Fun, education and holidays

In these wild economic times, it is a great opportunity to go to low- cost events and educate yourself about what are some of the social and economic conditions around the country. Check out some of these events:


Acclaimed New Orleans Activist Malik Rahim in Seattle December 8-14 The co-founder of Common Ground New Orleans, Rahim recently won the Thomas Merton Human Rights Award for his heroic work on behalf of his fellow Katrina survivors. Common Ground has provided direct humanitarian aid to over 80,000 people since the Katrina disaster and is leading the struggle to rebuild New Orleans in a socially just and environmentally sustainable manner. While in Seattle Mr. Rahim will talk about the current situation in New Orleans and what we can do to help. He will also promote a spring 2009 social justice trip to New Orleans by students and staff of Nova High School, along with Katrina survivors living in Seattle. · Thursday December 11 7 pm Talk by Malik at New Hope Baptist Church116 21st Ave. in the Central District. Introductory remarks by Rev. Robert Jeffrey, pastor at New Hope and long time social justice advocate. · Saturday December 13 at 7 am Malik will appear at KBCS radio 91.3 on the program "Mind Over Matters" with host Mike McCormick · Saturday December 13th 2-4 pm Talk and Fundraising Reception at the Home of Joe Szwaja 2021 NE 75th Street in Ravenna. Tax deductible donations to help Common Ground and Nova High School's New Orleans Social Justice trip can be sent to Nova PTSA (memo New Orleans) c/o Nova 2410 East Cherry StreetSeattle 98122. To buy fair trade and eco friendly products to help Nova's New Orleans efforts (fair trade chocolate, stainless steel water bottles and envirosax shopping bags) go tohttp://www.nwgreenschools.com For more information about Malik's visit or Nova's Social Justice Trip to New Orleans call (206) 523-3656

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Dr. Robert Bullard to speak at Human Rights Day Celebration Author and professor Dr. Robert Bullard will speak at a free evening event to celebrate Human Rights Day in Seattle on Thursday, December 11, 7-9 pm at Town Hall Seattle on 8th Avenue and Seneca. The evening event also will include presentation of the 2008 Human Rights Awards to local human rights leaders NW Immigrant Rights Project, Somali Community Services of Seattle, YWCA GirlsFirst and Michael Neguse. WHAT: Seattle Human Rights Day 2008 WHERE: Town Hall Seattle on 8th Avenue and Seneca WHEN: Thursday, December 11, 7-9 p.m. Speaker Dr. Robert Bullard also will speak from 11:30 am to 1 pm on December 10 in Seattle City Hall’s Bertha Landes Room. WHY: The 13th annual Seattle Human Rights Day event commemorates the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted December 10, 1948. FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Bullard is the Ware Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University, and one of the leading experts on environmental justice and race. He has authored fourteen books on environmental justice, environmental racism, housing and transportation, including Confronting Environmental Racism. For more information call the Seattle Office for Civil Rights at (206) 684-4500 or check the web at http://www.seattle.gov/civilrights/events.htm. Human Rights Day 2008 is produced by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, Seattle Human Rights Commission and United Nations Association-Seattle, with support from Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities, Seattle Women’s Commission, Seattle Public Utilities Environmental Justice and Service Equity Division, King County Civil Rights Commission, WA State Human Rights Commission, Community Coalition on Environmental Justice, Youth for Human Rights, Youth for Human Rights, Ingalina’s, Teatro Zinzanni and The Chiropractic Center.

2 Multicultural Holiday Fairs worth going to:
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An Ethnic Holiday Gift Show!! - Saturday, December 13th JOIN US For A Cozy Ethnic Holiday Gift Show A Festive Day of Refreshments, Fun, and One Stop Shopping Some of the products distributed by our vendors include: Silpada Jewelry - Body Care Essentials – Handmade Quilts Designs by Sharron – Lula & Mi Shea Butters – Custom Greeting Cards Warm Spirit – Calendars - Ethnic Art & Artifacts - Serenity Soul Body Butters Xscapes Toiletry & Travel Paks - Black Dolls Delicious Homemade Cakes, Pies & other Goodies & Other Unique Gifts. WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 2008 WHERE: 3128 – 34th South (the house is located between South Hanford Street & Mt. Baker Blvd – near Franklin High School) TIME: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Please be our guest… Skip the malls, come shop in a relaxing environment and enjoy hot cider, coffee, wine and light refreshments. Do your holiday shopping with our unique vendors. BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
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MUSICA Entertainment & Early Education The Columbia City Holiday Kids Fair At the Historic Columbia City Theatre Saturday, December 13th, 2008 Noon - 3:00 pm Early learning, birth to five education, school readiness, families & fun! MUSICA Entertainment is proud to present events that focus on literacy, health, education and safety of children birth through 8. Several studies show that music helps focus attention and provides a motivating environment for learning. As young children grow and develop, music continues as a basic medium, not only of communication, but of self expression as well. Through all of our youth events we reinforce the role of parents as their child's first and most important teachers. The Columbia City Holiday Kids Fair is an opportunity to have family fun experiencing fantastic entertainment, music while visiting the historic Columbia City neighborhood. Columbia City, located just southeast of downtown Seattle is sometimes referred to as the "Neighborhood of Nations". Shop in the unique business district which has everything from the Columbia City Art Gallery to funky boutiques to children's apparel and, cuisine from traditional American to Cuban, Mexican, Cajun soul, Ethiopian and more! The Columbia City Holiday Kids Fair takes place in the Columbia City Theatre, Seattle's oldest vaudeville theatre. Formerly a playground for Jimi Hendrix music wizardry, the current theatre offers a classic show stage, a state of the art audio recoding studio, and a video production facility. Kids of all ages will enjoy this production of music, dance and fun! The event will be hosted by none other than Frosty the Snowman. Frosty's guests include, yes of course Dear ole' Santa Claus, who will stop in for a visit and pictures. Frosty's performers and friends include jazz guitarist Michael Powers who'll be performing holiday tunes for the young and the young at heart, along with the lovable education mascot Rodney Raccoon, who teaches kids about hygiene, their ABC's and 123's, all to cool hip hop music. The amazing EriAm Sisters featuring 11 year-old Haben Abraham will be joining Frosty to present an amazing performance of the latest top 40 tunes as well as a preview of music from their forthcoming album. Northwest Tap Connection, the incredible Seattle youth Tap group has performed all over the United States and will again amaze audiences with their tap, dance and showmanship. Lots of surprises, face painting, interactive games and balloon making only add to an afternoon of fun, learning and music! Toddlers are welcomed and encouraged at this all ages family friendly event. At MUSICA Entertainment we are excited to provide families with the opportunity to enjoy a fun, safe learning environment full of Holiday spirit and good cheer. As proponents of Early Education we're just as excited to be able to connect you with organizations like Thrive By Five Washington, The Foundation For Early Learning and Atlantic Street Center. You'll learn more about the Atlantic Street Center, home of the very successful Parent/Child Home Program and other valuable resources in regards to early education, parenting and school readiness during our live webcast of the event if you can't make it in person. If you have crafts to display or would like to be a vendor, we have limited table space available and of course the product must be kid friendly. Please contact emoreem@musicaentertainment.org. Advance tickets available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door. &&&HTTP://WWW.MUSICAENTERTAINMENT.ORG

Have a great evening!

Engaging Youth as Leaders

This is a cool event that I just found out about today that some of you may be interested in. It also happens to be today so hopefully you can make it. It should be a really fabulous event.


WEDS DEC 3, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., at Seattle MarriottWaterfront, 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle; The nonprofitorganization, Global Washington, presents GlobalConnections: PREPARING YOUTH TODAY FOR LEADERSHIP Tomorrow.Keynote Speaker: Representative Adam Smith, D-WA, sponsorof the Global Poverty Act. Join us to celebrate the stateof Washington's achievements in global citizenship andglobal learning, be a part of the dialogue about theimportance of GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP in building a movement forsocial change and find out more about how Global Washingtoncan contribute to your success. Program 4:30 - 5:30followed by Cocktail reception. Registration or infohttp://www.globalwa.org or events@globalwa.org, info 206-652-8725

Puget Sound Off

Hey, I read an article today about Puget Sound Off, A YMCA, University of Washington and City of Seattle partnership to engage youth civically. I think it is a super cool program and since I work for the YMCA I have to shamelessly plug it.

Please read below, not just youth can get involved, young professionals and educators can also participate.

PugetSoundOff.org Makes Social Activism Easier than Ever Before
Posted by digitalnatives in civic_engagement, digital civic engagement
Tyler Goulet updates us on the Center for Communication and Civic Engagement’s latest initiative: PugetSoundOff.org
According to John Palfrey and Urs Gasser in Born Digital, “the ability of networked activist to transform politics in some countries could prove to be the single most important trend in the global Internet culture… If these early signs turn into a bigger movement, politics as we know it is in for big changes.”
We at the Center for Communication and Civic Engagement believe these big changes are right around the corner and we’re trying to make them happen.
So far, things that happen on the internet, and stay on the internet, are not helping social movements grow as much as some hoped. An example of this is when users on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook join causes or groups that are dedicated to raising awareness about a social movement. This is often seen as the equivalent of putting a “support your cause” bumper sticker on your car.
However, social networking sites are making it much easier for anyone to connect, communicate, and organize with people in their local area as well as around the globe. The internet has made creating and executing social movements much easier than ever before. This is great and all, except the most popular social networking sites focus more on gossip within your social network than on creating positive change in your community.
The solution to this is to create a social networking site that focuses on the goal of creating positive change in your community.
PugetSoundOff.org is a revolutionary site that does just that. The focus is to connect teens in the Puget Sound area that care about the same social issues so that they can create positive change in their communities.
Here’s how it works.
Sean, a junior at Bellevue High, loves art. He respects the street art culture, but also knows it creates problems within a community. When an artist paints on the sidewalk or the side of a building, people become upset and damage is done.
To solve this problem, he’d like to have the city install an Art Wall, where street artist can go and display their art legally. However, he can’t do it alone and doesn’t know any of his friends who would be interested in helping him get the Art Wall installed.
Sean decides he’ll hop onto PugetSoundOff.org and write a blog about the problem he sees, what he wants to do about it, and if anyone else wants to help.
A few days later he sees he has 3 comments from people saying they would like to work with him to make this happen. He organizes a meeting with them so that they can do more research on the problem and solution so that they can create an action plan to make it happen.
Now, Sean is in a group of 4 people who really want to make this happen. However, they’ll need more support to really make this happen.
They decide to make a group on PugetSoundOff.org so that they can invite their friends to join the cause.
The group features an information section which teaches people about the problem and solution. It lets people know when they are getting together to talk about and implement the plan. It also has a few documents promoting the cause that people can download, print out, and distribute to their friends.
After a few weeks of hard work and determination the group has grown to 200 people who support the cause.
Now that they have the support they can really start to make an impact in their community.
And so the story goes Sean and his group follow their action plan and get the Art Wall to be installed so that everyone can enjoy the street art culture legally without any problems.
By using the site, Sean was able to connect with other teens that cared about the same problem as him. They worked together to create an action plan and gain enough support to implement the plan so that they could solve the problem they care about.
It’s a beautiful thing. However, PugetSoundOff.org, as a new initiative, is still working out all the kinks.
Check out the site and let us know what you think. What works, what doesn’t? What would make the site easier and better to use? Through comments and suggestions from you we can really make these types of sites powerful political tools.
Tyler Goulet is a Junior at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he is currently triple majoring in Communication, Political Science, and Community Environment and Planning. He has been a Research Assistant for the CCCE for nearly a year. For more information on Tyler Goulet check out www.tylergoulet.com.

Post Thanksgiving- Connect with Community Radio

Hey all, hope you had a wonderful holiday and that you are having a successful and productive first day back to work, I know it's hard :).

Below is some information about my favorite community radio station, KBCS that offers some great radio programs and also free workshops. Definitely check out what they have to offer:

Bankruptcy in Washington State on Voices of Diversity

Wednesday December 3rd , 6 p.m.According to a recent article in the Seattle Times, bankruptcies in Washington State increased by 40% in the first ten months of this year. We’ll explore how people are struggling to stay afloat during difficult economic times. We'll also get advice from financial counselors, and speak with people who are currently facing or have gone through bankruptcy . Upcoming Public Affairs Trainings and Free WorkshopsWe’re growing a volunteer-powered and social justice-focused newsroom, where reporters and producers are community members committed to skill sharing and facilitating media making of, by, and for our communities. KBCS offers free community journalism workshops. To get involved, come to one of our monthly public affairs workshops. They are the first four Wednesdays of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the KBCS studios. You’re also invited to come by any Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to observe and/or assist in the production of Voices of Diversity and One World Report. RSVP to Joaquin Uy at (425) 564-6195 or juy@kbcs.fm.

Upcoming Wednesday Night Workshop Schedule: Art of Interviewing

NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE: Interviewing workshop offered instead of the orientation.1st Wednesday (December 3rd)A good interview is based on asking the right questions, and we’ll show you how to do just that. Radio Journalism2nd Wednesday (December 10th)This workshop covers the basics of radio journalism. We’ll go over our approach to media in community radio, ethical standards, libel, First Amendment, and the elements of a good story.

Writing for Radio 3rd Wednesday (December 17th)This workshop covers specific techniques and standards of writing for radio. Practice includes writing for One World Report.

Have a nice day!

Feedback time

Hey all, Here is an opportunity to provide feedback for the state government about any ideas on how to cut back on the budget. Gregoire announced yesterday that the state is millions of dollars over budget and will have to cut. Please take this opportunity to be civically engaged and provide feedback :)

Dear Friends:

Gov. Gregoire has asked her staff to begin discussions with key agencies, local governments, community leaders, and the public at large prior to the development of her budget and legislative agenda. Just like Washington families, state government is facing serious economic challenges. And in tough times creative ideas are needed.

Please take a look at these three questions and contact me via phone or email if you have ideas or suggestions.
· How can state government provide services more efficiently and cost-effectively?
· What current state government functions and programs might be better handled in the private sector or the nonprofit arena?
· How can state government help stimulate Washington's economy?
Finally, Gov. Gregoire has launched a website seeking direct citizen input on her budget: http://www.governor.wa.gov/budget.asp.
Please use the website above, email reply to this message, and the phone to share your ideas. My phone number is below.
I will forward your emails or phoned-in comments immediately to the Governor’s Office.
Thank you for your time and thoughts on how to address these tough issues.
Best regards, ROZ

Rosalund Jenkins, Executive Director
Washington State Commission on African American Affairs
210 11th Ave. SW, Suite 301A, Olympia, WA 98502
rjenkins@caa.wa.gov
Voice 360-725-5663
Fax 360-586-0622

Job Seekers of Color

This may be useful for any job seekers of color out there: Check it out


PWOCN Job Clubs!
November 14, 2008
Looking for a job, especially in this economy, can be difficult and discouraging but you don't have to go it alone. It seems that almost daily we are hearing stories of layoffs and changes in the workplace but believe me there still are great jobs available and many companies are seeking diverse candidates just like you. One of the main goals of The Professional Women of Color Network is supporting women of color and it is with great excitement that we are announcing the formation of Industry Specific Job Clubs for Women of Color!
What is a Job Club?
Job connection clubs are small groups of people who meet regularly to talk candidly about job searching and career advancement with the goal of supporting the success of all members.
Why Join A Job Club? Most of us don't relish the idea of embarking on a job search. It can be a lonely and discouraging process. Because of the length of time it can take to find work, many people lose momentum and grow frustrated. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Becoming part of a job club can offer valuable assistance and renewed optimism. It may also bring a strong sense of accountability that gets you going in the right direction. When you know that your fellow members expect to hear regularly about your progress, you're more inclined to have a productive period leading up to the club meeting. How Do I Join?Select the Job Club you are most interested in joining and send the following information via email to info@pwocn.org:
Name
Address (Include City & State)
Employment Status
Current or Previous Occupation
Industry Club you would like to join
Important!!
Clubs are limited to 8-12 members so join quickly as we expect the spaces to fill up fast! Job/Career CoachesIf you are interested in serving as a Coach or Guest Speaker for any of the clubs listed, please contact us via email at info@pwocn.org. PWOCN Job Club List
IT
Financial Services & Insurance
Social Services
Health Care
Women in Trades
Gen X & Y'ers
Mature Workers
Don't see your industry on the list? Email us with your suggestion!
As we move into the New Year, PWOCN is focusing on strengthening support and partnership opportunities for all of our members. Let's continue to be there for one another by sharing our resources, expertise and knowledge. Collectively we can make a difference for each other!

Sincerely,

Meko L. LawsonProfessional Women of Color Network

Back in action, lots to do

Hey folks, I just started a new job so I have been a bit MIA on the blog, I apologize but now I am back in full force.


Here is a cool event to check out today downtown if you are interested in a job in politics, who’s not these days J

Political Jobs A-GO-GO
Monday, 11/17, 5 – 7pm
Location:
O'Asian Kitchen

Details at:
salsa.democracyinaction.org…


The New Organizing Institute and DemocracyInAction are excited to be partnering with Democratic GAIN, the WIN/WIN Network, OneNW, and NTEN for a networking reception. This reception is open to the public, and will provide an easy way to connect with others in the Seattle area who are looking for job openings or have positions to fill. This cash bar reception.

I went to this event last year, it was really neat to see many faiths come together to worship, definitely check it out:

“All My Relations” A Celebration of Gratitude at Thanksgiving Interfaith Worship Celebration Sunday, November 23rd 2:30 – 4:00 PM Location: St Patrick Church 2702 Broadway Avenue East Seattle, WA 98102 This is an interfaith/InterSpiritual event that embraces indigenous wisdom and traditions. We are looking forward to learning lessons through stories shared by eight celebrants from different faith and spiritual communities. They and a musical group brought together for this event will engage us with lovely songs and insights that address the story lines for the gratitude service: We Are All People of the Earth We Are All Related We Are All Wounded We Will All Heal Together. This is a family-friendly celebration. Please select and bring an item (non-returnable) from the earth that represents something meaningful for which you are grateful. These items will be placed in a community basket that will have a special role in our celebration. NICO, a founding member of the Compassionate Action Network, is sponsoring this InterSpiritual gathering, which is a co-creation of many individuals, spiritual communities and interfaith organizations. It honors and preserves a 22 year tradition in our region. Check out the flyer: http://www.stpatsseattle.org/discuspro/messages/60/Flyer_for_Thanksgiving_service_3_-1165.pdf For more information, contact: John Hale - jehale@earthlink.net; 425.865.0659

For folks of color, Jobtini is a great way to interview for a job in a fun way where you can talk intimately with employers. Colors NW is a great organization and although I have never been to a Jobtini yet, I have heard they are very helpful for networking and job placement Check it out:

Jobtini at http://www.colorscareers.com/ .Next Thursday 11/20! UPDATE: Microsoft will be giving away a free Zune to one lucky job seeker at Jobtini! You must be present to win! Zune is Microsoft's portable media player, enjoy music, videos, podcasts and FM Radio on the go! CONFIRMED EMPLOYERS: Microsoft T-Mobile Community Health Plan of Washington Seattle Parks and Recreation Projectline Services American Family Insurance University Of Washington ... MORE TO COME! WHEN: November 20, 2008, 5:30-8:30 p.m. WHERE: Spitfire, 2219 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 REGISTRATION: Limited Space, Sign up TODAY! FOR INFO: Contact Melissa Laramie melissa@colorsnw.com

This is a fabulous performance, very lively, you can’t help but feel good. I go every year! I wouldn’t miss it for the world, it is especially great if you like to sing!

INTIMAN THEATRE GETS AUDIENCES READY FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH BLACK NATIVITY: A GOSPEL SONG PLAY Opening Night Benefit Performance: Friday, December 5 at 8 pm Performances: November 29 – December 27 at Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center Tickets are on sale now at http://www.intiman.org or 206.269.1900 SEATTLE— “Hear again the Christmas story” as Intiman Theatre’s Black Nativity enters its second decade as a gospel songfest for the entire family, and a Seattle tradition for audiences of all faiths. This celebration of the holiday season offers gospel favorites (performed by powerful soloists and a full choir) and dance (from traditional to tap). The production is directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, with music direction by Pastor Patrinell Wright. Black Nativity will run November 29-December 27 at the Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center. The pay-what-you-can performance is Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 pm and the Opening Night Benefit Performance is Friday, December 5 at 8 pm. Photographs Production photographs can be downloaded at http://www.intiman.org/press/photos.html. If you do not have the User Name and Password on file, please contact stephanie@intiman.org. Ticket and Performance Information Single tickets range in price from $15 to $45, with discounts available for groups of 15 or more. Pending availability, $20 SRO/rush tickets will go on sale 15 minutes before curtain time. Tickets are available for purchase from http://www.intiman.org or over the phone from the Ticket Office at 206.269.1900. Intiman


That’s all for today! Enjoy the sunshine.