• Homepage
  • eReporter
    • eReporter 2006
    • eReporter 2005
    • eReporter 2004
  • Programs
    • Advocacy
    • Education
    • Economic Development
    • Health
    • Internships
    • Policy Analysis
    • Voter Education
    • Youth Leadership
  • Resources
    • Census - Vietnamese Americans
    • Community Organizations
    • Grant Writing
    • Nonprofit Resources
    • Southeast Asian American Directory
    • Translator: English - Vietnamese
  • Events
    • Past Events
  • Media Center
    • NCVA in the News
    • Newsletters
    • Photo Gallery
    • Press Releases
    • Publications
  • About NCVA
    • Advisory Board
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
    • Financials
    • History
    • Privacy Policy
    • Staff
    • Make a Donation
English Việt Ngữ
Login | Register RSS
  • Homepage
  • News
  • Private Policy
  • Blog
  • News Feeds
    • Vietnam & Vietnamese News
    • Vietnamese Newspapers
    • Vietnamese Radio
    • The White House
    • U.S. Government
  • Links
  • Contact Us
  • VAYLC
  • Mailling list
About NCVA
Founded in 1986, the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community advocacy organization working to advance the cause of Vietnamese Americans in a plural but united America – e pluribus unum – by participating actively and fully as civic minded citizens engaged in the areas of education, culture and civil liberties.
Search
eReporter | eReporter 2005 

NCVA eREPORTER - November 8, 2005

The National Congress of Vietnamese Americans' NCVA eReporter is a regular email newsletter containing information on grant/funding opportunities, events/forums/conferences, available internships and news items pertinent to the Vietnamese American and Asian Pacific American communities.

In this NCVA eReporter:

EVENTS

  • Rebuilding Our Communities: Bay Area Katrina Fundraiser – Nov 13, 2005
  • Citizen Summit IV - "Lifting All Communities" – Nov 19, 2005
  • Free Computer Training for Immigrants/Refugees
  • White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives – Dec 8, 2005
  • Free Webinar "e-Strategy for Your Nonprofit"

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  • Educational Foundation of America Focuses on Bettering Humanity
  • Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards for Pre K-12 Schools
  • Albertsons Supports Community Programs
  • The Glaser Progress Foundation Focus on Humane World Issues
  • Toyota International High School Teacher Program
  • Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships - Community Design
  • Youth Leaders for Literacy Program to Award Grants for Student-Led Projects
  • Nissan Foundation Seeks Applicants for 2006 Grant Cycle
  • James Irvine Foundation Launches New Awards Program for California Leaders

JOBS/INTERNSHIPS

  • Lao Family Community Development - Director of Development/Grant Writer
  • 2006 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program
  • AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunities in Post-Katrina Rebuilding Effort

TIPS/RESOURCES

  • Nonprofits Offered Free Online Survey Service
  • Donors:  Knowing more than just demographics
  • PandemicFlu.gov

NEWS

  • Garvey hopefuls run on the numbers (Pasadena Star)
  • NIH Offers $35,000 in Annual Student Loan Repayment (Press Release)
  • Vietnamese-American Groups Receive $200,000 Grant From Freddie Mac to Help Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao Families Displaced by Recent Hurricanes (Press Release)
  • Vietnamese Communities Unite To Empower Victims of the Hurricane Disaster (Press Release)
  • Charity Advocacy Blocked In Bill Passed By House of Representative (Nonprofit Times)
******************
EVENTS

Viet Bay Area Katrina Fundraiser
REBUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES


Dear friends, family and community:

Join us for a festive afternoon of food, music and art to benefit the Viet American communities affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Through this tragedy, we come together to celebrate the resilience and strength of our communities.  We hope you will join us in the spirit of love and support.

Featuring
Personal Reports from Bay Area volunteers who were in the Gulf Coast Music and Song Performances by Unity Nguyen and Linh Nguyen Photo/Video Slideshow of our Vietnamese community in the Gulf Coast Art Sales

Sunday, November 13th
12pm -
3pm
Tickets $10-$30 Sliding Scale at the Door


BANANAS
5232 Claremont Ave.
Oakland , CA 94618
(near Telegraph Ave and 51st St)

All proceeds above cost will go directly to the hurricane survivors, supporting the efforts of local community institutions in the Gulf Coast and supporting the volunteer contingents. Our first contingent to the Gulf Coast has identified the following urgent needs:
- grocery gift cards for families struggling to pay for food
- waterproof tarps to protect homes as the rainy season approaches
- industrial-strength cleaning supplies for homes seriously damaged by black mold, mildew, and other flood-related damage.
- clean bottled water

For the latest information and to indicate whether or not you will be attending, go to:
http://www.evite.com/vietbayareakatrina@yahoo.com/fundraiser (RSVP is not required, but will help us determine how much food is needed.)

*If you are unable to attend and would like to make a straight donation, you can write a tax-deductible donation made out to "Huong Viet". In the check memo write "Katrina Fundraiser" and send to:

Huong Viet Community Center
ATTN: Katrina Fundraiser
P.O. Box 29936
Oakland, CA  94604

For more information, please visit vietbayareakatrina.org or contact Trung Nguyen at vietbayareakatrina@yahoo.com or (408) 802.1374.

With gratitude,
Viet Bay Area Katrina

***
Viet Bay Area Katrina is a grassroots volunteer effort representing local Viet organizations and concerned community members coming together to fundraise and volunteer our services to our community in need.  We have sent a volunteer contingent to the Gulf Coast to provide aid and to hope to continue providing direct financial and volunteer assistance to our community in need.

Approximately 55,000 Viet refugees and immigrants living in the Gulf Coast region have been affected by the hurricane -- losing their homes and their livelihoods.  Although this national tragedy has generated an empathetic outpouring of generous donations and valiant volunteers, there still exists a grave shortage of support for low-income and immigrant communities.  As winter approaches, Viet communities rooted in the Gulf Coast are determined to rebuild and regenerate despite long-standing government and systemic negligence. They urgently need culturally- and linguistically-sensitive services and resources to help them succeed and flourish.

*Huong Viet Community Center is acting as the fiscal agent for Viet Bay Area Katrina.  Huong Viet is a 501(c)3 non-profit tax-exempt organization (EIN/TIN# 943152735) serving the Oakland Vietnamese community since 1987.  (You will receive a receipt for your donation.)

******************

CITIZEN SUMMIT IV – “LIFTING
ALL COMMUNITIES”

The District of Columbia's Citizen Summit IV will be hosted by Mayor Anthony A. Williams on Saturday, November 19, from 8:30 am - 4 pm, at the Washington Convention Center. Mayor Williams will convene citizens, elected officials and community leaders to begin making the tough choices involved in determining the citywide policies and priorities of the District government on the future of our library system, youth development, employment and economic opportunity, and affordable housing.

Over the past six years, Mayor Williams has engaged more than 10,000 citizens in this unique planning process.  As in past years, the daylong Citizen Summit - the largest town hall meeting in the United States – will significantly influence decisions on the District's annual spending priorities and legislative initiatives.

CITIZEN SUMMIT IV - "Lifting All Communities"

Mayor Anthony A. Williams invites you to participate on

Saturday,
November 19, 2005 from 8:30 am - to 4 pm at

Washington Convention Center
801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW, Hall D
Washington, DC


******************

FREE COMPUTER TRAINING

For Immigrants, Refugees and Asylees

Become computer literate!

Learn to use the computer for yourself, your business or to get a better job!

We offer courses in:

*  Microsoft Word
*  Microsoft Excel
*  Microsoft Access
*  Microsoft Power Point
*  Internet and email
*  Computerized Accounting with QuickBooks

Classes are from 9:00am to 12:00 pm and meet twice a week.
Instruction is in English with sensitivity to English learners.

WHEN:
Classes start November 14, 2005

WHERE:
International Institute of the East Bay
449 15th Street, Suite 201, Oakland

Call today and ask for Leul Afework (510) 451-2846 x337 or Carol Perez (510) 451-2846 x308

Carol Finis Perez
Training & Employment Manager
International Institute of the East Bay
449 15th Street, Suite 201
Oakland, CA  94612
(510) 451-2846 ext. 308

******************

WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON FAITH-BASED
AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Thursday, December 8, 2005
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2100 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

On Thursday, December 8, 2005, the White House and the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, and Education, the Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration will host a conference in Nashville to help faith-based and community organizations learn more about President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. The event is geared towards representatives from social service groups that have experience with the government grants process, but are interested in producing more competitive applications.

*The conference is free, but pre-registration is required.* Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit http://www.fbci.gov/ to register online. We strongly encourage you to register online. If you are unable to register online, print the registration form attached to this email. Complete the form and fax it to 703-299-4589 or 703-706-0476. If you are not able to view this file, please call 202-456-6718 to have a form faxed to you. *Please register by Friday, December 2.* If you must cancel your registration, please send an email to mailto:fbci@dtihq.com or a fax to one of the numbers listed above so we may accommodate as many people as possible.

The conference is part of a series of regional conferences that are being held around the country. These conferences will provide participants with information about the federal funding process, available funding opportunities, and the legal requirements that come with the receipt of federal funds. They will also offer practical information on the grant-writing process, provide the opportunity to inform state and local officials about equal treatment regulations, and facilitate opportunities to network with government officials.

The conference will offer two workshop tracks: Federal Grant Programs and State-Administered Federal Programs. Both tracks have five sessions. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in both tracks.

For more information, please call 202-456-6718, send an email to mailto:fbci@dtihq.com, or visit http://www.fbci.gov/.

******************

FREE WEBINAR "E-STRATEGY FOR YOUR NONPROFIT"

This no-cost webinar, co-hosted by GrantStation and CharityFinders, demonstrates how your nonprofit can develop and execute an Internet strategy to further its mission. Each participant will be offered a free Internet Readiness Assessment (IRA) workshop. The IRA workshop examines the ways your nonprofit is using the Internet today and ways you should be using the Internet strategically to further your mission, and identifies a high-level plan to bridge the gap. The IRA workshop includes the rapid building of a powerful e-philanthropy prototype website incorporating much of the nonprofits needed functionality. The webinar will be presented by Allan Pressel, CEO of CharityFinders (http://www.charityfinders.com/cf/jsp/home_cf.jsp). To register, and view a complete calendar of scheduled no-cost seminars, visit the website.

(http://www.meetingbridge.com/seminar/Seminar.aspx?SeminarCd=49866147)

******************
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF AMERICA FOCUSES ON BETTERING HUMANITY

The mission of the Educational Foundation of America is to improve individual lives and their surroundings through education and awareness, in hopes of bettering humanity and the world we inhabit. The Foundations areas of interest include: the environment; the crisis of human overpopulation and reproductive freedom; Native Americans; arts; education; medicine; and human services. Letters of inquiry are accepted from nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S.; however, the majority of grants are made to organizations on the East Coast and in California. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time.

(http://www.efaw.org)

******************

INTEL
AND SCHOLASTIC SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION AWARDS FOR PRE K-12 SCHOOLS

The Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction awards recognize K-12 schools in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in implementing innovative, replicable programs supporting positive educational outcomes. The awards showcase the effective use of technology, the benefits of strong teamwork and the development of excellent classroom teachers. One elementary-level school and one secondary-level school winner will be chosen in each of nine categories. Each category winner receives a $10,000 grant and a host of educational products. This program is open to Pre K-12 public, private, charter, parochial, Department of Defense, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. The application deadline is January 5, 2006.

(http://www.schoolsofdistinction.com/)

******************

ALBERTSONS SUPPORTS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The Albertsons Corporate Contributions Program supports nonprofit organizations in the communities that the company serves in 31 states. (For a list of communities with Albertsons stores, select "Store Locator" on the company website.) The company's charitable support is focused in the following areas: hunger relief, health and nutrition, and education and youth development. The company also provides product donations to local community organizations. Applications for support are accepted throughout the year.

(http://www.albertsons.com/abs_inthecommunity/default.asp)

******************

THE GLASER PROGRESS FOUNDATION FOCUS ON HUMANE WORLD ISSUES

The Glaser Progress Foundation aims through its grantmaking to build a more just, sustainable and humane world. The Foundation has chosen to create strategic initiatives in four program areas: how we measure progress; how we address the global HIV/AIDS pandemic; how we ensure diversity of voices in our media; and how we treat animals. As a general rule, the Foundation awards grants to established organizations with a national focus, strong history of success and recognized leadership within its field. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

(http://www.glaserprogress.org)

******************

TOYOTA INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER PROGRAM

The Toyota International Teacher Program offers high school teachers a unique opportunity to travel to Japan from June 23 to July 5, 2006. During this short-term study program, participants will learn about the country, its history, culture and key international issues. The program will stimulate innovative ideas to address international issues in the classroom and enhance high school curriculum. A total of 20 teachers from Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Tennessee will be selected to participate. The application deadline is January 9, 2006.

(http://www.iie.org/Template.cfm?&Template=/programs/toyota/default.htm)

******************

UNIVERSITIES REBUILDING AMERICA PARTNERSHIPS – COMMUNITY DESIGN

The Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships - Community Design program provides funding to schools of architecture, urban planning and design, or construction at accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities to establish and operate partnerships with and for communities affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita (or both).

(http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/HUD/ODGMO/AT/FR-5023-N-01/Grant.html)

******************

YOUTH LEADERS FOR LITERACY PROGRAM TO AWARD GRANTS FOR STUDENT-LED PROJECTS

Youth Leaders for Literacy, an initiative of the National Education Association and Youth Service America works to help youth direct their enthusiasm and creativity into reading-related service projects. During a six-week program period and beyond, the program's organizers seek to create a groundswell of literacy service in communities across the country.

Grant applications should highlight youth leadership in developing and implementing a literacy project to begin on NEA's Read Across America Day, March 2, 2006, and that concludes during YSA's National Youth Service Days, April 21-23.

Each year the NEA awards twenty grants of $500 each to student-led initiatives. Applicants must be age 21 or younger, and can be either individuals or groups.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must include a scheduled activity (e.g., read-aloud session, trip to the library, book-making, etc.) for each week of the project period as part of the proposed service project.

(http://www.nea.org/readacross/volunteer/youthleaders.html)

******************

NISSAN FOUNDATION SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR 2006 GRANT CYCLE

The Nissan Foundation, a charitable giving arm of Nissan North America, Inc., is seeking grantees for its 2006 grant cycle.

Nonprofit organizations in Southern California, North Central Texas, Middle Tennessee, South Central Mississippi, Southeastern Michigan, and, beginning this year, the New York Metro area, are encouraged to apply with projects that support the foundation's mission to build community by valuing cultural diversity and creating career potential for young adults in the automotive industry.

The foundation funds projects that support the following initiatives:

Building Community Through Valuing Cultural Diversity: The Nissan Foundation is committed to celebrating and embracing diverse cultural heritages as a means to promote respect for others, generate alternative ways of thinking, strengthen self-awareness, and enrich communities. The foundation also supports projects that promote learning about diverse cultural origins, beliefs, and traditions as an integral aspect of education.

Creating Career Opportunities for Young Adults in the Automotive Industry, Age 15-24: Nissan seeks to inspire young adults to develop the skills and expertise necessary to meet the needs of the company's future customers. The foundation supports programs that successfully transition young adults into the automotive industry.

For a community-based organization to be eligible for funding, the organization must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status; demonstrate experience with populations served; and serve communities where selected Nissan affiliates are located.

The foundation awards one-year grants in June of each calendar year. Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $50,000.

The first step to apply for a grant from the foundation requires organizations to meet the foundation's eligibility requirements and to submit a Letter of Intent.

For more information about the Nissan Foundation

(http://www.nissanusa.com/insideNissan/CorporateOutreach)

******************

JAMES IRVINE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES
NEW AWARDS PROGRAM FOR CALIFORNIA LEADERS

The James Irvine Foundation has announced the launch of the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, which will recognize leaders who are advancing innovative and effective solutions to significant social issues in the state of California. In concert with the foundation's mission to expand opportunity for the people of California, the Leadership Awards are designed both to support effective leaders and to advance solutions to the social issues that the leader's project or organization is addressing. The program will provide up to $2.25 million over three years.

The foundation is currently seeking nominations of individual leaders, or leadership groups, working in any field — such as education, health, housing, economic development, or the environment — in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. The awards will honor those whose demonstrated leadership is: significant, effective, innovative, inclusive, substantial, and yet-to-be celebrated.

The new program will reward four to six recipients annually with $125,000 of flexible resources to support the work of their organization and to allow them to engage in professional development activities. Of the total awards, at least $100,000 will be designated for core support of the leader's project or organization and up to $25,000 for the leader's own professional development. The awards also provide opportunities for strategic communications activities, undertaken jointly by awards recipients and the foundation, to educate policymakers and practitioners of the challenges and promising solutions implemented by each leader.

The foundation invites third party nominations. Awardees will be selected by an independent committee comprised of nine distinguished California leaders from a diverse array of backgrounds and experience.

(http://www.irvine.org/leadership)

******************
JOBS/INTERNSHIPS

LAO FAMILY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT/GRANT WRITER (100% Full-time)

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Development will provide leadership management of grant-writing; preparation for federal, state, local government, foundation and corporation grant proposals; and maintenance of development information systems.  In addition, he/she will assist the Executive Director with planning and executing capital fundraising campaigns and strategic alternatives.  This Grant Writer position will be responsible for building a long-term relationship with individual funding sources for the organization.  He/She will also participate in activities related to program development and budget management. He/she reports to the Executive Director and funding sources.

Major Responsibilities:
1.  Assists Executive Director in overall fundraising planning, budgeting, and strategy, and develops new programs and program directions, through strategic meetings and development of collaborations and partnerships.

2.  Develops contact with new funding sources and continues relationships with the existing ones.  Works with the Executive Director to ensure successful cultivation activities, sufficient prospect funding research, and updated correspondence with funding sources.

3.  Coordinates the organization’s grantwriting and fundraising efforts with the Executive Director, including submission of grant applications to public and private sources and development of relationships with new funders.

4.  Helps Program Directors in establishing clear goals and objectives each year.  Oversees contracts compliance of programs with established budgets and with grantee requirements, in coordination with Fiscal Officer and Program Directors.

5.  Writes correspondence and prepares reports to a variety of funders and supporters.

6.  Additional duties as developed or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
1.  Minimum Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in related field.

2.  Minimum two years of grant writing or fundraising experience, including grant management and budget experience, development of new prospects, and demonstrated success in fundraising for a non-profit organization preferred.

3.  Excellent research and grant-writing skills, including federal, state, local government, foundation and corporation grant proposals; strong organizational skills and follow through; high level of analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

4.  Extensive knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and ethics; understanding of capital campaigns.

5.  Ability to work independently and in coordination with the Executive Director and Program Directors.

6.  Knowledge of development database systems; ability to direct effective utilization and enhancement of systems.

7.  Ability to understand and effectively articulate the mission and future plans of Lao Family Community Development; to motivate and interact effectively with agency staff.

8.  Knowledge of diverse refugee and immigrant cultures preferred; knowledge of the local philanthropic community also preferred.

9.  Must have a car, insurance, and a valid California driver license.

Salary:  $60,000 to $66,000 annual salary, based on experience, with 5% annual cost of living Increase.  Full benefits package includes Kaiser Health plan, dental, retirement plan, Group life insurance, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.

Application Deadline:      November 4, 2005 or open until position filled

To Apply:  Send cover letter and resume to
Mr. Chaosarn S. Chao, Executive Director
By Fax: (510) 533-1516, Tel: (510) 533-8850
E-Mail to chaosarn@laofamilynet.org

Location:  Lao Family Community Development, Inc.
1551 – 23rd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94606

Office Hours:                 Monday – Friday 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

(http://www.laofamilynet.org)

******************

2006 BARBARA JORDAN HEALTH POLICY SCHOLARS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
NOW BEING ACCEPTED

CONTACT
Jomo Kassaye
(202) 238-2385
bjscholars@howard.edu
(http://www.kff.org/medicare/7144.cfm)

Applications are Due January 9, 2006, for Summer 2006

The Kaiser Family Foundation's Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., during which time the Scholars are placed in Congressional offices in order to learn first-hand how health policy is developed and implemented.

Through the nine-week program (May 23- July 28, 2006), Scholars will learn about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a Congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their knowledge of health care issues. Upon completion of the session, Scholars write and present a health policy research memo.

PURPOSE
The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Scholars Program to honor the legacy of late U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a Foundation Trustee, and to expand the pool of students of color interested in the field of health policy.

ELIGIBILITY
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2006. Currently enrolled law, medical, and graduate students are not eligible to apply.

Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement and will demonstrate the following:
*   Be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic health disparities; and

*   Have experience working in or with programs that address health disparities (e.g. local health departments, community health centers, inner city/ rural hospitals or organizations that conduct research on or develop policy related to health or healthcare disparities) or have done previous academic work (e.g. taken courses, written papers or participate in research projects) related to health disparities.

SELECTION
Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health policy. A distinguished National Advisory Committee (http://www.kff.org/about/upload/2006NAC.pdf) guides the program's highly competitive selection process and strives to select a class of Scholars who are academically, geographically, and culturally diverse.

COMPENSATION
Scholars receive approximately $7,000 in support, which includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare, and lodging. While in Washington, D.C., Scholars reside at Howard University.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application materials will be accepted starting November 1, 2005. Please be advised that applications will be processed and reviewed as they are received. Applications will not be accepted after January 9, 2006.

Application forms and additional information about the Scholars Program are available online (http://www.kff.org/about/jordanscholars.cfm). All application materials are due no later than January 9, 2006. For further information, contact program manager Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or bjscholars@howard.edu.

(http://www.kff.org/about/jordanscholars.cfm)

******************

AMERICORPS VISTA POST-KATRINA REBUILDING EFFORT

There can be no greater investment in one’s future, and no stronger step forward in life than to help  people help themselves through AmeriCorps* VISTA. Join the more than 130,000 individuals who have dedicated a year of their lives to serve the underserved populations in the United States.

A brief history about Boat People SOS (BPSOS):
BPSOS is a 501(c) 3 non profit organization with over 25 years of serving the Vietnamese community. Our mission is to provide relief, assistance, and support to Vietnamese refugees and immigrants in their search for freedom and dignified life. We support this mission by providing a vast range of services to members of this community. More information about BPSOS is available at www.bpsos.org

DISASTER RELIEF
AND RECOVERY PROGRAM:  In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, BPSOS staff and volunteer immediately began translating into Vietnamese all press releases, information, and procedures regarding benefits and disseminated that information to the evacuees.  The disaster relief efforts provide direct assistance in the form of FEMA registrations, medical services, cash assistance, and housing referrals.  BPSOS also provides referral services to connect the Vietnamese-American evacuees to mainstream charities, in essence, serving as the bridge between community members and the mainstream service providers. 

BPSOS is looking for two AmeriCorps*VISTA members to develop new service programs as part of our relief and recovery efforts in Bayou La Batre. 

Bayou La Batre is a small shrimping community with a total population of 2,500. One third of them are Southeast Asian (Vietnamese, Cambodian and Lao) refugees and immigrants. This community has been severely affected by Hurricane Katrina. Due to language and cultural barriers, Southeast Asians have not been able to fully access the benefits, services and opportunities otherwise available to hurricane victims. BPSOS’ branch office in Bayou La Batre was established to specifically target this underserved population.

The VISTA members will assist our staff in fund development, help strengthen the local leadership infrastructure and provide support to local community-based and faith-based organizations. General duties of AmeriCorps*VISTA member are:
-           Conduct needs assessment and contribute to development of programs, such as women’s health, ESL, citizenship, youth tutoring/mentoring, and homeownership;
-           Developing curriculum or procedures to provide information and referral on social services;
-           Participate in community outreach, including organize and conduct workshops, focus groups, or events;
-           Research and applying for funding initiatives;
-           Establish and maintain partnerships with stakeholders such as community- or faith-based organizations, service providers, government agencies, and funding sources;
-           Contribute news articles and conduct radio shows to publicizing programs;
-           Recruiting and training community volunteers.

What is VISTA?
VISTA = VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA.
The VISTA program was created through President Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act of 1965. The VISTA program was designed to combat poverty and what Johnson referred to as “the invisible poor” in the U.S. In 1993, VISTA officially joined the Corporation of National Service, established by the National and Community Service Trust Act and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.

Is the VISTA program right for you?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might consider joining the program.

Are you…
•           At least 18 years old, and either a college graduate or someone with at least a few years of work experience and skills?
•           Interested in helping a low-income community to establish a new program to help itself, and to continue long after you are gone?
•           Comfortable staying in one community for the entire year?
•           An organizer, a resource-builder, a self- starter?
•           Patient enough to work on a project that might not have quickly visible results?

What are the benefits?
•           Training;
•           A living allowance;
•           Limited health benefits;
•           Relocation expenses (if you move); and
•           Childcare assistance (if you are eligible).

AmeriCorps*VISTA member successfully completes a full-time; year long program is eligible to receive either a $4,725 education award or end-of-service stipend of $1,200. Education award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education or training, or to repay qualified student loans.

Why do people join AmeriCorps*VISTA?
•           Practical job experience;
•           Great challenges;
•           Social networking potential;
•           Skills that last a lifetime.

Ready to take the next steps and apply to AmeriCorps*VISTA? Complete an on-line application at https://recruit.cns.gov/applyform.asp

More information about AmeriCorps*VISTA is also available at www.americorps.org

If you have questions, please contact:
Pharia Le
Director of Management and Support
Boat People SOS
Tel: 703-538-2190, ext. 211
Email: pharia.le@bpsos.org

******************
TIPS/RESOURCES

NONPROFITS OFFERED
FREE ONLINE SURVEY SERVICE

Nonprofit organizations can register for a one-year free account at QuestionPro, an online survey hosting service, PNN Online reported Oct. 27.

The QuestionPro Nonprofit Waiver Program gives nonprofits a Professional license for the product free (a $499 value). Groups need only mention QuestionPro when their surveys are posted online.

"QuestionPro provides us with the perfect solution," said Carolyne Swaine, president of the healthcare education and research program MPRES. "The program's design, distribution and analysis options give us the flexibility to meet all our survey needs, and best of all their nonprofit waiver program means we don't have to spend a penny."

"We know the data needs of nonprofits are just as important to their business [as for for-profits], but technology and tools usually fall to the bottom of the priority list," added Vivek Bhaskaran, QuestionPro's cofounder and CEO. "With our Nonprofit Waiver Program, we feel good about our ability to help these many worthwhile organizations achieve their goals."

For more information, see the QuestionPro website.

(http://www.questionpro.com/)

(http://www.questionpro.com/non-profit-research/)

******************

DONORS: KNOWING MORE THAN
JUST DEMOGRAPHICS

When targeting a marketing message, understanding the donor beyond the demographics should be the objective. According to Jaci Volles, chief merchandising officer, Pfaltzgraff and Gayle Davey, partner, Yankelovich, speakers at this year's Direct Marketing Association's Annual Conference held in Atlanta, each consumer group is unique in their perspective on the world around them, with their differing views, values and motivations coming into play.

In the nonprofit world, the same holds true for donors.

For example, 71 percent of potential donors in the "Matures" generation (median age ranging between 60.3 and 64.7) prefer to stick with the familiar, compared to less than half of those with a median age of 25.2 ("Xers"). And whereas 37 percent of the "Matures" find having a life plan is important in their personal life, that number surpasses 50 percent for the "Xers."

Once you figure out what triggers the donor:

- The knowledge should be both embraced and enforced from high level executives to volunteers.

- The organization should be restructured to respond to the different channels and donor segments, with cross-functional teams to address specific messaging.

- This new insight should be utilized in various departments, including communications, donor development, and direct marketing.

As a result, tailoring a marketing message to the specific reasons a donor donates connects the "why" with the "who","where" and "what", allowing the potential in each segment for unlimited growth.

(http://www.nptimes.com/enews/tips/donors.html)

******************

PANDEMICFLU.
GOV

The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new website - PandemicFlu.gov - to provide comprehensive government-wide information on pandemic influenza and avian influenza.  In the event of a pandemic, PandemicFlu.gov will be the authoritative site for U.S. government information on the pandemic. Visit the site now for general information on pandemic flu as well as an online copy of the the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan, a detailed guide for how our nation's health care system can prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

(http://www.pandemicflu.gov)

******************
NEWS

October 23, 2005

GARVEY HOPEFULS
RUN ON THE NUMBERS

By Jason Kosareff, Staff Writer 

Three candidates vying for an open seat on the Garvey School District Board of Education must tackle two major problems if elected Nov. 8: declining enrollment and Latino students' slumping test scores.

This season's contest is for the seat vacated by John Tran, who won a seat on the Rosemead City Council in March. Up for election are Felipe Agredano, of South San Gabriel; Loretta Gonzales of Rosemead; and Sam Yue of San Gabriel.

The 6,400-student district covers Rosemead, San Gabriel and Monterey Park. Its student body is 51.6 percent Asian American and Pacific Islander, 45.8 percent Latino, 2.2 percent white, 0.2 percent African American and 0.2 percent other.

One major issue trustees face is a significant enrollment decline over the past five years, resulting in a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funds to the school. Districtwide enrollment for the 1999-2000 school year was 7,164. This school year, enrollment is down to 6,455.

A number of factors outside the district's control have been cited as the cause of slumping enrollment. A major shift in demographics, the dramatic increase in housing costs, and a lack of community services offered by City Hall have been attributed as reasons for the decline.

The other major issue for trustees is slumping test results for Latino students. The latest statistics are from 2004, when the base Academic Performance Index scores for Latinos was 619. The base API score for Asian students was 795.

The candidates, presented here in alphabetical order, shared their thoughts on how to tackle these problems.

Agredano said schools can make up revenue lost to dwindling enrollment by partnering with outside agencies, like foundations, corporations and colleges. The district can rent space to training programs, area community colleges, or companies looking for space to train workers.

"It would be to our interest at Garvey School District to look at partnerships, partnering with Rio Hondo College, Pasadena City College, ELAC," Agredano said.

He said that the district can improve test scores for Latino students by educating parents about what universities are looking for in a student.

"They don't know what the colleges and universities are looking for, how early the students are being tracked," Agredano said. "And they don't know the involvement that needs to happen with schools, with the teachers."

Gonzales, a Garvey School District board member from 1993 to 2003, is looking to make a comeback.

Gonzales said schools should compete with private schools in recruiting students as a way to stem enrollment losses. One way to attract students is to offer things lacking in the community. No public library operates within Garvey School District, she said. So, she would propose keeping libraries at some schools open into the late evening.

"Our students that really don't have resources -- encyclopedias, or the Internet -- I think they would adore having access to our library," Gonzales said.

To address low API scores for Latinos, the district needs to investigate all the factors that could be causing this to happen.

"We really need to delve into what our situation is for those students," she said. "Obviously, it's not just academics, because we're giving them the same amount of time as the other demographics."

Yue is a product of Garvey schools. He recently graduated with a political science degree, and that got him interested in local politics.

Yue said low enrollment and low test scores go hand in hand. Improved academic performance would attract more students to the district, he said.

"That's one of the best ways, probably the most difficult way, also," Yue said.

Yue said the district could raise test scores for both Latinos and Asians by addressing language issues in those communities.

"Personally, I'd like to fully fund programs that teach parents to speak English," Yue said. "I believe if we can teach parents English, they can help their children with their homework."

Yue would also like to increase funding to early reading programs to improve later test scores.

Jason Kosareff can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2717, or by e-mail at jason.kosareff@sgvn.com.

(http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/search/ci_3143581)

******************

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
NIH News

NIH Office of the Director (OD) http://www.nih.gov/icd/od/

NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) http://www.lrp.nih.gov/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, November 1, 2005

CONTACT: Sabrina Islam-Rahman, 301-435-6720, islamsa@od.nih.gov

NIH OFFERS $35,000 IN ANNUAL STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT

Bethesda, Maryland -- On Thursday, September 1, 2005, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began accepting applications to its five Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). Deadline for applications is December 1, 2005.

The five LRPs offered by the NIH include the Clinical Research LRP, Clinical Research LRP for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds, Contraception and Infertility Research LRP, Health Disparities LRP, and Pediatric Research LRP.

Through these programs, the NIH offers to repay up to $35,000 annually of the qualified educational debt of health professionals pursuing careers in biomedical and behavioral research. The programs also provide coverage for federal and state tax liabilities.

To qualify, applicants must possess a doctoral-level degree, devote 50 percent or more of their time (20 hours per week based upon a 40-hour work week) to research funded by a domestic non-profit organization or government entity (federal, state, or local), and have educational loan debt equal to or exceeding 20 percent of their institutional base salary. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. nationals to be eligible.

"The NIH Loan Repayment Programs offer an easy and effective way for research scientists to focus more on medical research and less on repaying student loans," says Dr. Norka Ruiz Bravo, Deputy Director for Extramural Research. "Since 2002, nearly 4,000 qualified health professionals have benefited from more than $225 million disbursed in loan repayment support. Through these programs, the NIH has opened doors for many young scientists to launch careers in research without the burden of student loan debt."

All applications must be completed by 8 p.m. eastern time, December 1, 2005. Visit www.lrp.nih.gov to apply.

The Office of the Director, the central office at NIH, is responsible for setting policy for NIH, which includes 27 Institutes and Centers. This involves planning, managing, and coordinating the programs and activities of all NIH components. The Office of the Director also includes program offices which are responsible for stimulating specific areas of research throughout NIH. Additional information is available at http://www.nih.gov/icd/od/.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) - The Nation's Medical Research Agency - is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

##

(http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/nov2005/od-01.htm)

******************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2005

CONTACT:
Thang Nguyen, (703) 538-2190, Boat People SOS
Huy Bui, (301) 587-2781, NAVASA
Hung Nguyen, (877) 592-4140, NCVA

VIETNAMESE-AMERICAN GROUPS RECEIVE $200,000 GRANT FROM FREDDIE
MAC TO HELP VIETNAMESE, CAMBODIAN, AND LAO FAMILIES DISPLACED BY RECENT HURRICANES

Coalition Helps Victims Break Language, Cultural Barriers and Access Existing Relief Efforts

Falls Church, VA - Three national Vietnamese-American organizations receive a $200,000 grant from Freddie Mac in an effort to break down cultural and language barriers separating public and private hurricane relief programs from hundreds of Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian families whose Gulf Coast homes and businesses were wrecked by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The three groups are the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans (NCVA), Boat People SOS, and the National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies (NAVASA).

Freddie Mac’s $200,000 corporate grant will enable the three Vietnamese-American groups to provide culturally adept and language proficient staff to bridge the gap between government resources and the Asian Americans who speak little or no English and have no understanding of how to access programs available to those impacted by the hurricanes.  Assistance will help nearly 1000 families find temporary shelter and to apply for federal, state, local and private aid.  In order to address the rebuilding/reconstruction phase and how to address the community’s intermediate and long-term housing needs, a critical assessment of housing needs will be conducted.

“With the Asian American community’s infrastructure and resources limited throughout the Katrina storm area, many victims are relying on APIA community organizations that lack funding for an extended recovery effort,” said Congressman Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “I want to thank Freddie Mac for their leadership in providing this grant which is the first step in providing an adequate response.”

“I applaud Freddie Mac for the grant they awarded to the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans (NCVA), Boat People SOS (BPSOS), and the National Alliance of Vietnamese Americans Service Agencies (NCVA),” said Congressman Tom Davis, Chair of the House Committee on Government Reform.  “I know firsthand these three highly regarded community organizations will work tirelessly to ensure this grant money helps Vietnamese Americans rebuild their homes and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.”

“The devastation from Hurricane Katrina is a great challenge for our nation,” added Congressman Jim Moran, a member on the House Committee on Appropriations. “We will rebuild the Gulf Coast and bring New Orleans back as one of this country’s most vibrant, culturally infused cities.  But it will take a collective effort, one in which people of all races, creeds and ethnicities must pitch in to help. I am especially concerned about helping state and local officials house those in need and applaud Freddie Mac for moving us in the right direction.”

“By working with these three widely-respected organizations, we can provide an essential bridge between displaced Asian families and the hurricane relief efforts Freddie Mac and other organizations launched in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said Dwight Robinson, Freddie Mac’s senior vice president of corporate relations and housing outreach.  “Today’s announcement further underscores Freddie Mac’s mission to foster financial stability for America’s lenders, borrowers and communities in all kinds of weather.”

Robinson added that the bi-lingual staff the three organizations can now deploy aim to place 700 Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao families in temporary housing in Bayou La Batre, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi, provide housing assistance to an estimated 250 additional families returning to New Orleans, and help the Vietnamese community assess its rebuilding needs in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“This timely grant will help us transition from emergency relief to recovery,” said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, president of Boat People SOS, Inc. “One of our focuses in the recovery phase is temporary housing for hurricane victims. Due to language barrier, hundreds of Vietnamese, Cambodian and Lao families have not been placed into FEMA-provided trailers. They continue to live in their damaged residence under absolutely unhealthy conditions.”

“Freddie Mac has taken great measures within the past months in responding, initiating and making timely contributions in efforts to aid the Asian American survivors of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. I strongly believe that by working together Freddie Mac, Boat People S.O.S., NCVA and NAVASA will benefit thousands of displaced survivors,” Huy Vu Bui, Executive Director of NAVASA stated, “and I hope that this effort will encourage other corporations with Asian consumers and personnel to give support to our efforts.”

“The rebuilding of the devastated Gulf region requires the cooperation of government, private and public entities.  Vietnamese Americans should have a role in the rebuilding of their homes and communities,” said Hung Nguyen, president and CEO of the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans. “I applaud Freddie Mac for stepping forward and making this commitment to provide needed resources to our vulnerable communities.  Through their continuing proactive engagement with the community, Freddie Mac is helping to make temporary and permanent homes possible for Americans of diverse backgrounds.”

# # #

About Boat People
SOS
BPSOS is a national non-profit organization with 25 years of experience serving Vietnamese refugees and immigrants and a long track record dealing with humanitarian crises on the high sea, in refugee camps, and particularly with disaster relief and recovery in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Responding to the hurricanes Katrina and Rita, BPSOS has mobilized over 100 volunteers and staff from across the country to serve over 2,000 hurricane-affected families in Bayou La Batre, AL and Houston. http://www.bpsos.org.

About Freddie Mac
Freddie Mac is a stockholder-owned company established by Congress in 1970 to support homeownership and rental housing. Freddie Mac fulfills its mission by purchasing residential mortgages and mortgage-related securities, which it finances primarily by issuing mortgage-related securities and debt instruments in the capital markets. Over the years, Freddie Mac has made home possible for one in six homebuyers and nearly four million renters in America. http://www.freddiemac.com.

About NAVASA
Founded in 1995, NAVASA is a national membership agency currently comprised of 35 community-based and faith-based organizations.  NAVASA’s mission is to improve social and economic justice in Vietnamese communities nationwide.  To achieve this mission, NAVASA focuses on three key strategies:  (1) Providing culturally tailored technical assistance and training; (2) Preparing a new generation of non-profit leaders; and (3) Increasing financial resources for its member organizations. http://www.navasa.org.

About NCVA
Founded in 1986, the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community advocacy organization working to advance the cause of Vietnamese Americans in a plural but united America * e pluribus unum * by participating actively and fully as civic minded citizens engaged in the areas of education, culture and civil liberties. http://www.ncvaonline.org.

(http://www.ncvaonline.org/archive/pr_110305_HurricaneReliefFreddieMac.shtml)

******************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2005

Contact: An Vo -an.vo@navasa.org

VIETNAMESE COMMUNITIES UNITE TO EMPOWER VICTIMS OF THE HURRICANE DISASTER

(Washington D.C.) The National Association of Vietnamese American Service Agencies (NAVASA) is galvanizing support from Vietnamese businesses, community leaders, youth, and faith-based and community-based organizations across the country to empower the 50,000 displaced Vietnamese to recover and rebuild lost homes, families and lives.

"The Vietnamese community stands together with the rest of its fellow citizens around the country to help displaced families who have been impacted by the recent hurricane disasters, to rebuild their economic and community support system," states Vee Phan Nelson, NAVASA's Board Chair.

Mr. Huy Bui, Executive Director of NAVASA, explains: "We have a long history of philanthropy in our community.  In the immediate aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Vietnamese Americans around the county have provided time, skills and money to assist the displaced families.  In addition to volunteers providing thousands of hours, the communities have raised hundreds of thousands for the Red Cross and other relief agencies in the Gulf States." Efforts from both the Vietnamese American communities of Houston and the Seattle have fundraised over $200,000 from Vietnamese businesses and residents.  This domino effect of generosity is also happening in Boston, MA, Washington DC, and Orange County, CA., areas with high concentration of Vietnamese residents.

"While the need for immediate relief and recovery assistance is urgent, long-term rebuilding of the families and communities is equally crucial. Thousands of homes need to be repaired, hundreds of businesses must be rebuilt and the entire community support system must be redeveloped," Father Vien of The Mary Queen of Vietnam Roman Catholic Church in New Orleans stated.  Heeding the calls of the displaced families and learning from past disaster rebuilding efforts, NAVASA launches Operation Community Building.

The Operation will empower the Vietnamese displaced families to recover and rebuild their lives and their communities.  Similar to the Peace Corps, the Operation calls on the young Vietnamese American generation to join NAVASA's National Dan Than (translates as 'Be the Change') Corps to assist with the recovery and rebuilding effort.  Dan Than fellows will be trained and deployed to the impacted areas where they will work with the displaced families to access transitional housing and services, as well as to mobilize resources to rebuild their businesses, homes and community support systems. The fellows will receive training and technical assistance from NAVASA and our strategic national partners -The National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development and the National Council of Asian Americans.

"As a young Vietnamese American, I wanted to change the injustices in our community.  NAVASA's Dan Than Corps inspires, motivates and supports us to "Be the Change that we wish to see!" Yen Le, 2004 Dan Than Member and current Project Manager of Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Assistance Association stated.

Yen's passion is shared by many young Vietnamese Americans. In early October, Uyen Le, a senior from University of California, Berkeley, went with a small volunteer group to work with the families in the impacted areas.  Uyen shared: "I decided to become a Dan Than fellow because we share the same goal that the Vietnamese community should have equal access to resources for recovery and rebuilding, and that poor minority communities need to work collaboratively to rebuild a more inclusive and equitable place to live."

Currently Freddie Mac and Citigroup, our corporate partners, have taken a leadership in investing in Operation Community Building, others will follow. "We applaud and support the creation of Operation Community Building," said Eric Eve, Senior Vice President of Community Relations for Citigroup's Global Consumer Group.  "Citigroup remains committed to assist the individuals and families whose lives have been forever altered by the devastating affects of Hurricane Katrina.  Operation Community Building will help Vietnamese Americans to regain precious footing quickly and effectively."

Established in 1995, NAVASA is a 35-member organization that provides culturally appropriate technical assistance, prepares a new generation of non-profit leaders, and increases financial resources for its member organizations. 

For more information about Operation Community Building, and how to donate, contact NAVASA, 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 310, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (t) 301-587-2781

email:  navasa@navasa.org

******************

November 7, 2005

CHARITY ADVOCACY BLOCKED IN
BILL PASSED BY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The United States House of Representatives has approved a housing bill that includes an amendment that blocks advocacy work for organizations that access affordable housing funds.

Despite the nonprofit sector rallying in opposition, H.R.1461, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a recorded vote of 331-90, with the anti-advocacy language in the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) amendment remaining intact.

A fiercely divided House voted 210-205 in favor of the AHF amendment, which had been tacked onto H.R.1461 last minute by financial services chairman Michael Oxley, R-Ohio.

As per the amendment, any nonprofit that carries on voter engagement activities, such as voter registration or get-out-the-vote efforts, is prohibited from applying for or receiving grants from the Affordable Housing Fund -- even if the efforts are non-partisan and even if the nonprofit pays for the activities using private funds.

“(The AHF amendment) is a gag order on nonprofits serving low-income families and is tantamount to voter suppression,” said Nan Aron, president of the Alliance for Justice in Washington, D.C. “To force a nonprofit to choose between building affordable homes in low-income communities and encouraging voter participation among the people who live in those communities is absurd.”

Rick Cohen, executive director, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) in Washington, D.C., further contends that the amendment, which does not apply to for-profits, creates an un-level playing field for nonprofits and hinders many core functions of the sector.

“Nonprofits that do affordable housing not only do this where the private market is not operating -- which is why you have nonprofits in the first place -- but they’re also doing affordable housing from a constituency-controlled, community-based perspective. It’s building community,” said Cohen. “And that’s the last thing you want to sacrifice in a program dealing with poverty in American cities and rural areas.”

So broad is the reach, said Cohen, “there are the provisions in the (AHF amendment) that are attacks on nonprofits being affiliated with other kinds of organizations that did even a modicum of advocacy and so forth.” According to Cohen, affiliation meant not just creating a (c)(4), but having overlapping board members, participating in a joint funding project, or simply sharing office space.

Likewise, added Anna Oman, communications coordinator at OMB Watch, a nonprofit watchdog organization in Washington, D.C., “the affiliation language of the gag provision essentially would create guilt-by-association for nearly every nonprofit that would be seeking the (affordable housing) funds.”

The original intent of the bill was to strengthen oversight of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and establish an Affordable Housing Fund that would require the GSEs to contribute 5 percent of their after-tax income to the AHF. This would provide low-income individuals with affordable housing, beginning with Hurricane Katrina victims. However, in what Cohen regards as a “stealth” move, Rep. Oxley tacked on last minute the AHF Manager’s amendment with its anti-advocacy language. Neither spokespeople for Rep. Oxley nor Rep. Richard Baker, R-La., the bill’s sponsors, returned telephone calls seeking comment.

As the bill moves to the joint House/Senate Conference Committee, along with the Senate version, S.190 (which does not have an Affordable Housing Fund provision), both Cohen and Oman have high hopes that H.R.1461 will pass with the AHF provision, but sans anti-advocacy language. “I hope that people in the Senate will get behind the idea that this is an inappropriate, if not unconstitutional, assault on core nonprofit rights and functions,” said Cohen.

Added Aron, “The obstacles nonprofits would face to access this much-needed new fund (AHF) are unnecessary and potentially unconstitutional. The anti-advocacy provisions in this bill are a clear attempt to destroy privately-funded, nonpartisan programs that encourage Americans to vote.”

(http://www.nptimes.com/enews/Nov05/news-1107_1.html)

******************
About NCVA
Founded in 1986, the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community advocacy organization working to advance the cause of Vietnamese Americans in a plural but united America – e pluribus unum – by participating actively and fully as civic minded citizens engaged in the areas of education, culture and civil liberties.

Copyright material is distributed without profit or payment for research and educational purposes only, in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107

PDFPrintSend Mail
Items / Page
Viewing 41 - 49 of 49 post « 1 2
● March 01, 2005
● February 22, 2005
● February 15, 2005
● February 08, 2005
● February 01, 2005
● January 25, 2005
● January 18, 2005
● January 11, 2005
● January 04, 2005
Items / Page
Viewing 41 - 49 of 49 post « 1 2
Back To Top
Copyright © 2013 www.ncvaonline.org All rights reserved www.vnvn.net
Best viewed with FireFox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, IE 8 at resolution of 1024x768