Hey Hey It's a busy week!

My week has been crazy busy and it is only Monday. Today is a big day for local government, the Mayor of Seattle is unveiling the budget for the next two years, lots of programs and jobs will be impacted by where the money is allocated. The county budget will be unveiled mid-October, look for lots of discussion about that in the paper and on the news.

Here are some events to look into:

The M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery at Seattle Central Community College presents PORNOGRAPHY OF POWER: THE ANTI-WAR ART OF SELMA WALDMAN, (Selma was a strong supporter of Women in Black – both locally and internationally.) September 22 - October 24, 2008. Following the most recent declaration of the War on Terror in 2001, Selma Waldman, (1931-2008), an artist with a life-long commitment to social justice, created an extraordinary series of 100 drawings, The Black Book of Aggressors, a profound and relentless response to the degradation of human beings and the systematic abuse of power in Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and elsewhere. Two “walls” from this series, along with earlier work, comprise Pornography of Power. With searing line and jarring color, Waldman explicitly exposes the atrocities of war. The exhibition also includes a selection of earlier works, and an installation that invokes her intense working environment including an unfinished work surrounded by photographs, notes, and sketches. Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Tuesday & Wednesday Evenings 5pm-7pm. Admission is free. For more information call (206) 344-4379 The M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery is located at the north end of Central’s Atrium Cafeteria in the main building at the corner of Broadway and Pine or visit online: http://www.seattlecentral.edu/artgallery

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Immigrant rights/LGBTQ rights discussion-This Tuesday There is this fantastic discussion happening this Tuesday, September 30th, at 6:30pm at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center. Closed Minds Closed Borders: a discussion on the intersectionality of Immigrant rights and LGBTQ rights We have El Comite, Entre Hermanos and National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum speaking plus other LGBTQ immigrants. We also have some amazing immigrant spoken word artists performing. If you have questions please contact allyship@yahoo.com
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Columbia City BeatWalk: South Seattle’s only monthly music festival! Friday, October 3, 2008 Along Rainier Ave. S between S. Edmunds and S. Hudson 7-10pm $5, kids are free More info: http://columbiacitybeatwalk.org Awash: Fred Hoadley & Sonando Earshot’s Golden Ear Award-winning Cuban jazz band for your dancing pleasure. Gallery: Trio A Propos Bal Musette, American swing, French chanson along with tunes from Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Bookworm: Shirley Cooper & Norm Bellas Jazz and blues. CC Fitness: Urban Blue Oasis Soulful Brazilian sounds from these local greats. Columbia City Theater: Stephen Smartt Quartet Originals from this local up-and-coming group. Gather Seattle: Biller+Casalini Duo Lyrical exponent of acoustic jazz on 7-string guitar and double bass. Retroactive Kids/Columbia City Cuts: The Canote Brothers Quirky, fun and oh, so capable! Guitar and fiddle from these genetic wonders. Island Soul: Duo Caribe with special guest, Eduardo Mendonca Brazil meets the Caribbean with this great mixture of BeatWalk favorites. ________________________________________________
La Sala presents: Tools for Cultural Development A day-long series of roundtable discussions and workshops on building cultural hubs and professional development for Latino/a and Hispanic artists of all disciplines. Sessions will include: a report on The Creative Construct: Building for Culture and Creativity international symposium by consultant Roger Valdez who attended in April '08. Valdez's interest in arts and cultural spaces involves keeping Seattle both affordable and sustainable for artists and arts organizations. Following his presentation, Roger will lead a panel discussion with local arts organization leaders from The CD Forum, Wing Luke Asian Museum and Youngstown Cultural Arts Center; presentation on building arts spaces by Laura Esparza, City of Austin's Cultural Affairs Manager and a national consultant who has managed the planning/design and construction of numerous museums and cultural centers including post-construction organizational programming; the unveiling of a new electronic format for the award-winning Latino Cultural Magazine, by publisher/photographer Hugo Ludeña; a skill-building workshop on grantwriting by local arts administrators. This event aims to inform, engage and encourage emerging and established artists and their supporters. Open to all artists (regardless of ethnicity) and the public. Saturday, October 4, 2008 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Youngstown Cultural Arts Center 4408 Delridge Way SW Seattle, WA 98106 As Seattle's Spanish-speaking and English-Spanish bilingual population grows, so does its community of Latino/a and Hispanic artists. The local Latino community needs both real and virtual cultural hubs; the community needs its own sala (living room). At Tools for Cultural Development, artists and arts administrators from the Latino community will share information and resources on how to build these hubs, as well as offer workshops to develop artists' professional skills. Tools for Cultural Development is presented by La Sala (http://www.lasalaseattle.org), an emerging collective that is coalescing and mobilizing the Latino-Hispanic arts community in the Seattle area. This event is supported by 4Culture, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, The Association of Washington State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Latino Cultural Magazine and Raven Chronicles. La Sala, a collective of eight artists/administrators/advocates, co-founded by Irene Gómez, Miguel Guillén and Hugo Ludeña, aims to increase the visibility of Latino/a and Hispanic artists in the region's arts landscape. Recent La Sala gatherings have brought Latino artists together at Artist Trust's artists' resource room and the studios of KCTS/V-Me. For additional information: Irene Gómez at irene@lasalaseattle.org or Miguel Guillén at miguel@lasalaseattle.org ________________________________________________________
Youth Voter Registration Drive & Rally 'Be a Super Hero, Save the Vote' Last Chance to Register “that is why it is so important to vote. Or you submit to the edict of others.” st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } Who: Musica Entertainment, in partner with King County Elections, Seattle City Hall and with the support of Councilmember Bruce Harrell. What: Are hosting a Non-Partisan Youth Voter Registration Drive and Rally geared toward people 18-25. Where: The event will be held at Seattle City Hall. 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 684-8888 This event is free and welcomes people of all ages! When: Saturday October 4th, 2008 from 12:00pm-4:00pm. This will be the last day to register for national and local elections. Why: Musica Entertainment, the event's producer, understands that people 18-25 will have a great impact on this year's upcoming election. The focus of our event is to ensure balanced information, political awareness and create an open dialog amongst participants and advocacy groups. This is a FREE, family-friendly event! Anyone who is seeking information on political issues is welcome to come down, get informed, and register to vote. This Event Includes: · Local political candidates and representatives. · Advocates and information from ALL sides of the issues. · Film, Television and Sports celebrities. · Indie Rock Bands, Hip Hop Groups, DJ's and many more. · A "Kids Zone" which includes kids' ballots and an oversized post card to display the children's dreams for the future. Kids will also receive a free voting-related coloring book. · King County Elections will be registering voters and providing an accessible voting unit. Participants at this event have the opportunity to cast a test ballot using the machine. ** If you are interested in participating, supporting or volunteering for this event please contact Emoree Martin by e-mail at Emoree.musicaentertainment@yahoo.com or 425 373-6244** Thank you for all of the great response to our call to action. The response locally, regional and nationally to support the Be A Super Hero, Save The Vote non-partisan youth voter registry & rally with information from all points of view has been a "Call to Conscience." If you or your group are traveling to Seattle to attend and would like to participate or volunteer please contact Emoree.musicaentertainment@yahoo.com. As usual MUSICA supports music and artists. If you would like to perform at this historic event and feel that it is important that your “message” be heard or talent be seen, please email a biography and mp3 to marcellat@musicaentertainment.org or mail a physical biography package ASAP to MUSICA Entertainment, P.O. Box 18774. Seattle, Washington 98118. Spaces are extremely limited for performances, but we are looking for you! MUSICA http://www.musicaentertainment.org _______________________________________________
Dear Friend of Educational Equity: As you may know, our state’s ethnic commissions are involved in five studies on the academic achievement gap affecting students of color. We all face the shared challenge of delivering a coherent and compelling message to state policy makers. Our varied methods and issues make aligning our work a challenge. Yet, solutions often appear when people of good will work together. A long-standing fighter for educational equity may hold the key to aligning our efforts: Mr. Paul Ruiz, co-founder of The Education Trust, headquartered in Washington, DC. Mr. Ruiz briefed the House Bill 2722 Advisory Committee in Tacoma on Sept. 9, 2008. In a breathtaking talk, Mr. Ruiz outlined an elegant, precise strategy that is relevant to all of our studies, whatever our unique issues, methods, findings, or recommendations may be. You deserve to hear his powerful, transcendent approach and consider it as we move forward. We ethnic commission directors enthusiastically invite you to hear Mr. Ruiz outline his strategy. His insights will benefit all of our advisory teams, researchers, and friends who are eager to close the achievement gap. You are urgently invited to a special session with Mr. Paul Ruiz of The Education Trust: Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Place: Washington Mutual Leadership Center at Cedarbrook The Summit Room -- Light refreshments will be served in the foyer 18525 36th Avenue South, SeaTac, Washington 98188 http://www.cedarbrookcenter.com/findus.html Washington Mutual is co-sponsoring this event. Thanks WAMU! The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Commission on African American Affairs provided financial support so this event could be free of charge. Please R.S.V.P. to Alicia Luna at 360-725-5661 or aluna@cha.wa.gov or Pam Morris at 360-725-5664 or pmorris@caa.wa.gov. Sincerely, Rosalund Jenkins Ellen Abellera Uriel Iniguez Craig Bill Director Director Director Director CAAA CAPAA CHA GOIA Enclosure BIOGRAPHY Paul Ruiz Paul Ruiz, a Senior Advisor at the Education Trust, has devoted more than 30 years of professional work to the educational success of all students, with a particular focus on improving achievement and closing the Latino and African-American achievement gap. He has served as a school principal and central office administrator. He was selected Educator of the Year by the Michigan Department of Education. At the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), he worked to bring together K-12 and college CEOs as well as business and community leaders to significantly increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in college. He is a co-founder of the Education Trust where he worked to implement the first national effort to establish a network of over 60 local K-16 councils. He is the former Chief Academic Officer for the District of Columbia Public Schools. Since returning to the Education Trust, Ruiz works out of San Antonio establishing closer and more substantive working relationships between the Education Trust and local education and civic leaders in the southwest region of our country. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, holds a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. _______________________________________________
Thursday, October 9 -- The Commission on African American Affairs will meet from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave. in Seattle. We will conduct regular business and pre-legislative day sessions on health disparities, education, and youth violence as follows: Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, D-21st District, will present on disproportionate minority confinement/juvenile justice issues. Rep. Eric Pettigrew and advisory committee members will update the community on implementation of House Bill 2722 addressing the academic achievement gap. We will be present “Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth” an excerpt from the acclaimed Public Broadcasting documentary exploring health disparities. Finger foods and light refreshments will be served The public comment period will be from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Call 360-725-5663 for more information. ____________________________________________
Join us for Breakfast! Diversity Panel: “Recruiting and Employment Best Practices with an Emphasis on People with Disabilities” This presentation will focus on recruiting and employment with an emphasis on people with disabilities as our diversity panel for the year. This is timely because October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and we will be honoring this with the panel discussion on best practices, value of persons with disabilities and ways to better understand ADA. Moderator: Matt Storey – Vice President of the WSBLN and President Direct Interactions Panelists: Lynnae Ruttledge - Director of the Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Don Brandon - Director of the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) Northwest Marthalee Galeota - Access and Disability Program Manager at Starbucks and Board Member USBLN Karen Walters, PHR - Executive Director of the Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) Click HERE for Leader Bios The HR professional will learn to: Apply best practices from top Seattle area employers who have been successful in hiring and retaining persons with disabilities. Identify and dispel disability related myths and stereotypes. Recognize the contributions, accomplishments, and overall value of persons with disabilities as employees. Network and source job seekers within the disabilities community. Better understand how the ADA law’s affects the employer community. WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 7:30AM to 9:00AM (Registration at 7:15AM) WHERE: Washington Athletic Club 1325 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA PRICE: Seattle SHRM Member: $30.00 Non-member: $40.00 Student: $15.00 *Price includes meal. ______________________________________________
The Seattle Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. cordially invites you to "A Celebration of Reds and Whites- A Wine Tasting Experience" featuring some of the most exquisite wines from the State of Washington and across the world. Also, the sorority celebrates its 2008-2009 year of service and the warm community supporters who have helped us throughout the years. View the work of local artists from C. Art Gallery as you sample various red and white wines and delightful cheese and chocolate pairings. A local expert from Pete's Winery will be on hand to offer wine tasting lessons and insight. Tickets are available for $25.00+service charge through http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/42760 or by contacting Seattle Alumnae by phone at (206) 666-9782 or via email at seattlealum@gmail.com. **Tickets sold only in advance** DATE: Saturday October 18, 2008 TIME: 7:30 - 10 pm LOCATION: C. Art Gallery - Hiawatha Lofts Community Room 843 Hiawatha Place South Seattle, WA 98144
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Come take the Career & Life Planning class at Bellevue Community College! Join us for this great non-credit, one weekend class to help you identify your interests and transferable skills; find career options to fit your skills and experience; and get the latest information on re-training. Class is open to all men and women, and will be held Fri. Oct. 24th 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Sat. Oct. 25th 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Bellevue Community College’s main campus. Class fee is $99, but some partial scholarships may be available based on financial need. Advanced registration is required. For more information or to sign-up, please call (425) 564-2279. Class is sponsored by the BCC Center for Career Connections and the Women’s Center, and funded in part by the Cities of Bellevue and Issaquah. ____________________________________________________

The first time is always awkward. Welcome

So as a first time blogger, I obviously have the jitters as I start to write down all that inspires me. I came to this blogging idea because I work a million places and I am involved in a bunch of things in Seattle. With my current work, I get alot of information and ideas that cross my desk for how to engage young professionals and through our programming, I have access to hundreds of young professionals looking for ways to be engaged. I figured starting a blog was a great way to put the information out there, you can pick and choose what you want to go to and I get to ramble a bit.

Now I know there are lots of people out there that are already programming away for those young people like you and me but I think that there is a gap and an opportunity to let you know about more diverse things to get involved in.

Anywho, first of all a great site to check out is the Seattle Networking Guide at http://www.iloveseattle.org/. I like this site because people can post their organizations and events and talk a little about what they do. Its a nice format and an easy way to categorize organizations and things that are happening in Seattle. I have attended several events sponsored by different organizations and they are quite cool. Especially for all you folks that just moved here recently, showing up at those Happy Hours is a great way to meet people and break into the social "circle" that Seattle has to offer.

Now I know that everyone loves and is super comfortable in North Seattle but South Seattle has alot to offer. If you are wondering, where is the diversity in Seattle, go to South Seattle, even Central and you will find it. One big way young professionals can get involved in Seattle is working to stop gentrification and make more diverse living communities. Super cool! Recently, a friend of mine decided she was tired of eating at the same places and doing the same thing every week. Now whenever she goes out, she looks up a new place to eat and meets people there. I recently took her to Hidmo in the Central District, an Eritrean locally owned restaurant, the unofficial Hip Hop home of Seattle. Check out their website at : http://www.hidmo.com/ She loved it, we ate with our hands, the owner is always there, she is a huge supporter of youth activism and hosts all sorts of events at Hidmo. You should check it out, they have excellent food and you get a totally new experience. Now my friend, she takes people there.

Trying new things is really rewarding. If you need ideas for new places to eat, check out Seattle Weekly's restaurant guide, you can also sign up for the dining newsletter. I happen to work at Seattle Weekly on their Street Team, so I can vouch that they do a nice job. http://www.seattleweekly.com/restaurants/

If you want to know about how to get involved with some of the more multicultural programs and events happening in Seattle, http://www.colorsnw.org/ and http://www.colorscareers.org/ are great places to start to learn about all the diverse offerings and events in Seattle. ColorsNW is an online magazine that provides a forum for cultural articles, multicultural events and additionally has a fabulous career site. One of the best in the NW!

I think I will try to give information about events and opportunities to get involved every time I blog. So here we go:

Some cool events and opportunities to get involved include:

Help plan future bus service

King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit are looking for a diverse group of community members from Southeast Seattle, Skyway/West Hill, Tukwila, Burien and SeaTac to help plan changes to local bus service for 2009 and beyond. Application deadline is July 31. For more information about serving on the Transit Connections sounding board: www.kingcounty.gov/metro or call Sarah Luthens at 206.684.1154.

A great weekend event to check out is:

Umoja Fest 2008- Seriously an excellent festival
August 1-3.
An African-American community festival featuring a parade, live performances and food and crafts vendors.
Judkins Park
2150 S. Norman St. – Seattle 98144
877.505.6306
http://www.umojafamilyfest.com/

Education Resource Institute Fair Aug. 8th, 9th, 10th
http://www.edrsf.org/
All the workshops sound cool but these sound really neat
August 8. 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Bicycle Repair and Creative Expression for Emotional Literacy workshops.
Peoples Family Life Center
159 24th Avenue. – Seattle 98122

So if you liked the blog, let me know, if you have ideas of what I could post, send me those too. I am kind of excited if people are interested, I can provide a lot of information including referrals onto non-profit boards etc. What do you want to hear about? I'll do some research and let you know.