Many months ago I blogged about Writely, an online-based word processing program that Google swallowed before it was even out of Beta. It's out now as Google Docs. I don't find it replaces Word, but I do like that I can easily write documents that can be accessed across machines, and that you can share and collaborate with others on a single document. I think it would be good for any project that involves multiple individuals, or creating shared study guides. I also use it to cut and paste articles I might find online that I'd want to use later in my courses, as it seems to preserve the online formatting better than Word. Give it a try.
I also was one of the few on campus who resisted our forced conversion to Microsoft Outlook. Since then I've been puttering along with Eudora as I have for years. But now I'm playing with Thunderbird, an email program made by Mozilla (the folks who gave us Firefox). If you use Firefox you may find it rather familiar, and so far I think it's pretty stable and was able to import my email and various boxes from Eudora quite easily. Like Google Docs, it's free, and seems to be subject to fairly frequent improvement and revision (which Eudora does not). So a couple of things to play with.
Tags:
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Share Your Research: Undergrad Conference at UW
From Dean Finney. I think this would be perfect for any of our PG seniors who have finished or are working on their senior theses. And if you are thinking at all about graduate school, you should seriously consider getting a conference under your belt.
At last Friday's department chairs meeting I mentioned that the University of Puget Sound is participating in the University of Washington's Tenth Undergraduate Research Symposium, to be held on Friday, May 18, 2007, from 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m. in Mary Gates Hall on the UW campus. Please forward this message to students you know who are actively engaged in research and who may be interested in participating.
According to the invitation we received from the UW, "The Symposium includes a large poster session and concurrent multi-disciplinary presentation sessions, featuring student work from all academic disciplines. It is a high-energy event, well attended by students, faculty, and community members. We hope that your students will view this as an opportunity to gain experience presenting their work to a broader audience. Materials from last year's event can be found at http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/symp/programs.html
and posters will be mailed to you directly. Students who wish to present their research must complete an application form by the deadline February 23, 2007. The application is available on line at: www.washington.edu/research/urp/symp. All students selected to present their work will have their abstracts published in the symposium proceedings.
If you are interested in participating in this symposium, I encourage you to visit the web site mentioned above and to apply online. If you do apply, please send me an email to let me know that you have applied. Depending on how many students participate, we may be able to provide a university van for transportation to the symposium.
John M. Finney '67
Associate Dean
At last Friday's department chairs meeting I mentioned that the University of Puget Sound is participating in the University of Washington's Tenth Undergraduate Research Symposium, to be held on Friday, May 18, 2007, from 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m. in Mary Gates Hall on the UW campus. Please forward this message to students you know who are actively engaged in research and who may be interested in participating.
According to the invitation we received from the UW, "The Symposium includes a large poster session and concurrent multi-disciplinary presentation sessions, featuring student work from all academic disciplines. It is a high-energy event, well attended by students, faculty, and community members. We hope that your students will view this as an opportunity to gain experience presenting their work to a broader audience. Materials from last year's event can be found at http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/symp/programs.html
and posters will be mailed to you directly. Students who wish to present their research must complete an application form by the deadline February 23, 2007. The application is available on line at: www.washington.edu/research/urp/symp. All students selected to present their work will have their abstracts published in the symposium proceedings.
If you are interested in participating in this symposium, I encourage you to visit the web site mentioned above and to apply online. If you do apply, please send me an email to let me know that you have applied. Depending on how many students participate, we may be able to provide a university van for transportation to the symposium.
John M. Finney '67
Associate Dean
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Rotary on Campus and Rotary Scholarhips
Again, from Jim Henderson '69, a great opportunity to build your social capital:
The UPS Rotaract Club will hold its first meeting of the Spring Semester on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 5:30pm in Room 201 of Wheelock Student Center (Although I still seem to refer to it as the SUB - Student Union Building).
This organization would appeal to students that are looking for leadership opportunities, mentoring, and community service work both locally and internationally, and being part of Rotary International. The UPS Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8.
And as for the Rotary Scholarships for study abroad:
Each Rotary Club is able to sponsor one candidate for the competition and with 14 Rotary Clubs within Pierce County, any students interested at UPS should be able to be placed. I am glad to serve as the contact point, as I am the one for our club, and on our club's web site, inquiries are directed to me on these scholarships.
Thank you, Jim, for sharing these opportunities.
Tags:
The UPS Rotaract Club will hold its first meeting of the Spring Semester on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 5:30pm in Room 201 of Wheelock Student Center (Although I still seem to refer to it as the SUB - Student Union Building).
This organization would appeal to students that are looking for leadership opportunities, mentoring, and community service work both locally and internationally, and being part of Rotary International. The UPS Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8.
And as for the Rotary Scholarships for study abroad:
Each Rotary Club is able to sponsor one candidate for the competition and with 14 Rotary Clubs within Pierce County, any students interested at UPS should be able to be placed. I am glad to serve as the contact point, as I am the one for our club, and on our club's web site, inquiries are directed to me on these scholarships.
The Rotary International web site at www.rotary.org and then clicking on the Rotary Foundation, and follow the links to educational programs, gives great information now on the scholarship like how it works, a downloadable application form, and a step by step process.
A student should really begin the process in like July and August by contacting Rotary locally so we can help with their interest and application. The process and deadlines are clubs should identify candidates in the fall of each Rotary year, by meeting and interviewing the student and also by having the student attend a Rotary club meeting or meetings. The club should select a student to sponsor by around Jan. 15 and the student should have completed the application, essays, faculty recommendations and transcripts and select five study institution choices by March 1. The applications need to be to the district scholarship committee (Rotary District) by April 15. The district interviews are then scheduled and held in Victoria in later May. Our club actually pays for the student we sponsor to go to Victoria, their transportation, overnight stay and meals and a per diem.
Hopefully that gives you more information and I can provide anything else you may want. Thanks for letting me share all of this with you. Take care.
Thank you, Jim, for sharing these opportunities.
Tags:
Jim Henderson '69
I had an email conversation a while back from Jim Henderson '69, who works for the Tacoma News Tribune and will be joining us for our PG student-alum gathering on March 26. He recapped the past few decades for me, and spoke about his work with Rotary (more of that to come in a subsequent post):
My Political Science courses definitely helped steer me into what I have done as a community volunteer over my working days. I worked afternoons although college at Weyerhaeuser in Tacoma and then Federal Way. I had always had an active interest in political events and government so majoring in Political Science was a natural for me. I went to Catholic Schools and to Bellarmine for high schools where I credit my formation of my social conscience - but I know my parents helped too. Working at Weyerhaeuser Company steered me to getting my MBA from the University when they still had a MBA program, with former governor Booth Gardner
setting up my MBA program. But the political interest stayed strong for me. In about 1969 I joined a local 'good government' organization called the Municipal League of Tacoma Pierce County - a group that served as a watchdog on local government, evaluated candidates who ran
for office, took stands on local ballot issues and monitored local governmental bodies. It was a great experience for me and I ended up being a volunteer for them for nearly 30 years including serving a two-year stint as their Exec. Director. This was like my interest outside of work and spent many hours doing it. I liked approaching local governmental issue from the non-partisan viewpoint, versus the political party viewpoint.
I stayed with Weyerhaeuser for 18 years until my position was eliminated in 1983, and then spent about 9 years as sales rep for an envelope manufacturer and then have been here at The News Tribune since 1995 - and the last seven years coordinating the newspaper's literacy program - Newspapers in Education - a job I truly love doing.
I have been a very active member of the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8 since 1984 and was President of that Club in 2002-2003. It is the 8th oldest Rotary Club in the Rotary World, founded in Feb. 1910 here in Tacoma. UPS President Ron Thomas is a member as was R. Franklin Thompson up until his death. Actually we are setting up a UPS Rotaract Club on
campus (a Rotary Club on a college campus) this academic year so any of your students who might have an interest in community service, and leadership opportunities would be more than welcome. I can let you know when the club has meetings and see if you could let some of your
students know about it. Rotary is a great worldwide organization which would also have some intern possibilities for your students too.
While I did not live on campus but at home during my UPS undergrad days, I still loved my education and experience there and especially majoring in Political Science. It has really influenced by future interests, community involvement and life.
Thanks to Jim for the update and we look forward to seeing him here on campus.
Tags:
My Political Science courses definitely helped steer me into what I have done as a community volunteer over my working days. I worked afternoons although college at Weyerhaeuser in Tacoma and then Federal Way. I had always had an active interest in political events and government so majoring in Political Science was a natural for me. I went to Catholic Schools and to Bellarmine for high schools where I credit my formation of my social conscience - but I know my parents helped too. Working at Weyerhaeuser Company steered me to getting my MBA from the University when they still had a MBA program, with former governor Booth Gardner
setting up my MBA program. But the political interest stayed strong for me. In about 1969 I joined a local 'good government' organization called the Municipal League of Tacoma Pierce County - a group that served as a watchdog on local government, evaluated candidates who ran
for office, took stands on local ballot issues and monitored local governmental bodies. It was a great experience for me and I ended up being a volunteer for them for nearly 30 years including serving a two-year stint as their Exec. Director. This was like my interest outside of work and spent many hours doing it. I liked approaching local governmental issue from the non-partisan viewpoint, versus the political party viewpoint.
I stayed with Weyerhaeuser for 18 years until my position was eliminated in 1983, and then spent about 9 years as sales rep for an envelope manufacturer and then have been here at The News Tribune since 1995 - and the last seven years coordinating the newspaper's literacy program - Newspapers in Education - a job I truly love doing.
I have been a very active member of the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8 since 1984 and was President of that Club in 2002-2003. It is the 8th oldest Rotary Club in the Rotary World, founded in Feb. 1910 here in Tacoma. UPS President Ron Thomas is a member as was R. Franklin Thompson up until his death. Actually we are setting up a UPS Rotaract Club on
campus (a Rotary Club on a college campus) this academic year so any of your students who might have an interest in community service, and leadership opportunities would be more than welcome. I can let you know when the club has meetings and see if you could let some of your
students know about it. Rotary is a great worldwide organization which would also have some intern possibilities for your students too.
While I did not live on campus but at home during my UPS undergrad days, I still loved my education and experience there and especially majoring in Political Science. It has really influenced by future interests, community involvement and life.
Thanks to Jim for the update and we look forward to seeing him here on campus.
Tags:
Monday, January 29, 2007
Why Fi?
An ongoing concern as campus finishes its wifi network. Thanks to Professor Weinberger for passing this along from the Chronicle of Higher Education.
When Kevin and Mollie Cooney recently visited their daughter's psychology class at the College of William and Mary, they noted how attentive students seemed to be in the large lecture hall.
The Cooneys, who are both news anchors of the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, who sit on the advisory council of the journalism school I head at Iowa State University, were intrigued by the tapping of the laptop keys as students appeared to be taking copious notes. "As we looked over their shoulders from our back-row seats," says Mollie Cooney, 'we found instead they were on Facebook, Dave Matthews Band Web sites, instant messaging friends, and e-mailing fellow classmates."
Read the rest here. What to do? I mused about this last summer as well.Tags:
Get Down(town)
From Professor Share. Put this in your Ipod; you'll be longing for your jug and still in no time.
Dear friends of the DownTown Mountain Boys,
No, we're not writing to announce the arrival of our new CD (though we are hard at work on the project, and expect to have the new recording in May). However, our Self Promotion and Band Apparel Divisions inform us that we have spiffy new DMB T-shirts for sale. The T-shirts feature our band logo designed by Don's brother Walter, a Seattle artist. You can find out how to purchase them (and see a handsome band member modeling the shirt) at http://www.downtownmountainboys.com/product.htm . We've posted some new photos on our web site at www.downtownmountainboys.com , and we are regularly updating our performance schedule.
The Boys,
Paul Elliott
Terry Enyeart
Dave Keenan
Tom Moran
Don Share
Tags:
Dear friends of the DownTown Mountain Boys,
No, we're not writing to announce the arrival of our new CD (though we are hard at work on the project, and expect to have the new recording in May). However, our Self Promotion and Band Apparel Divisions inform us that we have spiffy new DMB T-shirts for sale. The T-shirts feature our band logo designed by Don's brother Walter, a Seattle artist. You can find out how to purchase them (and see a handsome band member modeling the shirt) at http://www.downtownmountainboys.com/product.htm . We've posted some new photos on our web site at www.downtownmountainboys.com , and we are regularly updating our performance schedule.
The Boys,
Paul Elliott
Terry Enyeart
Dave Keenan
Tom Moran
Don Share
Tags:
Yodio Goes Live
This in from Clay Loges '68:
Just to let you know that our audio publishing business is on the edge of launching our website. Yodio has been selected as one of the innovative technologies of 2007, and we’ve been invited to demonstrate our technology at DEMO ’07. www.DEMO.com We’ll launch our site for public use when we announce the service features and technologies driving them at DEMO.
The staff at KUPS has been helpful as they have tested our free recording to create DJ promotional announcements. They are using Yodio to promote their slot on the air, their program, as well as themselves. We’ve gotten hits on the DJ announcements from around the world, but the most active country has been Brazil.
We’d like to find some students doing internships to create recordings with tips for their internship or to share their experiences with others. We’ve had several people create their own introductions and post a button on their MySpace pages. And recently we had someone who discovered our site (who knows how when we have been so quiet?) and used it to create a photo and recording offering their services – they posted the link on Craig’s List. So we are seeing some practical usages of Yodio as well as fun ones.
Our “audio postcard” seems to be attracting some creative users.
Cheers,
Clay Loges
President of Yodio
UPS ‘68
Just to let you know that our audio publishing business is on the edge of launching our website. Yodio has been selected as one of the innovative technologies of 2007, and we’ve been invited to demonstrate our technology at DEMO ’07. www.DEMO.com We’ll launch our site for public use when we announce the service features and technologies driving them at DEMO.
The staff at KUPS has been helpful as they have tested our free recording to create DJ promotional announcements. They are using Yodio to promote their slot on the air, their program, as well as themselves. We’ve gotten hits on the DJ announcements from around the world, but the most active country has been Brazil.
We’d like to find some students doing internships to create recordings with tips for their internship or to share their experiences with others. We’ve had several people create their own introductions and post a button on their MySpace pages. And recently we had someone who discovered our site (who knows how when we have been so quiet?) and used it to create a photo and recording offering their services – they posted the link on Craig’s List. So we are seeing some practical usages of Yodio as well as fun ones.
Our “audio postcard” seems to be attracting some creative users.
Cheers,
Clay Loges
President of Yodio
UPS ‘68
Friday, January 26, 2007
Your Friday Roundup of Opportunities
1. Scoville Fellowship, Washington DC
I am pleased to send you information about the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, a program that provides college graduates the opportunity to work in Washington, DC, with a public-interest organization focusing on arms control and international security issues. The fellowship is offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. It lasts from six to nine months and provides a stipend, health insurance, and travel costs to Washington. The Scoville Fellowship does not award grant or scholarship money to students.
Scoville Fellows may undertake a variety of activities, including research, writing, and advocacy in support of the goals of their host organization and may attend coalition meetings, policy briefings, and Congressional hearings. They have written fact sheets, letters to the editor, op eds, magazine articles, briefing books and reports, organized talks and conferences, and been interviewed as experts by the media. Many former Scoville Fellows work for NGOs or the Federal Government, or attend graduate school in political science or international relations, following their fellowships.
There is no application form; the application requirements are listed on the website, as are links to the websites of each of the twenty-five participating organizations and information on the work of current and former Scoville Fellows. Applications may be submitted via email.
2. The Institute for Justice - Intern - Arlington, VA
The Institute for Justice, the nation's leading libertarian public interest
law firm, seeks an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate intern for the Castle
Coalition this winter, to begin immediately.
The internship will include posting content on our website, assisting with
research projects, helping track eminent domain legislation in all 50
states, and providing administrative support to staff on a variety of tasks
and projects.
The Castle Coalition is the Institute for Justice's nationwide grassroots
property rights activism project. We help home and small business owners
protect themselves against eminent domain abuse and stand up to governments
and developers who seek to take private property for their own gain. The
Institute for Justice litigates to secure economic liberty, private property
rights, school choice, freedom of speech and other vital individual
liberties and to restore constitutional limits on the power of government.
We seek a rule of law under which individuals can control their destinies as
free and responsible members of society.
Please send a cover letter (detailing your interest in the Castle
Coalition), resume, and writing sample to the attention of:
Christina Walsh
Assistant Castle Coalition Coordinator
Institute for Justice
901 N. Glebe Road
Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203
cwalsh@ij.org
Fax - (703) 682-9321
3.Transparency International, Washington DC
Transparency International-USA (TI-USA) seeks several interns to support the efforts of our office in Washington, D.C. Both part-time and full-time positions are available. Successful candidates will perform a range of duties depending upon their experience and ability. In the past, they have been asked to complete tasks involving research, correspondence, meeting/hearing attendance, media coverage, and general administration. In reviewing applicants, we emphasize strong writing, creative problem solving, and thorough research skills. A background in international affairs and experience/interest in issues of corruption and accountability are preferred. Foreign language skills, particularly Spanish, are a plus. TI-USA is the U S chapter of Transparency International, the leading non-profit organization committed solely to curbing bribery and extortion in international business and development. TI-USA works alongside the TI network of over 90 other national chapters to raise awareness about the cost of corruption and to promote comprehensive and effective institutional and legal reforms. They do this by collaborating with multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, OAS, and OECD to encourage government and business to implement effective anti-corruption measures. Interested candidates should send a resume, one-page writing sample, list of references, and cover letter detailing availability by email to administration@transparency-usa.org.
4. United States Institute of Peace - Program Assistant/Professional Training Program - Washington, DC
We seek a person to provide a range of administrative and support activities for the Professional Training Program. The selectee will arrange and coordinate conferences, meetings, and training activities in the U.S. and abroad; make travel arrangements and prepare expense vouchers; track budget expenditures; help prepare contracts; maintain and manage databases; provide basic computing support; respond to questions and requests from the general public; maintain office files; support other staff as needed; and perform other related duties.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens. We desire a candidate with a BA degree in international relations or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate strong computer skills (Macintosh preferred)! in word processing, database, spreadsheet, HTML, and Internet navigat ion; strong organizational skills; multitasking abilities; familiarity with budgets; ability to work independently in a complex environment; and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience organizing conferences and meetings, making domestic and international travel arrangements, and managing databases is desired. Immediate or very near-term availability will be an important factor.
Interested candidates should submit a resume including recent salary history to:
USIP Vacancy No. 200632
1200 17th Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Resumes may be faxed to: 202-833-1019
MS Word formated applications may be e-mailed to vacancies+200632@usip.org
Applications reviewed as received, accepted until filled.
5.American Friends Service Committee, NY
AFSC seeks intern to fulfill the following responsibilities. A stipend is available for interns able to work at least 168 hours over a 3- or 4-month time period with a flexible start date: the sooner the better!
RESPONSIBILITIES
. Assist in organizing the display of Eyes Wide Open exhibits in communities of New York and New Jersey, with particular emphasis on reaching out to neighborhoods where military recruitment rates are highest and to Quaker meetings interested in hosting the exhibit.
. Assist in outreach to community groups, schools, and after-school programs in NYC neighborhoods where military recruitment rates are highest to share information about alternatives to militarism
. Assist in keeping up-to-date information on issues of military recruitment and enlistment and on other options for young people seeking opportunities for education, employment or service.
Application instructions:
HOW TO APPLY: Send a resume with references and letter of interest to: Anne Wright, Assistant to the Regional Director, awright@afsc.org
6. Human Rights First, Washington DC
Human Rights First welcomes a limited number of interns throughout the year. During the academic year, interns commit to 10 – 12 hours a week. During the summer interns are expected to work full time. Human Rights First makes every effort to ensure that each intern has workspace and access to computers. Due to the small size of our office, interns can expect to interact and work with both the asylum program and our advocacy team.
Interns are encouraged to attend program and staff meetings. Our summer intern program includes a series of “brown bag” lunches on subjects of interest developed by the interns. Staff and guest speakers are invited. Interns also have the opportunity to attend events and meetings outside of the office.
7. The Tanenbaum Center - Religion and Conflict Resolution Intern - New York
The Tanenbaum Center is the leading organization providing the practical programs so urgently needed to prevent the growing problem of verbal and physical conflict perpetrated in the name of religion. We are a non-sectarian group that addresses unresolved tensions by helping to change behaviors in religiously-diverse workplaces, schools and in areas of armed conflict.
The Religion and Conflict Resolution! Intern position is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and motiva ted student to play an influential role in a cutting-edge effort with top experts and strong leaders in the field of conflict resolution.
The Intern will support all aspects of the Religion and Conflict Resolution Program.
COMPENSATION
The Religion and Conflict Resolution Intern is a paid position at $10/hour, 15 hours per week, for the spring academic semester. Continuation of the internship in the summer may be possible and is contingent on funding.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and one! or two brief writing samples (less than five pages) to hr@tanenbaum.org. Be sure to include the name of the position in the subject line of your email.
8. Hague Justice Portal - Intern - The Hague, Netherlands
The Hague Justice Portal is looking for a new intern to work as part of its international editorial team based at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague. The Hague Justice Portal, an innovative and dynamic new project of the Hague Academic Coalition, provides a gateway to news, research and information emerging out of The Hague's many international organisations and legal institutions.
As this exciting multilingual project develops, the editorial team is looking for an enthusiastic recent graduate with a strong interest in the field of international peace, justice and security to join its ranks.
The candidate would need to be available to work in The Hague, preferably on a full-time basis, for at least three months.
The intern's duties would include:
· Assisting the editorial team in its day-to-day management and development of the Portal
· Closely following the developments of key legal institutions in The Hague (such as the ICJ, ICC and the ICTY)
· Writing short pieces to appear on the website regarding legal developments in The Hague
· Uploading texts, commentaries, images, court documents and other relevant research materials to the website
· Working on an ongoing project to make the Permanent Court of Arbitration's reports accessible on the Portal
The internship is unpaid, but the successful applicant will receive a small monthly allowance to cover some of their costs whilst living in The Hague. To apply for this unique and rewarding position with the Hague Justice Portal, please send a covering letter (in either English or French) and your CV to Pauline.Otten@ haguejusticeportal.net. Also indicate when you would be able to start the internship.
7. Campus Progress: The Center for American Progress, Washington DC
Professor O'Neil,
If you know anyone from UPS who graduated in December and is looking to move out to DC, or maybe doesn't know what they want to do but would consider making the move for 6 or more months, this is a great opportunity. However, it is an immediate opening, so anyone slated to graduate in May would not be able to take advantage of it... The Center for American Progress is a great place to work, and Campus Progress especially for a recent graduate. You can visit their website at www.campusprogress.org.
Take care! kari manlove ('06).
Subject: 6-month Iraq campaign job at Campus Progress -- please circulate
Iraq Campaign Organizer for Campus Progress: The Center for American Progress has an immediate opening, as a six-month contract position, for an Iraq Campaign Organizer for Campus Progress. Campus Progress is the Center’s comprehensive effort to help young people make their voices heard and to empower new generations of progressive leaders. The Iraq Campaign Organizer will be responsible for supporting campus and local activism campaigns by students; assisting with organization of rallies and events; writing articles and Web materials; speaking about the issues at events and with the media; and advancing Campus Progress’ grassroots and coalition work on efforts to stop the escalation of the war and work for peace and security.
Tags:
I am pleased to send you information about the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, a program that provides college graduates the opportunity to work in Washington, DC, with a public-interest organization focusing on arms control and international security issues. The fellowship is offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. It lasts from six to nine months and provides a stipend, health insurance, and travel costs to Washington. The Scoville Fellowship does not award grant or scholarship money to students.
Scoville Fellows may undertake a variety of activities, including research, writing, and advocacy in support of the goals of their host organization and may attend coalition meetings, policy briefings, and Congressional hearings. They have written fact sheets, letters to the editor, op eds, magazine articles, briefing books and reports, organized talks and conferences, and been interviewed as experts by the media. Many former Scoville Fellows work for NGOs or the Federal Government, or attend graduate school in political science or international relations, following their fellowships.
There is no application form; the application requirements are listed on the website, as are links to the websites of each of the twenty-five participating organizations and information on the work of current and former Scoville Fellows. Applications may be submitted via email.
2. The Institute for Justice - Intern - Arlington, VA
The Institute for Justice, the nation's leading libertarian public interest
law firm, seeks an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate intern for the Castle
Coalition this winter, to begin immediately.
The internship will include posting content on our website, assisting with
research projects, helping track eminent domain legislation in all 50
states, and providing administrative support to staff on a variety of tasks
and projects.
The Castle Coalition is the Institute for Justice's nationwide grassroots
property rights activism project. We help home and small business owners
protect themselves against eminent domain abuse and stand up to governments
and developers who seek to take private property for their own gain. The
Institute for Justice litigates to secure economic liberty, private property
rights, school choice, freedom of speech and other vital individual
liberties and to restore constitutional limits on the power of government.
We seek a rule of law under which individuals can control their destinies as
free and responsible members of society.
Please send a cover letter (detailing your interest in the Castle
Coalition), resume, and writing sample to the attention of:
Christina Walsh
Assistant Castle Coalition Coordinator
Institute for Justice
901 N. Glebe Road
Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203
cwalsh@ij.org
Fax - (703) 682-9321
3.Transparency International, Washington DC
Transparency International-USA (TI-USA) seeks several interns to support the efforts of our office in Washington, D.C. Both part-time and full-time positions are available. Successful candidates will perform a range of duties depending upon their experience and ability. In the past, they have been asked to complete tasks involving research, correspondence, meeting/hearing attendance, media coverage, and general administration. In reviewing applicants, we emphasize strong writing, creative problem solving, and thorough research skills. A background in international affairs and experience/interest in issues of corruption and accountability are preferred. Foreign language skills, particularly Spanish, are a plus. TI-USA is the U S chapter of Transparency International, the leading non-profit organization committed solely to curbing bribery and extortion in international business and development. TI-USA works alongside the TI network of over 90 other national chapters to raise awareness about the cost of corruption and to promote comprehensive and effective institutional and legal reforms. They do this by collaborating with multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, OAS, and OECD to encourage government and business to implement effective anti-corruption measures. Interested candidates should send a resume, one-page writing sample, list of references, and cover letter detailing availability by email to administration@transparency-usa.org.
4. United States Institute of Peace - Program Assistant/Professional Training Program - Washington, DC
We seek a person to provide a range of administrative and support activities for the Professional Training Program. The selectee will arrange and coordinate conferences, meetings, and training activities in the U.S. and abroad; make travel arrangements and prepare expense vouchers; track budget expenditures; help prepare contracts; maintain and manage databases; provide basic computing support; respond to questions and requests from the general public; maintain office files; support other staff as needed; and perform other related duties.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens. We desire a candidate with a BA degree in international relations or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate strong computer skills (Macintosh preferred)! in word processing, database, spreadsheet, HTML, and Internet navigat ion; strong organizational skills; multitasking abilities; familiarity with budgets; ability to work independently in a complex environment; and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience organizing conferences and meetings, making domestic and international travel arrangements, and managing databases is desired. Immediate or very near-term availability will be an important factor.
Interested candidates should submit a resume including recent salary history to:
USIP Vacancy No. 200632
1200 17th Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Resumes may be faxed to: 202-833-1019
MS Word formated applications may be e-mailed to vacancies+200632@usip.org
Applications reviewed as received, accepted until filled.
5.American Friends Service Committee, NY
AFSC seeks intern to fulfill the following responsibilities. A stipend is available for interns able to work at least 168 hours over a 3- or 4-month time period with a flexible start date: the sooner the better!
RESPONSIBILITIES
. Assist in organizing the display of Eyes Wide Open exhibits in communities of New York and New Jersey, with particular emphasis on reaching out to neighborhoods where military recruitment rates are highest and to Quaker meetings interested in hosting the exhibit.
. Assist in outreach to community groups, schools, and after-school programs in NYC neighborhoods where military recruitment rates are highest to share information about alternatives to militarism
. Assist in keeping up-to-date information on issues of military recruitment and enlistment and on other options for young people seeking opportunities for education, employment or service.
Application instructions:
HOW TO APPLY: Send a resume with references and letter of interest to: Anne Wright, Assistant to the Regional Director, awright@afsc.org
6. Human Rights First, Washington DC
Human Rights First welcomes a limited number of interns throughout the year. During the academic year, interns commit to 10 – 12 hours a week. During the summer interns are expected to work full time. Human Rights First makes every effort to ensure that each intern has workspace and access to computers. Due to the small size of our office, interns can expect to interact and work with both the asylum program and our advocacy team.
Interns are encouraged to attend program and staff meetings. Our summer intern program includes a series of “brown bag” lunches on subjects of interest developed by the interns. Staff and guest speakers are invited. Interns also have the opportunity to attend events and meetings outside of the office.
7. The Tanenbaum Center - Religion and Conflict Resolution Intern - New York
The Tanenbaum Center is the leading organization providing the practical programs so urgently needed to prevent the growing problem of verbal and physical conflict perpetrated in the name of religion. We are a non-sectarian group that addresses unresolved tensions by helping to change behaviors in religiously-diverse workplaces, schools and in areas of armed conflict.
The Religion and Conflict Resolution! Intern position is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and motiva ted student to play an influential role in a cutting-edge effort with top experts and strong leaders in the field of conflict resolution.
The Intern will support all aspects of the Religion and Conflict Resolution Program.
COMPENSATION
The Religion and Conflict Resolution Intern is a paid position at $10/hour, 15 hours per week, for the spring academic semester. Continuation of the internship in the summer may be possible and is contingent on funding.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and one! or two brief writing samples (less than five pages) to hr@tanenbaum.org. Be sure to include the name of the position in the subject line of your email.
8. Hague Justice Portal - Intern - The Hague, Netherlands
The Hague Justice Portal is looking for a new intern to work as part of its international editorial team based at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague. The Hague Justice Portal, an innovative and dynamic new project of the Hague Academic Coalition, provides a gateway to news, research and information emerging out of The Hague's many international organisations and legal institutions.
As this exciting multilingual project develops, the editorial team is looking for an enthusiastic recent graduate with a strong interest in the field of international peace, justice and security to join its ranks.
The candidate would need to be available to work in The Hague, preferably on a full-time basis, for at least three months.
The intern's duties would include:
· Assisting the editorial team in its day-to-day management and development of the Portal
· Closely following the developments of key legal institutions in The Hague (such as the ICJ, ICC and the ICTY)
· Writing short pieces to appear on the website regarding legal developments in The Hague
· Uploading texts, commentaries, images, court documents and other relevant research materials to the website
· Working on an ongoing project to make the Permanent Court of Arbitration's reports accessible on the Portal
The internship is unpaid, but the successful applicant will receive a small monthly allowance to cover some of their costs whilst living in The Hague. To apply for this unique and rewarding position with the Hague Justice Portal, please send a covering letter (in either English or French) and your CV to Pauline.Otten@ haguejusticeportal.net. Also indicate when you would be able to start the internship.
7. Campus Progress: The Center for American Progress, Washington DC
Professor O'Neil,
If you know anyone from UPS who graduated in December and is looking to move out to DC, or maybe doesn't know what they want to do but would consider making the move for 6 or more months, this is a great opportunity. However, it is an immediate opening, so anyone slated to graduate in May would not be able to take advantage of it... The Center for American Progress is a great place to work, and Campus Progress especially for a recent graduate. You can visit their website at www.campusprogress.org.
Take care! kari manlove ('06).
Subject: 6-month Iraq campaign job at Campus Progress -- please circulate
Iraq Campaign Organizer for Campus Progress: The Center for American Progress has an immediate opening, as a six-month contract position, for an Iraq Campaign Organizer for Campus Progress. Campus Progress is the Center’s comprehensive effort to help young people make their voices heard and to empower new generations of progressive leaders. The Iraq Campaign Organizer will be responsible for supporting campus and local activism campaigns by students; assisting with organization of rallies and events; writing articles and Web materials; speaking about the issues at events and with the media; and advancing Campus Progress’ grassroots and coalition work on efforts to stop the escalation of the war and work for peace and security.
Tags:
Thursday, January 25, 2007
No Jive
Bob's Java Jive has been closed for code violations. Will it reopen or have we lost a central piece of Tacoma weirdness? Stay tuned.
Read the News Tribune article here; and odes to Java Jive on Exit133 here. I had no idea that Neko Case once tended bar there.
2/1 UPDATE: The News Tribune reports that they've fixed most of the issues and should be open again in a few days, sans some of the more flammable weirdness that graced their interior. Good news for a wonderfully odd place.
Read the News Tribune article here; and odes to Java Jive on Exit133 here. I had no idea that Neko Case once tended bar there.
2/1 UPDATE: The News Tribune reports that they've fixed most of the issues and should be open again in a few days, sans some of the more flammable weirdness that graced their interior. Good news for a wonderfully odd place.
Hanoi Vroom Vroom
Professor Bonura, currently on sabbatical, has landed in Vietnam and sent along a mess of pictures and descriptions of what he's been up to. But before I post those, here's a little taste of Hanoi street life that he's sent along. Hope he's wearing a helmet, though I suspect not.
I count four cars and approximately 126,000 motorcycles and scooters--just the opposite of what you see in China these days.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Suitable for Framing
Earlier we spoke of the nice gift from an alum that showed up around the holidays. But that was not the only present that arrived. Ron Davison '85 shipped us an array of Soviet military posters from around 1988, which I understood he had picked up over there (on some covert action, no doubt). I'm looking forward to hanging these up in the hall.
Ron recently let us know that he's left SRA after a decade of great work and as of March 1 will start work at Beck Disaster Recovery as Director for Emergency Management Programs. Ron will be overseeing program development and establishing their new DC office.
Thanks for the gift, Ron, and best wishes for your new position.
Tags:
- Alums
Welcome Back Professor Hansen
Long before his arrival from Germany, Professor Hendrik Hansen was sending pictures and comments from points overseas. Now we've got Professor Hansen back in person, in what I fear may be the last time we are able to lure him onto campus from Passau. Professor Hansen is teaching courses in political theory and European politics, and is currently in Professor Share's office while the latter is off to lead our study abroad program in London. It's great to have him back, as I have yet another person with whom I can drink excessive amounts of coffee during the day.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Ned Culhane '06 Weighs In
After his recent contribution to the internship roundup, I asked Ned to tell us a bit more about his work in DC:
I recently started a job with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (www.nccam.nih.gov) as a Scientific Program Analyst. My responsibilities include maintaining various databases that track publications produced by our grantees and the various initiatives requesting grant applications. Additionally, I am the secretary of our weekly Program staff meetings and will also provide support to NCCAM sponsored conferences. This is just what I've gotten myself into during my month at NCCAM and I am sure more things will make their way to me. While my position is not "directly" related to my P&G degree, I have drawn on my education daily.
One quick note about the importance of e-mails. I definitely agree with you and think my internships in DC have forced me to rely heavily on e-mail. When I was in the Senate we would even use e-mail to record phone messages for our staff rather than write them down on paper. I also caved in a year ago and "upgraded" to a Blackberry. I think it is part of the culture in DC and I did feel out of place with
it in Tacoma. I have mixed thoughts on being connected all of the time but I've made the decision for it to remain only connected to my personal e-mail.
Best wishes for a great new semester!
Ned
I recently started a job with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (www.nccam.nih.gov) as a Scientific Program Analyst. My responsibilities include maintaining various databases that track publications produced by our grantees and the various initiatives requesting grant applications. Additionally, I am the secretary of our weekly Program staff meetings and will also provide support to NCCAM sponsored conferences. This is just what I've gotten myself into during my month at NCCAM and I am sure more things will make their way to me. While my position is not "directly" related to my P&G degree, I have drawn on my education daily.
One quick note about the importance of e-mails. I definitely agree with you and think my internships in DC have forced me to rely heavily on e-mail. When I was in the Senate we would even use e-mail to record phone messages for our staff rather than write them down on paper. I also caved in a year ago and "upgraded" to a Blackberry. I think it is part of the culture in DC and I did feel out of place with
it in Tacoma. I have mixed thoughts on being connected all of the time but I've made the decision for it to remain only connected to my personal e-mail.
Best wishes for a great new semester!
Ned
CFR Conference Calls Spring 2007
We are back in action with our conference calls for spring 2007. An interesting set of speakers and the chance for students to interact with them and other students from around the country on the topic at hand. Members of the department will also be listening in, but these are set up for students to talk, not faculty. Join us.
Poster Presentations
Last semester Professor Ferrari had students in her PG 337 US Canada Relations course make large posters that integrated their respective research projects. These posters were then displayed in the SUB along with a number of others from other departments and programs. I thought they were nicely done and wanted to share them with other students and alums.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Who is Globalized?
Professor Share forwarded this graphic from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. They have an interesting site with maps and lists that rank of different levels and forms of globalization (economic, social, political) over the past thirty years (there's even an animated map showing these changes over time). Check out their material at http://www.globalization.kof.ch/
Friday, January 19, 2007
Congress: Dorm Life Redux
A funny piece in the New York Times on the rather slovenly lives of four members of Congress and the house they share in DC:
...As a general rule, the abode is hardly fit for entertaining, or even for a health inspector. It is used for convenience: sleeping, ditching stuff, and fast-food consumption — the kinds of functions prized by vagabond politicians whose families are back in their home states and who generally spend only their working weekdays here.
“Everybody in the world says they’re going to do a television series based on us,” said Mr. Durbin, who was collapsed on the couch on a recent Monday night. Still in a tie, he sipped ice water from a massive Chicago Cubs cup while waiting for the Chinese food to arrive.
“But then they realize that the story of four middle-aged men, with no sex and violence, is not going to last two weeks,” he said. The prevailing topics of their discussions are grandchildren and Metamucil, he added.
“Hey, speak for yourself, Durbin,” Mr. Delahunt said, protesting the claim of no sex and violence.
“There is a lot of violence in here,” Mr. Schumer said.
In fact, the roommates have never resorted to violence, at least with one another. (Crickets are another story.) Their weapons are verbal, and often aimed at Mr. Schumer, who admits to a serious dereliction of roommate duties, like grocery shopping. He is also prone to a blatant disregard for conserving a most precious household resource, cereal.
“I love cereal,” Mr. Schumer said, digging into his second bowl of granola, going a long way toward depleting a box that Mr. Miller had just purchased.
Read the whole article here.
Friday Internship/Fellowship/Job Roundup
1. Match Corps, Boston MA
The MATCH Corps is a unique feature of the MATCH Charter Public High School in Boston, MA. Briefly, the MATCH School is an open-admissions public charter high school serving 205 inner-city Boston area students. Most recently, the MATCH School was featured in the US Department of Education publication: "Innovations in Education" as one of eight charter high schools in the country with outstanding success in closing the nation's Achievement Gap.
Introduced in 2004, the MATCH Corps is a group of 50 of the nation's top college
graduates all of whom are committed to affecting change at the ground level. MATCH Corps is not necessarily looking for the future teachers of America. We want future doctors, lawyers, MBAs, architects; we want majors from math, political science, literature, economics, engineering - anyone willing to work tirelessly for one year to erase, not narrow, the Achievement Gap.
In addition to an unparalleled experience, lasting bonds, and the abilityto make a measurable impact on an inner-city high school student, MATCH Corps members are compensated with a monthly stipend and a housing option in downtown Boston, and health and dental insurance.
2. Green Corps, Boston MA
Green Corps: our full-time, paid Environmental Leadership Training Program gives you a year of in-depth training and experience with leading environmental groups like the Sierra Club, and League of Conservation Voters and Greenpeace.
Green Corps is the non-profit Field School for Environmental Organizing, founded by leading environmentalists in 1992 to identify and train environmental leaders. Our year-long program includes intensive classroom training, hands-on experience running urgent environmental and public health campaigns, and placement in permanent leadership positions with leading environmental and social change groups. Our campaigns take place nationwide. Our graduates are in high demand and quickly find jobs working on issues they care about. Upon completion of the training program, Green Corps will connect you to organizations that are seeking full-time professional staff.
Salary & Benefits. Salary of $23,750. Optional group health care coverage, paid sick days and holidays, two weeks paid vacation, and a student loan repayment program for qualifying staff.
NOTE: Deadline is January 19 (today!) but we received an email from Jesse Littlewood (jesse@greencorps.org] saying they will accept applications past that deadline. Contact Jesse directly if you want to know more; his number is 617-426-8506.
3. Senator Patty Murray, Seattle WA
Happy belated New Year! I wanted to touch base with you because I’m currently working for Senator Murray in Seattle and am assisting with the intern program here. I would love to get some UPS students to intern anytime this winter or spring, or the summer. I do immigration constituent casework, a job with many, many cases each day. This would be a great opportunity for UPS students to learn more about immigration policy, and the workings of a Senate office.
If you could pass this information on to your colleagues in the Politics and Government department, I would very much appreciate it.
Mary Pederson (UPS Alum)
Constituent Services Representative
U.S. Senator Patty Murray
(206) 553-5545 (Phone)
(206) 553-0891 (Fax)
Contact Professor Karl Fields in our department if you are interested in this position.
4. National Institutes of Health, various locations
via Ned Culhane '06:
I read on your blog that you are posting information on internships on Fridays. I just started a position at the National Institutes of Health and ran across information regarding our summer internship program--which I participated in going into my senior year. While these opportunitites rely more on lab based science, there are other internships that might be better suited for a P&G major. I interned and current work with an extramural program that funds a portfolio of grants at institutions throughout the country and world. Additionally, each NIH institute or center has a office of scientific planning that works to ensure that we meet Congressional language and produces our Congressional Justification each year. I doubt I will have much pull in selection but thought I would pass it along.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I commend you for making this blog pertinent to both current students and alumni!
http://www.training.nih.gov/edopps/nihfellowships.asp
and
http://www.training.nih.gov/student/
These look particularly for those who have science training (major/minor) and are thinking about or in graduate school--Professor O'Neil
5.Progressive Campaign Job Opportunities, various locations
Grassroots Campaigns, Inc. (GCI), a national firm specializing in building
grassroots support for progressive causes, political candidates, public
interest campaigns, and non-profit fundraising operations is coming to UPS
to interview potential staff for their upcoming campaigns. Interested
students should send a resume to psterns@grassrootscampaigns or apply
directly with the career center.
We will be at the Career Fair in the SUB on February 22nd, and holding an
information session that evening in McIntyre, as well as on March 21st in
the Howarth Building. This is an excellent way for applicants to learn
more about the opportunities before their interview.
We are currently hiring graduating seniors to staff for our ongoing effort
to work for progressive public policy and to help build the Democratic
base for the 2008 Presidential election. With the new Democratic majority,
there is tremendous opportunity for true progressive change in America.
The positions we are hiring for will afford new staff the opportunity to
impact the world around them while learning invaluable skills. Our
campaign staff is trained on all aspects of running a grassroots campaign
from recruiting, training, and managing staff/volunteers to overseeing
the finances associated with running a local campaign office. Grassroots
Campaigns’ current and past clients include MoveOn.org, the Democratic
National Committee, the ACLU, and the League of Conservation Voters.
Nationwide, ask recruiter for more details. To apply for these positions
you should email your Cover Letter and Resume to Patrick Sterns at
psterns@grassrootscampaigns.com, or you can apply directly via the UPS
career center. For more information contact Patrick Sterns at 206-329-4416.
6. American India Foundation, India
The American India Foundation (AIF) is currently accepting applications for its 2007-08 Service Corps Fellowship. The Service Corps Fellowship builds bridges between America and India by sending 20+ outstanding young American professionals to work with leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India for ten months. The program serves as an exchange of technical skills and intellectual resources which aims to build the capacity of Indian NGOs while developing American leaders with an understanding of India.
Required:
Have demonstrated a strong interest in India's development sector
Be between the ages of 21 and 35 on September 1, 2007
Have achieved an undergraduate degree prior to starting the program
Be a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident
Preferred:
Have prior work experience or a graduate degree
Have worked/lived in a developing country
The MATCH Corps is a unique feature of the MATCH Charter Public High School in Boston, MA. Briefly, the MATCH School is an open-admissions public charter high school serving 205 inner-city Boston area students. Most recently, the MATCH School was featured in the US Department of Education publication: "Innovations in Education" as one of eight charter high schools in the country with outstanding success in closing the nation's Achievement Gap.
Introduced in 2004, the MATCH Corps is a group of 50 of the nation's top college
graduates all of whom are committed to affecting change at the ground level. MATCH Corps is not necessarily looking for the future teachers of America. We want future doctors, lawyers, MBAs, architects; we want majors from math, political science, literature, economics, engineering - anyone willing to work tirelessly for one year to erase, not narrow, the Achievement Gap.
In addition to an unparalleled experience, lasting bonds, and the abilityto make a measurable impact on an inner-city high school student, MATCH Corps members are compensated with a monthly stipend and a housing option in downtown Boston, and health and dental insurance.
2. Green Corps, Boston MA
Green Corps: our full-time, paid Environmental Leadership Training Program gives you a year of in-depth training and experience with leading environmental groups like the Sierra Club, and League of Conservation Voters and Greenpeace.
Green Corps is the non-profit Field School for Environmental Organizing, founded by leading environmentalists in 1992 to identify and train environmental leaders. Our year-long program includes intensive classroom training, hands-on experience running urgent environmental and public health campaigns, and placement in permanent leadership positions with leading environmental and social change groups. Our campaigns take place nationwide. Our graduates are in high demand and quickly find jobs working on issues they care about. Upon completion of the training program, Green Corps will connect you to organizations that are seeking full-time professional staff.
Salary & Benefits. Salary of $23,750. Optional group health care coverage, paid sick days and holidays, two weeks paid vacation, and a student loan repayment program for qualifying staff.
NOTE: Deadline is January 19 (today!) but we received an email from Jesse Littlewood (jesse@greencorps.org] saying they will accept applications past that deadline. Contact Jesse directly if you want to know more; his number is 617-426-8506.
3. Senator Patty Murray, Seattle WA
Happy belated New Year! I wanted to touch base with you because I’m currently working for Senator Murray in Seattle and am assisting with the intern program here. I would love to get some UPS students to intern anytime this winter or spring, or the summer. I do immigration constituent casework, a job with many, many cases each day. This would be a great opportunity for UPS students to learn more about immigration policy, and the workings of a Senate office.
If you could pass this information on to your colleagues in the Politics and Government department, I would very much appreciate it.
Mary Pederson (UPS Alum)
Constituent Services Representative
U.S. Senator Patty Murray
(206) 553-5545 (Phone)
(206) 553-0891 (Fax)
Contact Professor Karl Fields in our department if you are interested in this position.
4. National Institutes of Health, various locations
via Ned Culhane '06:
I read on your blog that you are posting information on internships on Fridays. I just started a position at the National Institutes of Health and ran across information regarding our summer internship program--which I participated in going into my senior year. While these opportunitites rely more on lab based science, there are other internships that might be better suited for a P&G major. I interned and current work with an extramural program that funds a portfolio of grants at institutions throughout the country and world. Additionally, each NIH institute or center has a office of scientific planning that works to ensure that we meet Congressional language and produces our Congressional Justification each year. I doubt I will have much pull in selection but thought I would pass it along.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I commend you for making this blog pertinent to both current students and alumni!
http://www.training.nih.gov/edopps/nihfellowships.asp
and
http://www.training.nih.gov/student/
These look particularly for those who have science training (major/minor) and are thinking about or in graduate school--Professor O'Neil
5.Progressive Campaign Job Opportunities, various locations
Grassroots Campaigns, Inc. (GCI), a national firm specializing in building
grassroots support for progressive causes, political candidates, public
interest campaigns, and non-profit fundraising operations is coming to UPS
to interview potential staff for their upcoming campaigns. Interested
students should send a resume to psterns@grassrootscampaigns or apply
directly with the career center.
We will be at the Career Fair in the SUB on February 22nd, and holding an
information session that evening in McIntyre, as well as on March 21st in
the Howarth Building. This is an excellent way for applicants to learn
more about the opportunities before their interview.
We are currently hiring graduating seniors to staff for our ongoing effort
to work for progressive public policy and to help build the Democratic
base for the 2008 Presidential election. With the new Democratic majority,
there is tremendous opportunity for true progressive change in America.
The positions we are hiring for will afford new staff the opportunity to
impact the world around them while learning invaluable skills. Our
campaign staff is trained on all aspects of running a grassroots campaign
from recruiting, training, and managing staff/volunteers to overseeing
the finances associated with running a local campaign office. Grassroots
Campaigns’ current and past clients include MoveOn.org, the Democratic
National Committee, the ACLU, and the League of Conservation Voters.
Nationwide, ask recruiter for more details. To apply for these positions
you should email your Cover Letter and Resume to Patrick Sterns at
psterns@grassrootscampaigns.com, or you can apply directly via the UPS
career center. For more information contact Patrick Sterns at 206-329-4416.
6. American India Foundation, India
The American India Foundation (AIF) is currently accepting applications for its 2007-08 Service Corps Fellowship. The Service Corps Fellowship builds bridges between America and India by sending 20+ outstanding young American professionals to work with leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India for ten months. The program serves as an exchange of technical skills and intellectual resources which aims to build the capacity of Indian NGOs while developing American leaders with an understanding of India.
Required:
Have demonstrated a strong interest in India's development sector
Be between the ages of 21 and 35 on September 1, 2007
Have achieved an undergraduate degree prior to starting the program
Be a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident
Preferred:
Have prior work experience or a graduate degree
Have worked/lived in a developing country
Let's Pretend It's Sunny
I took this picture last winter, actually, and was fiddling around with it in Photoshop. That's Jones Hall under all my tinkering.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Fellowships: Students and Recent Alums, Start Planning
Deadlines are a ways off, but start thinking about them now. Here are a range of scholarships that allow you to study (undergraduate and graduate), research and travel overseas. Many of them should be applied for during your junior year, with some exceptions. Deadlines below are for on-campus applications, which is your first step. Read more here from our fellowship office and go see them. If you're a PG major, come see me and we'll work on your application together.
Fulbright (Worldwide): May 1
Rhodes (Oxford UK): May 1
Marshall (UK): May 1
Mitchell (Ireland): May 1
Gates (Cambridge): May 1
Davies-Jackson (Cambridge): May 1 (this scholarship does cover the social sciences)
I was recently talking to one of our majors who in short order was offered an NSEP (to study in Egypt), a Rotary, and is now one our university's two finalists for the Watson. What was the secret to his success, I asked? Perfect GPA? Amazing abilities in application writing? Secret powers of mind control?
No, it was more prosaic than that. He researched the applications, figured out what the grantors were looking for in an applicant, and...here's the catch...he actually applied for them.
"90% of life is just showing up" --Woody Allen
Tags:
Fulbright (Worldwide): May 1
Rhodes (Oxford UK): May 1
Marshall (UK): May 1
Mitchell (Ireland): May 1
Gates (Cambridge): May 1
Davies-Jackson (Cambridge): May 1 (this scholarship does cover the social sciences)
I was recently talking to one of our majors who in short order was offered an NSEP (to study in Egypt), a Rotary, and is now one our university's two finalists for the Watson. What was the secret to his success, I asked? Perfect GPA? Amazing abilities in application writing? Secret powers of mind control?
No, it was more prosaic than that. He researched the applications, figured out what the grantors were looking for in an applicant, and...here's the catch...he actually applied for them.
"90% of life is just showing up" --Woody Allen
Tags:
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Pew Pentecostals Prosperity
I'm a fan of the Pew Center for the People and the Press. They do a lot of interesting national and cross national surveys on all kinds of topics. Two of them recently caught my attention.
The first looks at the values, habits and worldviews of young adults (ages 18-25) in comparison to other generations and other points in time. A couple of findings jumped out at me:
I'm not certain what to make of the large numbers who want to be famous--maybe it's just that those over 25 realize that they're too old to rise to stardom.
This one confirms a suspicion I have had. Next Gen students are text messaging like crazy, but using email less than their older counterparts. I admit to finding this a bit worrisome since I have argued before that email is a central part of professional communication and lack of use by students may hinder their connections and communication with those beyond their peers. Students, maybe you have thoughts on this or want to set me straight; if so, please comment below.
On a completely different topic, the Pew Center has a good report on pentecostalism and charismatic movements in the Americas, Africa and Asia. They conclude, as others have elsewhere, that this charismatic revival will profoundly shape religious and political life around the world in the coming years. Read the report here.
The first looks at the values, habits and worldviews of young adults (ages 18-25) in comparison to other generations and other points in time. A couple of findings jumped out at me:
I'm not certain what to make of the large numbers who want to be famous--maybe it's just that those over 25 realize that they're too old to rise to stardom.
This one confirms a suspicion I have had. Next Gen students are text messaging like crazy, but using email less than their older counterparts. I admit to finding this a bit worrisome since I have argued before that email is a central part of professional communication and lack of use by students may hinder their connections and communication with those beyond their peers. Students, maybe you have thoughts on this or want to set me straight; if so, please comment below.
On a completely different topic, the Pew Center has a good report on pentecostalism and charismatic movements in the Americas, Africa and Asia. They conclude, as others have elsewhere, that this charismatic revival will profoundly shape religious and political life around the world in the coming years. Read the report here.
Student Loan Interest Rates and Congress
Professor Weinberger tipped me off to this bit of legislative news (UPDATE--it passed):
House debates cutting student loan rates
By NANCY ZUCKERBROD, AP Education WriterWed Jan 17, 7:58 AM ET
Continuing its march through an agenda of popular legislative initiatives, the Democratic-led House is considering cutting interest rates on some college student loans in half.
The House was scheduled to vote Wednesday on the measure, which would help an estimated 5.5 million students who get need-based federal loans.
The government pays the interest that accrues on those loans while students are in college. Students pick up the payments after they leave school.
The rates would drop from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent in stages over a five-year period under the House proposal. That would cost nearly $6 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office...
Read more here.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Andrea Tull '02 and Cat Fish '08: What's up in DC?
I mentioned earlier that Andrea Tull '02 will be in town next month and visiting our department. Currently working for Congressman Adam Smith (see News Tribune article), there are a lot of changes afoot following the last elections. I'll set up an evening talk for interested students but would also like to offer a chance to lunch with Andrea if you're interested in knowing more about working and living in DC. Send me an email if you're interested.
Here's what Andrea has to say:
I got a promotion here in Rep. Smith's office. I am now going to be handling all of the Congressman's International Relations Committee work! I will keep healthcare in my portfolio, but I will no longer handle higher ed, campaign finance reform, pensions, labor, or job training issues.
Basically I had to give those issues up in order to allow myself time to prepare for Committee hearings, markups, etc. I am very excited. The House International Relations Committee (which may get renamed the House Foreign Affairs Committee) I will be in charge of global health, global poverty, development, foreign assistance, economic development, human and women's rights worldwide, and diplomacy/democracy efforts around the world.
One of my boss' focuses on this Committee is on global poverty and he introduced legislation last year which didn't pass and we are hearing from Leadership that they want to "fast-track" this bill, so it is likely it will pass this session with the newly elected Democratic Leadership!!! And I would be the lead staffer handling this bill/issue - very exciting news! I am very excited to deepen my skill set of issues to now include international. I still love that I will handle domestic healthcare issues, but now I also get global healthcare as well a whole host of other international issues.
Congratulations to Andrea for her promotion, and we are looking forward to seeing her. And students, this all began with an internship Andrea did in Congressman Smith's office here in town while she was still a student.
To that end, here are some final thoughts from Cat Fish '08, who just completed an internship in Congressman Smith's office in DC this fall:
My internship in Representative Smith's office has finished and my time in Washington, D.C. has come to an end. I am sad to leave this city that I have gotten to know so well the past few months, as well as wonderful people that I met while I was here. It was a fantastic semester and I truly feel that I milked it for all it was worth. I learned more about the way that government works than I ever could have through textbooks, and also learned about living an independent adult life and what it is like to move alone to an unfamiliar city. The last few months have influenced my ideas about the different kinds of job prospects that exist and what I may be interested in doing with my future. Below is a list of things I learned/ advice I would bestow upon someone who is about to embark on a semester in D.C. Read it. Learn it. Live it...
Here's what Andrea has to say:
I got a promotion here in Rep. Smith's office. I am now going to be handling all of the Congressman's International Relations Committee work! I will keep healthcare in my portfolio, but I will no longer handle higher ed, campaign finance reform, pensions, labor, or job training issues.
Basically I had to give those issues up in order to allow myself time to prepare for Committee hearings, markups, etc. I am very excited. The House International Relations Committee (which may get renamed the House Foreign Affairs Committee) I will be in charge of global health, global poverty, development, foreign assistance, economic development, human and women's rights worldwide, and diplomacy/democracy efforts around the world.
One of my boss' focuses on this Committee is on global poverty and he introduced legislation last year which didn't pass and we are hearing from Leadership that they want to "fast-track" this bill, so it is likely it will pass this session with the newly elected Democratic Leadership!!! And I would be the lead staffer handling this bill/issue - very exciting news! I am very excited to deepen my skill set of issues to now include international. I still love that I will handle domestic healthcare issues, but now I also get global healthcare as well a whole host of other international issues.
Congratulations to Andrea for her promotion, and we are looking forward to seeing her. And students, this all began with an internship Andrea did in Congressman Smith's office here in town while she was still a student.
Andrea and Cat in DC
Cat and Congressman Adam Smith
To that end, here are some final thoughts from Cat Fish '08, who just completed an internship in Congressman Smith's office in DC this fall:
My internship in Representative Smith's office has finished and my time in Washington, D.C. has come to an end. I am sad to leave this city that I have gotten to know so well the past few months, as well as wonderful people that I met while I was here. It was a fantastic semester and I truly feel that I milked it for all it was worth. I learned more about the way that government works than I ever could have through textbooks, and also learned about living an independent adult life and what it is like to move alone to an unfamiliar city. The last few months have influenced my ideas about the different kinds of job prospects that exist and what I may be interested in doing with my future. Below is a list of things I learned/ advice I would bestow upon someone who is about to embark on a semester in D.C. Read it. Learn it. Live it...
- A lot of people come to Washington, D.C. and get jaded, though there are ways to remain idealistic if you make an effort to.
- Be prepared to meet/ live with people that are as passionate about you are about politics, but with views that are diametrically opposed to your own.
- The media has the power to twist words in a way that can jeopardize people’s careers.
- Members of Congress are (mostly) just normal people with a desire to serve their country.
- Washington, D.C. feels like small town if you live there for more than a month.
- Always wear comfortable shoes to work.
UPS and Peace Corps: We're Number One
Thanks to Trevor Anthony'02 for passing along the 2007 Peace Corps rankings, showing which schools send the most PC volunteers. And among small colleges, who ranks at the top? Could it be...?
No fluke--UPS is consistently at the top. You can find the news release here and the rankings by school size here.
Tags:
No fluke--UPS is consistently at the top. You can find the news release here and the rankings by school size here.
Tags:
Monday, January 15, 2007
Ride the Coattails of Congress
We've mentioned on many occasions that a large number of our majors have served in Representative Adam Smith's office, as interns and staff in Tacoma and DC. We had one intern in DC this fall, and will have two in his Tacoma office in spring; in addition, we have graduates working in staff positions locally and in DC; in fact, I'll be blogging about Andrea Tull '02 in the coming days, who will be coming out from DC to join us on campus in February. Details to follow.
An article in today's News Tribune speaks to Smith's growing power in the new Democratic Congress as chair of a new subcommittee on terrorism. There's also a discussion of Congressman Norm Dicks as well, where we've similarly placed students, though not so fully colonized (yet). So a reminder that we have outstanding opportunities for anyone who would like to get involved with Congress, and that these connections can lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Rep. Smith’s stature grows on Capitol Hill
LES BLUMENTHAL; The News Tribune
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Adam Smith has never been a member of Delta Force, SEAL Team Six, Marine Force Recon or any other of the nation’s special ops units.
But as the new chairman of a congressional subcommittee on “terrorism, unconventional threats and capabilities,” the Tacoma Democrat will have a say in the policies and funding for military forces he calls the “tip of the spear” in the war on terrorism....The subcommittee has jurisdiction over counterterrorism programs and counterproliferation programs, the latter aimed at eliminating threats from chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction...
Read the rest here.
Tags:
An article in today's News Tribune speaks to Smith's growing power in the new Democratic Congress as chair of a new subcommittee on terrorism. There's also a discussion of Congressman Norm Dicks as well, where we've similarly placed students, though not so fully colonized (yet). So a reminder that we have outstanding opportunities for anyone who would like to get involved with Congress, and that these connections can lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Rep. Smith’s stature grows on Capitol Hill
LES BLUMENTHAL; The News Tribune
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Adam Smith has never been a member of Delta Force, SEAL Team Six, Marine Force Recon or any other of the nation’s special ops units.
But as the new chairman of a congressional subcommittee on “terrorism, unconventional threats and capabilities,” the Tacoma Democrat will have a say in the policies and funding for military forces he calls the “tip of the spear” in the war on terrorism....The subcommittee has jurisdiction over counterterrorism programs and counterproliferation programs, the latter aimed at eliminating threats from chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction...
Read the rest here.
Tags:
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Unity08
A new centrist party in the offing that seeks to pair a Republican and a Democrat on a single presidential ticket? An online convention for delegates, who are designated as such simply by registering online?
Brilliant? Crazy? A serious challenge in the '08 election? Little more than a stunt? Will it help build a political center or only further polarize the two parties?
Have I used enough question marks by now? See for yourself and read the piece from The Atlantic (where I first read about this movement).
I see that no one at UPS has taken up the position as campus coordinator for this group....
Brilliant? Crazy? A serious challenge in the '08 election? Little more than a stunt? Will it help build a political center or only further polarize the two parties?
Have I used enough question marks by now? See for yourself and read the piece from The Atlantic (where I first read about this movement).
I see that no one at UPS has taken up the position as campus coordinator for this group....
Friday, January 12, 2007
Friday Internship Roundup
The first in what will become a regular Friday feature. This week's internships are of particular interest for IR and comparative types, but I'll give due attention to American politics oriented ones as well.
1. Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch offers academic semester and summer internships for undergraduate students in our New York, London, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Brussels, and Berlin offices.
Interns may be placed in one of the following regional or thematic programs at HRW: Africa, the Americas (does not include US or Canada), Asia, Europe & Central Asia, Middle East & North Africa, United States, Arms, Children's Rights, Women's Rights, HIV/AIDS & Human Rights, Business & Human Rights, Refugees, Emergency Response, Terrorism/Counterterrorism, International Justice, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Rights. Internships also are available with the Advocacy, Communications & Press, Development & Outreach, Legal & Policy, Human Resources and Finance & Administration departments as well as the International Film Festival.
2. Global Justice Center, New York
This internship is a very exciting opportunity for anyone interested in organizational management, international affairs, women's studies, the Middle-East, South and South-East Asia, human rights and/or international law. In working closely with the GJC leadership and staff, as well as the international women's groups we collaborate with, the intern will learn directly from experts in the field. Through this opportunity, interns have the chance to become involved in building an NGO from the ground up. We value our interns, and give them plenty of opportunities for creativity, academic growth, exposure to current trends and issues in international human rights law, and most importantly, the ability to make a strong contribution to the founding of a pioneering women's rights organization.
3. Search For Common Ground, DC
Search for Common Ground's mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. We design and implement multifaceted programmes that aim to resolve conflict and prevent violence, and we seek to help conflicting parties to understand their differences and act on their commonalities. Internships on US-Iran relations, Middle East, and other topics related to conflict resolution. Note: I have a contact to SFCG, so if you are interested in one of these internships please let me know.
4. Quaker United Nations Office, NY
The Quaker UN Office funds two Programme Assistants (PAs) each year to serve for a year long period. These are entry-level internships for college graduates who are interested in international affairs and the UN, have a commitment to Friends (Quaker) principles of peace, non-violence, and equality, and have not had a similar experience before. The positions provide those individuals selected with an informal extension to their education in international issues, while they assist QUNO staff with programme and administrative tasks. This is a year for first-hand observation of international organisations and the study of issues on the multilateral agenda. Graduates of our programme report it has been a valuable experience, applicable to their subsequent life work.
4. Ashoka, Arlington, VA
Ashoka is leading a profound transformation in society. In the past three decades, the global citizen sector, led by social entrepreneurs, has grown exponentially. Just as the business sector experienced a tremendous spurt in productivity over the last century, the citizen sector is experiencing a similar revolution, with the number and sophistication of citizen organizations increasing dramatically. Rather than leaving societal needs for the government or business sectors to address, social entrepreneurs are creating innovative solutions, delivering extraordinary results, and improving the lives of millions of people.
Interns at Ashoka work with professionals and entrepreneurs committed to supporting an influential civil society worldwide. Because we recognize that interns can be Ashoka’s best ambassadors in their schools and communities, we strive to immerse interns in our most dynamic projects as well as our unique staff culture. Our goal is to give interns the opportunity to shape their own substantive responsibilities. As trusted members of the Ashoka team, interns are expected to demonstrate Ashoka’s core values of applied empathy, entrepreneurship and collegiality, and commitment to innovation for the public.
5. Bonn International Center for Conversion, Germany
BICC is an independent international non-profit organization supporting conversion - processes by which people, skills, technology, equipment and other resources are shifted from military activities and made available for development. W! orking as a worldwide clearinghouse on practical conversion experiences and projects, BICC conducts research and provides documentation, information and consulting services for governmental, non- governmental organizations and companies involved in conversion. BICC's activities focus primarily on the following six aspects of conversion: defense budgets; military research and development (R&D); defense industry; demobilization; base closures; and the alternative use, disposal or scrapping of 'surplus weapons.'
Responsibilities: The work of interns in the BICC research department will include background research, maintenance of the information system, summarizing texts, drafting letters, etc. Every intern will contribute to one or more of BICC's projects and will have one BICC staff member as her or his supervisor.
6. Soliya, NY
This internship is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on outreach and programmatic experience at a small international nonprofit organization.
In the last three years, Soliya has gone from being the idea of two young social entrepreneurs with backgrounds in new media and conflict resolution to an established organization with over 20 universities in nine countries participating in its program and strong established funding relationships in the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
In the coming years, Soliya plans to take its program to scale, connecting thousands of students each semester. The alumni from this program will form the foundation to the Soliya Network - a cross-cultural online social network which will enable young adults around the globe to learn about these issues, express their perspectives on them, and engage in dialogue and collaborative action to address them.
Tags:
1. Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch offers academic semester and summer internships for undergraduate students in our New York, London, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Brussels, and Berlin offices.
Interns may be placed in one of the following regional or thematic programs at HRW: Africa, the Americas (does not include US or Canada), Asia, Europe & Central Asia, Middle East & North Africa, United States, Arms, Children's Rights, Women's Rights, HIV/AIDS & Human Rights, Business & Human Rights, Refugees, Emergency Response, Terrorism/Counterterrorism, International Justice, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Rights. Internships also are available with the Advocacy, Communications & Press, Development & Outreach, Legal & Policy, Human Resources and Finance & Administration departments as well as the International Film Festival.
2. Global Justice Center, New York
This internship is a very exciting opportunity for anyone interested in organizational management, international affairs, women's studies, the Middle-East, South and South-East Asia, human rights and/or international law. In working closely with the GJC leadership and staff, as well as the international women's groups we collaborate with, the intern will learn directly from experts in the field. Through this opportunity, interns have the chance to become involved in building an NGO from the ground up. We value our interns, and give them plenty of opportunities for creativity, academic growth, exposure to current trends and issues in international human rights law, and most importantly, the ability to make a strong contribution to the founding of a pioneering women's rights organization.
3. Search For Common Ground, DC
Search for Common Ground's mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. We design and implement multifaceted programmes that aim to resolve conflict and prevent violence, and we seek to help conflicting parties to understand their differences and act on their commonalities. Internships on US-Iran relations, Middle East, and other topics related to conflict resolution. Note: I have a contact to SFCG, so if you are interested in one of these internships please let me know.
4. Quaker United Nations Office, NY
The Quaker UN Office funds two Programme Assistants (PAs) each year to serve for a year long period. These are entry-level internships for college graduates who are interested in international affairs and the UN, have a commitment to Friends (Quaker) principles of peace, non-violence, and equality, and have not had a similar experience before. The positions provide those individuals selected with an informal extension to their education in international issues, while they assist QUNO staff with programme and administrative tasks. This is a year for first-hand observation of international organisations and the study of issues on the multilateral agenda. Graduates of our programme report it has been a valuable experience, applicable to their subsequent life work.
4. Ashoka, Arlington, VA
Ashoka is leading a profound transformation in society. In the past three decades, the global citizen sector, led by social entrepreneurs, has grown exponentially. Just as the business sector experienced a tremendous spurt in productivity over the last century, the citizen sector is experiencing a similar revolution, with the number and sophistication of citizen organizations increasing dramatically. Rather than leaving societal needs for the government or business sectors to address, social entrepreneurs are creating innovative solutions, delivering extraordinary results, and improving the lives of millions of people.
Interns at Ashoka work with professionals and entrepreneurs committed to supporting an influential civil society worldwide. Because we recognize that interns can be Ashoka’s best ambassadors in their schools and communities, we strive to immerse interns in our most dynamic projects as well as our unique staff culture. Our goal is to give interns the opportunity to shape their own substantive responsibilities. As trusted members of the Ashoka team, interns are expected to demonstrate Ashoka’s core values of applied empathy, entrepreneurship and collegiality, and commitment to innovation for the public.
5. Bonn International Center for Conversion, Germany
BICC is an independent international non-profit organization supporting conversion - processes by which people, skills, technology, equipment and other resources are shifted from military activities and made available for development. W! orking as a worldwide clearinghouse on practical conversion experiences and projects, BICC conducts research and provides documentation, information and consulting services for governmental, non- governmental organizations and companies involved in conversion. BICC's activities focus primarily on the following six aspects of conversion: defense budgets; military research and development (R&D); defense industry; demobilization; base closures; and the alternative use, disposal or scrapping of 'surplus weapons.'
Responsibilities: The work of interns in the BICC research department will include background research, maintenance of the information system, summarizing texts, drafting letters, etc. Every intern will contribute to one or more of BICC's projects and will have one BICC staff member as her or his supervisor.
6. Soliya, NY
This internship is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on outreach and programmatic experience at a small international nonprofit organization.
In the last three years, Soliya has gone from being the idea of two young social entrepreneurs with backgrounds in new media and conflict resolution to an established organization with over 20 universities in nine countries participating in its program and strong established funding relationships in the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
In the coming years, Soliya plans to take its program to scale, connecting thousands of students each semester. The alumni from this program will form the foundation to the Soliya Network - a cross-cultural online social network which will enable young adults around the globe to learn about these issues, express their perspectives on them, and engage in dialogue and collaborative action to address them.
Tags:
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Panorama
Fun with scenic views and snow. Here's the big version.
PS: Someone asked me how I took this shot. It's not stitched together with a number of separate pictures. It's simply taken with a Nikon D50 with a 24-85 mm lens then cropped using Picasa, the one of the best free photo programs out there. No Photoshop or other modifications to the image.
Snowy, Again
A cold blast brought dry snow (about 5 inches or so), wind and now cold clear weather. In other words, nothing like this area for this time of year. Pretty and pretty unusual. School is closed, which is rather funny since we stayed open, power out, during the windstorm and had students taking finals in classrooms without lights. Click on the pic if you want to see a larger size and select "all sizes".
Wikis Around The Classroom
I'm interested in the idea of using wikis as a way for students to build papers online from scratch and allow others in the class to edit them collectively. While I'm not a big fan of Wikipedia, wikis could be really useful for smaller groups to interact and share/contribute material. This would be an improvement over what I've done in past, which was to use discussion threads for students to post their material and get feedback. Here's an interesting article on using wikis in primary education. Anyone out there used wikis in the workplace or elsewhere, and if so, did you find them useful?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Airsoft
I didn't know anything about airsoft until about ten minutes ago, when I came across this local business:
http://www.battlesim.com/
Unlike paintball, those involved in airsoft are in it as much for the simulation or reenactment part as anything else. If you check out the site above, you'll see the extent to which the participants get into their roles. This is apparently particularly popular in Asia, where it first began. In fact, now that I think about it, there's a scene with someone shooting an airsoft gun in the film Lost in Translation.
Battlesim is a local firm if you're in the area and interested. They are doing a re-enactment of the Battle of the Bulge at the end of this month in Duvall, northeast of Seattle.
http://www.battlesim.com/
Unlike paintball, those involved in airsoft are in it as much for the simulation or reenactment part as anything else. If you check out the site above, you'll see the extent to which the participants get into their roles. This is apparently particularly popular in Asia, where it first began. In fact, now that I think about it, there's a scene with someone shooting an airsoft gun in the film Lost in Translation.
Battlesim is a local firm if you're in the area and interested. They are doing a re-enactment of the Battle of the Bulge at the end of this month in Duvall, northeast of Seattle.
Julia Becker on Grad School
Julia Becker '05 is currently working on an MPA at Cornell's Institute of Public Affairs. I asked her if she'd share any thoughts about graduate school based on her first semester:
Tags:
One of the biggest surprises for me as a graduate student has been adjusting to a new type of educational environment. I attend a big research university which has a completely different vibe from UPS. You have to make a bigger effort to form relationships with professors as they are often very research focused. However, you can gain a lot if you do because many of them have wonderful connections that can really help you after you graduate. I even had a professor give me the email address from a professor at another university whose research I was using to write a paper so I could ask him questions personally. This is, at least at my school, a perk for the grad students only.
As for the workload, etc, I feel that UPS really prepared me well, as it does not seem like a huge transition. I feel especially prepared when it comes to writing. I would recommend brushing up on your math, as many programs are very quantitatively focused. Also, I would brush up on your theory for your particular sub-field as I have found many of the graduate classes to be heavily weighted on theory, especially if you are in classes geared to PhD students. Also, I would highly recommend taking a year off at least before pursuing graduate school as it seems like the students with some life and job experience seem to fare better as they seem more grounded and oftentimes are more focused in their studies as they seem to have a better idea of exactly what they want to do when they graduate.
A greal deal of wisdom in a short space. Thanks, Julia, and those of you who are interested in knowing more, check out her blog. Maybe some other alums would like to add to her thoughts? Comment below or email me and I'll post it.
As for the workload, etc, I feel that UPS really prepared me well, as it does not seem like a huge transition. I feel especially prepared when it comes to writing. I would recommend brushing up on your math, as many programs are very quantitatively focused. Also, I would brush up on your theory for your particular sub-field as I have found many of the graduate classes to be heavily weighted on theory, especially if you are in classes geared to PhD students. Also, I would highly recommend taking a year off at least before pursuing graduate school as it seems like the students with some life and job experience seem to fare better as they seem more grounded and oftentimes are more focused in their studies as they seem to have a better idea of exactly what they want to do when they graduate.
A greal deal of wisdom in a short space. Thanks, Julia, and those of you who are interested in knowing more, check out her blog. Maybe some other alums would like to add to her thoughts? Comment below or email me and I'll post it.
Tags:
EU and Turkey Summer Program
Just in:
The IES European Union Summer Program offers students in business, cultural studies, economics, international relations, and political science the opportunity for intensive study of the European Union and its relationship with Turkey, the Balkans, and other EU accession candidates in Southeast Europe. The program is based in Freiburg, Germany, a picturesque yet cosmopolitan university town with a rich educational, historical, and cultural heritage, located in the geographic heart of the European Union. It is ideal either alone or paired with the preceding Spring or following Fall term EU program, as well as with other IES programs.
The intensive 7-week program consists of a mandatory Integrative Seminar, a choice of elective courses, and academic field study:
- The mandatory Integrative Seminar provides the context in which integrated field study is conducted, and offers a comprehensive overview of Southeast Europe with special regard to EU policies and practices towards the region and its EU accession candidates.
- The elective courses in Politics and International Relations, International Economics and Business, and Cultural and Religious Studies, allow you to deepen your understanding of the issues that shape present-day European approaches and affairs.
- Finally, an extensive 10-day field study trip to Turkey allows you to experience first-hand the cultural landscape of one of the EU’s most central and controversial accession state candidates.
Tags:
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
State Department Critical Language Scholarships
Study Arabic, Turkish, or other Middle Eastern and South Asian languages this summer--in their native countries, and on the government's dime:
As part of the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), a U.S. government interagency effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical need foreign languages, the Department of State Critical Language Scholarships will provide funding for U.S. citizen undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students to participate in beginning, intermediate and advanced level summer language programs at American Overseas Research Centers.
Recipients of these scholarships will be expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their critical language skills in their professional careers.
Summer 2006 language institutes included Arabic, Bangla, Hindi, Punjabi, Turkish, and Urdu. The institutes took place in Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey, and Yemen.
Tags:
Monday, January 08, 2007
Organizing Internship Opportunities
I've access to a fair number of internships these days, so I am going to try to bunch them up on Fridays rather than spread them out over the week. So students, expect to find them then. Conferences and other goodies will still post as I get them.
Christmas Comes Twice
I returned to my office after break to find several nice presents waiting for the department from alums. Here's the first one, which I referenced in an earlier blog post:
This is a postcard that I found on ebay last month, depicting the university at its previous address (where Jason Lee Elementary is now on Sixth Av.). I didn't bid on it but one of our alums (who wishes to remain anonymous) snapped it up and sent it to us. Thanks so much!
A bit of history: Given the fact that the University is given on the postcard as the "University of Puget Sound" and not "Puget Sound University" or "College of Puget Sound," this, combined with the location would date the card from between 1903 and 1913. This school has had four names, our current one twice. Behind the main building you can see another building under construction which, from our recent history, hints that this picture dates from the period of rapid expansion that took place under President Below from 1907-09.
Tags:
This is a postcard that I found on ebay last month, depicting the university at its previous address (where Jason Lee Elementary is now on Sixth Av.). I didn't bid on it but one of our alums (who wishes to remain anonymous) snapped it up and sent it to us. Thanks so much!
A bit of history: Given the fact that the University is given on the postcard as the "University of Puget Sound" and not "Puget Sound University" or "College of Puget Sound," this, combined with the location would date the card from between 1903 and 1913. This school has had four names, our current one twice. Behind the main building you can see another building under construction which, from our recent history, hints that this picture dates from the period of rapid expansion that took place under President Below from 1907-09.
Tags:
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Alum Blog Roundup
Julia:
"I miss being out in the working world where at least if you work your butt off all day you can come home and relax at the end of it. I hate reading about things when I could be out there doing something about them".
Todd:
"Rachael Ray should be thinking now about how to ration her exposure so she doesn't burn everyone out on her bubbly kookiness."
Derek:
"I located my store in the ________ District because I value community. I wanted to be able to keep random hours and offer products at absurd prices and scowl at customers who don’t buy anything, all with a Draconian return policy. That’s why people come to this district to shop; the experience."
Korby:
"New connections and new friends were made. Wine flowed freely. Martinis were mixed and poured without ostentation in goblets: the closest thing I have to cocktail glasses."
Jennifer:
"Sasha's grandma decided to interrogate us about why we're moving to America as 'Ukraine is the best place on earth.' I might agree if I was 79 and all settled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with a home and a life of memories. But young and starting out, it is a tough place to be. and c) it was COLD. Really cold in the village."
Mark:
"Guyanese people have some interesting traditions on Old Year’s Night. Many like to be in church or mandir when midnight strikes. And then, around 12:30 they go to the bars and start drinking, partying until dawn or so."
Ric:
"Taxation & Economics 101: If you want income that remains stable through the ups and downs, you should impose a very tiny tax on a wide variety of items. I.E.: broaden the base and lower the rates. A higher tax on a very few items results in a revenue stream with wild mood swings."
Trevor:
"Many of you may not realize this, but I really like Rice Krispies, made by the good people at Kellogg. This evening, while I was pouring myself a bowl of Krispie goodness, out of the box fell a plastic-wrapped digital pedometer (we have come a long way from secret decoder rings). Along with the pedometer there was the instruction sheet that I have included for you below."
"I miss being out in the working world where at least if you work your butt off all day you can come home and relax at the end of it. I hate reading about things when I could be out there doing something about them".
Todd:
"Rachael Ray should be thinking now about how to ration her exposure so she doesn't burn everyone out on her bubbly kookiness."
Derek:
"I located my store in the ________ District because I value community. I wanted to be able to keep random hours and offer products at absurd prices and scowl at customers who don’t buy anything, all with a Draconian return policy. That’s why people come to this district to shop; the experience."
Korby:
"New connections and new friends were made. Wine flowed freely. Martinis were mixed and poured without ostentation in goblets: the closest thing I have to cocktail glasses."
Jennifer:
"Sasha's grandma decided to interrogate us about why we're moving to America as 'Ukraine is the best place on earth.' I might agree if I was 79 and all settled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with a home and a life of memories. But young and starting out, it is a tough place to be. and c) it was COLD. Really cold in the village."
Mark:
"Guyanese people have some interesting traditions on Old Year’s Night. Many like to be in church or mandir when midnight strikes. And then, around 12:30 they go to the bars and start drinking, partying until dawn or so."
Ric:
"Taxation & Economics 101: If you want income that remains stable through the ups and downs, you should impose a very tiny tax on a wide variety of items. I.E.: broaden the base and lower the rates. A higher tax on a very few items results in a revenue stream with wild mood swings."
Trevor:
"Many of you may not realize this, but I really like Rice Krispies, made by the good people at Kellogg. This evening, while I was pouring myself a bowl of Krispie goodness, out of the box fell a plastic-wrapped digital pedometer (we have come a long way from secret decoder rings). Along with the pedometer there was the instruction sheet that I have included for you below."
Friday, January 05, 2007
Ali Wade '96 Joins the New Democrat Network
This posted yesterday to the New Democrat Network's blog. Ali continues to move from strength to strength in DC. Oh, and I notice NDN has interesting looking internships as well...
ALIXANDRIA WADE TO JOIN NDN
Veteran Congressional, political aide to become new executive director
Washington, DC – NDN, a progressive think tank and advocacy organization, announced that Alixandria Wade would be joining its staff in a newly created position of executive director.
“America and the progressive movement face a whole new array of 21st century challenges,” said Ali Wade. “Few organizations have thought more about or worked harder to help us meet these challenges than NDN. I am excited to be joining this team that has such a long track record of success, and I am ready to get to work.”
“Ali has the right mix of vision, intelligence and leadership skills to take NDN to the next institutional level,” said NDN President Simon Rosenberg. “I’ve known Ali for a long time, consider her a good friend and believe deeply that she is one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with. With Ali on board, there is much, much more NDN will be able to do to contribute to the important debates of our day.”
With the titles of Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Wade will oversee the day to day operations of NDN, and will report directly to President Simon Rosenberg. She will be joining NDN’s very experienced management team that includes New Politics Institute Director Peter Leyden, a well-known writer and former managing editor of Wired magazine, and Hispanic Strategy Center Director Joe Garcia, the former head of the Cuban-American National Foundation.
Alixandria Wade, 31, has worked in the United States Congress and Democratic politics for over ten years. During the 2006 campaign cycle, Ms. Wade was the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Campaign Director and then became the Deputy Director of the Committee's Independent Expenditure operation, which spent $67 million in over 50 congressional races. Ali served as Congressman Adam Smith's (WA-09) Chief of Staff from 2000 - 2005, and as his Communications and Legislative Director from 1997 - 2000. During her time in Congress, Wade was a leading staffer for the New Democrat Coalition, a House Caucus currently co-chaired by Congressman Smith.
Ms. Wade also ran the Washington State Caucus campaign for Senator John Kerry's presidential race in 2004. She is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, and a Washington state native.
NDN is a think tank and advocacy organization working to advance a 21st century progressivism. It has three affiliates, the New Politics Institute, the Hispanic Strategy Center and the NDN Political Fund. NDN and its work can be found at www.ndn.org, www.newpolitics.net and www.ndnblog.org.
Students: Last Chance to Apply, US-Canada Student Border Conference
We blogged the following some time back--the deadline is 1/15. Take a look here for the details--it's a great opportunity and is completely paid for by the Canadian Government.
This leads to a wider issue. We've posted several of these opportunities in past, and suggested that there could be funding where necessary for those interested. But we've have little response. I finally buttonholed some of my students last semester and asked why they thought students weren't interested. One answer I did get was that students didn't understand why they should want to go to student conferences or seminars like the one below. A good question, and one I didn't consider.
So here are a few thoughts. Student conferences, programs and seminars off campus:
This leads to a wider issue. We've posted several of these opportunities in past, and suggested that there could be funding where necessary for those interested. But we've have little response. I finally buttonholed some of my students last semester and asked why they thought students weren't interested. One answer I did get was that students didn't understand why they should want to go to student conferences or seminars like the one below. A good question, and one I didn't consider.
So here are a few thoughts. Student conferences, programs and seminars off campus:
- Are great learning experiences very different from the classroom
- Are a great way to meet people and start developing contacts
- Look good on a resume, especially if you are considering graduate education later on
- Can be a source for writing samples or statements of interest for job, scholarship, and school applications
- Are often really fun--you get to hang out with people your age as well as interact with professionals who are interested in you
- Give you a chance to travel
- Often open doors to other programs in future.
Julia Becker '05 on the Blogroll
Julia Becker '05 has been added to the blogroll. After graduating, Julia did a stint with Americorps and worked on Katrina cleanup, and is currently studying for an MPA at the Cornell Institute of International Affairs. Julia updates the blog sporadically, but it goes back several years to her study abroad with SIT in Geneva. You'll find interesting posts on her study abroad, Americorps and life after Katrina, and her thoughts about the Cornell program. A good read, especially for students.
Read an earlier alum profile of Julia here.
Read an earlier alum profile of Julia here.
Finally My Ship Has Come In
Even the Nigerian government has taken notice of our blog...
Urgent Attention For Your Benefit.
Attn:My Beloved,
Your file appears in my desk two days ago Through FMS office That you are among people approved to be paid half of their payment of USD$8 million dollars. Signed by the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, On behalf of Mr. President.I need your above information, to confirm with the one we have already here in our file, if you are the rightful owner to be paid.
Thanks and God bless.
Regards,
Mrs. Joy Okoro.
Special Adviser to Mr. President.
Urgent Attention For Your Benefit.
Attn:My Beloved,
Your file appears in my desk two days ago Through FMS office That you are among people approved to be paid half of their payment of USD$8 million dollars. Signed by the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, On behalf of Mr. President.I need your above information, to confirm with the one we have already here in our file, if you are the rightful owner to be paid.
Thanks and God bless.
Regards,
Mrs. Joy Okoro.
Special Adviser to Mr. President.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Melanie Choy '98 Is Wed
Before the break I got a nice email from Melanie Choy '98. who I hadn't heard from in years. I've since been pestering her for an alum profile--this is the downside if you email me. For now Melanie says I have to be content with a picture of her wedding. Fair enough!
Melanie lives in Northern California, and was married last September. Best wishes to the two of you and I hope that your travels might bring you back this way some time in future.
Tags:
Melanie lives in Northern California, and was married last September. Best wishes to the two of you and I hope that your travels might bring you back this way some time in future.
Tags:
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Mistaken Identities
A few days back I posted that I'd set up a blogroll to list all the blogs our alums seemed to be turning out these days. One that had come to my attention was written by one of our recent alums who is now in law school. Let us call our alum Xavier, and the the blog "lawschoolbadblog". Xavier's blog appears to be very popular, in part for a tone I described as "splenetic" (another reader described it as little more than sour grapes).
But here's the catch. Lawschoolbadblog isn't written by our Xavier at all, but rather someone with the exact first and last name. So how did I come across it and assume it was Xavier? Our PG blog was getting hits that were coming from lawschoolbadblog; people who read it were then googling Xavier, and hitting our site (where Xavier had been mentioned in past). Moreover, Xavier had been blogging himself in past on a different site.
A few minutes ago I got an email from Xavier pointing out my error, and reminding me that I warned of just such a thing some posts ago. I quote my entry:
"Remember that any time you link out to another website, traffic from your site to that other URL will leave a record at the other end. So if you think your posts are private, but in the process link to an external site, the owner of that site can see where visitors have come from and work their way backward. Similarly, others may link to your site without asking permission, effectively advertising what had been a private site."
...and...
"Google yourself regularly to see what can be found by using different key words. I found, for example, that there's now a blog called "Patrick O'Neil's Pointed Pen" which is all about politics and has nothing to do with me. Sooner or later, though, someone will assume I'm the author."
So here's an interesting mix of these two forces at work; in this case lawschoolbadblog was clearly not private--it gets thousands of hits a day--and so I didn't bother to contact Xavier to ask permission to link. If I had, however, I'd soon found out it was a case of mistaken identity.
I am both chastened and reminded of the growing opportunities and confusions that emerge in the virtual world, where people hold multiple identities and unwillingly merge with that of others. Hence my use of pseudonyms for our alum and the mistaken blog--if I use the real ones, they'll only generate more mistaken traffic that links our alum to a blog that is not his.
Xavier, my apologies, and thanks for reminding me to heed my own advice!
Update: Our alum says all is forgiven and that I can even mention who it is, but now I'm gun/blog shy.
But here's the catch. Lawschoolbadblog isn't written by our Xavier at all, but rather someone with the exact first and last name. So how did I come across it and assume it was Xavier? Our PG blog was getting hits that were coming from lawschoolbadblog; people who read it were then googling Xavier, and hitting our site (where Xavier had been mentioned in past). Moreover, Xavier had been blogging himself in past on a different site.
A few minutes ago I got an email from Xavier pointing out my error, and reminding me that I warned of just such a thing some posts ago. I quote my entry:
"Remember that any time you link out to another website, traffic from your site to that other URL will leave a record at the other end. So if you think your posts are private, but in the process link to an external site, the owner of that site can see where visitors have come from and work their way backward. Similarly, others may link to your site without asking permission, effectively advertising what had been a private site."
...and...
"Google yourself regularly to see what can be found by using different key words. I found, for example, that there's now a blog called "Patrick O'Neil's Pointed Pen" which is all about politics and has nothing to do with me. Sooner or later, though, someone will assume I'm the author."
So here's an interesting mix of these two forces at work; in this case lawschoolbadblog was clearly not private--it gets thousands of hits a day--and so I didn't bother to contact Xavier to ask permission to link. If I had, however, I'd soon found out it was a case of mistaken identity.
I am both chastened and reminded of the growing opportunities and confusions that emerge in the virtual world, where people hold multiple identities and unwillingly merge with that of others. Hence my use of pseudonyms for our alum and the mistaken blog--if I use the real ones, they'll only generate more mistaken traffic that links our alum to a blog that is not his.
Xavier, my apologies, and thanks for reminding me to heed my own advice!
Update: Our alum says all is forgiven and that I can even mention who it is, but now I'm gun/blog shy.
A History of UPS 1888-1938
During the Depression the Work Projects Administration supported a writers' program that, among other things, collected oral and other histories across the US. Among the results was a three volume set on Washington entitled Told By the Pioneers, published in 1937-38.
In the third volume there is a section on the history of all the major schools in Washington, including the College of Puget Sound, as it was known at the time. Written by History Professor Walter Davis, it covers in great detail the difficult early years of Puget Sound University/University of Puget Sound/College of Puget Sound, as it moved no less than four times.
Here are the closing words of the essay:
And indeed, we have doubled and tripled in size and our good influences gone out in ever-widening circles. I'll leave it to Jones Hall to decide if our endowment has kept pace.
I've pasted together the page scans into one long document that you can find here. Note that what I've done is larger than a normal image and so won't print easily. So, I've also made a pdf out of the whole document that is paginated; you can find it here.
If you'd like to look at more of the historical publications on Washington state online, including books, pictures, newspapers and other resources, you can find them at the Secretary of State's website here.
Tags:
In the third volume there is a section on the history of all the major schools in Washington, including the College of Puget Sound, as it was known at the time. Written by History Professor Walter Davis, it covers in great detail the difficult early years of Puget Sound University/University of Puget Sound/College of Puget Sound, as it moved no less than four times.
Here are the closing words of the essay:
And indeed, we have doubled and tripled in size and our good influences gone out in ever-widening circles. I'll leave it to Jones Hall to decide if our endowment has kept pace.
I've pasted together the page scans into one long document that you can find here. Note that what I've done is larger than a normal image and so won't print easily. So, I've also made a pdf out of the whole document that is paginated; you can find it here.
If you'd like to look at more of the historical publications on Washington state online, including books, pictures, newspapers and other resources, you can find them at the Secretary of State's website here.
Tags:
Reminder: Hansard Scholars Programme Applications due 2/1
We blogged this earlier; and a reminder has just come in from the Hansard folks regarding summer:
"As the deadline for the Summer 2007 Hansard Scholars Programme (May 19th-August 4th) is fast approaching, I thought I would drop you a line to ask if you could possibly remind any of your interested students that applications should be in by February 1st.
The Hansard Scholars Programme is an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain academic and practical knowledge of the British political system and current debates in UK public policy.
If any of your students are interested in studying British politics at the London School of Economics and doing an internship in the Houses of 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
"As the deadline for the Summer 2007 Hansard Scholars Programme (May 19th-August 4th) is fast approaching, I thought I would drop you a line to ask if you could possibly remind any of your interested students that applications should be in by February 1st.
The Hansard Scholars Programme is an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain academic and practical knowledge of the British political system and current debates in UK public policy.
If any of your students are interested in studying British politics at the London School of Economics and doing an internship in the Houses of 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
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Comments Roundup
Alums often leave comments that I want to highlight, so a couple of pointers back to earlier posts:
- I blogged about the state of jobs in teaching political science at the college level; Debra Dahlin '85 wisely added some thoughts about how job opportunities are influenced by both geography and the use of adjunct instructors. Professor Sousa has similarly commented in past to students thinking about a PhD that they should be prepared that they'd land a job in a part of the country they don't know or particularly like.
- I blogged about the misuses and non-uses email. A couple of alums chimed in, one at Microsoft and the other an elementary school principal. They remind us that email is both very important in the professional world but also very easy to abuse with improper tone or content. Read their thoughts here.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Then and Now
I'm breaking my blog fast a bit early thanks to Derek Young '96 over at Exit133. He's linked out to a series of photographs of Tacoma taken in the 1970s, when the town was at or near rock bottom. If you've not spent much time in the city they might not resonate, but if you pre or postdate that time and know Tacoma landmarks they are quite remarkable. I've tried to pick out a couple and marry them to recent ones of the same area. We've come a long way, and in some cases these changes have only taken place in the last ten years.
Union Station
Former power station/UWT library
Find the full photoset here.
Union StationFormer power station/UWT libraryFind the full photoset here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)