOV'NERZ go 25 Dems 25 Repubs
Let's see what turns out. Professors Haltom and Sousa are similar in their predictions, expecting a Democratic majority in the House of somewhere around 20 seats.
David Sousa:
I think that Daniel Ortega will win the Nicaraguan presidency. Here is a
prediction about a country I know little about that will turn out right.
Now let me try the country I know something about.
House predictions are perilous given how tight many contests are and the
financial and other advantages of incumbents facing unexpectedly stiff
challenges. Add to this the recent Republican surge, and it's a tough
call. I say the Democrats will win a narrow majority in the House; if I
have to pick a number of seats, I'll say 19.
The Republicans should retain control of the Senate.
Webb over Allen in VA: I can't see Allen holding on against the damage
he has suffered in this campaign, against a populist conservative
Democrat.
Tester over Burns in MT: Democrats will then control the governorship
and both Senate seats in the Big Sky.
Talent over McCaskill in MO, though this is a dead heat; word has it
that Talent has been an effective campaigner, and I think this gives the
well-funded incumbent the nudge
Corker over Ford in TN: Tennessee is Republican country, and the
failure of an extremely conservative D in this state in a year like this
confirms the problems Ds have in the state and in large parts of the
south.
Whitehouse over Chafee in RI: Word has it that Lincoln Chafee is (like
his father) a person of considerable integrity and that he is growing
into the job. But the (R) by his name will finally do him in Democratic
RI, given the partisan 2006 political climate.
Cardin over Steele in MD: probably close; divisive Democratic primary
hurts Cardin and Steele has appeal across party lines.
Menendez will carry NJ, Kyl should hang on in AZ.
A more terse prognostication:
Professor Haltom:
Please note that I profess no special knowledge, despite what Puget
Sound pays me to do.
That said,
DA HOUSE becomes 228 Dems and 207 Repubs
DA SENUT becomes 49 Dems 51 Repubs
DA GOV'NERZ go 25 Dems 25 Repubs
Let's see what turns out. Professors Haltom and Sousa are similar in their predictions, expecting a Democratic majority in the House of somewhere around 20 seats.
Major General Paul Eaton on Iraq
This from Professor Dillman in IPE:
On Monday, November 13th retired U.S. Army Major General Paul Eaton will be speaking to Brad Dillman’s freshman seminar on “War and Peace in the Middle East.” Class will be held in Rausch Auditorium in McIntyre 003 from 3:00-4:20 pm. He will be discussing the Middle East, American Armed Forces in the Middle East, and US foreign policy.
General Eaton was in charge of training the Iraqi military from 2003-2004. He has been an outspoken critic of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He published a New York Times op-ed piece about the Iraq war on March 19, 2006. In September 2006 he testified before the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on “An Oversight Hearing on the Planning and Conduct of the War in Iraq.” He now lives on Fox Island. You can see a News Tribune profile of him at http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/5706452p-5111655c.html
If you are interested in attending his presentation, send an e-mail to bdillman@ups.edu.
Thanks to Professor Dillman for setting this up and offering to open his class to other students.
On Monday, November 13th retired U.S. Army Major General Paul Eaton will be speaking to Brad Dillman’s freshman seminar on “War and Peace in the Middle East.” Class will be held in Rausch Auditorium in McIntyre 003 from 3:00-4:20 pm. He will be discussing the Middle East, American Armed Forces in the Middle East, and US foreign policy.
General Eaton was in charge of training the Iraqi military from 2003-2004. He has been an outspoken critic of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He published a New York Times op-ed piece about the Iraq war on March 19, 2006. In September 2006 he testified before the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on “An Oversight Hearing on the Planning and Conduct of the War in Iraq.” He now lives on Fox Island. You can see a News Tribune profile of him at http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/5706452p-5111655c.html
If you are interested in attending his presentation, send an e-mail to bdillman@ups.edu.
Thanks to Professor Dillman for setting this up and offering to open his class to other students.
Getting Out the Vote
We've several students out in the rain the past few days working through the last stretch of various state and local campaigns.
Jonnee Winnick '07 sends us this picture from a rally in Fife with Senator Maria Cantwell.
Kudos to all of our students who have pitched in on campaigns, and a reminder to students that internships can be valuable--a great way to start making contacts and getting practical experience.
Jonnee Winnick '07 sends us this picture from a rally in Fife with Senator Maria Cantwell.
Kudos to all of our students who have pitched in on campaigns, and a reminder to students that internships can be valuable--a great way to start making contacts and getting practical experience.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Frog Choker
Career Fair!
Students, don't forget-November 9 is focused on Public Service (among other things), and November 8 on Business. I'd attend both.
Please encourage students to attend the Career Fair http://www.ups.edu/x12576.xml on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 8 and 9, from 4 to 7 pm in WSC Marshall Hall. Students can explore career options, secure an internship or job, practice networking skills, and make face-to-face contacts with employers. This is the major recruiting event of fall term, and a good turnout of students is essential to encourage employers to continue to recruit at Puget Sound.
American Memory
I posted below a couple of resources that I had come across in the Library of Congress' American Memory website. It is worth browsing, as there's a wealth of material, all of which, as far as I can tell, is fair use. Here's a snippet from a large broadsheet from 1888:
It also praises the city's new college, though they are not referring to Puget Sound; Whitworth got started here first, before decamping to Spokane in 1889. This can't be right--Whitworth didn't leave Tacoma until 1914. Perhaps they are talking about Washington College, a short-lived college here in town before the turn of the century.
There are wonderful images as well, for example a series of panoramic photographs taken at the turn of the century. What I show above is just a snippet of a much larger image.
Even if you've little interest in Tacoma's history, there's much to see on towns and cities across the US. Give it a browse.
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Even if you've little interest in Tacoma's history, there's much to see on towns and cities across the US. Give it a browse.
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Saturday, November 04, 2006
Let the Masses Speak
After more tinkering I've now two options for the logo I'd like to get feedback on. Remember that I don't have a 3D object to work with, so I can't rotate the images along the latitude and longitude. That said, here's what I originally presented:
Option 1 Western Hemisphere
Option 2: Africa Europe
Okay, let me know which one you'd prefer!
Option 1 Western HemisphereAnd here's a new alternative:
Option 2: Africa Europe
Okay, let me know which one you'd prefer!
You Can't Please Everyone
The new department logo is drawing fire for its obvious bias--Professor Weinberger accused me of Western Hemispherism, while writing in from Germany, Professor Hansen said the logo betrayed a clear Monroe Doctrinist tendency. So I tried an alternative:
Of course, this is sure to raise the ire of Asianists among us, wondering why China and other regional powers aren't given their fair shake. So I have compromised with the following new option:
This should make the Hawaiians among us particularly happy.
Humor aside, trying to use a particular image of the world is always tricky. I wanted a globe so to replicate the seal of the university, so other kinds of projections were problematic. But all of them are distortions of one sort or another, and often wind up looking quite convoluted. The irony is that the projection of the Western Hemisphere, on which our logo is based, derives from the Prime Meridian, or the intersection of latitude and longitude at what was decided to be zero degrees. And where is that? Greenwich, England. So the irony is that the Western Hemisphere projection is a function of cartography established outside of the Western Hemisphere itself.
Last bit of irony--the Western Hemisphere image I incorporated into our logo was licensed from a graphic artist working in...Malaysia.
Of course, this is sure to raise the ire of Asianists among us, wondering why China and other regional powers aren't given their fair shake. So I have compromised with the following new option:
This should make the Hawaiians among us particularly happy.Humor aside, trying to use a particular image of the world is always tricky. I wanted a globe so to replicate the seal of the university, so other kinds of projections were problematic. But all of them are distortions of one sort or another, and often wind up looking quite convoluted. The irony is that the projection of the Western Hemisphere, on which our logo is based, derives from the Prime Meridian, or the intersection of latitude and longitude at what was decided to be zero degrees. And where is that? Greenwich, England. So the irony is that the Western Hemisphere projection is a function of cartography established outside of the Western Hemisphere itself.
Last bit of irony--the Western Hemisphere image I incorporated into our logo was licensed from a graphic artist working in...Malaysia.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Baseball
I don't know much about baseball and even less about the Northwestern League (1906-1917), but I'm a sucker for anything with "Tacoma" on it. From the Library of Congress' American Memory.
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Destiny
This region has a great future before it. The inhabitants of Tacoma believe that they are not extravgant when they claim that this city will be in the lead of the cities of the Pacific Northwest in the next decade. Tacoma may well be named, as it has been named, The City of Destiny.
"Tacoma," Hale M. Howard, The New England Magazine, February 1893, pp. 793-807. Read the whole piece--a scanned document with a number of interesting pictures--at Cornell University Library.
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"Tacoma," Hale M. Howard, The New England Magazine, February 1893, pp. 793-807. Read the whole piece--a scanned document with a number of interesting pictures--at Cornell University Library.
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Thursday, November 02, 2006
Happy Family
Folks from the yearbook came by to take our picture yesterday. However, Professor Share was not present.
Given Professor Sousa's recent slander against some members of the department, I decided that he needed to be airbrushed out of history. Welcome back, Professor Share.
p.s. Who's who? L-R front row: Andrew Ross (visiting), Dan Sherman, Karl Fields, Wild Bill Haltom. L-R back row: Me, David Don Sousa Share Doppleganger, Seth Weinberger, Lisa Ferrari, Melissa Bass.
Alum Profile: Jenn DeLury Ciplet '98
When did you graduate from UPS?
1998
What have you been doing since graduation?
1998-1999: Paralegal and Advocate for Clinica Legal Latina at Ayuda, Inc. in Washington DC. Worked on behalf of battered immigrant women in the DC-metropolitan area, mostly the Salvadoran community. (This position was through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps)
1999-2000: Central America Program Associate with the Center for Global Education study abroad program. Worked with U.S. undergraduate students on a study abroad program in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua focusing on "Sustainable Development and Social Change in Central America."
2000-2003: Educator and Policy Analyst with Witness for Peace International Team in Nicaragua. Based in Managua, I worked with grassroots and civil society groups throughout the country to analyze U.S. economic and military policies in Nicaragua and educate/mobilize U.S. citizens to transform U.S. policy in Latin America.
2003-2004: Completed my coursework at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont towards a M.A. degree in "Social Justice in Intercultural Relations" with an emphasis on Community Action Training.
2004-2005: Case Manager and Trainer for the Project to Stop Human Trafficking at Ayuda, Inc. in Washington, DC.
2005-present: Associate Director of Amazon Watch in San Francisco, CA. Amazon Watch works to support Amazonian indigenous peoples in defending their rights, cultures and rainforest homelands from industrial activity, such as oil and gas mega-projects.
Why and how did you decide to take the career path you did?
I was a freshman at UPS the year that NAFTA was signed into being -- the same year of the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas, Mexico. It was the dawning of a new globalization age. Although other corporation-friendly agreements such as GATT and IMF/World Bank neoliberal economic prescriptions preceded NAFTA, I believe NAFTA coupled with the indigenous uprising in Southern Mexico marked a turning point for my generation -- those of us who came of age during the Reagan/Bush Sr. years. NAFTA was the dawn of "Corporate-Led Globalization" as we know it. It was the tipping point where corporations began having more power than national governments (though they have always been a major influence in national governments; the revolving door between business and politics is nothing new). NAFTA and the Zapatista uprising also marked the dawning of a new generation of grassroots social justice activists -- the spark that ignited protests from Seattle to Argentina and became known as the Global Justice Movement. This movement, comprised of a broad scope of social and economic justice activists, has materialized in a new debate about whom globalization benefits and at whose expense. The World Social Forum was organized as one of the many responses by the Global Justice Movement to the closed-door meetings where corporate-led globalization was being designed and implemented.
So my "career path" after UPS was largely guided by my desire to be part of the solution in our current global context, to use the intersection of politics, economics and religion in the Americas as a lens through which to understand and critique corporate-led globalization and support organized resistance movements.
Are there any aspects of the Politics and Government major or your UPS education in general that have served you particularly well?
While at UPS I majored in Politics and Government and minored in Religion and Spanish, focusing in all three departments mostly on Latin America (this was before the Latin American Studies program was offered). The intersection of these academic areas has served me extremely well in my life and work since graduating 8 years ago. The quality of my academic education while at UPS was exceptional; my professors pushed me to make the connections and links between my different areas of interest. I often chose to write papers that combined material I was learning from the classes I was taking in the three different departments. Ultimately, both the liberal arts approach (the "process") and the content of information (the "material") has made me a better thinker, educator, analyst and activist.
Do you have any advice about what our students should make certain they do (or don't do!) while still in school?
Study abroad! Do it more than one semester if you can afford to. Learn a language, or more than one language. I regret only having spent one semester abroad (in Mexico in 1996). I highly recommend studying abroad with the Center for Global Education or with the School for International Training, particularly if you wish to study abroad in Latin America. Also, be sure that you're allowing yourself to use sources and material from one class for a project or paper in another class. Make the connections for yourself, see what intersections and overlap you can find in the material you're learning. It's important not to keep information from each course in its own silo; that's not how the information will serve you in the real world.
Do you have any advice about what our students should be thinking about as they consider their careers or further education?
What should you think about as you consider your careers or further education? What is your PURPOSE. Why are you here? What are you in a position to uniquely contribute to the earth, to the world, to other human beings? When in your life have you felt most fulfilled, most "in your element," most like you were contributing something of value? Take some time to discover your purpose.
Education in your head without lived experience to back it up won't make you useful; and it will potentially make you dangerous. Leave the country. Go to New Orleans and do something useful with your winter or spring break. Learn another language. Do a home stay with people who don't share your politics or your first language; and also with people who don't share your class background. Go to a meeting for a club or student organization on campus that seems to not affect you. Work with the homeless in Tacoma. Meet with farm workers. Get to know the people who wash your dishes, mow your lawns, trim your bushes, mop your floors, stock the produce in your grocery store. Listen to them, learn what their needs are and how you might be in a position to respond. Get outside of your head. Get your hands dirty. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and say the wrong thing. Other people don't care about that--they'd prefer you be real. Learn how to plant something and make it grow. Learn where your coffee comes from, and who got paid what from the money you spent to buy it. Get confused. Feel guilty. Feel angry. Feel overwhelmed. Feel humbled. Feel challenged. Feel motivated. These things will help you make the most of the material you're learning in the classroom. These things will serve you in whatever you choose to do in life. If you're living "on purpose" you'll be much more effective at whatever you're trying to accomplish.
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1998
What have you been doing since graduation?
1998-1999: Paralegal and Advocate for Clinica Legal Latina at Ayuda, Inc. in Washington DC. Worked on behalf of battered immigrant women in the DC-metropolitan area, mostly the Salvadoran community. (This position was through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps)
1999-2000: Central America Program Associate with the Center for Global Education study abroad program. Worked with U.S. undergraduate students on a study abroad program in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua focusing on "Sustainable Development and Social Change in Central America."
2000-2003: Educator and Policy Analyst with Witness for Peace International Team in Nicaragua. Based in Managua, I worked with grassroots and civil society groups throughout the country to analyze U.S. economic and military policies in Nicaragua and educate/mobilize U.S. citizens to transform U.S. policy in Latin America.
2003-2004: Completed my coursework at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont towards a M.A. degree in "Social Justice in Intercultural Relations" with an emphasis on Community Action Training.
2004-2005: Case Manager and Trainer for the Project to Stop Human Trafficking at Ayuda, Inc. in Washington, DC.
2005-present: Associate Director of Amazon Watch in San Francisco, CA. Amazon Watch works to support Amazonian indigenous peoples in defending their rights, cultures and rainforest homelands from industrial activity, such as oil and gas mega-projects.
Why and how did you decide to take the career path you did?
I was a freshman at UPS the year that NAFTA was signed into being -- the same year of the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas, Mexico. It was the dawning of a new globalization age. Although other corporation-friendly agreements such as GATT and IMF/World Bank neoliberal economic prescriptions preceded NAFTA, I believe NAFTA coupled with the indigenous uprising in Southern Mexico marked a turning point for my generation -- those of us who came of age during the Reagan/Bush Sr. years. NAFTA was the dawn of "Corporate-Led Globalization" as we know it. It was the tipping point where corporations began having more power than national governments (though they have always been a major influence in national governments; the revolving door between business and politics is nothing new). NAFTA and the Zapatista uprising also marked the dawning of a new generation of grassroots social justice activists -- the spark that ignited protests from Seattle to Argentina and became known as the Global Justice Movement. This movement, comprised of a broad scope of social and economic justice activists, has materialized in a new debate about whom globalization benefits and at whose expense. The World Social Forum was organized as one of the many responses by the Global Justice Movement to the closed-door meetings where corporate-led globalization was being designed and implemented.
So my "career path" after UPS was largely guided by my desire to be part of the solution in our current global context, to use the intersection of politics, economics and religion in the Americas as a lens through which to understand and critique corporate-led globalization and support organized resistance movements.
Are there any aspects of the Politics and Government major or your UPS education in general that have served you particularly well?
While at UPS I majored in Politics and Government and minored in Religion and Spanish, focusing in all three departments mostly on Latin America (this was before the Latin American Studies program was offered). The intersection of these academic areas has served me extremely well in my life and work since graduating 8 years ago. The quality of my academic education while at UPS was exceptional; my professors pushed me to make the connections and links between my different areas of interest. I often chose to write papers that combined material I was learning from the classes I was taking in the three different departments. Ultimately, both the liberal arts approach (the "process") and the content of information (the "material") has made me a better thinker, educator, analyst and activist.
Do you have any advice about what our students should make certain they do (or don't do!) while still in school?
Study abroad! Do it more than one semester if you can afford to. Learn a language, or more than one language. I regret only having spent one semester abroad (in Mexico in 1996). I highly recommend studying abroad with the Center for Global Education or with the School for International Training, particularly if you wish to study abroad in Latin America. Also, be sure that you're allowing yourself to use sources and material from one class for a project or paper in another class. Make the connections for yourself, see what intersections and overlap you can find in the material you're learning. It's important not to keep information from each course in its own silo; that's not how the information will serve you in the real world.
Do you have any advice about what our students should be thinking about as they consider their careers or further education?
What should you think about as you consider your careers or further education? What is your PURPOSE. Why are you here? What are you in a position to uniquely contribute to the earth, to the world, to other human beings? When in your life have you felt most fulfilled, most "in your element," most like you were contributing something of value? Take some time to discover your purpose.
Education in your head without lived experience to back it up won't make you useful; and it will potentially make you dangerous. Leave the country. Go to New Orleans and do something useful with your winter or spring break. Learn another language. Do a home stay with people who don't share your politics or your first language; and also with people who don't share your class background. Go to a meeting for a club or student organization on campus that seems to not affect you. Work with the homeless in Tacoma. Meet with farm workers. Get to know the people who wash your dishes, mow your lawns, trim your bushes, mop your floors, stock the produce in your grocery store. Listen to them, learn what their needs are and how you might be in a position to respond. Get outside of your head. Get your hands dirty. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and say the wrong thing. Other people don't care about that--they'd prefer you be real. Learn how to plant something and make it grow. Learn where your coffee comes from, and who got paid what from the money you spent to buy it. Get confused. Feel guilty. Feel angry. Feel overwhelmed. Feel humbled. Feel challenged. Feel motivated. These things will help you make the most of the material you're learning in the classroom. These things will serve you in whatever you choose to do in life. If you're living "on purpose" you'll be much more effective at whatever you're trying to accomplish.
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Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Faculty/Alum Blog Roundup
A fresh helping of bloggy goodness:
At Security Dilemmas, Professor Weinberger asks whether Iraq is now in a full-out state of civil war;
At Peace Corps Guyana Is Going To Rock My World, Mark Hejinian '05 recounts his recent work among remote Amerindian communities;
At Bullsh*t Observer, Todd Anthony '90 is sick and tired of the "For Dummies" genre but has a few additions he thinks could round out the offerings;
At Exit 133, Derek Young '96 wants everyone to rock downtown Tacoma on November 16 and check out Matador (which should be open by then);
At The Senate Site, Ric Cantrell '96 has a post from one Utah Senator on end of summer gardening;
And at Korby Parnell's Social Software Wunderkammer, Korby Parnell '94 has a post on "Mind Camp," which the Seattle PI describes as an event where folks "discuss the latest trends in digital music, blogging, art, medicine, video games, and whatever else comes up in a 24-hour caffeine-fueled brain dump."
Whew!
At Security Dilemmas, Professor Weinberger asks whether Iraq is now in a full-out state of civil war;
At Peace Corps Guyana Is Going To Rock My World, Mark Hejinian '05 recounts his recent work among remote Amerindian communities;
At Bullsh*t Observer, Todd Anthony '90 is sick and tired of the "For Dummies" genre but has a few additions he thinks could round out the offerings;
At Exit 133, Derek Young '96 wants everyone to rock downtown Tacoma on November 16 and check out Matador (which should be open by then);
At The Senate Site, Ric Cantrell '96 has a post from one Utah Senator on end of summer gardening;
And at Korby Parnell's Social Software Wunderkammer, Korby Parnell '94 has a post on "Mind Camp," which the Seattle PI describes as an event where folks "discuss the latest trends in digital music, blogging, art, medicine, video games, and whatever else comes up in a 24-hour caffeine-fueled brain dump."
Whew!
More Shameless Self-Promotion
Not only do we now have a department logo, but we've also produced a brochure to help explain the major to current and prospective students. Want to see it? It's a PDF that you can find here.
University? Why Bother--There's Wikiversity!
Cameron Dolcourt '04 pointed out this project on Wikipedia to create a "Wikiversity, where "we work to make a fun and productive learning environment that supports the learning goals of our participants." As an example, here's the "Political Science School". Interesting idea, though by the looks of it I don't think it's going to put us out of business any time soon. I could see this being useful in creating online technical manuals of sorts that draw on users' particular experiences, tips and tricks.
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Alum Update: Josh McDonald '02
Another alum checks in:
I wanted you to know that I am running a State Senate race in the 26th LD (Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and Bremerton) for current State Representative Derek Kilmer and we have been ordained as the #1 legislative race in the state. I am sorry I missed the "What's at stake in the upcoming elections" but I am happy to come in any time and speak with students about how campaigns work and why this election is important or just why getting involved is so important.
I wanted you to know that I am running a State Senate race in the 26th LD (Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and Bremerton) for current State Representative Derek Kilmer and we have been ordained as the #1 legislative race in the state. I am sorry I missed the "What's at stake in the upcoming elections" but I am happy to come in any time and speak with students about how campaigns work and why this election is important or just why getting involved is so important.
I hope all is well and thank you for bringing the P & G department closer with this listserv.
Josh
For those students interested in getting more experience in politics, Josh is an excellent contact. We'll be certain to drag him on to campus next semester for our annual alum-student get-together.
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For those students interested in getting more experience in politics, Josh is an excellent contact. We'll be certain to drag him on to campus next semester for our annual alum-student get-together.
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Alum Update: Bonnie (Engle) Bennett, '01
Bonnie writes:
Well my husband Scott (UPS '01) and I live in Orange County, California. I earned my law degree from Chapman University in May '05 and passed the California Bar on my first try. I must say my days as a P&G major prepared me well for law school. Scott earned his MBA from UC Irvine last spring. So now that we are finally done with school (unless I decide to go get my LLM or MBA and increase my student loan debt ) we are enjoying our respective careers. I am a practicing attorney (business and real estate litigation) in a small firm in Santa Ana. I never thought that I would like litigation, but the fast pace keeps it exciting and so far I have been very successful.
I finished my first marathon last weekend and raised funds for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We run into several UPS alums (coincidentally we ran into a classmate in San Francisco last weekend) down here and visit Tacoma as often as we can. There is a lot of Logger love in our family, my two brother-in-laws are also UPS '01 alumni.
That's about it for me. Take care and I'll keep checking the blog.
Cheers! Bonnie
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Well my husband Scott (UPS '01) and I live in Orange County, California. I earned my law degree from Chapman University in May '05 and passed the California Bar on my first try. I must say my days as a P&G major prepared me well for law school. Scott earned his MBA from UC Irvine last spring. So now that we are finally done with school (unless I decide to go get my LLM or MBA and increase my student loan debt ) we are enjoying our respective careers. I am a practicing attorney (business and real estate litigation) in a small firm in Santa Ana. I never thought that I would like litigation, but the fast pace keeps it exciting and so far I have been very successful.
I finished my first marathon last weekend and raised funds for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We run into several UPS alums (coincidentally we ran into a classmate in San Francisco last weekend) down here and visit Tacoma as often as we can. There is a lot of Logger love in our family, my two brother-in-laws are also UPS '01 alumni.
That's about it for me. Take care and I'll keep checking the blog.
Cheers! Bonnie
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Rhapsody in August
Rhapsody in August
(Hachi-gatsu no kyôshikyoku)
Directed by Akira Kurosawa
Wednesday, November 8
6:00 p.m.
Wyatt 307
Introduced by
Professor Ludden, Foreign Languages
Professor Ferrari, Politics and Government
Rhapsody in August follows four cousins who reluctantly spend the summer outside of Nagasaki with their grandmother, only to discover how deeply they are tied to her. As the cousins learn about their family and the fate of Nagasaki in 1945, Kurosawa comments on the costs of war, the present meaning of the past, and the paradox of America’s importance to Japanese culture. In Japanese with English subtitles.
Hansard Scholars Program--Study and Intern in the UK
Check this out--they are still accepting applications for Spring though the formal deadline has passed.
What is the Hansard Scholars Programme?
The Hansard Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students from overseas to gain academic and practical knowledge of the British political system and current debates in UK public policy. As a Hansard Scholar, you will be part of an organisation with an unparalleled reputation in the political world, developed over more than 60 years.
You will attend courses in British Politics and UK Public Policy at the London School of Economics & Political Science – one of the foremost universities in the world. You will also have lectures with politicians and other senior figures from a variety of organisations on the cutting edge of the UK public policy agenda, and take an intensive internship placement at the heart of British politics – be it with an interest group, campaign organisation, research institution, lobbying company, media organisation or the UK Parliament itself.
If any of your students are interested in studying British politics at the London School of Economics and doing an internship in Parliament, Government or with a lobbying group, media organization or charity, please let us know.
Full details are available on our website at: www.hansardsociety.org.uk/programmes/study_programme
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What is the Hansard Scholars Programme?
The Hansard Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students from overseas to gain academic and practical knowledge of the British political system and current debates in UK public policy. As a Hansard Scholar, you will be part of an organisation with an unparalleled reputation in the political world, developed over more than 60 years.
You will attend courses in British Politics and UK Public Policy at the London School of Economics & Political Science – one of the foremost universities in the world. You will also have lectures with politicians and other senior figures from a variety of organisations on the cutting edge of the UK public policy agenda, and take an intensive internship placement at the heart of British politics – be it with an interest group, campaign organisation, research institution, lobbying company, media organisation or the UK Parliament itself.
If any of your students are interested in studying British politics at the London School of Economics and doing an internship in Parliament, Government or with a lobbying group, media organization or charity, please let us know.
Full details are available on our website at: www.hansardsociety.org.uk/programmes/study_programme
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