Cuba after Fidel: The UPS connection

From Professor Share:


“There his is no idea or force, including the strong arm of the empire, that can destroy this revolution . . .There will not be a post-Castro era because there won’t be a post-revolutionary era.”

During my various trips to Cuba I was able to meet two younger Cuban leaders who have been mentioned as possible successors for some of Fidel’s many roles in the Cuban government and the Communist Party. Fernando Ramírez de Estenoz visited our campus about a decade ago when he was a diplomat stationed in Washington D.C. When I was last in Cuba leading a Stanford study tour Ramírez spoke to my group when we visited the Foreign Ministry. He strikes me as smart and open-minded. The more likely choice to replace Fidel is Carlos Lage, a 56-year old economist who has been acting more or less as a prime-minister. Lage oversaw the economic reforms in Cuba during the economic free-fall of the 1990s, and is viewed as a proponent of further reforms. I met him in the Cuban residence of a top Spanish diplomat many years ago. He struck me as a brilliant and pragmatic reformer. Descriptions of these and other possible replacements for Fidel can be found at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cuba_next_generation_1

Global Youth Connect: US/Jordan and Iraqi Refugees

We've had an alum do GYC in Africa, so if you have questions let me know--Prof. O'Neil

Global Youth Connect - American Youth Activists (ages 18-30) for Iraqi Refugee Solidarity Initiative - USA / Jordan

We are currently seeking applications from American youth activists (ages 18-30) who are interested in participating in an Iraqi Refugee Solidarity Initiative. Ten U.S. participants will be selected to join in the program activities described below and will work together with Iraqi and Jordanian youth over a period of six months to help address the Iraqi refugee crisis in Jordan. We greatly appreciate your help in getting the word out to people wh! o might be interested in this unique opportunity.

Det ailed program and application information can be found on our website: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate.

Application deadline: March 21, 2008

Program Activities: This joint initiative will bring together 30 youth (ages 18-30) from Iraq, Jordan and the U.S. with the goal of better understanding the root causes of the crisis, placing it within a larger regional and global context, and identifying concrete ways in which they can take steps towards addressing the situation. The initiative will take place over a 6-month period, incorporating a series of distinct yet interconnected elements, including: a peer learning community in Jordan, community engagement and outreach, and an evaluation and reflection retreat.< br>

Peer Learning Community
July 25 - August 18, 2008

The first phase of the initiative will bring together 30 participants from Iraq, Jordan and the U.S. (10 from each country) for three weeks in Amman, Jordan. As part of a peer learning community, participants will engage in dialogue, build skills in conflict transformation and human rights activism, and engage in a joint fieldwork project and action planning.

Community Engagement & Outreach
August 19, 2008 - January 2, 2009
After the initial three-week learning community in Jordan, participants will spend several months organizing creative, follow-up activities in their own communities to address the Iraqi refugee crisis.

Evaluation & Reflection Retreat
January 3-4, 2009

At the end of the program, participants will once again come together to evaluate and reflect on their action efforts, reconnect with o! ther participants and identify next steps. For U.S. participants, this weekend program will take place at a retreat center in upstate New York.

Program Costs: While GYC and its partner organizations in Jordan will help underwrite the costs of this program, U.S. participants will be expected to contribute and/or fundraise $2,500 to help cover the costs of running this program. In addition to this, participants will need to cover their international airfare and some other expenses associated with their participation in the program. Please see detailed information and fundraising guide available on our website for more information: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate.

Professor Weinberger's Forthcoming Book

Congratulations to Professor Weinberger, who has been given a contract by Praeger Publishers for his book Restoring the Balance: War Powers in an Age of Terror. Like many of us, he'll be busy this summer working on the book, which flows out of his teachings on foreign policy, national security, and constitutional law.

Buyer, be fair (trade coffee)

On March 7, 2008, the World Trade Center Tacoma is hosting a breakfast discussion about Fair Trade. Our speakers for the event are Prof. Matt Warning from UPS (Economics) and Mark Viramontes, owner of Origin 23 (formerly Firehouse Coffee on the corner of 6th and Union). The discussion will show the documentary, “Buyer, Be Fair: The Promise of Product Certification” that Prof. Warning consulted on, and was premiered at UPS. In addition to the documentary, our speakers will answer questions and discuss the realities of being involved in fair trade business.

The event is open to the public, and we would welcome students to attend!

The breakfast will be on Friday, March 7 from 8am until 9:30am at the Law Offices of Gordon Thomas Honeywell in the Wells Fargo Building downtown. The address is 1501 Pacific Avenue, Floor 21.

More information is available on our website: www.wtcta.org.

If you wouldn’t mind passing around this information, we would certainly appreciate it!

Best,

Colleen Gause
Communications and Education Coordinator
World Trade Center Tacoma
950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 310
Tacoma, WA 98402
cgause@wtcta.org
Phone: 253.396.1022
UPS Logger * Class of 2006

Mark Scott '74 on a life inside intelligence

Yesterday PG 250 (our required course in research and writing in the major) was fortunate to host Mark Scott '74, who after graduation spent 28 years working in cryptologic service at the National Security Agency. His comments on work in intelligence and security, on life in DC, and how to be flexible in approach one's future were invaluable. Mr. Scott was kind enough to write up his main points, and I copy them below. Many thanks! If you'd like to contact Mr. Scott, send me (Professor O'Neil) a note.

The following is based on my experiences and represent my opinion.

Careers:

1. Be flexible on the types of careers you pursue. Have a backup plan if your primary doesn’t work out.

2. Make sure there is some sort of relationship between your interests, education and skills and the career field you are interested in. If you have no interest in the job then why apply?

3. What is the trade-off? What are you willing to sacrifice to work in that field (slow advancement, background checks, benefit packages, travel, and work location)?

4. Research the career field and the organization you are thinking of applying to- Who are they? What do they do? What are their benefit packages? What sort of advancement can you expect? Big one: Do you want to invest 10, 20 or 30 years in that field?

5. Always look for opportunities to enhance your education and skills. This will give you better career mobility within and external to your career field. If will be easier to switch careers if you have a broad package of education, skills and experience.

6. Know your limitations.

7. Having a foreign language BEFORE you apply for a job potentially saves that agency/company/organization money and may make you a more attractive hire. If you can’t, be alert for opportunities for company/agency/organizationally sponsored programs. If this isn’t possible, explore other options (company/agency sponsored training, self-financed course(s)).

8. Be prepared to take jobs you find less attractive and less satisfying in order to gain entry to the positions you do want.

Your first task after graduation is to get established in the field, even at entry-level. Once you have this stability, you can move on to address other issues.

As with any decision in your life, consider it carefully, weighing the pros and cons. Do not let yourself get rushed into decisions that will impact your life without careful deliberation.

Where you end up depends on choices you make.


GRADUATE STUDIES OPTIONS
Programs which build on your Government and Politics Undergraduate Degree include (these subjects were taken from actual programs offered in the U.S.):

Topical Programs
Conflict Resolution
Diplomacy
Foreign Service
Government
Intelligence Studies
Strategic Intelligence
International Business
International Development Policy
International Policy Studies
International Politics
International Relations
International Studies
International Trade Management
National Security Studies
Public Administration
Public Affairs
Public Policy
Policy Management
Security Policy
Security Studies
Statecraft and National Security Affairs

This short list of topical areas covers those interested in international careers, Non-governmental organization careers, U.S. National Security,
Government (Federal, State, Local), Business and industry and so on.

A less expensive option is to look for post-graduate “Certificate” programs in the above. You can use these to build on if you choose to pursue a Masters Degree later.

Area Studies programs are broken down into two types- Country and Regional. An example of the former would be a program in China Studies. With this, naturally, you should consider including a Chinese language course. Regional Studies would include East European Studies or Southeast Asian Studies for example. There are many of these programs available, look for ones that provide solid background in a country’s or region’s culture, history, politics etc. Avoid those which are nothing more than a pulpit for current
political issues.

Other Skill Enhancements
• Certificate programs in information science, information technology, computer science, gaining certification in one of these areas (example NOVELL certification in computer systems administration).
• Practical experience in a skill area of use in your career field of interest through volunteerism, internships and
Fellowships

DON’Ts
• Avoid coursework in narrow niche subjects of no practical use in the real world. They may be interesting to you but will have no value in applying for a job unless that job has a direct link to that niche course. 18th Century French Literature will not be of much use to someone
pursuing a business or humanitarian career in Asia for Africa.
• Do not pad your resume. It can be rejected if detected.
• Don’t make unreasonable demands or expectations during the hiring process. That is a turn-off to interviewers.
• Avoid inappropriate dress. Some agencies/companies have cultures which unofficially dictate a certain dress code. Its not a requirement but it is expected. It could damage advancement potential. Understanding the corporate culture is key identifying the work norm in an office in terms of dress and language. Some companies/agencies are fairly laid back; others may be rather stiff and formal.
• In an interview, do not appear hesitant, display lack of confidence in yourself or apologetic or show disinterest in the work as a career. Answer questions clearly and accurately.

A CAREER IN INTELLIGENCE

If you are interested in a career in Intelligence, craft your educational goals accordingly and ask yourself some important questions:

• Are you willing to undergo an extensive background check?
• Are you willing to subject yourself to periodic re-investigations and polygraph examinations?

If not, consider another career field. These are the price for a clearance, for access, for the job.

• Can I be impartial?

If not, do consider another field. Intelligence must be based on facts, not colored by political naiveté, ideology or personal feelings.

EDUCATION

Consider an Area Studies minor and learn a foreign language (preferably one in which linguists are in short supply). Apply for an internship at a Government agency or with a non-profit think tank that examines intelligence issues. The latter will provide some practical experience for your resume.

THE MILITARY ANGLE

If you are planning to join the military (Active, Reserve, National Guard), consider the Intelligence field. When your enlistment is up, you will have added specialized training and practical experience to your resume, not to mention a security clearance. All of this is marketable when seeking employment across most elements of the Government as well as private industry. And the education benefits can help you pursue graduate studies.

WHAT CAN THIS DO IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

Any company which has a need for personnel having a security clearance will view you more favorably if you have one and it is still active. Such a candidate would save that company thousands of dollars in clearance costs. These companies range from manufacturers (Boeing, Rockwell etc) to “think tanks” producing studies and assessments, training and contract staffing.

Ike likes CPS

A while back I got an email from an alum wondering if any standing presidents had been on the Puget Sound campus in previous years. JFK was at Cheney Field in 1963 as part of a joint convocation of UPS and PLU, but I don't believe he came to our school. One well known presidential visit, however, was Eisenhower, who spoke at CPS (as we were back then) in 1958. Here's an excerpt from his speech:

In expressing my appreciation to the College of Puget Sound for their great courtesy in allowing us to use this hall, I want to tell you that last evening I spent a great deal of time with two of your alumni, and I learned about your undefeated football team. So I guess it's in order for me to extend felicitations.
...To act wisely and effectively, at this most important time in the history of American education, our people must be alerted, even aroused, to the problems before us. I sometimes wonder whether we really realize how extraordinarily complicated our lives have become-even within the life that has been lived by the youngest of those here present-with radar, the jet airplane, with every kind of terrible bomb that the world can build. We have come to a time when this understanding must be pushed faster. Man's scientific genius seems to have out-raced his own intelligence and judgment in handling the products of his own inven­tiveness. This is a gap which we must overcome.

Read the whole thing here.

International Forum for Democratic Studies Internship, DC

NOTE: We have a contact at NED. This is a great internship opportunity. Talk to Professor Weinberger if you are interested.

International Forum for Democratic Studies - Internship - Washington, DC, USA

Description:
The International Forum for Democratic Studies, the research arm of the National Endowment for Democracy, is a leading center for analysis of the theory and practice of democratic development worldwide. It is also a clearinghouse for information on the varied activities and experiences of groups and institutions working to achieve and maintain democracy around the world.

The International Forum is seeking advanced undergraduate or graduate students for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Forum internships, which are unpaid, provide students an excellent opportunity to improve their knowledge of democratization and international affairs and to develop and improve their research, writing, and computer skills.

Interns work with Forum staff to monitor important developments in the democratizing world and help plan and administer a busy research and conferences program.

Responsibilities:

. writing and editing features for the quarterly electronic newsletter of the Comparative Democratization section of the American Political Science Association

. conducting research and preparing brief reports and bibliographic essays on such issues as civil society and democracy, political finance and elections, political party reform, Islam and democracy, the democratic response to terrorism, social policy, and other topics, as needed

. helping develop the Network of Democracy Research Institutes through Internet research and writing

. writing and editing features for the research network's electronic newsletter and Web site

. assisting with administrative planning of Forum meetings and conferences

. other related tasks, as needed

Qualifications:

Although there is no required academic major, most Forum interns have majored in political science, international relations, or contemporary history. Applicants should have a strong interest in international affairs, U.S. foreign policy, and democracy as well as excellent research, writing, and computer skills. Students with foreign-language skills are particularly encouraged to apply.

To Apply for a Forum Internship:

Please send a cover letter, resume, two references, and brief writing sample to the contact below.

Intern Coordinator
International Forum for Democratic Studies
National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20004
forum@ned.org

Deadline for Spring 2008: November 15
Deadline for Summer 2008: March 15
Deadline for Fall 2008: July 15

Chicago and Twin Cities alums: Professor Sousa Talk

Our own Professor Sousa will be doing the alum tour in Chicago and the Twin Cities:

“We Can Rearrange the World”: Democracy and Presidential Nominations from Chicago ‘68 to the Choices of ‘08

Wednesday, April 2, 2008
St. Paul Hotel
James J. Hill Room
350 Market Street, St. Paul, MN

Thursday, April 3, 2008
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Skyline Room, 16th Floor
401 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL

Professor Sousa notes that "the quote in the title is taken from a Crosby Stills Nash and Young song, Chicago, which was essentially a call to young people to travel to Chicago at the time of the convention to 'rearrange the world.' Things certainly did get rearranged."

Illinois State Student Conference

CALL FOR PAPERS:

The Sixteenth Annual

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE FOR STUDENTS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Conference website (and paper submission page):
http://www.politicsandgovernment.ilstu.edu/current/conferences/

Bone Student Center
Normal, Illinois
April 4, 2008

Draft paper deadline: February 17, 2008
Final Papers due: March 17, 2008

All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit papers for the sixteenth annual
Illinois Conference for Students of Political Science. We welcome papers on any topic related to
government and/or politics. All subfields and political perspectives are welcome.

Panelists at the previous conferences included 750 students attending
100 colleges and universities.

If you are interested in participating in this exciting event, please complete the online proposal
submission form or submit a cover letter, containing your contact information (including email address), your school, and the name of the faculty member with whom you are working, and a draft copy of your paper (or the actual paper) by February 17, 2008 to:

Dr. Gary Klass and Dr. George Kiser
4600 Department of Politics and Government
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4600.

Conference website (and submission page):
http://www.politicsandgovernment.ilstu.edu/current/conferences/

If you would like to serve as a discussant on a panel, please send a letter stating your interest and main areas of scholarly knowledge. E-mail submissions are welcome. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email: gmklass@Iilstu.edu or call us at (309) 438-8638.

Old Heidelberg

From Exit 133 ('96 PG alum Derek Young), news that the remnant letters on the old Heidelberg brewery downtown have been removed in advance of the building's demolition. Tacomans remember well this brewery from its heyday (1900-1979), and older alums likely drank a Heidelberg or two, perhaps from their keg-shaped stubby bottles? Another piece of Tacoma history fades away.

Feb 19 Talk: Negotiating Muslim Hierarchy in Indonesia

Click on the image for a larger version

Fuel in the family

This came to me by way of Professor Sherman, since it's his father-in-law, Jeffrey Martin, who is one of the main scientists behind this project at Los Alamos. From the New York Times:

Scientists there say they have developed a way to produce truly carbon-neutral fuel and useful organic chemicals at large scale using water and carbon dioxide removed from the air as raw materials....One selling point with Los Alamos’s “Green Freedom” concept, and similar ones, is that reusing the carbon atoms in the captured CO2 molecules as a fuel ingredient avoids the need to find huge repositories for the greenhouse gas. The lab’s researchers, led by F. Jeffrey Martin, say their system could process vast volumes of air using existing giant structures like the cooling towers at nuclear power plants. No need to chop down rain forests or compete with food crops to grow carbon-grabbing fuel crops like corn or switchgrass.

Read the whole thing here. There's a second department connection; this work is being closely studied by the Air Force with the participation of Assistant Secretary Kevin Billings '77. Small world.

Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program

Directed toward young grads who are out in the workforce:

The Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program was established to provide professionals from around the world with the opportunity to be trained in conflict resolution and mediation strategies. The program also can help participants become better equipped to prevent and resolve conflict and to foster policies and create settings that ensure peace worldwide. Offered in English, the program is aimed toward mid- to upper-level professionals in governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private corporations.

The intensive three-month course, which was started in July 2006, is housed at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. Rotary will accept up to 30 program participants per session for two sessions annually. Each session will include both academic learning and practical fieldwork components. The program aims to

• Inspire people to work for a culture of peace and tolerance while enhancing their capacity, knowledge, and skills in this area, in part by generating interaction between practitioners and academics
• Offer advanced international educational opportunities to Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program participants chosen from different countries and cultures on the basis of their potential as government, business, education, media, and other professional leaders
• Provide a means for The Rotary Foundation and Rotarians to increase their effectiveness in promoting greater tolerance and cooperation among peoples, thereby leading to world understanding and peace.

Learn more about program eligibility and deadlines.

To find out more about the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program, contact your local Rotary club or the Rotary Centers Department at The Rotary Foundation.

Campaign Corps

Deadline April 14:

Campaign Corps is a national grassroots program dedicated to politically empowering young people. Each year, we train talented recent graduates and place them on targeted, progressive Democratic campaigns. Participants receive a stipend and free housing during the campaign, with all travel expenses paid. For more information, click here.

Students Caucus

It's easy to think of young people as disengaged politically. Whatever your political persuasion it would make you proud to see so many UPS students actively following and participating in the presidential campaigns. A few camera phone shots from Josh Cole '09 from the local democratic primary, which as you'll see was chock-a-block with UPS students, including PG majors. Here are a few I liked in particular:



I like the t-shirt: Loggers Kick Axe!

Progressive Policy Institute Internships, Washington DC

Progressive Policy Institute Internships Washington, D.C.
Location: Washington, D.C.

Defense and Foreign Policy Internships
PPI advocates a new progressive internationalism: a U.S. leadership role, in conjunction with allies and mult ilateral organization, aimed at promoting political and economic freedom, resolving dangerous regional conflicts, and dealing with new threats to peace and security like terrorism, cyber-warfare, and chemical and biological warfare.

Economic Policy Internships
PPI advocates fiscal discipline, a progressive tax system free of special-interest subsidies, and government budgets that emphasize investments in the country's long-term well-being.

Education Policy Internships
The 21st Century Schools Project develops public policies to modernize American schools and ensure that all students are prepared for success in the knowledge economy.

Energy and Environmental Policy Internships
PPI advocates using performance-based, market-oriented, and civic-minded strategies to drive continuous and efficient improvement in environmental quality.

Health Care Policy Internships
PPI wants to create an Information Age health care system in which every American has the resources to purchase private health insurance in a marketplace where health plans and providers compete on the basis of both quality and cost.

Social Policy Internships
PPI believes in strengthening communities by engaging local, private institutions in government service delivery, and by devolving decision-making powers to local communities in exchange for accountability for nationally-defined results.

Technology & New Economy Policy Internships
PPI supports efforts to spread productivity-enhancing technologies to every industry, community and family, while equipping every American with the knowledge, skills and other resources! needed to succeed in the New Economy.

Trade Policy Internships
PPI believes we must shape globalization to reflect our interests and values, through a combination of open trade, international rules, and efforts to provide Americans with the tools they need to compete and succeed.

For more information, please visit the following site:
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_sub.cfm?knlgAreaID=87&subsecid=64

A Yank in Canada: Jon Roberts attends the Thompson Rivers Conference

Early this year Thompson Rivers University in BC held an undergraduate student conference, and I encouraged our majors to apply to present. Jon Roberts '10 took me up on it, and went up to give his paper on "The Third Place Question in New Urbanism". Here's Jon's recap of the event:

The TRU Conference was an excellent experience, both for the academic in me and for the American me. I was the sole Yank in the room (save some ex-pats now teaching there) so it was great as a Politics and Government major being grilled by non-Americans! On top of that, the conference was well-organized and small enough that it afforded a good deal of feedback from panel moderators and ample opportunity to chat with professors there. And while the grad school talks and other policy conversations were Canadian-specific, it was definitely illuminating. All in all, a great experience that I would highly recommend to students for future involvement.

I liked hearing that the TRU folks seized on Jon's presence to tout their conference as "international," since he was the only non-Canadian presenter. He also was apparently treated to a number of free drinks as well. Oh Canada!

So students, you should think about going next year. Conferences can be fun and a nice tidbit to put on the resume.

Career Fair Feb 19-20

The Spring Career Fair http://www.ups.edu/x12576.xml is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, February 19 and 20, from 4 to 7 pm in WSC Marshall Hall.

Students can make face-to-face contacts with employers and inquire about internships or jobs, practice networking skills, or simply browse and explore career options. Almost one quarter of the employer representatives are Puget Sound alumni!

Please urge students to attend.

Thank you,
Kris Hay
Communications Coordinator
Career and Employment Services

Our students hang with Obama, too

While a number of our students went to see Senator Clinton here on campus, others headed up to Seattle for a dueling rally by Obama.


Professor Williams gave a few a ride up.


And a few were able to get onto the stage just behind Obama; I grabbed this screenshot from CNN, and pointed to Cat Fish and Alex Raposo '08, both of whom have worked for Congressman Adam Smith, who is heading up Obama's campaign here in Washington. You can see them and the full video on CNN here.

Clinton, Phibbs, Edmonson--a confluence of presidentialism

Tacoma News Tribune

I had a hard time figuring out a title for this post--

When Hillary Clinton was on campus last week she gave a shout-out in her speech not simply to UPS, but also to former President Phibbs, who you may not know was once her political science professor at Wellesley. You can see the video here.

And in the Oregonian there's a nice quote from PG major and outgoing student body President Hart Edmonson '08:

UPS student body President Hart Edmonds, on the other hand, slapped a Clinton sticker on his jacket and declared his support. He said he once met Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, after winning an eighth-grade essay contest.

"Obama speaks beautifully, and there's nothing wrong with that," Edmonds said. "But Hillary can govern beautifully."

Presidential Wisdom

We've talked a lot in various posts about the role of polls and markets in predicting outcomes. Why don't we see if PG students and alums are up to the task. Let's see how good we are, collectively, of predicting the outcome of the 2008 election. Vote below--and remember, the question is not who you want to win, but who you think will win. I'll take votes for a week or so then let you know what the department thinks. And then we'll find out who turns out to be correct...!

Who Will Win the 2008 Presidential Election?

Hillary Clinton John McCain Barack Obama

Teach for America deadline February 15!

What to do after graduation?

I am writing because we are in our final push to recruit the strongest, most diverse corps in Teach For America’s history. We know that because the strength of UPS students, many of our 2008 corps members will come from your school. Our final application deadline is on February 15th and we want to make sure we have given everyone the opportunity to hear about the program, talk to an alum, and submit a non-binding application if they so choose.

Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best,

Kelsey Burkhardt
Senior Recruitment Associate
Teach For America
www.teachforamerica.org

Let's see those Clinton pics!

So...? I see lots of folks at the Fieldhouse for the Clinton rally from out my window, and many many police officers. If you went and snapped a few pictures, won't you send them my way so that I can blog them? Let the world know that you were, for a fleeting moment, swept up in the political whirlpool that is presidential politics.

UPDATE: After the event Senator Clinton dropped by the office and put in a plug for our department T-shirts (just kidding--I was having a bit of fun with Photoshop):

Job Opportunity in Tacoma: Soclal Compact

This could be a nice job and also a way to get some research experience on your resume:


My name is Carolina Valencia and I am the Associate Director of Research at Social Compact.

Social Compact is a not for profit organization that promotes economic development in low income neighborhoods by providing data that highlights economic opportunity. Feel free to visit our modest website at www.socialcompact.org

We were recently hired to conduct an analysis about grocery, convenience and corner stores in Washington State.

I have been successful at finding research assistants in most cities where we need help. However, I have not found anyone that can help with our research in Tacoma.

Ideally we are looking for 1 or more persons that can dedicate a total of approximately 100 hrs in a 2 month period. The hrs are flexible. I was wondering if you could help me by

1. posting the add below to see if any interested people contact us
2. sharing the information about this research opportunity with local groups to see if any interested parties contact us
3. tell me where is a good place where I can post this job opportunity

I appreciate your help very much.

THE AD

Social Compact, a not for profit organization promoting investments in inner-city neighborhoods, will conduct an analysis on residents\' access to grocery providers across Washington State. With this purpose in mind, we are looking for honest, trustworthy, enthusiastic people to make great money while gathering information from local grocery stores. Must have own transportation. If you are interested please contact Carolina Valencia, Associate Director of Research at cvalencia@socialcompact.org NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE! There is no minimum number of hours required and students can work according to their own schedule. It is a wonderful opportunity to earn some extra cash. Salary: $10/hr.

Or Barack Obama in Seattle!

This in from Cat Fish '08; she's got your transport covered--

Join Barack Obama for a special Stand for Change Rally in Seattle, Washington on Friday, February 8th. The event will be free and open to the public.

Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama

Key Arena
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Friday, February 8, 2008
Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is encouraged.
For security reasons, do not bring bags. No signs or banners permitted.

Volunteers are needed and should be there at 8:30am. Contact me at cat.m.fish@gmail.com if you need a ride or have any questions.

Hillary Clinton on campus--tomorrow!

Via the News Tribune:

It's going to be a rally and a town hall meeting with a health care theme, and she will be taking questions, so invite any health care professionals you know. But most importantly, invite EVERYONE you know - every single person you can. The details of this event were finalized late, so we have to make sure everyone knows about this who might want to come!

The event is at University of Puget Sound at 10 a.m., but they suggest you get there early to make sure you can get in.

You going to go? Maybe I'll see you there? If you are an alum and are coming onto campus for the event, come by--I'm in Wyatt 222.

How not to get a job

I got an email from an alum the other day, who passed the following along. A job application had come in from a recent UPS graduate, and come in with problems:

The application was automatically put in the 'maybe/back-ups' folder because it was simply not clear - we couldn't find the person's overall GPA, nowhere did it just explicitly state whether the person had earned a BA and finished school, and the cv listed research, but not clearly what the context of that research was: A class paper? A conference? Paid research? The application did not get further consideration.

So, a few thoughts that may be worth passing along -

• The shorter, the better. Don't necessarily list everything, just highlight a few/the best.
• Be clear and use the visual layout to your advantage (in terms of placing GPA, BA, year, etc)
• Have people peer-edit it... but be careful, because another applicant actually sent in her cover letter with track changes. oops.

Words of wisdom. I got an email myself yesterday from a student (not from this campus) that was riddled with misspelled words and random capitalization. It doesn't give one much confidence about that student's diligence.

The past is black tie

This picture was in the News Tribune this morning:


The caption: "On February 7, 1953, the men of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the College of Puget Sound posed in their tuxedoes with white boutonnieres at their annual "Black and White" formal. They stood on the winding staircase beneath the thirty-three foot totem pole at Gaffney's Lake Wilderness ballroom, located in Maple Valley. The woman in the middle of the group was Mrs. Mary Sloat, fraternity housemother. She was there to present the Richard Sloat Memorial award, honoring the fraternity's man of the year."

Those 70s Alums

Recently I had some emails out of the blue from two alums who caught me up on their lives since Puget Sound:

Barb Hunter '77 went into the Air Force, work that took her into Desert Storm (the first Gulf War) to the breakup of Yugoslavia, a NATO unit in Turkey, and three years in the UK. Barb is now a contractor in the Air force, managing the military scientist and engineer workforce, "surrounded by these uber-smart kids who are dealing with some awesome future technologies that will continue to change the way we do things...I had no idea the open doors I went through would take me here, but here I am."

Mark Scott '74 also joined the armed forces (army) after graduating, attending the Defense Language School in Monterey. Eventually his work for army intelligence took him into the National Security Agency and to an advanced degree in Strategic Intelligence. Mark wrote that while at the NSA he essentially had a front-row seat at the unraveling of the Soviet Union and Eastern bloc.

Like Barb, Mark emphasized how unpredictable his career path turned out to be. You never really know where that next step will lead you--something good for our students to remember. Uncertainty has its benefits.

Thanks to Barb and Mark for sharing their stories with us. Any other 70s alums who want to chime in?

Cool things at the History Museum

No student should get a degree without going at least once to the Washington State History Museum downtown. And on February 18 I--and maybe you--get to go for free:

On February 22, the History Museum will host a lecture and gallery talk on the exhibit, Faces of Leadership: Presidential Portraiture. During the 45-minute presentation, curator Fred Poyner will talk about the presidential works of art on display and the artists who created them, including Seattle’s “first sculptor” James Wehn. A guided gallery tour of the exhibition will follow. Registration is not required. The program starts at 11:30 AM and is included with paid admission.

Faces of Leadership features more than 30 artworks and images from the permanent collection of the Washington State Historical Society, including sculpture busts, coins and medallions, and snapshots of presidents on the move. These creative works surpass mere physical representations, providing historical continuity and a visible legacy for our nation. The exhibit will run through October 2008.

The History Museum is also running a free admission promotion for Presidents’ Day. On February 18, in recognition of our country’s chief executives and their wives, the History Museum is offering free admission to anyone who shares a name with any of our presidents or first ladies. Only first and last names will be considered (no middle names), and identification is required. The museum will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM that day.

What, you don't remember President O'Neil?

Linz Heppe '07 in Rwanda

I received an email from Linz Heppe '07, who recently returned from a trip to Rwanda through the organization Global Youth Connect. A few pictures and an excerpt from her letter:

Rusomo Falls

Nyarabuye Memorial--site of one of the massacres during the Rwandan genocide

Linz and her host family

...Why was I there? I had been picked from a pool of about eighty applicants to participate in a human rights workshop and work abroad program through Global Youth Connect (http://www.globalyouthconnect.org/), a U.S. based human rights organization. Our mission was to explore a common definition of human rights, identify important human rights problems and achievements in Rwanda, consider solutions to these problems through the analysis of certain grassroots and international organizations within Rwanda (which we interviewed and worked alongside), identify and develop skills to raise awareness and take action, and to start taking action. One person in particular displayed quite a bit of skepticism when I told him of my journey, and doubted what I (and GYC) could actually accomplish while abroad. I am writing this not only to inform those who are interested, but also to lend credence to the fact that we accomplished MANY goals, and have continued our work within the United States...

Read the whole thing on her blog, here.

Cain Scholarship

Deadline is early March.

Harry Cain Scholarship
This scholarship was established to support students who plan to enter the field of public administration or public service. Applicants should have a deep commitment to service to the community and proficiency in public speaking.

For details:
http://www.ups.edu/x10279.xml#cain

Bottom of the World, Ma

Fred Ross '87 has made his way, by car, from Portland to Ushuaia, Argentina. Catch up on his adventures here.

Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution

Alliance for Conflict Transformation
Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (IPCR)
June 14 - July 12, 2008
Santa Cruz and La Paz, Bolivia

The Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT), in partnership with Nur
University, is pleased to announce the Summer Institute on Peacebuilding &
Conflict Resolution (IPCR). IPCR is an intensive 4-week, 6-credit
residential program intended to build the capacity of current and future
professionals in a variety of fields to make a critical difference in
furthering peaceful relations in the world. IPCR will be held in Santa Cruz,
Bolivia, with one week travel to La Paz and surrounding communities.

We are currently accepting applications for participation from English
speaking professionals, graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in
peace and conflict resolution, international affairs, political science,
Latin American studies, anthropology, development and related fields.

AT IPCR, students enjoy a supportive learning environment where experienced
trainers and faculty combine brief lectures, case studies, field trips,
role-plays, and simulations, with the experiences of local and international
peacebuilding practitioners.

IPCR offers a stimulating integration of theory and practice, bringing
together innovative academic analysis with practical, hands-on training and
skills development. Participants will learn about these topics and more:
* Conflict analysis & assessment
* Conflict resolution and peacebuilding practices
* Cross-sectoral approaches to peacebuilding and conflict resolution (i.e.,
with development, human rights, etc)
* Post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation
* Skills development in negotiation
* Case studies - community, intra-state and international conflict
* Career opportunities in peacebuilding and conflict resolution

“In addition to gaining a basic understanding of conflict analysis and a set
of practical skills applicable to a variety of fields, I truly benefited
from having access to real-world practitioners and the exposure to an
insider’s view of regional conflicts. IPCR is practical, hands-on, and
highly recommended for anyone interested in pursuing a professional career
in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or related fields.” Michael Pankow,
employed at Human Rights Watch

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
* Early-bird Deadline to receive $250 discount – March 15, 2008
* Final Deadline – April 16, 2008

To see the complete program description, visit the ACT website:
http://conflicttransformation.org

For more information contact:
Nike Carstarphen, Ph.D.
Co-Founder/Senior Partner
Alliance for Conflict Transformation
PO Box 9117, Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: (703) 461-3650
Email: ipcr@conflicttransformation.org

Summer Student Institutes at Georgetown

INSTITUTE ON BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
INSTITUTE ON COMPARATIVE POLITICAL & ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
This summer: June 7 - August 2, 2008
Georgetown University, Washington, DC
www.dcinternships.org

**ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FINAL DEADLINE OF FEBRUARY 25, 2008**

Sponsored by The Fund for American Studies in partnership with Georgetown University, the Institute on Business Government Affairs and the Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems combine substantive internships, courses for academic credit, career development activities, site briefings and panels featuring government officials and public policy experts. The Institutes offer undergraduate students a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the inner workings of the Washington political scene!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the Final Deadline of February 25, 2008. There is still a substantial amounts of scholarship funding available.

Institute on Business & Government Affairs (IBGA)

* Internships - Competitive placements with corporate government affairs offices, trade associations and lobbying firms
* Classes - Up to 9 credits in political science and business from Georgetown University
* Guest Lectures - With lobbyists, former Congressmen and public policy experts

Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES)

* Internships - Competitive placements with public policy groups, federal agencies, Congressional offices and international organizations
* Classes - Up to 9 credits in political science and economics from Georgetown University
* Guest Lectures - With foreign policy and economics experts

Both Institutes Provide:

* Housing - Furnished, on-campus apartments in the heart of D.C.
* Site Briefings - At the White House Complex, U.S. House of Representatives and State Department
* Leadership & Professional Development - Leadership, mentoring and career building activities
* Networking - Interaction with hundreds of other student leaders from around the world
* Scholarships - Over half of all students receive full or partial funding based on merit and financial need

For more information and an online application, please visit our website www.dcinternships.org or contact Andrea Calderon, Recruitment and Admissions Assistant, at admissions@tfas.org or at 1-800-741-6964.

Fund For American Studies
1706 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Student Globalization and Human Rights Conference

Hello!

As Co-Chairs of the Northwestern University Conference on Human Rights (NUCHR), we are excited to announce our 5th annual conference, entitled "Globalization and the Universality of Human Rights." The conference will examine issues such as the homogeny and hegemony of human rights, focusing on issues involving cultural and religious issues, multi-national corporations, international justice, and health. We would like to encourage your students to apply to attend the conference as student delegates. We would greatly appreciate it if you would forward the following announcement. Please let us know if you have any questions.

All the best,

Elizabeth Nielsen and Gauthami Soma
Co-Chairs
Northwestern University Conference on Human Rights

"Globalization and the Universality of Human Rights"

April 10-13, 2008
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

The fifth annual Northwestern University Conference on Human Rights (NUCHR) is proud to announce a national student conference on "Globalization and the Universality of Human Rights," which will take place on Northwestern's Evanston campus on April 10-13, 2006. The Conference will examine the impact of globalizing forces on the tension between cultural relativism and the universality of human rights in four key areas: cultural and religious tensions, multinational corporations, international justice, and health. NUCHR will provide the funding to bring talented undergraduate student leaders and activists from colleges across the country to attend a three-day summit. Students will interact with distinguished speakers and panelists, comprised of top academics, activists, and policy-makers in the field.

As the largest student-organized and student-attended human rights conference in the United States, the conference is dedicated to fostering social activism and raising awareness of international human rights issues by uniting student leaders from across the country with renowned activists, academics, and policy makers over a three day summit. In the past, the conference has focused on issues such as American interventionist policy, American policy towards HIV and AIDS in the developing world, human trafficking, and torture. We have featured distinguished speakers such as Romeo Dallaire, Richard Holbrooke, Bernard Kouschner, Stephen Lewis, John Miller, and Cherif Bassiouni.

To apply to attend the Conference as a student delegate (including funding for travel and housing expenses) and for more information on NUCHR, please visit our website: http://www.cics.northwestern.edu/NUCHRweb/index.html Applications are due on February 25, 2008.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact the co-chairs of this year's conference, Elizabeth Nielsen and Gauthami Soma, via e-mail conferenceonhumanrights@u.northwestern.edu or phone 612.695.7944.

Congress is Open

Thanks to Political Science Librarian Andrea Kueter for point this out:

"My OpenCongress" profiles provide a personalized view of all the information you want about the laws being made in Washington: bills, senators, representatives, issue areas, and more. Just click "Track This Item" at the top of any page and you've begun building a one-of-a-kind platform for watching all the happenings in Congress that affects the things you care about. Profiles are designed to encourage site participation and to harness the collective social wisdom of people using this open web resource to get the real story behind what's happening in Congress.

And that's not even half of it. Check it out here.

International Youth Leadership Conference, Prague

16th International Youth Leadership Conference, July 20th – 25th, 2008
This week-long forum on world politics, international relations and law held in Prague is officially recognized and accredited by the New Anglo-American College.

We believe that our conference is a unique opportunity for all those, who wish to enrich their academic and cross-cultural experiences and to challenge their leadership skills. The 16th IYLC will be welcoming over 100 top university students from around the world. We would be honored to have best of your students among our participants, as they will contribute to the cultural diversity and high academic level of this event.

The theme of our conference is “a cross-cultural exchange of ideas concerning the future of world leadership” and the main objective of the IYLC is to blend educational activities and social interaction using a number of inter-related events, such as:

A United Nations Security Council Crisis simulation
A mock International Criminal Court pre-trial
Model European Parliament proceedings
Visits to Foreign Embassies, Czech Senate, and the European Commission
Panel Discussion and Presentations led by speakers of the highest calibre in their fields

Please take a minute to visit our web-site at www.czechleadership.com. There you will find relevant information about the conference related activities, including the conference schedule (www.czechleadership.com/itinerary.php) and the agenda of the previous conference (www.czechleadership.com/agenda.php).

We would appreciate, if you could invite your students to visit our web-site, or provide them with a link to the Student Invitation Letter – http://www.czechleadership.com/student_invitation.pdf

I thank you for your time, and please accept my apologies if this email is irrelevant to you. I will be looking forward to hearing from your students. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Yours faithfully,

Ismayil Khayredinov
ismayil@civicconcepts.org
Conference Director
16th International Youth Leadership Conference
Civic Concepts International
www.czechleadership.com
tel: +420 272 730 897

Kiva Update

Last year the department started an account with Kiva, a microcredit organization that provides small loans for businesses around the world. We loaned our money to Sorn Sophea, who lives in Phnom Penh with her husband and their 2 children. Sorn works as a tailor. With the loan ($1000 in total, of which Politics and Government contributed $50) she started her own tailoring business, and even repaid the entire loan early.

So, that means our $50 has come back to us to reinvest. Our new investment is in Elma Livnjak:


"Elma is a 21 year old woman and she is not married. Together with her sister she owns a little car wash. Their monthly incomes are 400 KM (that's about $300 USD).

This is her first loan in the amount of 1200 KM ($925 USD). She intends to buy additional equipment for her car wash and her great wish is to build up her work because this job is their only source of income. She wants to ensure a safe future for her sister and herself."

All the best, Ms. Livnjak. Want to be a social entrepreneur? Find out more about Kiva here.

T-shirts are good to go--order now!

The T-shirts are ready to be ordered, and our own Professor Karl Fields has done us the honor of modeling our first test shirt. Slightly modified from the version worn by Professor Fields, it comes in ash gray and features the department seal on the back.

...oh, and I realized I had the earth rotating the wrong direction, which I blame in part on my starting with our hemisphere first on the left hand side. Geocentricism! Now AC (Astronomically Correct), this flattering garment is yours for the unbelievable price of only $14.00! Students and alums in the area, if you are interested just send an email to Irene Lim (ilim@ups.edu) specifying your preferred size and number of shirts. We'll take orders over the next week or so and you can pay when you pick them up.

From sun to snow

Another inch or so expected tonight.

Winter Light: Campus photos

I walked over to Harned Hall to get a coffee this morning and took a few pictures as they continue remodeling Thompson. Beautiful day on campus.




Old and new--the old courtyard of Thompson (where the fountain stood)


Mosaic--the orbits of the planets superimposed over an aerial view of Puget Sound




Wyatt and Fieldhouse

Derek Young '96: Blog on the radio

Our own Derek Young '96 was on KUOW public radio on his blog Exit133, and the relationship between Tacoma and that other town up north. Derek rocks! Listen here.

Japan-America and Korea-American Student Conferences

Talk to Professor Fields in PG about Asian Studies funds for these conferences if you are interested in attending. Find out more about both here. Deadlines are 2/8 (Japan) and 3/1 (Korea).

60th Japan-America Student Conference
July 25 - August 21, 2008
Theme:Students Redefining Their Role through Insight and Action

Long-standing and dynamic, the relationship between Japan and America is one that intimately knows both the strains of war and the fruits of peace. It is a strong testament to the power that resides in the exchange of ideas. Ever since its inception in 1934, the Japan-America Student Conference has been driven by ambitious students aspiring to initiate open dialog in the hope of improving the international community. If we can speak of a JASC tradition, then it is certainly innovation – students working as agents of change.

The 60th JASC is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a student today. As both a conference and a generation, we aim to redefine responsible global citizenship, to consider previously marginalized voices and to ask ourselves not only what we know, but how we come to know it. Our goal this year is to cultivate new perspectives and inspire action: through discussion roundtables, forums, and community engagement, we challenge the delegates to redefine their role in the world and prepare to influence history once again.

1st Korea-America Student Conference
July 5 - 31, 2008
Theme: "A New Look at the U.S.-Korea Alliance”

Created due to military necessity, the U.S. Korea alliance has grown and evolved over the last fifty years. Today, the Republic of Korea and the US work as partners on issues ranging from trade agreements and nuclear threats to education and technology.

Over the next year both Korea and the US will undergo changes in leadership which could significantly impact their policies and interactions worldwide. As this alliance continues to change, KASC will ensure students play an active role as they prepare to become the next generation of leaders.

Wanna work for Obama? (Updated)

Just got this from Matt Perry '06:

...just FYI, Chelsea Waliser '04 is back in Washington running our state for the Obama campaign through Feb 9. She will be the State Coordinator and will be in charge of the whole operation (which should include 6 official Obama staffers that are now out here from other states). As you know, Chelsea worked in Iowa for Barack and then she went to Nevada. I will be working full time on the Obama campaign through our caucuses and likely in the south end.

Update:
If you're interested, the Tacoma Obama contact is Grant Lahmann and they can reach him at glahmann@barackobama.com. Tell him Matt Perry sent you.

Brian Stewart '07 on Boeing and Clinton

This in From Brian Stewart '06. Students, check out the job opportunity Brian has secured at Boeing--it's pretty terrific. The link is below:



I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Hillary Clinton the weekend before the Iowa caucus while I was visiting family for the holiday. My grandpa is an Iowa State Senator, and he supports Hillary for the nomination. My grandpa was campaigning with her in his district on Saturday December, 29th and invited us as special attendees to one of her rallies in Iowa. After the rally and her stump speech I met the Governor of Ohio and then my family and I had the opportunity to talk with Hillary. Hillary and I chatted about Washington, about the Boeing Company, and my job at Boeing. She and my dad talked about law school. Hillary went to Yale and my dad went to Harvard so they had a rival moment, which was fun. A few days later the conversation we had with Hillary was aired on CSPAN. It was a neat experience, and Hillary was very impressive.

I thought I would share a picture, and maybe you'd like to post it on the blog.

As for me, I'm in my second rotation in my program with Boeing. I'm working with a Japanese partner, which has been a great experience. I probably wont have the chance to visit Japan because our partner comes to Seattle more than we go to Japan. It's been fun negotiating with them face-to-face on a semi-regular basis. I'm also trying to get into the political and international areas of Boeing. I might be moving to Washington D.C. for 4 months to do a rotation later in the year to work with the International Operations business unit to experience that side of the company.

Hope all is well,

Brian

Animal is a political man

From the New York Times:

Just as there are myriad strategies open to the human political animal with White House ambitions, so there are a number of nonhuman animals that behave like textbook politicians. Researchers who study highly gregarious and relatively brainy species like rhesus monkeys, baboons, dolphins, sperm whales, elephants and wolves have lately uncovered evidence that the creatures engage in extraordinarily sophisticated forms of politicking, often across large and far-flung social networks.

Read the whole thing here.

Submit! Writing Excellence Awards

We've had many papers for PG courses win this award in past, so I encourage you to submit your paper. Details below:

Writing Excellence Awards

To encourage and reward good writing in all disciplines, the Writing Excellence prizes will be awarded again this year.

A total of nine prizes ($250.00 each) will be awarded:

* Two prizes in each category: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics
* One prize each for Freshman Seminars, Connections, and Graduate Programs

Rules for the Contest

Papers written as part of the requirement for courses taken at the University of Puget Sound during the most recent Spring, Summer, or Fall are eligible. Papers of any length may be submitted; short papers are as likely to win as long ones.

Students may submit no more than one paper in each category, and each paper must be accompanied by a description of the assignment and an entry form. (Entry forms are also available in the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching, Howarth 105/109.) Students should submit the original paper in person with the professor’s comments, or a photocopy of it, to the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2008.

If you have any questions about the process or the prizes, please call Julie Neff-Lippman (253.879.2696) or send an e-mail.

Talking politics at work (when your work isn't politics)

For us faculty, talking politics is what we do. But what about when you're not in a political job? I recall my wife's experience that one of her co-workers had a political bumper sticker in her cubicle; when she questioned its appropriateness, her co-worker replied "but everyone in the office feels that way". Hmm. From Business Week:

...Simply put, we shouldn't discuss politics in the workplace because, with very few exceptions, these discussions have nothing to do with our job and can only interfere with it.

One might conclude that what I am calling for will lead to a chill in the workplace or, worse, a corporate police state in which speech is carefully monitored and wrongful talk is harshly punished. Rather than make a fetish out of what each individual should be allowed to do (or get away with), a more appropriate perspective to take here—and with all issues concerning conduct at work and beyond—is to consider how our actions might adversely affect others and fracture the community of which we are a part. Yes, in the best of circumstances, discussion with people who hold different points of view can lead to greater understanding of beliefs different from one's own. Yes, it may be possible for you and your colleagues to have a civil, respectful conversation at work about the politics of abortion, euthanasia, creationism, the existence of God, your sex life, and your salary.

If you are able to have such polite repartee, you are in the minority. For most people, these kinds of discussions too often degenerate into loud arguments and the conclusion that those on the opposing side of the fence are "idiots." In what sort of business would this kind of behavior promote doing one's job effectively? As engaging as such conversations might be, to what extent will they enhance the ability to carry out one's duties and meet the needs of customers and company alike? More to the point, won't such conversations likely impede the performance of one's assignments?

Read the whole thing here.

Job Opportunities: Grassroots Campaigns, Inc.

From UPS alum Patrick Sterns. He's likely to be on campus next month if you want to know more:

Subject: Progressive Presidential Election Campaign Job Opportunities

The November 2006 midterm election was an exciting step forward for
progressives; but much work remains. The new Congress, on its own, will
not resolve our nation’s most pressing concerns. If we want to combat
global warming, increase access to higher education, provide healthcare
for all Americans, end corruption in Washington, and redeploy our troops,
we must expand our majorities in Congress and take back the White House.
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 interviewing
potential staff for their campaigns to Take Back the White House.
Grassroots Campaigns’ current and past clients include MoveOn.org, the
Democratic National Committee, the ACLU, and the League of Conservation
Voters. We are hiring for the following positions:


Position: Citizen Outreach Director

Citizen Outreach Directors and Assistant Directors manage grassroots
fundraising offices. They work with a team of other directors to recruit,
train, and work with a staff of up to 100 paid canvassers to build support
for the 2008 elections and a wide range of nonprofit organizations.

Position: Field Organizer

Field Organizers work in targeted Congressional districts and major
metropolitan areas around the country. They will recruit, train, and work
with volunteers to build the support needed to win on critical issues and
get good candidates elected. In fall 2008 Field Organizers will help run
one of the largest get-out-the-vote drives in the country.


For all positions:

Qualifications:

Sound communication and motivational skills, strong desire for political
change, and work ethic are essential. We are looking for people who have a
strong leadership background, and who are ready to take on a lot of
responsibility. Previous field organizing or canvass experience is a plus,
but not a pre-requisite.

Salary/Benefits

Annual salary begins at $24,000, and increases commensurate with
experience. Staff may opt into our health care plan. Student loan
assistance repayment program offered.

Locations:
Nationwide, ask recruiter for more details.

Students who are interested should apply directly to:

NAME – Patrick Sterns
EMAIL – psterns@grassrootscampaigns.com
PHONE # - 510-848-1754

WEBSITE: http://www.grassrootscampaigns.com

Last Minute: Essay Contest

This is pretty last minute, but something you might keep in mind for next year if you don't want to do ramp up to write it now. Thanks to Kari Manlove '06 for passing it along.

Essay Contest to Award $10,000 Prizes to Renewable Energy Scholars
Organization Seeks to Engage Future Leaders on Critical Environmental Issues
New York, NY – One of the nation’s foremost environmental organizations today announced an essay contest in which three $10,000 educational prizes will be awarded. The Presidential Forum on Renewable Energy – sponsor of a presidential candidate forum to be held later this week – is sponsoring a nationwide essay contest asking college students to draft a Renewable Energy Plan for America.

“Our nation’s energy policy has implications well beyond the price of gasoline. Our dependence on fossil fuels has an impact on the environment, the economy, even our national security,” said PFRE President Jane S. Hoffman. “America’s next generation of leaders must be prepared to tackle the critical issues confronting our environment. By engaging tomorrow’s leaders today, we can get a head start on empowering a sustainable future.”

The Presidential Forum on Renewable Energy is sponsoring a student essay contest in which three college students will be named and awarded a $10,000 educational prize. The contest will be open to enrolled university students. The deadline for entry is February 1, 2008 and winners will be announced in April 2008 at an Earth Day event. Students are asked to write a 4 to 6 point renewable energy plan for America, laying out a strategy for the next five to ten years that will minimize our current dependence on non-renewable energy sources. To submit an essay, or for more information, log on to www.2008energyforum.org.

New tshirt

What do you think? This will the new design for our department tshirt. There's still the globe theme going from our logo, with a watercolor effect to give it that artsy feel (we're social scientists, but with an aesthetic sensibility). I'm thinking ash grey would look nice, though it's in white below.



As before, if you're on campus, we'll being doing a batch order sometime next month and taking orders in advance. Otherwise you can order your very own shirt here.

Asia Wright '04: Law and the Sea

A while back I got an update from Asia Wright '04, who is finishing up law school and looking toward a career on/at/with the sea. She writes:

There is a popular saying that during the first year of law school they scare you to death. The second year they work you to death. However they lied about boring you to death during the third year. I feel my last year at school is still part of the work you to death portion. But I’ve loved every minute of it.

This year, even though busy and full, has been very exciting. I love being back at home in Lakebay and working in the legal department at Holland America’s Seattle head office (I don’t love the 160 mile round trip commute). In January my law article on cruise ships and the environment will be published in the Duke Environmental Law & Policy Forum law journal. And I’m certainly never bored working on million dollar ship contracts or representing the company in passenger small claims suits (I just won my first case). Time is simply flying. It’s crazy to think that in 7 months I will be done with school, finished with the bar exam, and finally ready to start my life out in the big world.

Best wishes for the rest of your schooling!

We're number four!

We've slipped a bit this year in the rankings, but once again the University of Puget Sound ranks among the top schools that send graduates to the Peace Corps. This year, we rank #4 among small schools. Interestingly, most of the top schools are in the Pacific Northwest: UW ranks #1 among large schools, and Gonzaga, Willamette, and Western Washington all come out in the top five. Something in the water? Does the relative isolation of the Pacific Northwest make our graduates want to travel to some place as exotic as possible? Hmm.

Alum interviews Alum

Over at Exit133, Derek Young '96 interviews Ryan Mello '01--both of whom I've interviewed for the blog in past (see links). Whew! Ryan is currently on the Metro Parks Board of Tacoma (an elected position) and works for the Cascade land conservancy. Read the interview here.

Scoville Peace Scholarship

Deadline is 2/8 if you want to apply...

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.

Please encourage those interested in peace and security issues to visit our website at http://www.scoville.org. 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. A flyer about the program can be printed from http://www.scoville.org/flyer.html The next application deadline is February 8, 2008 for the Fall 2008 Fellowship.

All U.S. citizens, and foreign nationals residing in the United States, are eligible to apply; non-U.S. citizens living outside of the United States are not.

Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the Fellowship.

Sincerely,
Paul D. Revsine
Program Director
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
(202) 543-4100 x124

Tags:

Fellowships

Progressive Student Union Conference

Progressive Student Union - Washington State
email: info@wsuprogressive.com

The Second Annual Northwest Progressive Conference will be happening on April 3-5th, hosted by the Progressive Student Union of Washington State University. For more information, such as our co-sponsors and what we hope to achieve with the conference, please visit www.wsuprogressive.com/2008NWPC. See the attached call for proposals, and feel free to forward this information to anybody it may be of interest to. Also feel free to email our group with any questions or concerns you may have concerning the conference. We look forward to meeting you! Thank you!

Progressive Student Union
Washington State University

President Thomas on the elections and the next generation

President Thomas has written an editorial in the Seattle Times on the upcoming presidential election and the rise of a new post-boomer generation. Excerpt:

It pains me to say it, but it is time for us to pass the torch to a new generation, one that believes, as we once did, in "that thing inside us that insists."

I am inspired, every day, by the idealism, commitment and passion of today's youth as they prepare for their first opportunity to cast a vote for the person who will become their president. At a time in their lives when they are formulating their own ideas about their roles in society and testing their beliefs about the world, they need and deserve an invitation to participate fully in a broader public life. This is their time.

Fatigued by the partisan bickering, deception and ideological posturing of the past decade in American politics, it is time we give voice to the hopes of America's youth, to pay attention to what they have to say, to rekindle our own hope in their vision for America. Believing as they do that something better awaits us, they may very well elect the first woman or the first black man as president.

Read the entire piece here.

Internships Matter

From the New York Times:

It will surprise nobody that the most competitive wave of high school graduates is now the most competitive wave of college students. The generation that made admissions a contact sport bring the same sharp elbows to how they spend their summers. Or, put in a form that parents would understand: “Internship” is to “first job” as “community service” is to “college.”

Read the whole thing here. Students, what are you doing this summer?

Congrats to Environmental Studies

Congrats to the Environmental Studies Program (including our own Professor Sherman) on getting this important grant. Exciting stuff.

Mellon Foundation awards $525,000 to fund new International Environmental Studies position
January 9, 2008

TACOMA, Wash--University of Puget Sound is pleased to announce it received a grant of $525,000 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to create a faculty appointment in international environmental policy and decision-making. In total, the university has received nine grants from the foundation since 1993.

Puget Sound offers an interdisciplinary minor in environmental studies focused on policy and decision-making process which draws on cross-campus faculty expertise and engages our students with a range of stakeholders to tackle local, regional, and national environmental issues. Since its inception, the program has cultivated a strong foothold in regional decision-making issues. In 2006, the university convened a team of leaders in environmental education at the city and county levels to organize a model Leadership Summit on Environmental Education for the state. Given the results achieved by the initiative so far, Puget Sound is now poised to take the next major step in the program's development by expanding curriculum and program into the international decision-making arena.

With the Mellon Foundation's support of a new tenure-line faculty position and complementary student research stipends, faculty curriculum development funds, and support for workshops and conferences involving students, faculty, and environmental stakeholders, Puget Sound will expand the environmental decision-making and policy initiative to begin addressing international issues such as biodiversity, energy production, trans-boundary pollution, as well as more highly-publicized issues such as global warming. The grant will further enhance academic study of the environment at Puget Sound, using the strengths of the university's geographic location on the Pacific Rim and the university's success in collaborating with regional stakeholders in enhancing curriculum and research projects for students.

"We are delighted to receive this grant from the Mellon Foundation," said Ronald R. Thomas, Puget Sound's president. "It not only allows Puget Sound to continue its leadership role in this important field, but it further enhances our distinctive educational programs in science, the environment, and international affairs. With the Pacific Ocean to our west and Canada to our north, topics such as resource management in international marine waters and alteration of stream flows in rivers that cross international borders have even greater significance to our faculty, students, and the communities where we live and work."

Several faculty members will lead the initiative including Barry Goldstein, Bill Kupinse, Amy Ryken, and Daniel Sherman.

About Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, was formed in 1969 through the consolidation of two existing foundations-the Avalon Foundation established by Ailsa Mellon Bruce in 1940 and the Old Dominion Foundation, which her brother, Paul Mellon, created in 1941. When the two foundations were consolidated, the Foundation was renamed The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to honor their father.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation's grantmaking philosophy is to build, strengthen, and sustain institutions and their core capacities in six key areas: Higher Education and Scholarship, Scholarly Communications, Research in Information Technology, Museums and Art Conservation, Performing Arts, and Conservation and the Environment.

Air Force and Alternative Energy

Since last summer I've been talking with Kevin Billings '77, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Environment, Safety and Occupational Health at the Air Force, about holding a conference on campus this spring dealing with energy, the environment, and commercial and military aviation. 20/20 Vision, a DC-based environmental organization, has been providing logistics and helping to set up speakers, and I'll provide more details as it takes shape.

In the meantime, I found it an interesting coincidence that in the Tacoma News Tribune there was an article about a C-17 flight powered by synthetic fuels. I sent it along to Secretary Billings. Silly me: he was on the flight (video).

Dubious Distinction

We noted some time back that political scientist/blogger Dan Drezner asked faculty for the worst sentences they'd come across in their recent grading. And among his top three picks comes from our department, submitted by Professor Sousa. The sentence?

"Given politicians' efforts to manipulate coverage, citizens cannot easily distinguish between fact and fornication."

No comment.

Domesday

Students, spent much time in the Dome District? No, I didn't think so. And not much reason why you would, other than to park your car at the transit center, catch the Amtrak out of town, or see some band (or RV show) at the Dome. But there's a few things in this part of town, and so I feel it my duty to point them out, as part of my occasional yet ongoing quest to Get Students Out Of The Campus Bubble (also known as GSOOTCB).

So, what does the Dome District offer the GSOOTCB movement?) Here's a few random things:

Funkoma Vintage: Old and junky, always funky.

Friesenburgers. No, they don't serve Northern German cuisine. Burgers and breakfasts. Brand new, next door to the Funkoma.

Slotkar.com. When the learning has just become too much, why not race slot cars? Five bucks for thirty minutes. Freighthouse Square.

Tosta. Best cinnamon rolls around, wifi, good coffee, paperback library, watch the lightrail come and go. Also a fairly recent addition to the neighborhood in Freighthouse.

Mineral. A jewelry shop that is so cool it doesn't even keep regular hours, but does get written up in the Style Section of the New York Times. Even if they're not open, you can peer through their windows. On Puyallup Avenue.

That is all. You may now commence with the exploration.

Shipwrecked

From The Economist, a great piece on the (mostly) accidental movement of Japanese sailors to North America and North Americans to Japan in the early 19th century, when Japan was still closed to the outside world. And great Pacific Northwest connections--Japanese sailors taken captive by the Makah? An early trespasser into Japan who was born in Oregon? Fascinating stuff. Read it here.

Darrel Frost in the Dominican Republic

I recently received an email from Darrel Frost '04, who had returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic. Darrel was visiting his friend Melissa Watson '04, who is currently there as a Peace Corps volunteer. Darrel has a nice recap of his trip at
http://darrelfrost.com/navidad/

Check it out. And Happy New Year, too!