UNITED NATIONS INTENSIVE SUMMER STUDY PROGRAM
The United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program, designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduates, immerses participants in the political dynamics of the United Nations. This week-long program, now in its eighth year, familiarizes students with the inner workings of the U.N. by bringing them together with distinguished practitioners working in the field of multilateral diplomacy. Participants attend official sessions at U.N. Headquarters, such as meetings of the Security Council, as well as briefings at the United Nations Association of the USA.
Directed by Dr. Courtney Smith, associate dean of academic affairs at the Whitehead School of Diplomacy, and offered in cooperation with UNA-USA, the program is structured around a series of seminars led by U.N. officials and representatives of governments and civil society on a range of global issues currently on the U.N. agenda. Key topics have included: peacekeeping and disarmament, human rights and refugees, status of women and children, member state policies towards the U.N., the role of civil society and the private sector in the U.N., United Nations reform, and environment and development.
This week-long intensive program will be offered from Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, 2008. Participants will be immersed in activities for 12 hours a day the entire week of the program.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Politicorps
Rolling admissions up through June. Check it out here.
PolitiCorps is a 10-week political boot camp. It’s the springboard from academic study to making a real difference.
PolitiCorps is the only program of its kind - a political immersion and leadership training program designed to engage and prepare college students and recent graduates for a life of public service through a combination of skills and policy classes, intensive field work, strategic planning exercises, and access to a broad network of activists, strategists, and policymakers.
PolitiCorps has 3 goals:
Make an impact in the short term.
Fellows spend field time on all aspects of grassroots organizing, making an immediate difference in Oregon’s political landscape.
Develop leaders for the long term.
PolitiCorps is a leadership pipeline — exposing Fellows to a vast network organizations and relationships to give them a running start at careers that serve the public interest.
Incubate creative and innovative ideas.
Through "Project: Blueprint" proposals, Fellows have a creative outlet to develop strategic planning skills, and design innovative grassroots programs or public policy ideas.
PolitiCorps is a 10-week political boot camp. It’s the springboard from academic study to making a real difference.
PolitiCorps is the only program of its kind - a political immersion and leadership training program designed to engage and prepare college students and recent graduates for a life of public service through a combination of skills and policy classes, intensive field work, strategic planning exercises, and access to a broad network of activists, strategists, and policymakers.
PolitiCorps has 3 goals:
Make an impact in the short term.
Fellows spend field time on all aspects of grassroots organizing, making an immediate difference in Oregon’s political landscape.
Develop leaders for the long term.
PolitiCorps is a leadership pipeline — exposing Fellows to a vast network organizations and relationships to give them a running start at careers that serve the public interest.
Incubate creative and innovative ideas.
Through "Project: Blueprint" proposals, Fellows have a creative outlet to develop strategic planning skills, and design innovative grassroots programs or public policy ideas.
DC Conference: Bridging the Partisan Divide
All paid except airfare (and they chip in for that as well...). Deadline is April 30.
Each year the Arsalyn Program sponsors a national conference designed to serve as a respectful, neutral forum where diverse individuals promoting youth civic and political engagement can meet as collegues. In addition to opportunities for networking, Arsalyn’s national conferences enable participants to look at ways to get involved in the democratic process and develop a sense of common purpose in working toward their goals.
Arsalyn's national conferences are open to individuals and organizations that identify with Arsalyn's mission and are working to promote youth civic and political engagement. Arsalyn provides funding for participants’ travel, lodging, food, and conference materials. To optimize interaction between participants attendance is usually limited to 150 people.
This year’s national conference will take place in Washington DC the 24th through 28th of July and is entitled “Bridging the Partisan Divide: Rediscovering Deliberation.” The goal of the conference is to bring young people together so they can discuss how people with differing opinions can deliberate to solve common problems through the political process.
Find out more here.
Each year the Arsalyn Program sponsors a national conference designed to serve as a respectful, neutral forum where diverse individuals promoting youth civic and political engagement can meet as collegues. In addition to opportunities for networking, Arsalyn’s national conferences enable participants to look at ways to get involved in the democratic process and develop a sense of common purpose in working toward their goals.
Arsalyn's national conferences are open to individuals and organizations that identify with Arsalyn's mission and are working to promote youth civic and political engagement. Arsalyn provides funding for participants’ travel, lodging, food, and conference materials. To optimize interaction between participants attendance is usually limited to 150 people.
This year’s national conference will take place in Washington DC the 24th through 28th of July and is entitled “Bridging the Partisan Divide: Rediscovering Deliberation.” The goal of the conference is to bring young people together so they can discuss how people with differing opinions can deliberate to solve common problems through the political process.
Find out more here.
I guess some of our students don't like it here...
From Kevin Freitas.net. Found at Farelli's Pizza on Sixth Avenue. See the other napkin art, and the reactions, here.
Personally, I like Tacoma, but unlike many students, I don't spend the majority of my time within six blocks of campus--
Professor Bonura's (farewell) talk tomorrow
From the Political Science Association:
Professor Bonura will be doing a presentation sponsored by PSA this Wednesday (16th) at 6:00pm in Wyatt 101. The lecture is on the insurgency in Southern Thailand and understanding political violence. Could you also mention that Professor Bonura will be leaving at the end of the year for Oxford so this will be one of the last times that we will be able to hear him speak? The lecture will last about 30 minutes, and a Q&A session will follow.
Here is the abstract Professor Bonura provided me with. You may choose to include if you want
Since January 2004, political violence in southern Thailand has claimed over 2700 lives, making the conflict the most violent in Southeast Asia today. Although rarely covered by media in the United States, the intensity of the violence, committed by both a wide range of militants and militias as well as the Thai government, has continued unabated to today.
Over the last three decades, explanations of intermittent violence in southern Thailand commonly refer to frameworks of ethnic separatism and Islamic militancy, or Thai nationalism as the cause of the region's conflict. Unlike previous periods, however, current violence in the region does not involve a clear separatist campaign motivated by ethnic or religious tensions between Malay Muslims and Thai Buddhists. Moreover, there have been no claims of responsibility, severe difficulties in substantiating official explanations or accounts of violence, and no singular political movement emerging to contest state authority. Professor Bonura will outline the possible causes of the conflict and suggest how the difficulties of understanding the conflict in southern Thailand poses challenges to common approaches toward understanding political violence more generally.
Professor Bonura will be doing a presentation sponsored by PSA this Wednesday (16th) at 6:00pm in Wyatt 101. The lecture is on the insurgency in Southern Thailand and understanding political violence. Could you also mention that Professor Bonura will be leaving at the end of the year for Oxford so this will be one of the last times that we will be able to hear him speak? The lecture will last about 30 minutes, and a Q&A session will follow.
Here is the abstract Professor Bonura provided me with. You may choose to include if you want
Since January 2004, political violence in southern Thailand has claimed over 2700 lives, making the conflict the most violent in Southeast Asia today. Although rarely covered by media in the United States, the intensity of the violence, committed by both a wide range of militants and militias as well as the Thai government, has continued unabated to today.
Over the last three decades, explanations of intermittent violence in southern Thailand commonly refer to frameworks of ethnic separatism and Islamic militancy, or Thai nationalism as the cause of the region's conflict. Unlike previous periods, however, current violence in the region does not involve a clear separatist campaign motivated by ethnic or religious tensions between Malay Muslims and Thai Buddhists. Moreover, there have been no claims of responsibility, severe difficulties in substantiating official explanations or accounts of violence, and no singular political movement emerging to contest state authority. Professor Bonura will outline the possible causes of the conflict and suggest how the difficulties of understanding the conflict in southern Thailand poses challenges to common approaches toward understanding political violence more generally.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Dalai Lama and the UPS PG connection
No, we don't know the Dalai Lama, but when he was in Seattle recently, a number of students went up to see him. Among them was Tashi Choygal '09, the son of Tibetan parents who left in 1959. Tashi is quoted in a piece in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on the visit; read the article here.
Contributions: past intentions and future uses
A fluffy but moderately interesting piece in the New York Times on how very specific college donations can become complicated when funds outlive their original intention--like a scholarship for students from a county in Virginia that no longer exists, or wood for a college president's fireplace. Read the whole thing here.
But on that note, every year the department gets small donations from alums that go specifically into a line separate from our larger budget. I've wanted to be responsible with this money so that it goes as far as possible. To those of you who have contributed in past, I wanted to let you know that to date we've used some of those funds to support student research (such as buying online data for research papers) and student conference travel. So know that your contributions to the department have gone directly into the hands of students. And for that we thank you.
But on that note, every year the department gets small donations from alums that go specifically into a line separate from our larger budget. I've wanted to be responsible with this money so that it goes as far as possible. To those of you who have contributed in past, I wanted to let you know that to date we've used some of those funds to support student research (such as buying online data for research papers) and student conference travel. So know that your contributions to the department have gone directly into the hands of students. And for that we thank you.
Oped: Biofuels
Last Sunday the News Tribune published an oped written by myself and Tom Collina from 2020Vision on biofuels, in anticipation of our upcoming conference. Actually, I wrote about 1% of it and Mr. Collina the rest. An excerpt:
Can you imagine flying in a jumbo jet powered by coconut oil? Or maybe you would prefer to fly on liquid coal? Chances are you haven’t thought much about what powers your air travel, just as long as it works. But just as you can now buy a car that runs on ethanol or electricity instead of gasoline, the Air Force, Boeing and the airline industry are searching for alternatives to power their jets.
And right here in the Tacoma area they are coming up with surprising options.
The primary driver of this transition is cost. Today’s jet fuel is made from petroleum, which last month reached an all-time high of $110 per barrel. Oil prices have risen 50 percent in one year, and fuel accounts for one-third of an airline’s operating costs. The airline industry projects that, worldwide, its profits will be down 10 percent in 2008 because of the price of oil.
The Air Force has the same problem. Its huge demand for jet fuel means that each $10 increase in a barrel of oil costs the Pentagon $600 million a year. It spends over $3 billion more for fuel than it did in 2004.
There are national security drivers as well. As we know, our oil dependence influences our country’s relationship with the Middle East, where war and political instability threaten to disrupt supplies. Rising consumption by China and India will further pressure our limited supplies. President Bush has declared that America is “addicted to oil” – not only consumers but the military as well.
Read the rest here.
Can you imagine flying in a jumbo jet powered by coconut oil? Or maybe you would prefer to fly on liquid coal? Chances are you haven’t thought much about what powers your air travel, just as long as it works. But just as you can now buy a car that runs on ethanol or electricity instead of gasoline, the Air Force, Boeing and the airline industry are searching for alternatives to power their jets.
And right here in the Tacoma area they are coming up with surprising options.
The primary driver of this transition is cost. Today’s jet fuel is made from petroleum, which last month reached an all-time high of $110 per barrel. Oil prices have risen 50 percent in one year, and fuel accounts for one-third of an airline’s operating costs. The airline industry projects that, worldwide, its profits will be down 10 percent in 2008 because of the price of oil.
The Air Force has the same problem. Its huge demand for jet fuel means that each $10 increase in a barrel of oil costs the Pentagon $600 million a year. It spends over $3 billion more for fuel than it did in 2004.
There are national security drivers as well. As we know, our oil dependence influences our country’s relationship with the Middle East, where war and political instability threaten to disrupt supplies. Rising consumption by China and India will further pressure our limited supplies. President Bush has declared that America is “addicted to oil” – not only consumers but the military as well.
Read the rest here.
The Boys of Fremont
From Professor Share's band--
Friends of the Downtown Mountain Boys,
We'd like to remind you about our concert next Saturday evening (April 19) at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m., and advance tickets are available at Dusty Strings in spectacular Fremont (206-634-1662 and www.dustystrings.com ). Dusty Strings has created one of the best concert spaces in the area, and we are really looking forward to performing there. We'll be playing some material from our recording, Big Darlin', as well as some newer gems we've uncovered.
Several of us will also offer instrumental workshops at Dusty Strings on Sunday, April 20. Contact Dusty Strings to reserve your spot.
We hope to see some of you next weekend,
The Downtown Mountain Boys,
Paul Elliott
Terrence Enyeart
Dave Keenan
Tom Moran
Don Share
www.downtownmountainboys.com
Friends of the Downtown Mountain Boys,
We'd like to remind you about our concert next Saturday evening (April 19) at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m., and advance tickets are available at Dusty Strings in spectacular Fremont (206-634-1662 and www.dustystrings.com ). Dusty Strings has created one of the best concert spaces in the area, and we are really looking forward to performing there. We'll be playing some material from our recording, Big Darlin', as well as some newer gems we've uncovered.
Several of us will also offer instrumental workshops at Dusty Strings on Sunday, April 20. Contact Dusty Strings to reserve your spot.
We hope to see some of you next weekend,
The Downtown Mountain Boys,
Paul Elliott
Terrence Enyeart
Dave Keenan
Tom Moran
Don Share
www.downtownmountainboys.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
E-spionage
Interesting piece from Business Week on cybersecurity and national security:
...many security experts worry the Internet has become too unwieldy to be tamed. New exploits appear every day, each seemingly more sophisticated than the previous one. The Defense Dept., whose Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) developed the Internet in the 1960s, is beginning to think it created a monster. "You don't need an Army, a Navy, an Air Force to beat the U.S.," says General William T. Lord, commander of the Air Force Cyber Command, a unit formed in November, 2006, to upgrade Air Force computer defenses. "You can be a peer force for the price of the PC on my desk." Military officials have long believed that "it's cheaper, and we kill stuff faster, when we use the Internet to enable high-tech warfare," says a top adviser to the U.S. military on the overhaul of its computer security strategy. "Now they're saying, Oh, shit.'"
Read the whole thing here.
...many security experts worry the Internet has become too unwieldy to be tamed. New exploits appear every day, each seemingly more sophisticated than the previous one. The Defense Dept., whose Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) developed the Internet in the 1960s, is beginning to think it created a monster. "You don't need an Army, a Navy, an Air Force to beat the U.S.," says General William T. Lord, commander of the Air Force Cyber Command, a unit formed in November, 2006, to upgrade Air Force computer defenses. "You can be a peer force for the price of the PC on my desk." Military officials have long believed that "it's cheaper, and we kill stuff faster, when we use the Internet to enable high-tech warfare," says a top adviser to the U.S. military on the overhaul of its computer security strategy. "Now they're saying, Oh, shit.'"
Read the whole thing here.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Congratulations to Norah Atkinson '09: Lance Palmer Scholarship winner
Many congratulations are in order this week...
We mentioned in the earlier post about Colin Cronin '09 heading off to Egypt. Colin was also the department's 2007-08 recipient of the Lance Palmer Scholarship for Equality and Justice. For 2008-09, that award is going to Norah Atkinson '09. Congratulations!
The Lance Palmer Scholarship Fund for Equality and Justice was established by Lance E. Palmer '85, JD '88. Mr. Palmer established the award for students conducting research on issues of global or domestic inequality, with the hope to empower students to fight for social equality and justice.
Thanks again to Mr. Palmer for making this scholarship possible.
We mentioned in the earlier post about Colin Cronin '09 heading off to Egypt. Colin was also the department's 2007-08 recipient of the Lance Palmer Scholarship for Equality and Justice. For 2008-09, that award is going to Norah Atkinson '09. Congratulations!
The Lance Palmer Scholarship Fund for Equality and Justice was established by Lance E. Palmer '85, JD '88. Mr. Palmer established the award for students conducting research on issues of global or domestic inequality, with the hope to empower students to fight for social equality and justice.
Thanks again to Mr. Palmer for making this scholarship possible.
Colin Cronin heads to Egypt
A few weeks back we blogged about an upcoming conference in Egypt, "Beyond Borders: An Egyptian-American Dialogue. Colin Cronin '09 applied, was accepted, and is headed to Egypt next month. Congratulations, Colin, and we look forward to a recap and a few pictures--
Quebec US internship summer 2008
Interesting. Interested? Deadline is April 23--
I am writing to inform you of a new professional training opportunity
for US students for the summer 2008. The Washington Center for
Internships and Academic Seminars together with the Government of Quebec
is pleased to announce the Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program.
Open to upper division, undergraduate and graduate students with a
working knowledge of French and a desire to explore Quebec-US relations,
the Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program offers an unique
opportunity. Students will intern in various offices within the Quebec
Government. This summer marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of
Quebec, and will offer the trainees an exciting cultural celebration.
Five top candidates will be selected with two alternates. The Government
of Quebec and The Washington Center will award five (5) Gerin-Lajoie
Fellowships, which provides single-unit housing at Laval University and
reduced fees. Orientation is in Washington, DC for two days prior to
arrival in Quebec. The Gerin-Lajoie Fellowship also covers airfare and
accommodation in Washington, DC. Academic credit may be available from
home US institutions.
The Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program will provide a valuable
insight into Quebec society, its political institutions, economy, and
culture. Students will be housed on Laval University campus and
participate in seminars, workshops and cultural events in addition to
the on-the-job training. The program is twelve weeks long beginning on
19 May and ending on 8 August 2008. The Washington Center will review
applicants and submit top candidates to the Government of Quebec Office
in Washington, DC. We are accepting applications now, on a rolling basis
through Wednesday, 23 April 2008. Successful candidates will be notified
by Monday 28 April 2008. To submit an application, please include a
letter of intent, resume, academic transcript, and two letters of
reference to Ms. Sonia Ziade at The Washington Center, 1333-16th St. NW
Washington, DC 20036. Ms. Ziade may be reached via email at
soniaz@twc.edu or by phone at 202 238 7955.
The Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program is reasonably priced at
$6,990US. The Gerin-Lajoie Fellowship provides an award which includes
housing, DC training, placement, training and seminars. The fees after
the Gerin-Lajoie Fellowship are $3,425. Interns are responsible for
their transportation to Quebec from Washington, DC and their per diem
costs while in the Program. The cost of living in Quebec is considerably
more affordable than comparable world-class cities. Payment is due to
The Washington Center upon notification of acceptance into the program.
We value the work that your organization does to inform US students
about the important role Quebec plays in North America and the world
community and trust you will share with us in supporting the
Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program. Please let me know if you
have any questions about this significant opportunity.
Sincerely yours,
Peter J. Stephens
Managing Director
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
Jean-Stephane Bernard
Director,
Quebec Government Office
Washington, DC
Tags:
I am writing to inform you of a new professional training opportunity
for US students for the summer 2008. The Washington Center for
Internships and Academic Seminars together with the Government of Quebec
is pleased to announce the Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program.
Open to upper division, undergraduate and graduate students with a
working knowledge of French and a desire to explore Quebec-US relations,
the Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program offers an unique
opportunity. Students will intern in various offices within the Quebec
Government. This summer marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of
Quebec, and will offer the trainees an exciting cultural celebration.
Five top candidates will be selected with two alternates. The Government
of Quebec and The Washington Center will award five (5) Gerin-Lajoie
Fellowships, which provides single-unit housing at Laval University and
reduced fees. Orientation is in Washington, DC for two days prior to
arrival in Quebec. The Gerin-Lajoie Fellowship also covers airfare and
accommodation in Washington, DC. Academic credit may be available from
home US institutions.
The Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program will provide a valuable
insight into Quebec society, its political institutions, economy, and
culture. Students will be housed on Laval University campus and
participate in seminars, workshops and cultural events in addition to
the on-the-job training. The program is twelve weeks long beginning on
19 May and ending on 8 August 2008. The Washington Center will review
applicants and submit top candidates to the Government of Quebec Office
in Washington, DC. We are accepting applications now, on a rolling basis
through Wednesday, 23 April 2008. Successful candidates will be notified
by Monday 28 April 2008. To submit an application, please include a
letter of intent, resume, academic transcript, and two letters of
reference to Ms. Sonia Ziade at The Washington Center, 1333-16th St. NW
Washington, DC 20036. Ms. Ziade may be reached via email at
soniaz@twc.edu
The Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program is reasonably priced at
$6,990US. The Gerin-Lajoie Fellowship provides an award which includes
housing, DC training, placement, training and seminars. The fees after
the Gerin-Lajoie Fellowship are $3,425. Interns are responsible for
their transportation to Quebec from Washington, DC and their per diem
costs while in the Program. The cost of living in Quebec is considerably
more affordable than comparable world-class cities. Payment is due to
The Washington Center upon notification of acceptance into the program.
We value the work that your organization does to inform US students
about the important role Quebec plays in North America and the world
community and trust you will share with us in supporting the
Gerin-Lajoie Quebec-US Internship Program. Please let me know if you
have any questions about this significant opportunity.
Sincerely yours,
Peter J. Stephens
Managing Director
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
Jean-Stephane Bernard
Director,
Quebec Government Office
Washington, DC
Tags:
Congrats to Kavin Williams, USMMA intern for 08!
Congratulations to Kavin Williams '09, who will be the department's intern at the US Merchant Marine Academy outside New York this summer--room, board, pay, and a chance to work in public affairs and meet people from various ranks of government and politics. Last year Torey Holderith '09 was their intern, and he has a great discussion and pictures here and here. Are you a PG major who would be interested in the internship for summer 2009? Let me know.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Upcoming Campus Event: Flying in a Carbon Constrained World
Hope you can join us! Co-sponsorsed by 2020 Vision and the Air Force. Free and open to the public. Agenda here; preregister here.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
I'm gettin' me a job in Second Life
From Forbes:
...just as the way we surf the web changed, the way that corporate America does business has changed in this middle space. Case in point: the most radical dotcom 2.0 recruitment wave is happening in virtual reality thanks to Second Life. Instead of posting a resume on Monster.com that will hopefully net a flesh-and-blood job interview, your avatar can be interviewed and hired all within Second Life, often for jobs possible only in virtual reality.
You (or your avatar( can read the whole thing here.
...just as the way we surf the web changed, the way that corporate America does business has changed in this middle space. Case in point: the most radical dotcom 2.0 recruitment wave is happening in virtual reality thanks to Second Life. Instead of posting a resume on Monster.com that will hopefully net a flesh-and-blood job interview, your avatar can be interviewed and hired all within Second Life, often for jobs possible only in virtual reality.
You (or your avatar( can read the whole thing here.
Monday, April 07, 2008
LSAT advice wanted!
Dear LSAT survivors:
I had a student come in today and ask about preparing for the LSATs and realized I was ill-prepared to give an answer. So here is my request. Would any of you who took the LSAT please gike advice in the comments section on what you think are good preparation strategies? It could be courses, study methods, anything you think would be valuable. The department would then have some advice on hand we could turn to in future. Many thanks!
I had a student come in today and ask about preparing for the LSATs and realized I was ill-prepared to give an answer. So here is my request. Would any of you who took the LSAT please gike advice in the comments section on what you think are good preparation strategies? It could be courses, study methods, anything you think would be valuable. The department would then have some advice on hand we could turn to in future. Many thanks!
Social Compact (still) wants to hire you--
We first got this some time back; looks like no one took them up on it. A job and an interesting spot on your resume? Check it out.
Hello!
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. sharing the information about this research opportunity with local groups/ students to see if any interested parties contact us
2. 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.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Carolina Valencia Ph.D.
Associate Director of Research
Social Compact
738 7th St SE
Washington DC, 20003
202 547 2581
cvalencia@socialcompact.org
"It is a small world for the rich, but a huge one for the poor"
Hello!
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. sharing the information about this research opportunity with local groups/ students to see if any interested parties contact us
2. 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.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Carolina Valencia Ph.D.
Associate Director of Research
Social Compact
738 7th St SE
Washington DC, 20003
202 547 2581
cvalencia@socialcompact.org
"It is a small world for the rich, but a huge one for the poor"
Get organized--with help from Slate
From Slate Magazine: "The Best Books, Articles, and Websites to Help Organize Your Life" Hat tip: Professor Sousa.
Mock refugee camp; Professor Share speaks
This reminds me of my undergraduate years, when students would build shantytowns to protest Apartheid. Professor Share will be giving a talk at 6 pm (see below).
Mock Refugee Camp
Sunday, April 6 10:00 p.m. - Friday, April 11 12:00 a.m. hosted by the Amnesty International University of Puget Sound Student Group
University of Puget Sound
Quad between Trimble and the SUB
(1500 N. Warner)
Tacoma, WA 98416
University of Puget Sound Amnesty International Group presents: Mock Refugee Camp
Join us in refusing ignorance. You are now Aware, what will you do?
Sunday, April 6, at 10:00pm - through Friday, April 11 at 12:00am UPS Campus - Quad between Trimble and the SUB (1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416.)
The entire campus community is invited to camp out with us. Come for one night or pledge all four days. Events each night including speakers, slam poetry, film screenings, and a candle light vigil.
Join us in refusing ignorance. You are now Aware, What will you do?
April 7th - Focus: Africa (DRC and Darfur)
Event: 5pm Mary Kay Opening Introduction
Film Screening: Rape of the Congo, The Devil Came on Horseback
April 8th- Focus: Colombia
Speaker: Professor Don Share 6:30P
April 9th - Focus: Cambodia
Event: Slam Poetry
April 10th- Focus: Iraq/ Closing Ceremony Photo Exhibit
Candlelight vigil
Information about current happenings in Iraq
Film Screening: Justice Without Borders
For more information: cvanpatten@ups.edu - 971.241.03
Mock Refugee Camp
Sunday, April 6 10:00 p.m. - Friday, April 11 12:00 a.m. hosted by the Amnesty International University of Puget Sound Student Group
University of Puget Sound
Quad between Trimble and the SUB
(1500 N. Warner)
Tacoma, WA 98416
University of Puget Sound Amnesty International Group presents: Mock Refugee Camp
Join us in refusing ignorance. You are now Aware, what will you do?
Sunday, April 6, at 10:00pm - through Friday, April 11 at 12:00am UPS Campus - Quad between Trimble and the SUB (1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416.)
The entire campus community is invited to camp out with us. Come for one night or pledge all four days. Events each night including speakers, slam poetry, film screenings, and a candle light vigil.
Join us in refusing ignorance. You are now Aware, What will you do?
April 7th - Focus: Africa (DRC and Darfur)
Event: 5pm Mary Kay Opening Introduction
Film Screening: Rape of the Congo, The Devil Came on Horseback
April 8th- Focus: Colombia
Speaker: Professor Don Share 6:30P
April 9th - Focus: Cambodia
Event: Slam Poetry
April 10th- Focus: Iraq/ Closing Ceremony Photo Exhibit
Candlelight vigil
Information about current happenings in Iraq
Film Screening: Justice Without Borders
For more information: cvanpatten@ups.edu - 971.241.03
Friday, April 04, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
When cheating costs, we do it less
From the Economist. Hat tip. Professor Weinberger. How long before we do random tests for study drugs?
Because we all need something from Berlin
Who doesn't need a plush TV tower?
http://www.berlinomat-shop.com/ Many weird and wonderful items from Berlin.
Cherry Blossoms
Ned Culhane '06 sent along some lovely pictures of the cherry blossoms in bloom in DC, as enjoyed by some Washington-based loggers. He writes, "the day turned out to be a little UPS reunion as I think 4 of us ended up meeting up on Saturday morning to take in the sights of this amazing festival. The Smithsonian also ties it to this kite festival hence the pictures at the bottom of the set."
Check out all the pictures here.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Young conservative activists wanted now--
And paid!
Would you, or someone you know, like a successful career as a conservative activist?
I am on the hunt for at least 80 people whose public policy careers I can launch this fall.
I hope you, or a friend of yours, will be one of them.
Each fall, I carefully select the most promising young conservative activists to be field representatives for my Leadership Institute.
Field representatives receive 2 weeks of intensive training at my headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, plus generous compensation that allows them to spend 3 months on the ground, honing their political skills and preparing for a lifetime of leadership.
Those selected will help conservative students break the left-wing monopoly on college campuses.
Currently, the Leadership Institute has 1,015 active conservative student groups in our Campus Leadership Program. Our fall 2008 field representatives will organize hundreds more.
If you become a field representative, your journey will take you to colleges in one of at least 80 territories covering all 50 states. Once there, you will locate conservative students, help them organize, and connect them to the resources of the conservative movement.
While your leadership abilities increase, you will raise up the next generation of conservative leaders.
Completion of my field program is resumé gold. Of the 46 field representatives who completed last year’s program, 29 have used their experience to land full-time jobs as conservative activists in public policy and politics. Seven others have returned to school.
Field representatives have used the experience to launch rewarding careers in:
• Grassroots Activism
• Campaigns for public office
• Political appointments
• Capitol Hill staff
• Lobbying
• Long-term employment with the Leadership Institute
• Good jobs in other conservative organizations
The pay is generous. The experience is priceless.
Through the generosity of our donors, field representatives receive $15,000 in salary and expense stipend for the three month program.
Leadership Institute field representatives also receive a top-of-the-line laptop computer which they keep upon completion of my program.
Opportunities for full-time, paid jobs fighting for your beliefs do not come along very often.
These positions fill up fast. I hope to hear from you soon.
Cordially,
Morton Blackwell
President
Would you, or someone you know, like a successful career as a conservative activist?
I am on the hunt for at least 80 people whose public policy careers I can launch this fall.
I hope you, or a friend of yours, will be one of them.
Each fall, I carefully select the most promising young conservative activists to be field representatives for my Leadership Institute.
Field representatives receive 2 weeks of intensive training at my headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, plus generous compensation that allows them to spend 3 months on the ground, honing their political skills and preparing for a lifetime of leadership.
Those selected will help conservative students break the left-wing monopoly on college campuses.
Currently, the Leadership Institute has 1,015 active conservative student groups in our Campus Leadership Program. Our fall 2008 field representatives will organize hundreds more.
If you become a field representative, your journey will take you to colleges in one of at least 80 territories covering all 50 states. Once there, you will locate conservative students, help them organize, and connect them to the resources of the conservative movement.
While your leadership abilities increase, you will raise up the next generation of conservative leaders.
Completion of my field program is resumé gold. Of the 46 field representatives who completed last year’s program, 29 have used their experience to land full-time jobs as conservative activists in public policy and politics. Seven others have returned to school.
Field representatives have used the experience to launch rewarding careers in:
• Grassroots Activism
• Campaigns for public office
• Political appointments
• Capitol Hill staff
• Lobbying
• Long-term employment with the Leadership Institute
• Good jobs in other conservative organizations
The pay is generous. The experience is priceless.
Through the generosity of our donors, field representatives receive $15,000 in salary and expense stipend for the three month program.
Leadership Institute field representatives also receive a top-of-the-line laptop computer which they keep upon completion of my program.
Opportunities for full-time, paid jobs fighting for your beliefs do not come along very often.
These positions fill up fast. I hope to hear from you soon.
Cordially,
Morton Blackwell
President
Some updates
Heidi Kreiss '09 will have an internship with Amazon Watch this summer. Thanks to Jenn DeLury Ciplet '98 (formerly of AW) for her guidance and input!
Ashley Lauth '07 took an internship with Greenpeace in DC last spring, and now is working for them full-time as a production assistant. Great work--
Ashley Lauth '07 took an internship with Greenpeace in DC last spring, and now is working for them full-time as a production assistant. Great work--
James Howard Kunstler Talk April 23
The Department of Politics and Government is proud to be a sponsor of this event. Do attend if you can--
James Howard Kunstler to speak in Tacoma on April 23rd. Tickets on sale now.
Contact:
Paul Sparks, 253.569.9413, locallifetacoma@aol.com
Whitney Rhodes, 206.718.8664, whitney@exit133.com
TACOMA, Wash. – March 31, 2008 – Local Life Tacoma and Exit133 have partnered to bring James Howard Kunstler, urban planning advocate, social critic, journalist and novelist, to Tacoma on April 23, 7:00pm, at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts' Theatre on the Square. This event is sponsored by Veritas Mortgage, Embellish Salon, the University of Washington Tacoma Urban Studies Department, Boe Architects, the University of Puget Sound Politics & Government Department, BCRA, and The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Student ticket prices are made possible through the generous support of the City of Tacoma.
James Howard Kunstler is the author of seven novels and countless articles and essays including The Geography of Nowhere and The Long Emergency. Geography earned much attention and praise, launching him into the spotlight as a commentator on America's hapless urban planning. Mr. Kunstler has lectured extensively about urban design, energy issues and new economies for The TED Conference, Google, American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the International Council of Shopping Centers, The National Association of Science and Technology and other professional organizations as well as at numerous colleges and universities.
Mr. Kunstler aptly describes his lectures as "stand-up comedy with some dark moments." His audience knows he is dependably acerbic, witty, well-read and exceedingly alert, drawing from a tremendous store of hard facts and idealism that ends on a good note: Well-earned and reasoned hope.
Mr. Kunstler will tour Tacoma and be speaking specifically to our city within the larger framework of his life's work. After the lecture, he will sign books in the lobby. Books will be available for sale from King's Books. For more information and tickets, contact the Broadway Center Box Office by phone at 253.591.5894, visit in person at 9th & Broadway or any time online at www.broadwaycenter.org .
More information is available at:
Local Life Tacoma
www.golocaltacoma.com/locallife.htm
Exit133
www.exit133.com
James Howard Kunstler
www.kunstler.com
James Howard Kunstler to speak in Tacoma on April 23rd. Tickets on sale now.
Contact:
Paul Sparks, 253.569.9413, locallifetacoma@aol.com
Whitney Rhodes, 206.718.8664, whitney@exit133.com
TACOMA, Wash. – March 31, 2008 – Local Life Tacoma and Exit133 have partnered to bring James Howard Kunstler, urban planning advocate, social critic, journalist and novelist, to Tacoma on April 23, 7:00pm, at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts' Theatre on the Square. This event is sponsored by Veritas Mortgage, Embellish Salon, the University of Washington Tacoma Urban Studies Department, Boe Architects, the University of Puget Sound Politics & Government Department, BCRA, and The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Student ticket prices are made possible through the generous support of the City of Tacoma.
James Howard Kunstler is the author of seven novels and countless articles and essays including The Geography of Nowhere and The Long Emergency. Geography earned much attention and praise, launching him into the spotlight as a commentator on America's hapless urban planning. Mr. Kunstler has lectured extensively about urban design, energy issues and new economies for The TED Conference, Google, American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the International Council of Shopping Centers, The National Association of Science and Technology and other professional organizations as well as at numerous colleges and universities.
Mr. Kunstler aptly describes his lectures as "stand-up comedy with some dark moments." His audience knows he is dependably acerbic, witty, well-read and exceedingly alert, drawing from a tremendous store of hard facts and idealism that ends on a good note: Well-earned and reasoned hope.
Mr. Kunstler will tour Tacoma and be speaking specifically to our city within the larger framework of his life's work. After the lecture, he will sign books in the lobby. Books will be available for sale from King's Books. For more information and tickets, contact the Broadway Center Box Office by phone at 253.591.5894, visit in person at 9th & Broadway or any time online at www.broadwaycenter.org .
More information is available at:
Local Life Tacoma
www.golocaltacoma.com/locallife.htm
Exit133
www.exit133.com
James Howard Kunstler
www.kunstler.com
CASCAID Conference 2008
The 5th Annual CASCAID Conference will be hosted this May 2-3 on the campus of Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. As part of its efforts to bring together activists, academics, and community members in a forum for dialog and discussion, we are encouraging undergraduate and graduate students to submit papers for the academic track of the conference. We think that it is important that undergraduate students get an opportunity to participate in conferences to get experience in sharing their work. As such, we were hoping you might be able to distribute the attached call for papers to interested students at all levels in your department. The theme for this year's conference is social justice, and we are hoping that the theme will encourage papers from a variety of fields on a diverse range of topics. The keynote address will be given by Dr. Manning Marable.
Submissions will be considered starting April 1, 2008. The deadline for full consideration is April 14, 2008. Papers and proposals received by this date will receive notification of status within 1 week. Abstracts will be accepted for consideration, but full papers are due 2 weeks prior to conference to be considered for the undergraduate prize. The top paper submitted by an undergraduate will be awarded the CASCAID Contribution to Advocacy Award and a $250 cash scholarship.
Papers can be submitted to CASCAIDpapers2008@gmail.com If you have any further questions, please contact me at darryl.stein@wwu.edu or 360-650-4556.
Thank you for your consideration,
Darryl Stein
Assistant Director of Forensics
Western Washington University
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Submissions will be considered starting April 1, 2008. The deadline for full consideration is April 14, 2008. Papers and proposals received by this date will receive notification of status within 1 week. Abstracts will be accepted for consideration, but full papers are due 2 weeks prior to conference to be considered for the undergraduate prize. The top paper submitted by an undergraduate will be awarded the CASCAID Contribution to Advocacy Award and a $250 cash scholarship.
Papers can be submitted to CASCAIDpapers2008@gmail.com If you have any further questions, please contact me at darryl.stein@wwu.edu or 360-650-4556.
Thank you for your consideration,
Darryl Stein
Assistant Director of Forensics
Western Washington University
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Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Sir John Templeton Fellowships
The Sir John M. Templeton Fellowships Essay Contest for students is held every year. The submission deadline this year is May 1, 2008. Winners will be announced in October, 2008. The 2008 Templeton Fellowships will be awarded for the best essay on the topic:
For decades social critics in the United States and throughout the Western world have complained that “property” rights too often take precedence over “human” rights, with the result that people are treated unequally and have unequal opportunities. Inequality exists in any society. But the purported conflict between property rights and human rights is a mirage—property rights are human rights.
—Armen Alchian, “Property Rights” in The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics
Are property rights human rights? How are they related? What are their similarities and differences? If property rights are human rights, why have they enjoyed fewer legal protections and intellectual champions than other human rights?
Please visit the Guidelines page for more information about how to write your essay.
Awards:
Students
First Prize: $2,500
Second Prize: $1,500
Third prize: $1,000
Deadline: May 1, 2008
Tags:
For decades social critics in the United States and throughout the Western world have complained that “property” rights too often take precedence over “human” rights, with the result that people are treated unequally and have unequal opportunities. Inequality exists in any society. But the purported conflict between property rights and human rights is a mirage—property rights are human rights.
—Armen Alchian, “Property Rights” in The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics
Are property rights human rights? How are they related? What are their similarities and differences? If property rights are human rights, why have they enjoyed fewer legal protections and intellectual champions than other human rights?
Please visit the Guidelines page for more information about how to write your essay.
Awards:
Students
First Prize: $2,500
Second Prize: $1,500
Third prize: $1,000
Deadline: May 1, 2008
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March snow showers make us glower
Last week we had several days of snow to welcome us into April. Snow? Here? In March? Odd stuff, and certain to scare away any of those prospective students from Hawaii. Thanks to Administrative Assistant Irene Lim (also known as The Real Power Behind PG) for the video.
Monday, March 31, 2008
National Education for Women's Leadership Puget Sound Workshop
What is NEW Leadership Puget Sound?
NEW (National Education for Women's) Leadership Puget Sound is an intensive six-day institute open to students who attend university or college in the Puget Sound region or who have a permanent residence here. The next leadership institute is scheduled for June 2008.
The NEW Leadership curriculum is designed to:
* Cultivate leadership skills
* Connect participants with women leaders who make a difference in civic life and the public sphere
* Help students explore the demands and rewards of leadership in a diverse society
* Empower students to practice leadership through action
During the institute students will:
* Meet with interesting and active women who are leaders in their communities, non-profit organizations, local and state government, and businesses
* Receive interactive skills training on public speaking, fundraising, negotiation & conflict resolution, diversity and networking
* Develop valuable social networks with peers and mentors
Graduates of the institute will receive information and assistance to help them continue to grow as leaders through involvement with the NEW Leadership Alumnae Association.
Find out more here.
Tags:
NEW (National Education for Women's) Leadership Puget Sound is an intensive six-day institute open to students who attend university or college in the Puget Sound region or who have a permanent residence here. The next leadership institute is scheduled for June 2008.
The NEW Leadership curriculum is designed to:
* Cultivate leadership skills
* Connect participants with women leaders who make a difference in civic life and the public sphere
* Help students explore the demands and rewards of leadership in a diverse society
* Empower students to practice leadership through action
During the institute students will:
* Meet with interesting and active women who are leaders in their communities, non-profit organizations, local and state government, and businesses
* Receive interactive skills training on public speaking, fundraising, negotiation & conflict resolution, diversity and networking
* Develop valuable social networks with peers and mentors
Graduates of the institute will receive information and assistance to help them continue to grow as leaders through involvement with the NEW Leadership Alumnae Association.
Find out more here.
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IHS Summer Programs
We've had students do these before and spoke well of them--
The Institute for Humane Studies will be extending the deadline to apply for our summer conferences to April 6, 2008. We know it is a busy time in the semester and we wanted to give your students an extra week to submit an application. Please let them know about this extension.
I also wanted to pass along information about the interesting lectures we’ve lined up for the Liberty & Society seminar series. These seminars go beyond the basics to explore more sophisticated arguments for liberty, offering participants the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in their studies.
This year the Liberty & Society seminars will focus on the history of classical liberal thought and its application to current issues, addressing topics such as:
* Egalitarianism vs. Individualism -- Discuss the debate between Rawls vs. Nozick and other thinkers.
* American Revolution and the Civil War -- Examine the importance of classical liberal ideas in understanding the history not only of the American Founding but the of Civil War as well.
* Public Choice and Education -- Address the school choice debate from a public choice economics perspective. Which interest groups benefit from keeping schools the way they are?
* Economic Freedom of the World Index -- Hear an economist speak about his work on the 2007 Economic Freedom of the World Index. Are there correlations between freedom and international development?
We’re also hosting 11 other conferences this summer on globalization, social change, the free press, and more. Visit www.TheIHS.org/seminar for more information, including dates, locations, and a full list of topics. Participation is free. IHS provides housing, meals, and books during the seminar.
Best Wishes,
Keri
Keri Anderson
Student Coordinator
Institute for Humane Studies
The Institute for Humane Studies will be extending the deadline to apply for our summer conferences to April 6, 2008. We know it is a busy time in the semester and we wanted to give your students an extra week to submit an application. Please let them know about this extension.
I also wanted to pass along information about the interesting lectures we’ve lined up for the Liberty & Society seminar series. These seminars go beyond the basics to explore more sophisticated arguments for liberty, offering participants the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in their studies.
This year the Liberty & Society seminars will focus on the history of classical liberal thought and its application to current issues, addressing topics such as:
* Egalitarianism vs. Individualism -- Discuss the debate between Rawls vs. Nozick and other thinkers.
* American Revolution and the Civil War -- Examine the importance of classical liberal ideas in understanding the history not only of the American Founding but the of Civil War as well.
* Public Choice and Education -- Address the school choice debate from a public choice economics perspective. Which interest groups benefit from keeping schools the way they are?
* Economic Freedom of the World Index -- Hear an economist speak about his work on the 2007 Economic Freedom of the World Index. Are there correlations between freedom and international development?
We’re also hosting 11 other conferences this summer on globalization, social change, the free press, and more. Visit www.TheIHS.org/seminar for more information, including dates, locations, and a full list of topics. Participation is free. IHS provides housing, meals, and books during the seminar.
Best Wishes,
Keri
Keri Anderson
Student Coordinator
Institute for Humane Studies
¿Puedo Hablar? May I Speak?
From Professor Share:
I’m writing to you as heads of programs that contributed to the visit of Christopher Moore, producer and co-director of a recently released documentary on Venezuelan politics (¿Puedo Hablar? May I speak?). Moore and a co-producer will be on campus Tuesday, April 22, 2008. He will screen his film at 4 p.m. in Rausch Auditorium (Mc 003) and then field questions. There will likely be a poster display somewhere on campus during the day.
I’d like to ask you to distribute this message to members of your department. Some might want to encourage their students to attend the film at 4, and others might be interested in having the filmmakers attend a class. The filmmakers are already scheduled to appear in my PG 380 (Latin American Politics) from 2-3:20 p.m., and it might be possible to find a bigger room and invite other classes to join us if there is interest. It is also possible that we could arrange visits to classes in the morning, so please let me know if you are interested. A PG student group is going to host either a dinner or lunch with the filmmakers.
More information about the film (including the trailer) and the filmmakers can be found at www.sol-productions.org
Thanks again for supporting this event,
Best,
Don
I’m writing to you as heads of programs that contributed to the visit of Christopher Moore, producer and co-director of a recently released documentary on Venezuelan politics (¿Puedo Hablar? May I speak?). Moore and a co-producer will be on campus Tuesday, April 22, 2008. He will screen his film at 4 p.m. in Rausch Auditorium (Mc 003) and then field questions. There will likely be a poster display somewhere on campus during the day.
I’d like to ask you to distribute this message to members of your department. Some might want to encourage their students to attend the film at 4, and others might be interested in having the filmmakers attend a class. The filmmakers are already scheduled to appear in my PG 380 (Latin American Politics) from 2-3:20 p.m., and it might be possible to find a bigger room and invite other classes to join us if there is interest. It is also possible that we could arrange visits to classes in the morning, so please let me know if you are interested. A PG student group is going to host either a dinner or lunch with the filmmakers.
More information about the film (including the trailer) and the filmmakers can be found at www.sol-productions.org
Thanks again for supporting this event,
Best,
Don
Watson Fellowship! Information Meetings!
From Professor Joshi, Watson liasion:
I am writing for three reasons. First to mention that this year we have two Watson winners, Emilie DeWulf and Rachel Gross. Please join me in congratulating these striking young women who are preparing to embark in August on exciting journeys across the globe.
Please also announce in your classes and/or email advisees and potential Watson students that we will be holding two Watson introductory meetings this month: Wednesday April 23, 5:30-6:30 pm OR Thursday April 24, 5:30-6:30 pm. Both will be in Wyatt 109. They are open to all but particularly pertinent for students applying in the Fall.
Finally, I am writing to ask your help in identifying potential Watson candidates. Because this fellowship is unique and because you know students best, you are well placed to identify a potential student and encourage him/her to consider the Watson
What is the Watson? The Watson Fellowship is a highly competitive and prestigious national fellowship that provides students with a $25,000 grant to pursue a year of travel outside the United States in the year after graduation. Fellows develop innovative projects that take them to diverse locations to address what are often highly idiosyncratic interests (e.g.: kite building, communities with lake monster myths, retracing Darwin’s Beagle journey, and our latest two: horse tack and training, and mountain huts). For a list of UPS’s Watsons, please go to: http://www2.ups.edu/watson/index.htm; for a list of national fellows, see: http://www.watsonfellowship.org/site/fellows/08_09.html. The program is highly selective, not only in fellows, but also in the roughly 50 colleges it invites as participating institutions. Puget Sound has been a “Watson school” since 1992 and we have been extremely successful in those years with one or two winners almost every year since 1994.
Who is a “potential Watson” student? Because the foundation places tremendous emphasis on identifying unique individuals who demonstrate self-reliance and spirit, a potential student is a bit different from those whom we typically think of for scholarships. Successful Watson applicants are not necessarily “A students.” Rather they are bold and original thinkers and very resourceful; they are young people who demonstrate curiosity and independent thinking (“moxie” to use the foundation’s term); they have strong interests, yet a flexible mind; are determined and able to deal with setbacks; have the ability to engage (listen, learn, and persuade) others. There is no one “profile”: quiet students do well, as do loquacious ones. What matters is that the student have a burning interest in pursuing a project (after all, she will be alone for a year in foreign locales, with only one this question to keep her going). Since the Watson program started, it has awarded fellowships to students from almost every major; students from no one disciplinary background appear to be more successful. If you think you know a student who fits such a profile, please encourage him/her to consider applying for a Watson and to contact me.
Thank you for your help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at pjoshi@ups.edu.
I am writing for three reasons. First to mention that this year we have two Watson winners, Emilie DeWulf and Rachel Gross. Please join me in congratulating these striking young women who are preparing to embark in August on exciting journeys across the globe.
Please also announce in your classes and/or email advisees and potential Watson students that we will be holding two Watson introductory meetings this month: Wednesday April 23, 5:30-6:30 pm OR Thursday April 24, 5:30-6:30 pm. Both will be in Wyatt 109. They are open to all but particularly pertinent for students applying in the Fall.
Finally, I am writing to ask your help in identifying potential Watson candidates. Because this fellowship is unique and because you know students best, you are well placed to identify a potential student and encourage him/her to consider the Watson
What is the Watson? The Watson Fellowship is a highly competitive and prestigious national fellowship that provides students with a $25,000 grant to pursue a year of travel outside the United States in the year after graduation. Fellows develop innovative projects that take them to diverse locations to address what are often highly idiosyncratic interests (e.g.: kite building, communities with lake monster myths, retracing Darwin’s Beagle journey, and our latest two: horse tack and training, and mountain huts). For a list of UPS’s Watsons, please go to: http://www2.ups.edu/watson/index.htm; for a list of national fellows, see: http://www.watsonfellowship.org/site/fellows/08_09.html. The program is highly selective, not only in fellows, but also in the roughly 50 colleges it invites as participating institutions. Puget Sound has been a “Watson school” since 1992 and we have been extremely successful in those years with one or two winners almost every year since 1994.
Who is a “potential Watson” student? Because the foundation places tremendous emphasis on identifying unique individuals who demonstrate self-reliance and spirit, a potential student is a bit different from those whom we typically think of for scholarships. Successful Watson applicants are not necessarily “A students.” Rather they are bold and original thinkers and very resourceful; they are young people who demonstrate curiosity and independent thinking (“moxie” to use the foundation’s term); they have strong interests, yet a flexible mind; are determined and able to deal with setbacks; have the ability to engage (listen, learn, and persuade) others. There is no one “profile”: quiet students do well, as do loquacious ones. What matters is that the student have a burning interest in pursuing a project (after all, she will be alone for a year in foreign locales, with only one this question to keep her going). Since the Watson program started, it has awarded fellowships to students from almost every major; students from no one disciplinary background appear to be more successful. If you think you know a student who fits such a profile, please encourage him/her to consider applying for a Watson and to contact me.
Thank you for your help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at pjoshi@ups.edu.
Friday, March 28, 2008
No Friday post; SF for me
I'm at SeaTac waiting for my flight to San Francisco where I'm headed to the International Studies Association Annual Conference. I expect to see many academics, badly dressed, shuffling about. Not a pretty sight. Back blogging on Monday--
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Geoff LeGrand '10 Summers in DC
Geoff LeGrand has secured a paid internship with Congressman Adam Smith's office in DC this summer. Congrats and thanks to those alums who helped with this. Any alums in DC who'd meet Geoff for lunch or a cup of coffee? If so, leave a comment below or drop me an email. Thanks!
Satellite Stump
I like coffee. A lot. I drink huge quantities of it, black, on a daily basis. And so when I was in Portland last week I made a pilgrimage to Stumptown Coffee, known for their obsessive relationship to the beverage. Turns out there are two local connections. The founder is originally from Puyallup, and there's only one place between Seattle and Portland that has been authorized to serve Stumptown: Satellite Coffee, just north of Wright Park. Read about it in the News Tribune; about Stumptown in the New York Times. And if you're local, check out Satellite--they brew a mean mug of java.
Professor Jacobson makes the news
We haven't spoken much about our two searches this fall, both of which were an unqualified success. Let's start with one of them. We are excited to be welcoming Professor Robin Jacobson to our department in fall 2009--yes, 2009, unfortunately, since various complications prevent her from joining us earlier. Currently Professor Jacobson is teaching at Bucknell University. The other day Professor Jacobson was interviewed for an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education on immigration and the presidential campaign. Professor Jacobson is the author of the forthcoming book The New Nativism: Proposition 187 and the Debate Over Immigration. Read her contributions to the Chronicle article here; and we look forward to your joining us, Professor Jacobson!
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Student Summer Research Funds on Canada
2008 Canadian Studies Student Research Awards
Thanks to a grant from the Canadian government, the university is able to offer two grants of up to US$500 each to support student research that in some significant way involves Canada or Canadians. Students from all fields of study, both undergraduate and graduate, are eligible for these awards.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008
Evaluation Criteria:
A faculty panel will review proposals and award funds based on the clarity, strength, and completeness of the written proposal, the role of Canada in the proposed project, the appropriateness of the proposed budget, and the strength of a supporting letter from a faculty advisor to the project.
Responsibilities of award holders:
At the conclusion of the project, the student must submit an accounting of the use of the funds and a 1000-word written final report of the research conducted. These combined materials should be sent to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by September 30, 2008. A copy of the final report should also be submitted to the faculty sponsor.
Application materials:
All materials should be typed, except the application form.
1. Application form
2. Project proposal
Maximum of 5 pages, including the following elements:
a. Project Purpose and Background: Discuss the value of your research to your major or discipline. Your discussion should be accessible to educated people outside of your field, but should also indicate your facility with concepts and context specific to your field.
b. Methods of Study: Discuss the hypotheses of your research and the methods by which you will investigate them.
c. Student’s Preparation for this Research: Discuss the elements of your studies, work, or other experiences that have prepared you to perform this research well.
d. Bibliography: Please indicate which works are cited in your proposal, and which are materials you plan to examine as part of your project.
3. Budget
Outline your anticipated research expenses, including the expected cost of each item.
4. Letter of Support
Obtain a letter of support from the faculty advisor for your project. This letter should address factors such as project value and feasibility, the centrality of Canada to the research project, and the relevance of the project to the student’s educational program. Faculty Advisors should also comment on the accuracy of the proposed budget.
Submit the original and three (3) copies of the complete application materials to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by Friday, April 25, 2008.
Tags:
Thanks to a grant from the Canadian government, the university is able to offer two grants of up to US$500 each to support student research that in some significant way involves Canada or Canadians. Students from all fields of study, both undergraduate and graduate, are eligible for these awards.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008
Evaluation Criteria:
A faculty panel will review proposals and award funds based on the clarity, strength, and completeness of the written proposal, the role of Canada in the proposed project, the appropriateness of the proposed budget, and the strength of a supporting letter from a faculty advisor to the project.
Responsibilities of award holders:
At the conclusion of the project, the student must submit an accounting of the use of the funds and a 1000-word written final report of the research conducted. These combined materials should be sent to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by September 30, 2008. A copy of the final report should also be submitted to the faculty sponsor.
Application materials:
All materials should be typed, except the application form.
1. Application form
2. Project proposal
Maximum of 5 pages, including the following elements:
a. Project Purpose and Background: Discuss the value of your research to your major or discipline. Your discussion should be accessible to educated people outside of your field, but should also indicate your facility with concepts and context specific to your field.
b. Methods of Study: Discuss the hypotheses of your research and the methods by which you will investigate them.
c. Student’s Preparation for this Research: Discuss the elements of your studies, work, or other experiences that have prepared you to perform this research well.
d. Bibliography: Please indicate which works are cited in your proposal, and which are materials you plan to examine as part of your project.
3. Budget
Outline your anticipated research expenses, including the expected cost of each item.
4. Letter of Support
Obtain a letter of support from the faculty advisor for your project. This letter should address factors such as project value and feasibility, the centrality of Canada to the research project, and the relevance of the project to the student’s educational program. Faculty Advisors should also comment on the accuracy of the proposed budget.
Submit the original and three (3) copies of the complete application materials to Associate Dean Lisa Ferrari (Jones 212, CMB 1020) by Friday, April 25, 2008.
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FIGHT traffic on campus this Saturday
Hello! I am writing to inform you of an event that will be taking place on campus this weekend that may be of interest to faculty and students within your specific departments. On Saturday, March 29 F.I.G.H.T., an anti-human trafficking club at UPS, will be hosting a semi-formal benefit dinner in the Rotunda from 5:30-7:00pm. There will be a guest speaker from the Tronie Foundation, an organization located in Olympia that has recently opened one of the only shelters in the United States for victims of human trafficking. The speaker, Rani Hong, is herself a survivor and has spoken across the country, before government organizations, and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. She will speaking about the realities of slavery's existence in the modern world, including the US. The event is free, including dinner and dessert, but donations are suggested and appreciated, as all funds collected will go directly to the Tronie Foundation. There will also be a small silent auction to help raise money. Space is somewhat limited, so RSVPs are also appreciated. Anyone interested may do so by e-mailing Alicia Portillo at lportillo@ups.edu.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kammi Sheeler, F.I.G.H.T. member
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kammi Sheeler, F.I.G.H.T. member
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The world as seen by...
The world through the eyes of editors-in-chief of various publications in 2007, based on the attention they pay to different parts of the world. Graphically interesting if not the most scientific study. Read more about it here. Hat tip: Darrel Frost '04
Peace Alliance Internship
Peace Alliance - Legislative Strategist Intern - Washington, DC, USA
The Peace Alliance is currently offering the following position(s):
Legislative Strategist Intern
The Peace Alliance is seeking an intern for the position of Legislative Strategist in a grassroots movement.
The Peace Alliance, a 501(c)4 nonprofit, is a nonpartisan citizen action organization whose mission is to empower civic activism for a culture of peace. Our vision is a future in which the practical programs and principles of peacebuilding a re the bedrock of our personal, national and global interest and investment. Our goal is to take the field of peacebuilding from the margins of the political and societal dialogue and bring it to its rightful place: Central to our policymaking, investment and understanding. We achieve this primarily through a massive public education, outreach and citizen lobbying effort. Our current focus is the campaign for a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace. There is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives, HR 808, to establish a United States Department of Peace.
The Legislative Strategist will work with the national leadership of the Campaign to craft a comprehensive and cohesive legislative strategy that supports grassroots organizers in targeting their lobbying actions on Capitol Hill to generate new cosponsors for HR 808.
This position will work with leadership to understand individual Congressmembers' positions and needs; prioritize efforts; educate, inform, and equip grassroots lobbyists with necessary materials; create new actions; and mold this position to maximize the potential that unfolds daily in grassroots, non-hierarchical structures.
This is an ideal internship for someone who generates ideas easily, excels at working in partnership to produce a mature and feasible plan, and can see the plan to fruition.
This is a part-time position. The ideal applicant will be nearing completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in political science with an interest and/or experience in legislative strategy and/or the fields of peacebuilding, conflict resolution and grassroots organizing. Must be a self-starter with excellent research and verbal and written communication skills; work easily with diverse and geographically dispersed volunteers; excel in collaborative work environments; be able to create maximum impact with minimum resources; and be committed to being! peace in the world.
Work location is 1730 Rhode Islan d Ave NW, Suite 712, Washington, DC.
If interested, please email a cover letter and resume to Kathy Kidd or call (202) 296-1187.
For more information on this position or volunteer opportunities with a Peace Alliance regional chapter near you see http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/464/467/
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The Peace Alliance is currently offering the following position(s):
Legislative Strategist Intern
The Peace Alliance is seeking an intern for the position of Legislative Strategist in a grassroots movement.
The Peace Alliance, a 501(c)4 nonprofit, is a nonpartisan citizen action organization whose mission is to empower civic activism for a culture of peace. Our vision is a future in which the practical programs and principles of peacebuilding a re the bedrock of our personal, national and global interest and investment. Our goal is to take the field of peacebuilding from the margins of the political and societal dialogue and bring it to its rightful place: Central to our policymaking, investment and understanding. We achieve this primarily through a massive public education, outreach and citizen lobbying effort. Our current focus is the campaign for a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace. There is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives, HR 808, to establish a United States Department of Peace.
The Legislative Strategist will work with the national leadership of the Campaign to craft a comprehensive and cohesive legislative strategy that supports grassroots organizers in targeting their lobbying actions on Capitol Hill to generate new cosponsors for HR 808.
This position will work with leadership to understand individual Congressmembers' positions and needs; prioritize efforts; educate, inform, and equip grassroots lobbyists with necessary materials; create new actions; and mold this position to maximize the potential that unfolds daily in grassroots, non-hierarchical structures.
This is an ideal internship for someone who generates ideas easily, excels at working in partnership to produce a mature and feasible plan, and can see the plan to fruition.
This is a part-time position. The ideal applicant will be nearing completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in political science with an interest and/or experience in legislative strategy and/or the fields of peacebuilding, conflict resolution and grassroots organizing. Must be a self-starter with excellent research and verbal and written communication skills; work easily with diverse and geographically dispersed volunteers; excel in collaborative work environments; be able to create maximum impact with minimum resources; and be committed to being! peace in the world.
Work location is 1730 Rhode Islan d Ave NW, Suite 712, Washington, DC.
If interested, please email a cover letter and resume to Kathy Kidd or call (202) 296-1187.
For more information on this position or volunteer opportunities with a Peace Alliance regional chapter near you see http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/464/467/
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Monday, March 24, 2008
Green Career Fair
You don't have to go in a hemp shirt to get a job.
Green Careers panelists hold and are pursuing degrees in a variety of subjects: International Economic Analysis, Spanish and Global Studies, Philosophy, Politics and Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Urban Ecology, Photography, Social Management of Technology.
Their experiences range from advising local community gardeners on improving urban soils to acting as social entrepreneurs, creating non-profits in developing countries to working as members of Corporate Social Responsibility teams.
We invite you to attend, and also ask that you encourage your students to participate by forwarding this message:
Is Earth Day your favorite holiday?
Are you passionate about "saving the planet?"
Do you strive to reduce your eco-footprint to zero?
Join us at Pizza and Professionals: Green Careers
Wednesday, March 26, Noon - 1:00 pm
Wheelock Student Center, Room 101
Nearly every industry is expanding its Green Career options. All organizations, green or not, need talented staff. By choosing employers who are committed to sustainable practices, you can combine your concern for the environment with a satisfying career path.
For more information about our panelists, visit Green Careers.
Green Careers panelists hold and are pursuing degrees in a variety of subjects: International Economic Analysis, Spanish and Global Studies, Philosophy, Politics and Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Urban Ecology, Photography, Social Management of Technology.
Their experiences range from advising local community gardeners on improving urban soils to acting as social entrepreneurs, creating non-profits in developing countries to working as members of Corporate Social Responsibility teams.
We invite you to attend, and also ask that you encourage your students to participate by forwarding this message:
Is Earth Day your favorite holiday?
Are you passionate about "saving the planet?"
Do you strive to reduce your eco-footprint to zero?
Join us at Pizza and Professionals: Green Careers
Wednesday, March 26, Noon - 1:00 pm
Wheelock Student Center, Room 101
Nearly every industry is expanding its Green Career options. All organizations, green or not, need talented staff. By choosing employers who are committed to sustainable practices, you can combine your concern for the environment with a satisfying career path.
For more information about our panelists, visit Green Careers.
Obama campaign wants your help
From the Obama folks:
We need some help over the next couple days processing our voter data for the legislative district caucuses. This will be an online project that students could help out with from anywhere. Any leads you could provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Mike French
Delegate Team
Obama for America
mfrench@barackobama.com
(775) 722-0553
We need some help over the next couple days processing our voter data for the legislative district caucuses. This will be an online project that students could help out with from anywhere. Any leads you could provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Mike French
Delegate Team
Obama for America
mfrench@barackobama.com
(775) 722-0553
Work the polls
Jerri Powers of the Piece County Election Department is looking to recruit students to work the polls this coming fall. Do your civic duty! Ms. Powers contact number is 253.798.6587.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Spring Break
We've gone on blogging hiatus for Spring Break. To all students and alums, I hope that wherever you are you see some sign of spring ahead.
New Organizing Insitute Bootcamp
NOI Campaign Bootcamp (Summer 2008)
Graduating this spring? Want to work in progressive politics? Hoping to get on a 2008 campaign? If you say "yes" to any of the below, NOI's campaign bootcamp might be for you. (Or, if you are not a recent college graduate, this training is also for people looking to make a career change into progressive politics.)
At NOI's campaign bootcamp, you'll spend one intensive week learning the fundamentals of traditional political campaigning... plus how to leverage technology to maximize a campaign's fundraising and organizing potential.
Apply by April 15.
During the day, you'll learn from Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Dodd, and MoveOn alums; experts in voter files, microtargeting, paid advertising, and earned media; top bloggers and respected authors; and dynamic professionals working in the fields of online organizing and political technology. Past Trainers >>
In the evening, you'll work in teams to put the lessons of the day to work on a mock campaign. By the time you leave, you'll be ready to go work for a progressive campaign or organization.
As an NOI alum, you'll have instant access to dozens of exciting opportunities in this field, and a permanent network to lean on for career support and strategic advice. Admission is highly competitive. All expenses (including meals and accommodations) are paid. Don't miss out. Apply today.
DEADLINE FOR EARLY ADMISSION: April 1, 2008
FINAL DEADLINE: April 15, 2008
TRAINING DATES: June 29 - July 6
Graduating this spring? Want to work in progressive politics? Hoping to get on a 2008 campaign? If you say "yes" to any of the below, NOI's campaign bootcamp might be for you. (Or, if you are not a recent college graduate, this training is also for people looking to make a career change into progressive politics.)
At NOI's campaign bootcamp, you'll spend one intensive week learning the fundamentals of traditional political campaigning... plus how to leverage technology to maximize a campaign's fundraising and organizing potential.
Apply by April 15.
During the day, you'll learn from Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Dodd, and MoveOn alums; experts in voter files, microtargeting, paid advertising, and earned media; top bloggers and respected authors; and dynamic professionals working in the fields of online organizing and political technology. Past Trainers >>
In the evening, you'll work in teams to put the lessons of the day to work on a mock campaign. By the time you leave, you'll be ready to go work for a progressive campaign or organization.
As an NOI alum, you'll have instant access to dozens of exciting opportunities in this field, and a permanent network to lean on for career support and strategic advice. Admission is highly competitive. All expenses (including meals and accommodations) are paid. Don't miss out. Apply today.
DEADLINE FOR EARLY ADMISSION: April 1, 2008
FINAL DEADLINE: April 15, 2008
TRAINING DATES: June 29 - July 6
Friday, March 14, 2008
Linz Heppe '07 update: DC, grad school, intern life
From Linz Heppe '07:
My internship at the Protection Project has swung into high gear and I love it there! I am just finishing up some of the annual TIP (Trafficking in Persons) country reports. I have been working on the Middle East as my region, and have thus far completed my reports for Tunisia, Lebanon, Oman, and Iraq. I will be completing Saudi Arabia sometime in the near future.
I have also been hooked up with Professor Ahmad Iravani who is affiliated with the Catholic University of America in D.C. He studied in Iran and has focused on Islamic theology and philosophy, human rights and women's rights, international law and ethics etc. He received his B.A., M.A. and PhD in Iran. We will be focusing on the link between politics and religion in Islam, and will be focusing primarily on the philosopher Jacques Maritain. Maritain was very influential when drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His philosophy was based upon the idea that without spirituality, the wholeness of the person/human/humanity, cannot be realized.
My internship at the Protection Project has swung into high gear and I love it there! I am just finishing up some of the annual TIP (Trafficking in Persons) country reports. I have been working on the Middle East as my region, and have thus far completed my reports for Tunisia, Lebanon, Oman, and Iraq. I will be completing Saudi Arabia sometime in the near future.
I have also been hooked up with Professor Ahmad Iravani who is affiliated with the Catholic University of America in D.C. He studied in Iran and has focused on Islamic theology and philosophy, human rights and women's rights, international law and ethics etc. He received his B.A., M.A. and PhD in Iran. We will be focusing on the link between politics and religion in Islam, and will be focusing primarily on the philosopher Jacques Maritain. Maritain was very influential when drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His philosophy was based upon the idea that without spirituality, the wholeness of the person/human/humanity, cannot be realized.
I have also been accepted to George Washington University's Security Policy Studies program!! I received my letter (packet) in the mail yesterday and could not stop glowing.
My Arabic studies are going very well, and I am thankful that next semester I will be able to take the language from the same professor (since I will be obtaining a Masters from the same school). I feel like I've learned SO much Arabic in the past couple months, equivalent to the 5 years of Spanish I have taken in the past. I can already carry on conversation with native Arabic speakers, of which I now have many.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Go forth, multiply...and rule?
From a great political science blog, The Monkey Cage, on dynastic succession in democratic and non-democratic countries:
Read the discussion and link to the original article here.
How, then, to ensure that one can trust one’s likely successor to carry on as one would wish? Because blood is thicker than water, the safest route is to keep it all in the family. For the leader of a non-democratic system, then, the best way to assure a “trustworthy succession match” is to sire a whole lot of children, in hopes that by the luck of the genetic draw one of them will turn out to be a "person who can successfully maintain the regime..."
By contrast, leaders in democratic systems find themselves more hemmed in by those bothersome checks and balance, and so many people besides the leader have a say in the choice of their successor that democratic leaders can’t do all that much to determine who is next in the line of succession anyway.
From these considerations...leaders of non-democratic systems will sire more children than their democratic counterparts, in hopes of finding the trustworthy succession match that they so avidly seek.
Sounds pretty far-fetched, doesn’t it?
...based on the composition of the families of 221 leaders worldwide and a wide array of country- and leader-level data, indicate that the leaders of non-democracies do indeed produce more offspring than the leaders of democracies...Read the discussion and link to the original article here.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Summer programs: Go, get involved
there are a bunch of short summer programs/conferences/event-y things for students in DC and other places around the country. Many of them cover all expenses except air travel. You should check them out. Here's a collected list; in some cases the links are not totally up to date, so if there's a broken link make certain to go back to the core URL and look for updated information. These are good opportunities and can help make your resume stand out.
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/summerprograms
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/summerprograms
Campaign consulting job opportunity! Now!
Wanted: Campaign Staff
Looking for a chance to be involved in a grass roots campaign?
Interested in making a difference in our community?
Moxie Media a full service campaign consulting firm is seeking energetic and motivated applicants. The open campaign staff positions will be focused on field work such as doorbelling, phone calling, and volunteer recruitment and utilization. Staff will also gain a unique hands approach to public policy development and implementation. The open staff positions are for local, state, and federal candidates/races in the South King County, Pierce County, and Kitsap County areas. Salary range is $2,000 to 2,500 a month, with a generous bonus for winning campaigns. Resumes and references are due by 3/24/08. Please send resumes or forward questions to:john@moxiemedia.biz
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Looking for a chance to be involved in a grass roots campaign?
Interested in making a difference in our community?
Moxie Media a full service campaign consulting firm is seeking energetic and motivated applicants. The open campaign staff positions will be focused on field work such as doorbelling, phone calling, and volunteer recruitment and utilization. Staff will also gain a unique hands approach to public policy development and implementation. The open staff positions are for local, state, and federal candidates/races in the South King County, Pierce County, and Kitsap County areas. Salary range is $2,000 to 2,500 a month, with a generous bonus for winning campaigns. Resumes and references are due by 3/24/08. Please send resumes or forward questions to:john@moxiemedia.biz
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Morocco
Peter Stanley '08 is currently on study abroad in Morocco, and has taken some nice pictures. I have no details about most of what we're looking at (maybe he'll chime in), but I like their beauty and wanted to share them. (update: note Peter's comment below)
Peter says that this is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter (which is curious to me--I'm not aware of mosques typically being closed to non-believers)
Fez
Peter says that this is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter (which is curious to me--I'm not aware of mosques typically being closed to non-believers)Fez
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Video my blog; blog my video
Instructional Technology on campus made a video about our blog. I'm the star, complete with my tie peeking out from under my collar. No Hollywood contract for me.
Thanks for the work on this, IT overlords!
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Monday, March 10, 2008
Plagiarism Sucks
And in fact I've just plagiarized that title from a recent essay in Slate that rails against the practice. Is technology making it harder for us to recognize the difference between our work and that of others, when it's so easy to cut and paste? Have we gotten lazier? Has nothing really changed? Something else entirely? Hat tip: Professor Sousa.
Kroc Institute for Peace Internship, San Diego
University of San Diego, Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice (IPJ) - Summer Interns - San Diego, California, USA
University of San Diego
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 28
Dates:
The Summer 2008 internship will begin Wednesday, June 4, and end Friday, August 22.
Intern Responsibilities:
Assist with the development of IPJ projects and events, including research assistance, support to events, and a small amount of administrative support.
Qualifications:
* Enrollment, with senior status, in an undergraduate program; or enrollment in a graduate program; or a recent degree in a field related to peace studies, human rights, or international relations.
* GPA of 2.75 or higher.
* Excellent writing skills.
* Minimum of 15, and preferably up to 20, hours per week.
To Apply: Please visit the IPJ website at http ://peace.sandiego.edu and click on "Programs," then "Internship Opportunities," to download an application form and view other requirements. If you have additional questions, please call (619) 260-7573 or send an email to Elena McCollim at emccollim@sandiego.edu. The internship is unpaid. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the information on the internship webpage to learn more about the internship.
Please note that while we encourage international applicants, we cannot provide them with assistance in securing a visa, nor cover the costs of the visa and the health insurance required by USD.
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University of San Diego
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 28
Dates:
The Summer 2008 internship will begin Wednesday, June 4, and end Friday, August 22.
Intern Responsibilities:
Assist with the development of IPJ projects and events, including research assistance, support to events, and a small amount of administrative support.
Qualifications:
* Enrollment, with senior status, in an undergraduate program; or enrollment in a graduate program; or a recent degree in a field related to peace studies, human rights, or international relations.
* GPA of 2.75 or higher.
* Excellent writing skills.
* Minimum of 15, and preferably up to 20, hours per week.
To Apply: Please visit the IPJ website at http ://peace.sandiego.edu and click on "Programs," then "Internship Opportunities," to download an application form and view other requirements. If you have additional questions, please call (619) 260-7573 or send an email to Elena McCollim at emccollim@sandiego.edu. The internship is unpaid. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the information on the internship webpage to learn more about the internship.
Please note that while we encourage international applicants, we cannot provide them with assistance in securing a visa, nor cover the costs of the visa and the health insurance required by USD.
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Friday, March 07, 2008
Congrats to Yusuf Word, new student body president
Congrats to PG minor Yusuf Word, who triumphed over tough competition to be elected UPS' new study body president. Not surprisingly, I think every ticket consisted of at least one PG major, scrambling for the levers of power. Way to go, Yusuf!
A Chocolate Tour of Seattle
Who needs Napa when you can tour the chocolate foundaries of Seattle? And you won't get a DUI, either.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Project on the Middle East Student Conferences
Young Global Leaders Forum:
Democratic Development in the Middle East and North Africa
Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) and their regional partners are organizing a series of conferences in the Middle East dedicated to fostering systemic political reform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and exploring how the U.S. can best support it. The participants will be a diverse group of American and MENA university students and young professionals who develop policy recommendations at conferences in Morocco, Egypt and Jordan in spring 2008. The conferences will lay the foundation for a lasting network of reform-oriented young people by using social networking websites for political activism, fostering people-powered journalism and commentary, and providing training for participants to act as “voices” for the conference recommendations.
AID and POMED have partnered with six regional partners to conceptualize, organize and conduct these conferences and follow-up activities. At a time when Middle East and North African attitudes toward American policies are near a dangerously low point, a forum involving the key constituency of university students and young professionals is needed more urgently than ever before. This forum will a) bring together diverse groups of young American and MENA leaders to reach a more shared understanding of cooperative ways to address global challenges; b) practice democracy by developing and ratifying innovative policy recommendations to present to U.S. and regional officials and policymakers; c) prepare the participants for “reverse public diplomacy” in their home communities; and d) create a sustainable dialogue network to facilitate enduring discussion of the conferences’ reform agenda and recommendations. For more information on each of the conferences:
Morocco, April 25-26, 2008 — “Find Your Voice: A Cross-Cultural Forum on Political Participation and Civic Activism”
Egypt, May 2-3, 2008 — “Beyond Borders: An Egyptian-American Dialogue”
Jordan, May 29-31, 2008 — “We Are Connected, But Are We Communicating? American Foreign Policy and Jordanian Society: A Dialogue”
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Democratic Development in the Middle East and North Africa
Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) and their regional partners are organizing a series of conferences in the Middle East dedicated to fostering systemic political reform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and exploring how the U.S. can best support it. The participants will be a diverse group of American and MENA university students and young professionals who develop policy recommendations at conferences in Morocco, Egypt and Jordan in spring 2008. The conferences will lay the foundation for a lasting network of reform-oriented young people by using social networking websites for political activism, fostering people-powered journalism and commentary, and providing training for participants to act as “voices” for the conference recommendations.
AID and POMED have partnered with six regional partners to conceptualize, organize and conduct these conferences and follow-up activities. At a time when Middle East and North African attitudes toward American policies are near a dangerously low point, a forum involving the key constituency of university students and young professionals is needed more urgently than ever before. This forum will a) bring together diverse groups of young American and MENA leaders to reach a more shared understanding of cooperative ways to address global challenges; b) practice democracy by developing and ratifying innovative policy recommendations to present to U.S. and regional officials and policymakers; c) prepare the participants for “reverse public diplomacy” in their home communities; and d) create a sustainable dialogue network to facilitate enduring discussion of the conferences’ reform agenda and recommendations. For more information on each of the conferences:
Morocco, April 25-26, 2008 — “Find Your Voice: A Cross-Cultural Forum on Political Participation and Civic Activism”
Egypt, May 2-3, 2008 — “Beyond Borders: An Egyptian-American Dialogue”
Jordan, May 29-31, 2008 — “We Are Connected, But Are We Communicating? American Foreign Policy and Jordanian Society: A Dialogue”
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Student Global Health Summit, London
Global Health Summit – London - April 18-20th, 2008
We are pleased to announce its Spring 2008 Global Health summit in London, United Kingdom. The summit will assemble high-achieving young global leaders for workshops, speakers, and discussions on the theme of Global Health. The summit will take place at Syracuse University's Campus in downtown London.
The summit will feature issue-specific panels and lectures, skill-building workshops, strategies for talking about the economic, social, cultural and rights aspects of global health, and a Do-It-Yourself opportunity where students will choose to either design a campaign to run on their campus, or write a policy proposal. There will also be sessions on how to organize health events and take action on campus and in the community. The summit will also include panel discussions with top policymakers, journalists, and scholars. For more information, and to register for this event, click here http://www.aidemocracy.org/london/april08.php .
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We are pleased to announce its Spring 2008 Global Health summit in London, United Kingdom. The summit will assemble high-achieving young global leaders for workshops, speakers, and discussions on the theme of Global Health. The summit will take place at Syracuse University's Campus in downtown London.
The summit will feature issue-specific panels and lectures, skill-building workshops, strategies for talking about the economic, social, cultural and rights aspects of global health, and a Do-It-Yourself opportunity where students will choose to either design a campaign to run on their campus, or write a policy proposal. There will also be sessions on how to organize health events and take action on campus and in the community. The summit will also include panel discussions with top policymakers, journalists, and scholars. For more information, and to register for this event, click here http://www.aidemocracy.org/london/april08.php .
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
UPS NYT and Kidneys
Excerpt from the New York Times:
Ms. Ausnes, an administrative assistant for student government at the University of Puget Sound, said she had been buying her morning coffee at this Starbucks, at North Proctor and 26th Streets, for three years. She has known for nearly two decades that she has a kidney disease, but her kidney function has declined significantly recently.
...In November, not long after that conversation, Ms. Ausnes stopped into Starbucks as usual, but this time Ms. Andersen noticed that her customer was glum. Ms. Ausnes finally told her the news, and the response was instantaneous.
“I’m going to get tested,” Ms. Andersen said.
And she did. Blood type O? Yes, a match. Negative cross-match under the microscope? Yes, perfect. The six elusive DNA markers? One of six was alike, not ideal, but good enough.
So there they were that morning last fall, crying over the counter while the coffee line grew longer.
Both women expect to be in the hospital for about a week then to be out of work for up to six weeks. Howard D. Schultz, the chief executive of Starbucks, called both women and told Ms. Andersen “how proud I am to have someone like you working for our company.”
Read the whole thing here.
Ms. Ausnes, an administrative assistant for student government at the University of Puget Sound, said she had been buying her morning coffee at this Starbucks, at North Proctor and 26th Streets, for three years. She has known for nearly two decades that she has a kidney disease, but her kidney function has declined significantly recently.
...In November, not long after that conversation, Ms. Ausnes stopped into Starbucks as usual, but this time Ms. Andersen noticed that her customer was glum. Ms. Ausnes finally told her the news, and the response was instantaneous.
“I’m going to get tested,” Ms. Andersen said.
And she did. Blood type O? Yes, a match. Negative cross-match under the microscope? Yes, perfect. The six elusive DNA markers? One of six was alike, not ideal, but good enough.
So there they were that morning last fall, crying over the counter while the coffee line grew longer.
Both women expect to be in the hospital for about a week then to be out of work for up to six weeks. Howard D. Schultz, the chief executive of Starbucks, called both women and told Ms. Andersen “how proud I am to have someone like you working for our company.”
Read the whole thing here.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Student Internship: Canadian Consulate, Seattle
Get international experience without having to go abroad. We have good connections to the consulate, so if you are interested please contact the department before you apply--
Consulate General of Canada. Consulate général du Canada
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
CANADIAN CONSULATE GENERAL SEATTLE
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle seeks university interns who wish to experience working for a foreign government in the United States. These positions are non-paid. However, most interns earn course-credit through an independent study as arranged with a professor.
Internships are for a minimum of 8-10 weeks and 9 hours per week. Interns are normally placed in the Political, Economic & Public Affairs Section and work on current projects. They must be computer / database proficient.
Interested students should apply no less than 90 days prior to their anticipated start-date (beginning of semester, quarter, term) as those selected must undergo a Government of Canada background / security check. Interns are provided an email account with Foreign Affairs Canada.
Interested students should contact:
Kevin Cook
Political, Economic & Academic Officer
Canadian Consulate General
1501 Fourth Avenue
Suite 600
Seattle WA 98101
206-770-4065
kevin.cook@jnternational.gc.ca
Tags:
Consulate General of Canada. Consulate général du Canada
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
CANADIAN CONSULATE GENERAL SEATTLE
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle seeks university interns who wish to experience working for a foreign government in the United States. These positions are non-paid. However, most interns earn course-credit through an independent study as arranged with a professor.
Internships are for a minimum of 8-10 weeks and 9 hours per week. Interns are normally placed in the Political, Economic & Public Affairs Section and work on current projects. They must be computer / database proficient.
Interested students should apply no less than 90 days prior to their anticipated start-date (beginning of semester, quarter, term) as those selected must undergo a Government of Canada background / security check. Interns are provided an email account with Foreign Affairs Canada.
Interested students should contact:
Kevin Cook
Political, Economic & Academic Officer
Canadian Consulate General
1501 Fourth Avenue
Suite 600
Seattle WA 98101
206-770-4065
kevin.cook@jnternational.gc.ca
Tags:
Wintergrass 2008
Sundays are lower key as folks head out, but I like to go on Sundays since there is kids' stage which my three-year-old likes to attend. I shot some video with my little camera; audio is not very good but you get a sense of the spirit. A must-attend event if you are in town.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Security Studies--Centers of Excellence
An interesting piece on new investments in regional and security studies at various universities--including University of Washington. Thanks to Mark Scott '74 for the tip.
Spy search to spotlight on diversity
By Sara Carter
Washington Times
February 28, 2008
The best spies were once well-heeled students recruited from the East Coast's Ivy League universities. That thinking has changed.
The intelligence community's need for prospects fluent in languages ranging from Arabic to Chinese, and with varying skin colors and religious backgrounds, has forced it to expand its pool of schools.
"There are gold nuggets out there who we overlooked, and we don't want to do that anymore," said Lenora Peters Gant, who is leading an effort by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to broaden the search for intelligence professionals.
To do so, ODNI, which oversees the United States' 16 intelligence agencies, is pumping money into 10 universities that offer national security degrees through its fledgling Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) grant program.
"This was one way to tap women, first- and second-generation foreign students and other minorities," said Ms. Gant, CAE director. She added that the previous focus on predominantly white universities was a limiting relic of the community's pre-September 11, Cold War mind-set.
Mark Clark, director of the National Security Studies program at California State University in San Bernardino, says finding students with the aptitude to work in the intelligence community "might lead to the unsuspecting kid next door."
"With this funding, we are able to send our students to study foreign language abroad," said Mr. Clark, who speaks Russian fluently. "Many American students have never traveled outside the U.S. The assistance opens up the world to them."
Based on ODNI criteria, students in Mr. Clark's program can study counterterrorism, homeland security, counterintelligence and risk analysis, as well as other skills.
The idea that the agencies are solely looking for covert operatives is "a myth," said Ms. Gant, emphasizing graduates can become State Department analysts, Capitol Hill aides or civilian Pentagon employees.
The intelligence community is looking for people with the ability to bring a different perspective to the war on terror.
"Many of these students come from a diverse background, are less well-heeled, rough around the edges," said an intelligence official who participated in Mr. Clark's program.
Mr. Clark's program "was very Soviet centric" and now, "post 9/11, with non-state actors of terrorism" it has shifted, the intelligence official said.
"Back then the threat was known and quantifiable," said the intelligence professional, whose focus now is in terrorism. "In many ways, that has all changed."
Ms. Gant established the CAE in 2005, with Trinity University in Washington, D.C., being the first to test it and receive a grant. Since then, it has awarded approximately $5 million in grant money to 10 universities selected by a panel of specialists from intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI.
In the 2006-07 academic year, more than 30 universities across the nation applied for the grant and only six were selected. By 2015, the ODNI is expected to add 10 universities.
The universities participating in the program are both "majority and minority schools," but with "sizable minority enrollments," said Ms. Gant, who was first approached for the project in 2004 by CIA Director George Tenet.
Some of the other participating schools are Clark Atlanta University, Florida International University and the University of Washington.
Mr. Clark, who started his school's program in 1989, said military personnel from Southern California's surrounding bases comprised the majority of his students initially; however, a growth of interest in intelligence work surged after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Now, Mr. Clark heads the Cal State Universities Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CSU-ACE), a consortium of seven colleges — heralding it as "the gem of the West."
The consortium, the only multicampus partner of ODNI's CAE, has been awarded roughly $4 million in grant money over five years to assist with campus resources and aid students with foreign language and travel studies abroad.
The Cal State consortium is comprised of Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Long Beach, Northridge, Cal Poly Pomona and San Bernardino.
Spy search to spotlight on diversity
By Sara Carter
Washington Times
February 28, 2008
The best spies were once well-heeled students recruited from the East Coast's Ivy League universities. That thinking has changed.
The intelligence community's need for prospects fluent in languages ranging from Arabic to Chinese, and with varying skin colors and religious backgrounds, has forced it to expand its pool of schools.
"There are gold nuggets out there who we overlooked, and we don't want to do that anymore," said Lenora Peters Gant, who is leading an effort by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to broaden the search for intelligence professionals.
To do so, ODNI, which oversees the United States' 16 intelligence agencies, is pumping money into 10 universities that offer national security degrees through its fledgling Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) grant program.
"This was one way to tap women, first- and second-generation foreign students and other minorities," said Ms. Gant, CAE director. She added that the previous focus on predominantly white universities was a limiting relic of the community's pre-September 11, Cold War mind-set.
Mark Clark, director of the National Security Studies program at California State University in San Bernardino, says finding students with the aptitude to work in the intelligence community "might lead to the unsuspecting kid next door."
"With this funding, we are able to send our students to study foreign language abroad," said Mr. Clark, who speaks Russian fluently. "Many American students have never traveled outside the U.S. The assistance opens up the world to them."
Based on ODNI criteria, students in Mr. Clark's program can study counterterrorism, homeland security, counterintelligence and risk analysis, as well as other skills.
The idea that the agencies are solely looking for covert operatives is "a myth," said Ms. Gant, emphasizing graduates can become State Department analysts, Capitol Hill aides or civilian Pentagon employees.
The intelligence community is looking for people with the ability to bring a different perspective to the war on terror.
"Many of these students come from a diverse background, are less well-heeled, rough around the edges," said an intelligence official who participated in Mr. Clark's program.
Mr. Clark's program "was very Soviet centric" and now, "post 9/11, with non-state actors of terrorism" it has shifted, the intelligence official said.
"Back then the threat was known and quantifiable," said the intelligence professional, whose focus now is in terrorism. "In many ways, that has all changed."
Ms. Gant established the CAE in 2005, with Trinity University in Washington, D.C., being the first to test it and receive a grant. Since then, it has awarded approximately $5 million in grant money to 10 universities selected by a panel of specialists from intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI.
In the 2006-07 academic year, more than 30 universities across the nation applied for the grant and only six were selected. By 2015, the ODNI is expected to add 10 universities.
The universities participating in the program are both "majority and minority schools," but with "sizable minority enrollments," said Ms. Gant, who was first approached for the project in 2004 by CIA Director George Tenet.
Some of the other participating schools are Clark Atlanta University, Florida International University and the University of Washington.
Mr. Clark, who started his school's program in 1989, said military personnel from Southern California's surrounding bases comprised the majority of his students initially; however, a growth of interest in intelligence work surged after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Now, Mr. Clark heads the Cal State Universities Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CSU-ACE), a consortium of seven colleges — heralding it as "the gem of the West."
The consortium, the only multicampus partner of ODNI's CAE, has been awarded roughly $4 million in grant money over five years to assist with campus resources and aid students with foreign language and travel studies abroad.
The Cal State consortium is comprised of Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Long Beach, Northridge, Cal Poly Pomona and San Bernardino.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Everett Public Service Internships: NY, DC
Everett Public Service Summer Internship Program - New York and Washington, DC, USA
There is no better teacher than experience. College and graduate students who have participated in the Everett Public Service Internship Program agree the months they spent in "the real world," beyond campus gates, were among the most rewarding of their lives.
A sense of community and camaraderie is fostered among the Interns in our Program. Each internship lasts ten weeks and provides $280 weekly for expenses. Accepted candidates will determine a starting date with their Intern Coordinator*. Everett Interns work on substantive projects, develop professional skills, and gain knowledge about the enormous societal impact of public service. New York City and Washington, D. C. Interns gather to attend exciting weekly events, both educational and social, presenting distinguished leaders and young heroes from the public sector.
* Internships start no earlier than May 26th and no later than June 16th in 2008.
In the summer of 2008, over 180 Everett Interns will use their knowledge and skills in over 60 organizations dedicated to improving the world. During ten weeks, Everett Interns will work diligently with skilled and dedicated mentors to gain first-hand experience on the front lines of public service.
Everett interns are a diverse group of current undergraduate and graduate students. They come from across the nation, attend public and private colleges and universities, major in subjects ranging from engineering to philosophy, and from political science to art history. Interns span the ethnic, racial and political spectrum. What binds them together is their personal commitment to "the repair of the world." Indeed, they exemplify the creed articulated by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve."
http://www.everettinternships.org/about/index.html
There is no better teacher than experience. College and graduate students who have participated in the Everett Public Service Internship Program agree the months they spent in "the real world," beyond campus gates, were among the most rewarding of their lives.
A sense of community and camaraderie is fostered among the Interns in our Program. Each internship lasts ten weeks and provides $280 weekly for expenses. Accepted candidates will determine a starting date with their Intern Coordinator*. Everett Interns work on substantive projects, develop professional skills, and gain knowledge about the enormous societal impact of public service. New York City and Washington, D. C. Interns gather to attend exciting weekly events, both educational and social, presenting distinguished leaders and young heroes from the public sector.
* Internships start no earlier than May 26th and no later than June 16th in 2008.
In the summer of 2008, over 180 Everett Interns will use their knowledge and skills in over 60 organizations dedicated to improving the world. During ten weeks, Everett Interns will work diligently with skilled and dedicated mentors to gain first-hand experience on the front lines of public service.
Everett interns are a diverse group of current undergraduate and graduate students. They come from across the nation, attend public and private colleges and universities, major in subjects ranging from engineering to philosophy, and from political science to art history. Interns span the ethnic, racial and political spectrum. What binds them together is their personal commitment to "the repair of the world." Indeed, they exemplify the creed articulated by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve."
http://www.everettinternships.org/about/index.html
PhD in political science--my but we're slow
Professor Sousa pointed out this recent study and discussion of doctoral completion rates among various disciplines. Lee Siegelman at The Monkey Cage (a blog run by faculty at George Washington) sums up:
- At every time point, students in political science, anthropology, and sociology had lower completion rates than their counterparts in psychology, economics, and communications. For example, by the end of Year 7 only about 27% of political science doctoral students had finished up.
- Political science students didn’t just throw in the towel after seven years. In fact, by the end of Year 10, their completion rate had risen to about 45% — still far below the 65 or 66% rate for students in psychology and communications but far above the seven-year cumulative completion rate of 27% in political science.
- On the other side of the coin, the cumulative attrition rate for political science doctoral students by Year 7 was approximately 35%. That was the highest within the social sciences.
- Some simple math establishes that about 38% of the political science doctoral who had entered seven years earlier were still in the program (the other 62% having completed their degree work or dropped out). And almost half of these 38% were still enrolled even after ten years.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Farewell Professor Bonura: Oxford calls
We've just heard in the department that our resident political theorist and specialist on Southeast Asia has been offered a position at Oxford University. Professor Bonura had tendered his resignation this fall so that he could search for a position in the UK to be close to his partner, and only this morning did he return from an interview from Oxford. Professor Bonura will be a member of the Centre for Political Ideologies (CPI) working on a comparative study of political thought.
Wow. We've been melancholy this year about his impending departure but overjoyed by his success. But no surprise, really--UPS: The Oxford of the South Puget Sound.
Congratulations, Professor Bonura!
Wow. We've been melancholy this year about his impending departure but overjoyed by his success. But no surprise, really--UPS: The Oxford of the South Puget Sound.
Congratulations, Professor Bonura!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Torey Holderith '09: US Air Force conference recap
That's Torey on the left wearing the tie.
Professor O'Neil,
Attached is a pair of photos from my time at USAFA. My camera died after three pictures, and so attached are the best two.
The first picture is of my roundtable discussion group. I spent a total of 15 hours or so, discussing and developing ideas with this diverse group on how to "Dismantle Terrorism." Within my group was an Iraqi surgeon, a USNA Midshipmen, two USAFA cadets, a NMMI cadet, a cadet from the Greek Air Force Academy, and students from across the States. The round table leader was Dr. Mary-beth Ulrich, a graduate of USAFA and current professor at the US Army War College. All in all the conference represented students from 15 different countries, and over 60 US colleges. It was a very interesting experience that I strongly encourage students to attend next year. It offers a special opportunity to think about policy formulation and implementation, as well as many new perspectives on current issues from within the government.
Of course no trip to USAFA would be complete without a tour of the distinct chapel on campus, and so the second picture is of the chapel. The chapel is often used as a symbol of USAFA, and is fittingly lined with blue stained glass, making the entire inside glow blue. Somewhat fitting for the Air Force...
The final product of the conference was a 70 page book of policy recommendations on how to defeat terrorism on the Diplomatic, Intelligence, Military, and Economic levels that will be sent throughout DOD, DHS, and while no one is naive enough to think that we really solved any problems the practice in developing and thinking about policy was extraordinary. I would happily provide more information to anyone who desires it. I cannot stress enough how positive of an experience this was for me, and so I urge those interested in pursuing a career within Politics and Government to consider going to this or similar conferences during their undergraduate career.
Respectfully,
Torey Holderith
Class of 2009
Professor O'Neil,
Attached is a pair of photos from my time at USAFA. My camera died after three pictures, and so attached are the best two.
The first picture is of my roundtable discussion group. I spent a total of 15 hours or so, discussing and developing ideas with this diverse group on how to "Dismantle Terrorism." Within my group was an Iraqi surgeon, a USNA Midshipmen, two USAFA cadets, a NMMI cadet, a cadet from the Greek Air Force Academy, and students from across the States. The round table leader was Dr. Mary-beth Ulrich, a graduate of USAFA and current professor at the US Army War College. All in all the conference represented students from 15 different countries, and over 60 US colleges. It was a very interesting experience that I strongly encourage students to attend next year. It offers a special opportunity to think about policy formulation and implementation, as well as many new perspectives on current issues from within the government.
Of course no trip to USAFA would be complete without a tour of the distinct chapel on campus, and so the second picture is of the chapel. The chapel is often used as a symbol of USAFA, and is fittingly lined with blue stained glass, making the entire inside glow blue. Somewhat fitting for the Air Force...
The final product of the conference was a 70 page book of policy recommendations on how to defeat terrorism on the Diplomatic, Intelligence, Military, and Economic levels that will be sent throughout DOD, DHS, and while no one is naive enough to think that we really solved any problems the practice in developing and thinking about policy was extraordinary. I would happily provide more information to anyone who desires it. I cannot stress enough how positive of an experience this was for me, and so I urge those interested in pursuing a career within Politics and Government to consider going to this or similar conferences during their undergraduate career.
Respectfully,
Torey Holderith
Class of 2009
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Chris Pohlad '07: Talking politics in Budapest
For the past six months I have been living and working in Budapest, Hungary as an analyst for a Pepsi bottling company that sells and distributes in Central Europe. Despite the apparent disconnect between my degree (international relations) and what I find myself doing on a daily basis (business) I can say that my experience has heightened my awareness and knowledge of foreign affairs on many different levels. Whether it be my proximity to Kosovo, who just declared independence from Serbia, or learning the hard way that Hungarians have an unbelievable cynicism for their government (justified for a myriad of reasons) I am very fortunate to be applying my interest in politics in such a dynamic and transformative part of the world.
Before I left for Hungary Patrick O'Neil put me in touch with two politics professors at the University of Economics and Politics called Corvinus University in the heart of Budapest. After meeting with them several times over lunch (they are among the few people in the city whom I can speak to without worrying about the language barrier) they asked if I would be willing to participate in a discussion group with a club quite similar to Puget Sound's very own Political Science Association. I happily agreed and was subsequently invited to speak to roughly 20 students on the state of the U.S. presidential election. Despite being somewhat removed from the excitement of the race I believed I could offer them a practical view of the nominating process, the candidates themselves, and what I think (for what it's worth) the outcome will be come the nominating conventions in August and September.
After preparing several times given the evolution of the race after Super Tuesday and again following the Potomac Primaries, I settled on what I thought was a non-biased and informative outline of topics that would be interesting to them. To summarize I focused on the fundamental differences between the parties, nominating processes (proportional representation vs. a winner take all format), the four leading candidates at the time (McCain, Huckabee, Clinton, and Obama), the demographics that each cater to and why, as well as an attempt to explain the role of superdelegates. This last topic was particularly challenging as I myself recently learned of their significance and given the delicate English I had to use in order to be understood. Once finished I was asked repeatedly about what superdelegates are (imagine trying to understand this concept in a foreign language and with little background on our nominating process) as well as detailed questions on particular candidate's policies ranging from global warming to Putin's Russia. To be sure, many of their questions I could not answer and was left to say "umm, I'm not quite familiar with so and so's stance on China's economic situation." However, I think my inability to adequately field some of their questions was testament to the fact that I was there to offer a "practical" view of how the typical American voter looks at the election.
The most interesting part of the discussion was when I posed a question to the group about divisiveness in Hungarian politics (if you think it's bad in the US...). My question was straightforward, something along the line of "I understand politics is not a particularly popular topic among Hungarian citizens, but could you please offer me an explanation of the differences between the major political parties and are politics so divisive that families have been literally torn apart by the issue?" In retrospect maybe my question was a bit intrusive, if seemingly broad, because no one spoke for roughly a minute. So I moved on having my question answered by the sheer silence of the room. I later came to realize, though this is becoming less and less the case with every generation, that the majority of people are apprehensive to say anything about their beliefs, political or otherwise, possibly due in part to the fact that Hungary has just recently (relatively speaking) come out of a communist regime that prohibited such expressions. These are the types of cultural differences that make living in Central Europe so interesting and unpredictable. Overall, it was a very informative experience for me and I was glad to be able to participate.
I hope all is well with the University and the PG department in particular and look forward to hearing from other students and alumni about your experiences on campus or otherwise. Take care.
Chris Pohlad '07
"I can't find any internships!"
Oh yeah? Well, the department has collected nearly 150 of them.
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/internships
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/internships
Jobs for Seniors: US PIRG
As a graduating senior you are no doubt trying to decide what you will do next year, or even for the next 5 years. I want to let you know more about opportunities in the public interest field.
www.uspirg.org/jobs
U.S.PIRG is a federation of state-based public interest advocacy groups. This year we are hiring 100 graduating college students to determine where this country is going: to solve our energy problems; to reform the campaign finance system; to safeguard individuals from identity theft; to fight hunger and homelessness; and make an impact on many other public interest issues.
We will be accepting applications for next year's campus organizer and fellowship programs until April 1, 2008. I invite you to apply by sending a cover letter and resumé to cspivey@pirg.org.
For more information I invite you to check out our website.
Sincerely,
Colleen Spivey
U.S. PIRG
U.S. PIRG Recruitment Department
44 Winter St. 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 747-4421 (o)
(202) 997-5461 (c)
(617) 292-8057 (f)
www.uspirg.org/jobs
www.uspirg.org/jobs
U.S.PIRG is a federation of state-based public interest advocacy groups. This year we are hiring 100 graduating college students to determine where this country is going: to solve our energy problems; to reform the campaign finance system; to safeguard individuals from identity theft; to fight hunger and homelessness; and make an impact on many other public interest issues.
We will be accepting applications for next year's campus organizer and fellowship programs until April 1, 2008. I invite you to apply by sending a cover letter and resumé to cspivey@pirg.org.
For more information I invite you to check out our website.
Sincerely,
Colleen Spivey
U.S. PIRG
U.S. PIRG Recruitment Department
44 Winter St. 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 747-4421 (o)
(202) 997-5461 (c)
(617) 292-8057 (f)
www.uspirg.org/jobs
Monday, February 25, 2008
Aspen Institute Minority Fellowships
Aspen Institute - Internships (William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students) - Washington, DC, USA
Nonprofit Sector Research Fund Offers William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
Deadlines:
March 15, 2008 (Summer Internship)
July 15, 2008 (Fall Internship)
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund
(http://www.nonprofitresearch.org/ ), a grantmaking program of the Aspen Institute (http://www.aspeninstitute.org ), offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times a year.
The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of minority groups. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with the fund. Through this program, the fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.
In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes general research and program support for the Fund's grantmaking and outreach efforts.
The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student from an underrepresented community. She or he should have an excellent academic record and also have the following: outstanding research skills; a background in the social sciences or humanities; excellent writing and communication skills; demonstrated financial need; and American citizenship.
The student must be able to intern for 10 to 15 weeks at the Washington, D.C., office of the Aspen Institute. Generally the fall and spring internships will be part-time (10 to 20 hours per week), while summer internships will be full-time. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.
A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient's educational level, financial need, and time commitment.
For the Summer 2008 internship, the application deadline is March 15, 2008. For the Fall 2008 internship, the deadline is July 15, 2008.
Visit the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund for complete program and application information.
RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10011353/nporesearch
Nonprofit Sector Research Fund Offers William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
Deadlines:
March 15, 2008 (Summer Internship)
July 15, 2008 (Fall Internship)
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund
(http://www.nonprofitresearch.org/ ), a grantmaking program of the Aspen Institute (http://www.aspeninstitute.org ), offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times a year.
The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of minority groups. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with the fund. Through this program, the fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.
In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes general research and program support for the Fund's grantmaking and outreach efforts.
The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student from an underrepresented community. She or he should have an excellent academic record and also have the following: outstanding research skills; a background in the social sciences or humanities; excellent writing and communication skills; demonstrated financial need; and American citizenship.
The student must be able to intern for 10 to 15 weeks at the Washington, D.C., office of the Aspen Institute. Generally the fall and spring internships will be part-time (10 to 20 hours per week), while summer internships will be full-time. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.
A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient's educational level, financial need, and time commitment.
For the Summer 2008 internship, the application deadline is March 15, 2008. For the Fall 2008 internship, the deadline is July 15, 2008.
Visit the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund for complete program and application information.
RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10011353/nporesearch
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