Monday, March 31, 2008
National Education for Women's Leadership Puget Sound Workshop
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
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?
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!
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
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Geoff LeGrand '10 Summers in DC
Satellite Stump
Professor Jacobson makes the news
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Student Summer Research Funds on Canada
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
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...
Peace Alliance Internship
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Go forth, multiply...and rule?
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
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/summerprograms