great fall weather, engagement frenzy

Wow, an unbelievably busy week with lots of civic engagement all over the place as we prepare for the election. The fall weather has been unbelievable and all I want to do is be outside. This weekend I was at Islandwood leading a retreat around civic engagement and board participation. I have had the idea to have a symposium for young professionals that want to be civically engaged and/ or connect with the city, non-profit, for-profit and network through a series of engaging workshops around public service, civic engagement and politics. Myself and colleagues from the YMCA are hoping to organize this in March or April. If you are interested and/or have some thoughts on this idea for a symposium, feel free to e-mail me at davis.alexandra@gmail.com.

Also, here are some interesting events coming up:
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Will Your Vote Be Counted? The Seattle University Young Democrats and the Political Science Club invite faculty, staff and students to a campus-wide film screening and panel discussion of Emmy award-winning director David Earnhardt's UNCOUNTED: The New Math of American Elections on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 6 to 9 PM in the Wyckoff Auditorium (see attached flyer).
Film Synopsis: UNCOUNTED is an explosive new documentary that shows how the election fraud that changed the outcome of the 2004 election led to even greater fraud in 2006--and now looms as an unbridled threat to the outcome of the 2008 election. This controversial feature length film by Emmy award-winning director David Earnhardt examines in factual, logical, and yet startling terms how easy it is to change outcomes and undermine election integrity across the U.S. (http://www.uncountedthemovie.com)
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Celebration, Fundraiser, and Community Event, featuring WA State Representative and Media Justice ally Bob Hasegawa with special guests Sharon Maeda - UFCW 21, Jonathan Lawson - Reclaim the Media, and Karen Toering - Reclaim the Media ** Tuesday, October 28, 5:30-7:30pm (short program starts at 6:30pm) Hidmo Eritrean Cuisine http://www.hidmo.org 2000 S Jackson St. Seattle, 98144 Enjoy delicious Eritrean cuisine appetizers and join friends at one of the Central District neighborhood's most essential community hubs. No host bar. Donations to Bob Hasegawa's re-election campaign appreciated. Please RSVP to Susan Gleason, smgleason@gmail.com, 206-931-2613 Sponsored by Friends of Media Justice ** Organizational affiliations are listed for identification purposes only. ____________________________________________
VOLUNTEER to Get Out the VOTE! Make a difference in this historic election by mobilizing immigrant and Latino voters on the Eastside! November 1st — November 4 Call Fatima Morales at 323-841-0033 or email at fatima@washingtoncan.org for more information. Washington CAN! is the state's largest non-profit grassroots community organization fighting for progressive social change. ¡Juntos podemos alentar el VOTO inmigrante y latino! Toma parte en esta eleccion historica y ayudanos a alentar el voto Latino e inmigrante en el este! 1ro de noviembre — 4 de noviembre Llame a Fátima Morales al 323-841-0033 o mande un correo electronico a fatima@washingtoncan.org para mas información. La Red Activa Comunitaria es la organizacion de base más grande del estado sin fines de lucro que lucha por los derechos de los inmigrantes y para cobertura medica para todos.
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The White Center Community Development Association and Trusted Advocates present The 2008 Community Summit: "Celebrating our Community, the White Center Way" Saturday, November 8 Mount View Elementary School 10811 12th Avenue SW 8:00am – 3:00pm Free Admission This year's community summit will gather families, government agencies and local community-based/non-profit organizations in a fun, family friendly environment. Live cultural performances, ethnic foods, door prizes and children's activities are just a taste of what the summit has to offer! Come learn about the issues affecting your community and how you can be involved in a positive way. There will be information booths and workshops on health, education, jobs, housing, annexation, immigration and more. Translation services will be provided in Cambodian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Tigrinya, Somali, Amharic, Samoan, Arabic and English (other languages available upon request). Childcare will be provided. Please help us spread the word! Invite your neighbors, family, friends, co-workers and classmates. For more information, and how you can be an event sponsor or exhibitor, contact: Ebony Davis: (206) 694-1082 x168 or ebony@wccda.org Ian Dapiaoen: (206) 694-1082 x175 or ian@wccda.org Event sponsors: White Center Community Development Association, Trusted Advocates, Youth Media Institute, City of Seattle, King County Housing Authority, City of Burien, White Center Early Learning Initiative, Southwest Boys and Girls Club , Seamar, Neighborhood House, White Center Public Health, Homesight, Para Los Ninos, White Center Library, PASEFIKA, Department of Social and Health Services, International Community Health Services, Red Cross, Roxbury Clinic, White Center Food Bank, Refugee Federation Service Center, International District Housing Alliance, YWCA Career Development, King County Food and Fitness Initiative, King County Public Health, Environmental Works, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, Homestead Community Land Trust, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Technology Access Foundation, S. & L. Realty LLC, Center for the study of Social Policy

Politics,debating and cool community stuff

Ok dok, its been a crazy week, lots of exciting political action on the local, state and federal level. If you want to check out more about candidates for all elections, check out the Secretary of State's website on elections where you can see the a video voter's guide and the online voter's pamphlet, pretty nifty! http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/2008.aspx
You can also check the status of your voter registration and watch some cool videos including instructions for how to run for office. Get involved!

Don't be Speechless in Seattle.

Come on, that's lame!

If you want to get involved a different way and learn about the Seattle Non-profit community, there is the idealist.org career fair next week, check it out:

*WEDS OCT 22, 11 am - 3 pm, at Seattle University,Campion Hall Building, 914 East Jefferson Street, mainentrance via East James, Seattle; Please join us for theIdealist.org NONPROFIT CAREER FAIR. Our nonprofit careerfairs are a place for everyone who wants to make adifference in the world (including recent undergraduate or grad school students, experienced nonprofit professionals,and those wishing to transition to a nonprofit career fromother sectors) and we encourage you to consider the widerange of opportunities to move forward in your nonprofitcareer. To register, free for jobseekers info including schedule, directions, anda list of registered organizations, http://snipr.com/seattlecf or idealist.org

Some other interesting events coming up this weekend and they early part of next week that will energize you and give you the opportunity to learn something new are:

**SAT OCT 18, 9:30 pm, at Cinerama, Seattle; LangstonHughes African American Film Festival is proud to be theCommunity Copresenter of Noah's arc: Jumping the Broom,Dir. Patrick Ian Polk (US 2008 102 min), part of the 13thAnnual Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Picking upwhere Logo's landmark African-American ensemble televisionseries left off, Alex, Ricky, and Chance join Noah and hispartner Wade on a cross-country trip for Noah and Wade'swedding on Martha's Vineyard. Instead of a weekend ofrevelry, secrets and lies are exposed, hearts arechallenged, and friendships are turned upside down. Asassy, sexy look at the lives of a CLOSE-KNIT QUARTET OF GAY MEN who discovered their real family when they foundeach other. info http://www.threedollarbillcinema.org/

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**MON OCT 20, 7 - 9 p.m., at Kane Hall, Room 130,University of Washington, Seattle; Free, but advanceregistration is requested. UW Forum on the FINANCIALCRISIS: How Did We Get Here, and What Does it Mean?Panelists include: Richard Bennion - Executive VicePresident and Residential Lending Director, HomeStreetBank; Alan Hess - Professor, Foster School of Business;Lew Mandell - Visiting Professor, Foster School ofBusiness; Dick Zerbe - Professor, Evans School of PublicAffairs; Eric Zivot - Professor, Economics. Steve Scher -KUOW Host. Registration and info 206-543-0540 or 1-800-AUW-ALUM
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TUES OCT 21, and subsequent 3rd Tuesdays, but pleaseconfirm, 6 - 8 p.m., at Boards & Commissions room, FloorL2, City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, downtown Seattle; PublicMeeting on POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY held by the Office ofPolice Accountability Review Panel (OPARB), info 206-684-8146 or opareviewboard@seattle.gov, Listen to meetings inprogress on the Boards & Commissions Listen 206-684-4718

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TUES OCT 21, 7:30 pm, at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8thAvenue at Seneca Street, Downstairs, enter on Seneca,Seattle; Antonia Juhasz on 'THE TYRANNY OF OIL.' Aleading expert on international trade and finance, AntoniaJuhasz is a fellow with Oil Change International and theInstitute for Policy Studies. Author of The Bush Agenda,Juhasz returns to Town Hall to talk about her upcomingbook, The Tyranny of Oil: the World's Most PowerfulIndustry, and What We Must Do To Stop It. Presented by theTown Hall Center for Civic Life, with Elliott Bay BookCompany. Tickets $5 available athttp://www.brownpapertickets.com/, 800-838-3006 and at thedoor beginning at 6:30. Town Hall members receive priorityseating. info http://www.townhallseattle.org/

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Also, an interesting TV show worth tuning in for on the local community access channel:

TUES OCT 21, and subsequent 3rd Tuesdays, 6 - 6:30 pm, onSCAN, the Seattle Community Access Network TV, cablechannels 77 (Comcast) and 29 (Millennium) and streamingvideo at http://www.scantv.org/ ; The Abe Keller PeaceEducation Fund is sponsoring a new cable program seriesentitled THINK PEACE: PEACEMAKING IN A TROUBLED WORLD.This month's program TBA. Sponsored by American FriendsService Committee in collaboration with the Abe KellerPeace and Education Fund. [confirmed 10/10/07]

And for those of you who have kids and want to learn how to talk with your children about multiculturalism, which is super important, check out:

SUN OCT 19, and subsequent 3rd Sundays, 1 - 3:30 pm,email for location and agenda; P.E.A.R. PRESCHOOLEDUCATORS AGAINST RACISM. How to teach young children toreject bias and embrace differences requires deep study andreflection of our own teaching practices. Are you trulylistening to children? Come join this conversation. infoMollypeach@hotmail.com [added 5/22/05]

Let people know what you offer

Some opportunities to put your ideas out there and get heard. Put your voice out there and get involved! Have an awesome day!

I thought this was a funny picture.

The Service Board is recruiting volunteer mentors and high school students to participate now! Our program runs from January to June combining mentoring, job/life skills, social justice, community service, snowboarding, and good food. Check out our website today to apply! http://www.theserviceboard.org/ Register Now for the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment "Employer Awards Program" on October 23rd! The Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE) will hold its annual Employer Awards Program on October 23rd in Seatac Washington. The event recognizes businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in Washington State that have excelled in hiring people with disabilities. In addition, the Governor's Trophy is awarded to an individual with a disability for outstanding achievement in promoting the hiring of people with disabilities. The Awards Program is organized collaboratively by the Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) and the GCDE. Advance registration is required and space is limited. There is no cost to attend and a free breakfast is included. To register, visit the following secure link: https://catalysttools.washington.edu/webq/survey/swb3/59985. Those who need assistance with the online registration process can call 360-438-3168 (voice) or 360-438-3167 (TTY), Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm. Thanks to assistance from the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Hearing Speech and Deafness Center in Seattle, accessibility accommodations are available for people with disabilities. ________________________________________________

Tenth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Announcement and Rules The King County Civil Rights Commission is sponsoring its Tenth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Essay Contest open to all eighth grade students attending public and private schools in King County. The purpose of the essay contest is to encourage middle and junior high school students to think critically about Dr. King's legacy of peace and justice. The essay theme is: "Breaking Barriers." Rules: The essay must be between 750 and 1,000 words and must be typed and doubled spaced on white 8.5" by 11" paper. Contestants must submit one typed original and one typed copy of the essay, by mail. The name, address, home phone number, e-mail address, school, grade and age of student author must be submitted on a cover page, accompanying the essay. Do not place your name on any other page. All essays must be in English and include a bibliography, utilizing at least one book source, but no more than one web site source All essays will be judged on the author's: knowledge of Dr. King and his work in the Civil Rights Movement, originality of ideas, development of point of view, insight into the essay theme, clarity of expression, organization, and grammar. All essays submitted become the property of the Commission and may be displayed on County web pages, in County publications, in local publications, and in the King County Tunnel. Submitted essays will not be returned. Prizes: First Prize: $100.00, Second Prize: $75.00, Third Prize: $50.00. Deadline: All essays must be postmarked by Friday, November 28, 2008, and mailed to: King County Civil Rights Commission, 400 Yesler Way, Room 260, Seattle, WA 98104. Essays postmarked after that date will not considered, nor returned. Notification of Winners: Winners will be notified by mail. Awards will be presented to the winners at the 22nd Annual King County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in January, 2009, held in downtown Seattle. ____________________________________________________

The Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs seeks community exhibition proposals and artist group shows for display in two City Hall gallery spaces in 2009. http://www.seattle.gov/arts/opportunities/calls.asp?opp=294&cat=0&view=3 ________________________________________________

Grants Promote Cultural Conservation Worldwide Genographic Legacy Fund The Genographic Legacy Fund, administered by the National Geographic Foundation, supports indigenous or traditional communities worldwide. The Fund provides grants of up to US$25,000 for the preservation and revitalization of tangible or intangible indigenous or traditional culture. Examples of funded projects include documenting a traditional language or oral history, traditional language training or curriculum development, and preserving significant sites and artifacts. Projects must show strong local community involvement in their planning, governance, and implementation and must deliver positive, tangible, and sustainable benefits. The next application deadline is December 15, 2008. Detailed information on the Fund's priorities and application guidelines are available on the website listed above. https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/legacy_fund.html

Great things going on in Seattle

Well its Monday morning and we are all trying to get back in the saddle at work, if that is possible even. Here are some interesting exhibits, events and workshops that really give voice to diverse populations in Seattle and around the world.

This girl below is already telling her friends about it :) I really recommend you check them out.

University ofWashington, Seattle; Health Alliance International presents a photojournalism exhibit about the War in Iraq"Unembedded: Four INDEPENDENT PHOTOJOURNALISTS ON THE WARIN IRAQ." Unembedded is a national touring exhibit of 60visually stunning images that tell the story of the war'simpact on the lives of the Iraqi people on the ground. Itis a powerful expression of the effects of war that golargely ignored by the mainstream media. Work by GhaithAbdul-ahad, Kael Alford, Thorne Anderson, and RitaLeistner. Free. ends Dec 5, infohttp://depts.washington.edu/haiuw/hai/news/category/events/upcoming_events/ or http://www.unembedded.net/ orhttp://www.healthallianceinternational.org/

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**THROUGH OCT 16, 7 pm & 9 pm, at Northwest Film Forum,1515 12th Ave., Seattle; Northwest Film Forum presents TheExiles. After years of researching in the Native Americancommunity in Los Angeles, Kent Mackenzie began working withhis protagonists on The Exiles in 1957. The film, which wascompleted three years later, is one of the first - andstill very few - films about YOUNG INDIANS IN THE BIG CITY.For his empathetic observations, Mackenzie found poeticforms far from any kind of romanticizing. His graphic sensefor nocturnal Los Angeles, the use of interviews with theactors as the inner monologues of the protagonists, and thesoundtrack of the rock 'n' roll band "The Revels" fromradios and jukeboxes make The Exiles a masterpiece of greatbeauty and integrity. Its restoration closes another gapin the history of independent cinema. Special "Exiled inSeattle" Film Release Party, Q&A with Sherman Alexie on Oct14 after 7 pm screening. Tickets $6/NWFF members,$6.50/children & seniors, $9/general. Tickets and infohttp://www.nwfilmforum.org/, info 206-329-2629

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Human Trafficking: Modern Day SlaveryOn Thursday, October 23rd from 7 to 9pm the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center (IPJC) will present a free workshop entitled “Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery” at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Center, 15236 21st Ave SW, Burien. Our featured speaker will be Rani Hong, a trafficking survivor and founder of the Tronie Foundation. We will also have education, resources and opportunities for action as we launch the Stop the Demand Campaign. IPJC and religious communities have been working on the issue of human trafficking for a number of years. We invite you to join us in making a difference on the issue of Human Trafficking. We encourage you to bring friends and other networks to the event.

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Also for some relief and relaxation after exposing yourself to some fantastic events and exhibits or even some relief from work, check out:

Health & HappinessTue 10/14/08 03:00 PM to Tue 10/14/08 04:00 PMJoin the Stress-Free Seattle Campaign! Free yoga and mediation seminars conducted by The Art of Living Foundation. Learn practical techniques that can be practiced at work and and home.
http://stressfreeseattle.org/

Volunteer Event Calendar

I know all of you in Seattle are looking for ways to support the community and one great way is to volunteer at non-profits who can really use your help.

A super cool resource for all of you folks looking to volunteer is the United Way volunteer event calendar. Here you can see opportunities that are available around the city, contact volunteer coordinators, get directions to the volunteer sites etc.

Check it out at:

http://www.volunteersolutions.org/uwkc/volunteer/calendar/

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.