NCVA eREPORTER
- July 19, 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
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
JOBS/INTERNSHIPS
TIPS/RESOURCES
NEWS
******************
EVENTS
CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON ASIAN AMERICAN HOUSING
AND HOMEOWNERSHIP TRENDS
Monday,
July 25, 2005 from
3:30 pm-
5:00pm
Longworth House Office Building, Room 1537
Panelists will discuss new research and national efforts to
improve access to housing for Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders (AAPIs) and present testimonies from a national town
hall meeting on AAPI housing and community development issues.
Sponsored by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
(CAPAC), National Coalition for Asian American Community
Development (National CAPACD), and Freddie Mac
Please join us to congratulate VICTORIA TUNG and welcome her as
the first Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific
American Caucus!
Welcome and introduction by Congressman Mike Honda (invited)
Hors d' oeuvres and refreshments will be provided
Date: Monday, July 25, 2005
Time: 5:30 pm-
7:30 pm
Location: Rayburn Building, Room B-338
Sponsored by the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American
Community Development (National CAPACD), National Coalition of
Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), Asian Pacific American
Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), and the
Congressional Asian Pacific American Staffers Association (CAPASA)
Corporate Sponsor: Freddie Mac
(www.ncvaonline.org/APA_Briefing_Housing_072505.pdf)
******************
ATTEND THE
CAREER OPPORTUNITY SEMINAR AND MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
Job * Benefits * Income
The New York Life Insurance Company Training Allowance Subsidy
Plan can add up to $50,820 (maximum for 3 contract years) which
will help you start your career with confidence.
New York Life cordially invites you to a Career Opportunity
Seminar to help you find out more information about the above
opportunity.
The seminar will be held on:
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
at: Doubletree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County
100 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868
714-634-4500
Seats are limited. Please call 1-877-NYL-VIET (1-877-695-8438)
to reserve your seat.
Your guests are also welcomed.
English
(http://www.ncvaonline.org/images/NCVAReporter/NYLIC_RecruitingSeminar_SoCA_072705.pdf)
Vietnamese
(http://www.ncvaonline.org/images/NCVAReporter/NYLIC_RecruitingSeminar_SoCA_072705_vn.pdf)
******************
STATE FARM
INSURANCE OPEN HOUSE
State Farm Insurance will be holding two Open Houses in the
Northern Virginia and DC Metro areas. We would like to invite
you or someone that you know who may have interest in becoming a
State Farm agent. It will be an evening filled with information
and an opportunity to take the Career Profile, should there be
interest.
We are enclosing information on the open houses in hope that you
would attend or refer someone to one of these events. We will
provide refreshments and we request that anyone desiring to
attend, please RSVP as soon as possible.
Here are the schedules for the Open Houses:
* Tuesday, August 2 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
State Farm Claim Service Center in Fairfax, VA
4401 Village Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
* Tuesday, August 2 from 4:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
DC Metro/Capital Agency Field Office in Greenbelt, MD
7500 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 900, Greenbelt, MD 20770.
Attached is the flyer advertising these events with RSVP
information as well as information on the Agency Career Track
process and the Career Profile+:
(http://www.ncvaonline.org/archive/StateFarm_OpenHouseVA_080205.pdf)
******************
CITIES IN TRANSITION: ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICANS…AN ASSET
FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE
Conference Addresses Asian Pacific Islander Americans
Contributions Cities in Transition: Asian Pacific Islander
Americans...An Asset for America’s Future (http://www.livable.com/prgms_ongoing/apia.htm)
The Cities in Transition conference, sponsored by the Partners
for Livable Communities and the Asian Pacific American Institute
for Congressional Studies, will highlight the potential of the
growing Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) community in
America’s cities. This national discussion engages diverse APIA
and non-APIA representatives from the business, government,
philanthropy, education, arts, and social services sectors. The
goal of the conference is to promote cooperation among all
people in the U.S. through the launch of a national awareness
agenda addressing the challenges and opportunities that the APIA
community experiences towards full equality in the country. The
conference will be held September 21-23, 2005 in Houston, TX.
(http://www.livable.com/prgms_ongoing/apia.htm)
******************
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
FREE GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES
CreateAThon(tm) is a 24-hour design blitz providing nonprofits
with pro bono graphic design services. Mediastudio recently
announced a call for entries for nonprofits based in the
Washington, DC metropolitan area that urgently need graphic
design services but can't afford to pay for them. The deadline
for submitting applications is
August 3, 2005
and winners will be selected in early September.
(http://www.mediastudio.com/createathon/)
******************
NPOWER GREATER DC REGION TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARD GIVEN BY
ACCENTURE
The NPower Greater DC Region Technology Innovation Award honors
nonprofits in the metro Washington, DC area whose innovative use
of technology has helped them improve key aspects of their
operations and more effectively fulfill their missions:
* Overall mission
* Efficiency of day-to-day operations
* Effectiveness in serving clients and key stakeholders
* Increasing fundraising, advocacy or volunteer efforts
The deadline for submitting an application is
September 16, 2005, with three award finalists selected in early
October 2005. The finalists will create a live presentation for
the Technology Advisory Council, and the winner will be
announced at a luncheon in late October.
The Award provides the winning nonprofit $10,000 in technology
consulting services provided by NPower (over a 12-month period)
and free Microsoft software valued at $25,000. In addition, the
two other finalists will each receive $5,000 in NPower services
and $10,000 in Microsoft software.
(http://www.npowergdcr.org/tia.htm)
******************
DC ONLINE GRANTS DATABASE
The Office of Partnerships & Grants in collaboration with the
Office of the Chief Technology Officer announces its new Grants
Information Data System (GIDS). This online grants database
provides information on current competitive federal, city and
foundation grant opportunities for local nonprofit and
community-based organizations.
(http://app.opgd.dc.gov/grantautomation/grantfinder.asp)
******************
CABLE POSITIVE'S TONY
COX
COMMUNITY FUND TO SUPPORT HIV/AIDS PROGRAMMING
Deadline:
September 9, 2005 (2005 Cycle 2)
Cable Positive's Tony Cox Community Fund is a national grant
program that exists to encourage community-based AIDS
organizations and cable outlets to partner in joint community
outreach efforts, or to produce and distribute new, locally
focused HIV/AIDS-related programs and public service
announcements (PSAs).
Eligible local community outreach projects include, but are not
limited to, World AIDS Day (December 1) and National HIV Testing
Day (June 27) events, AIDS Rides/ Walks, other joint efforts
between AIDS organizations and local cable operators, etc.
Funding is also available for production costs of
HIV/AIDS-related programs and PSAs.
Grants are available up to $5,000 for 501(c)(3) organizations,
with special consideration given to AIDS service organizations (ASOs)
and cable systems and producers partnering with ASOs.
(http://cablepositive.org/programs-tonycox.html)
******************
K-12 TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAMS SUPPORTED
Best Buy te@ch program
Best Buy and the Best Buy Children's Foundation support programs
that enhance children’s educational learning experiences through
the of use innovative technology. Schools and educators using
technology to make learning fun are supported through the te@ch
program. To receive a te@ch award, the program must have been in
use for at least one full school year at the school applying for
the award. All accredited public, private, parochial and
nonprofit charter schools that are within 50 miles of a U.S.
Best Buy store can apply. Up to 1,200 K-12 schools will receive
$2,500 Best Buy te@ch gift cards. From those 1,200 schools, 36
schools will receive an additional Best Buy te@ch award valued
at $15,000. One U.S. public school district will be awarded a
National te@ch Award worth $250,000.
The application deadline is September 30, 2005.
(http://www.bestbuy.com/teach)
******************
GRANTS FOR K-12
GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS
National Geographic Society Education Foundation Teacher Grants
The mission of the National Geographic Society’s Education
Foundation is to prepare children to embrace a diverse world,
succeed in a global economy, and steward the planet’s resources.
Teacher grants to support innovative geography education
projects are given directly to educators to facilitate their
work in promoting geographic literacy in the classroom, school,
district, and community. Project proposals should involve
students in the research and study of a particular geographic
issue/problem and create a public awareness campaign for sharing
their knowledge with a wider audience. Teacher grant
applications are accepted from any current teacher or
administrator in an accredited K-12 school within the United
States and Canada. Projects that have outreach to urban areas
are particularly encouraged. The application deadline is
September 2, 2005.
(http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foundation/grants_teacher.html)
******************
JOBS/INTERNSHIPS
July 12, 2005
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
STAFF ASSISTANT - OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR DIANNE
FEINSTEIN
LOS ANGELES OFFICE
United States Senator Dianne Feinstein is seeking an energetic
and committed individual for the position of Staff Assistant.
The ideal candidate will provide administrative support to the
Los Angeles District Office staff.
This position serves as the first point of contact between the
Senator and her constituents via telephone calls, written
correspondence and constituent office visits. The Staff
Assistant will be asked to help with clerical duties and manage
day to day activities in the office. In addition, the Staff
Assistant will work in conjunction with field staff on
correspondence to individuals and groups. Interested
individuals must have a genuine commitment to public service.
Qualifications: Be able to work under pressure, have good
organizational skills, the ability to prioritize, meet
deadlines, and demonstrate flexibility. Excellent written and
verbal communication skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
are essential. Ability to work independently and as a team
member. Ability to work with diverse groups and viewpoints.
Must have the ability to adapt to changing workloads and
priorities. Bilingual skills are preferred.
Salary is commensurate with experience. All interested
individuals should email, mail or fax a cover letter, resume and
writing sample to the attention of:
Guillermo Gonzalez
Deputy State Director
Office U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 915
Los Angeles, CA 90025
fax
(310)
914-7318
guillermo_gonzalez@feinstein.senate.gov
Position is considered open until filled
(http://feinstein.senate.gov)
******************
HND PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Hmong National Development (HND) is a Hmong national non-profit
organization. HND is seeking for a self-starter, independent,
and reliable individual to be part of its team to build the
capacity of and provide support to the Hmong community and Hmong
organizations in the United States.
Title: Program Coordinator
Salary: $30,000 to $35,000
Requirements:
1. B.A. in a related field plus 3 years of related
nonprofit experience.
2. Ability to speak and write both English and Hmong.
3. May relocate to Washington DC or ability to work
virtually
4. Excellent public speaking skills.
5. Knowledge of and comfort in advocating for Hmong
community interests.
6. Good organizational skills.
7. Ability to plan, organize, implement and evaluate
programs and training provided to Hmong organizations and
community members.
8. Interest and ability to conduct fundraising.
9. Ability and experience in writing reports.
10. Willing to learn new skills.
Job description:
1. Provide trainings on community organizing and
advocacy.
2. Assist in community assessments, program planning and
development.
3. Monitor and research legislative policies that affect
the Hmong community.
4. Advocate for issues that are of concern and interest
to the Hmong community.
5. Effectively work in partnership with local and
national organizations and funding sources.
6. Other tasks as assigned.
Currently this position will be implementing Project HAVE,
advocacy and community organizing training related to education,
within the Hmong community in Sacramento, CA, and Hickory, NC.
Please send or email resume and cover letter to:
Cha Lee
Executive Director
Hmong National Development
1112 16th Street NW, Suite 110
Washington, DC 20036
chalee@hndlink.org
(www.hndlink.org)
******************
HND ADMINISTRATOR
Hmong National Development (HND) is a national non-profit
organization serving the Hmong community. HND is seeking a
self-starter, independent, and reliable individual to be part of
its team to build the capacity of and provide support to the
Hmong community and Hmong organizations in the United States.
Title: Administrator
Salary: $37,000 to $40,000
Requirements:
1. B.A. in business administration, communication, or
English, or related field plus 3 years of related nonprofit
experience.
2. Ability to speak and write both English and Hmong.
3. Willing to relocate to Washington DC.
4. Feel comfortable to speak in front of a group of
people.
5. Feel comfortable to advocate for Hmong community
interests.
6. Good organizational skills.
7. Ability and interest to engage in fundraising.
8. Ability to implement projects and write reports.
9. Willing to learn new skills.
10. Some accounting background is a plus
Job description:
1. Manage the daily administrative work of the
organization including correspondence, communication,
recordkeeping and reporting.
2. Conduct research on issues and brief the Executive
Director.
3. Manage the office supplies and materials.
4. Monitor legislative policies that affect the Hmong
community.
5. Work in partnership with local and national
organizations on issues of concern to the Hmong community.
6. Handle communications between HND and its
stakeholders including writing the HND Flash, a monthly
electronic newsletter, and the quarterly HNDlinks and
distributing to HND partners and stakeholders.
7. Assist in coordinating the annual Hmong National
Conference.
8. Coordinate volunteers and internships.
9. Assist in fundraising processes.
10. Provide assistance and direction to staff when the
Executive Director is unavailable.
11. Interpret and translate materials into Hmong and
English.
12. Other assigned tasks.
Please send or email resume and cover letter to:
Cha Lee
Executive Director
Hmong National Development
1112 16th Street NW, Suite 110
Washington, DC 20036
chalee@hndlink.org
(www.hndlink.org)
******************
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: REAGAN-FASCELL DEMOCRACY FELLOWSHIPS
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program at the Washington,
DC-based National Endowment for Democracy welcomes applications
from candidates throughout the world for fellowships in
2006-2007. Established in 2001, the program enables democracy
activists, practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around
the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance
their ability to promote democratic change. The program is
intended primarily to support activists, practitioners, and
scholars from new and aspiring democracies; distinguished
scholars from the United States and other established
democracies are also eligible to apply. Projects may focus on
the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of
democratic development and may include a range of methodologies
and approaches. A working knowledge of English is an important
prerequisite for participation in the program. The application
deadline for fellowships in 2006-2007 is Tuesday, November 1,
2005.
For more information, including the application, go to:
www.ned.org/forum/reaganfascell.html or email:
fellowships@ned.org.
******************
JOB POSTING: OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project is seeking a
part-time office administrator to maintain its financial books,
its donor database, and to support staff in its day-to-day
operations. Densho preserves personal stories, historical
photographs, and documents to educate and inspire individuals to
act with respect, compassion and fairness. Densho is a small,
non profit organization with four full-time staff members
including an Executive Director, Technical Manager, Production
Manager and Researcher.
General Responsibilities:
Bookkeeping and Data Entry
- Record financial transactions (Quickbooks software program)
- Maintain banking, invoicing, bill paying and payroll system
- Work with accountants to gather tax information
- Maintain donor database (Results Plus software program)
- Enter items into online auction software
- Maintain database of registered users of Densho materials
Administrative Tasks
- Plan and manage 6 large mailings a year
- Answer the phone, respond to general email inquiries
- Assist the Executive Director and staff with administrative
tasks, e.g., copying, scheduling of meetings, meeting notes,
etc.
- Coordinate and schedule volunteers
- Manage supplies
Event Support
- Planning and preparation
- Registration of participants
- Onsite coordination
Qualifications:
- Keen interest in Japanese American heritage
- Familiarity with bookkeeping and Quickbooks software
- Prior administrative experience
- Detail-oriented and excellent organizational skills
- Good writing, spelling and proofreading ability
- A proactive and creative approach to work responsibilities
- Strong telephone and customer service skills
- Self-motivated, with an ability to work with minimal
supervision
- Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, databases)
Compensation:
- $12-$16 per hour based on experience
- Approximately 20 hours per week based on workload
If interested, please send via e-mail your questions and resume
to
tom.ikeda@densho.org by
August 1, 2005.
Please no phone calls.
******************
TIPS/RESOURCES
EIGHT
STEPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR ORGANIZATION
No organization today -- large or small, local or global -- is
immune to change. To cope with new technological, competitive,
and demographic forces, leaders in every sector have sought to
fundamentally alter the way their organizations do business.
These change efforts have paraded under many banners -- total
quality management, reengineering, restructuring, mergers and
acquisitions, turnarounds. Yet, despite all of this change, most
organizations fail at managing change. The nonprofit sector is
no exception.
Yet, according tp change management guru John Kotter, fewer than
15 of the 100 or more companies studied have successfully
transformed themselves. While the particulars of every case
vary, Kotter has identified eight critical stages of successful
change management. Mismanaging any one of these steps can
undermine an otherwise well-conceived vision.
Establish a Sense of Urgency
* Examine market and competitive realities
* Identify and discuss crises, potential crises, or major
opportunities
Form a Powerful Guiding Coalition
* Assemble a group with enough power to lead the change effort
* Encourage the group to work as a team
Create a Vision
* Create a vision to help direct the change effort
* Develop strategies for achieving that vision
Communicate the Vision
* Use every vehicle possible to communicate the new vision and
strategies
* Teach new behaviors by the example of the guiding coalition
Empower Others to Act on the Vision
* Get rid of obstacles to change
* Change systems or structures that seriously undermine the
vision
* Encourage risk-taking and nontraditional ideas, activities,
and actions
Plan for and Create Short-Term Wins
* Plan for visible performance improvements
* Create those improvements
* Recognize and reward employees involved in the improvements
Consolidate Improvements and Produce Still More Change
* Use increased credibility to change systems, structures, and
policies that don't fit the vision
* Hire, promote, and develop employees who can implement the
vision
* Reinvigorate the process with new projects, themes, and change
agents
Institutionalize New Approaches
* Articulate the connections between the new behaviors and
organizational success
* Develop the means to ensure leadership development and
succession
Source: Kotter, John P. "Winning at Change" Leader to Leader. 10
(Fall 1998): 27-33.
(http://www.pfdf.org/index.html)
******************
DONORS
– TRACKING WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM
To maximize fundraising efforts, it is necessary to track
giving, and this is especially important for major gifts. At a
recent international fundraising conference, the importance of
tracking and of various considerations related to tracking were
emphasized.
With the exception of the smallest nonprofit organizations, most
donor tracking is done by computer, and there are many systems
that vary in size and sophistication. The size, scope and
mission of the organization will therefore go a long way in
helping determine just what kind of donor tracking system is
needed.
Among the important considerations for donor tracking:
* Know what generated the gift.
* Determine the baselines and watch for trends, including the
cost per dollar raised, the response rate and the average gift
size.
* Be aware of how many names are on the organization's mailing
list vs. how many current donors the organization has.
* Find a donor tracking system that is right for the
organization. Among the considerations: knowing what are the
essential tasks, system costs, both current and ongoing, and
tech support for breakdowns (which are unpredictable) and
upgrades and maintenance (which have more predictability).
* Deciding whether to buy, borrow or rent a system.
* Selecting the correct donor database for the organization.
(http://www.nptimes.com/enews/tips/donors.html)
******************
FINANCE – THE
CASH
RECEIPT PROCESS
No matter what is the source of funds or what part of the
organization generates the revenue, there are basic internal
control principles that apply to the handling of money.
In their book Bookkeeping for Nonprofits, Murray Dropkin and
James Halpin offer a system by which organizations should
operate regarding the cash receipt process.
* Opening the mail. Someone other than the person responsible
for recording and depositing funds should open the mail.
* Setting up the cashier. In locations where cash is regularly
collected, each transaction is immediately recorded by a
receipt.
* Accounting for cash as it is received. The transaction is
recorded immediately in some preliminary document.
* Separating cash handling duties. The collection, depositing,
posting and reconciling of cash receipts should each be the
responsibility of different people, if possible.
* Safeguarding the asset. Until deposited in a bank account, the
funds should be held in a protected environment, such as a safe.
* Promptly depositing the funds. At least once a day, funds
should be deposited in the organization's bank account.
* Daily reconciliation. Once each day, the cash receipt process
should be reconciled.
* Monthly bank reconciliation. An employee who is not involved
in either the cash receipt or cash disbursement process should
complete a monthly reconciliation of each bank account.
* Monitoring the process. Management should periodically
spot-check the process and, at random times, select the
recording and depositing of funds in a single day for a complete
review.
(http://www.nptimes.com/enews/tips/finance.html)
******************
MANAGEMENT – THE PITFALLS OF THE EVALUATION PROCESS
Foundations that are trying to assess the worth of organizations
asking for their money may find it helpful to undertake formal
evaluations, which are conducted by a third party, usually an
entity that specializes in such work.
Although such evaluations can be helpful, there are potential
pitfalls, say Michael Quinn Patton, John Bare and Deborah G.
Bonnet in their chapter on building strong foundation-grantee
relationships in the book Foundations and Evaluation.
According to the authors, evaluations have the potential to harm
relationships because:
* Evaluation can tell funders more than they want to know and
surface issues they'd rather not face.
* Evaluation can tell foundation leaders more than the program
officers want them to learn.
* Evaluation can insulate foundation staff from grant
recipients.
* The evaluation burden can make a grant cost more than it is
worth.
* A cluster evaluation can make grantees feel like "data
points," which they really are.
* Evaluation consultants are often seen as representing the
foundation even though they are working as independent
contractors.
* Heavy-handed funders get in the way of good evaluation.
* Evaluators can be useful as translators, but they can also get
in the way f much-needed direct communication between
foundations and grantees.
* Evaluators can be compared to ax murderers.
(http://www.nptimes.com/enews/tips/management.html)
******************
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 12, 2005
Contact: Doua Thor at 202/667-4690 or
doua@searac.org
KHAMMANY MATHAVONGSY NAMED CALIFORNIA PROJECTS DIRECTOR BY
THE SOUTHEAST
ASIA
RESOURCE ACTION CENTER (SEARAC)
Washington, DC - The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
is pleased to announce the appointment of Khammany Mathavongsy
as its California Projects Director.
Mr. Mathavongsy will implement the Southeast Asian American
Healthy Elders Leadership Project (HELP) with major funding from
The California Endowment, as well as other initiatives in
California. Through HELP, Mr. Mathavongsy will provide
advocacy, training, and technical assistance services to
Southeast Asian American community organizations that provide
services to the elderly.
Mr. Mathavongsy's appointment marks the establishment of
SEARAC's California office, in Sacramento. "This has been a
dream of ours for many, many years. The Southeast Asian
American communities are largest in California, so it's
important that SEARAC have a strong presence there. Through this
office in Sacramento, we'll be able to provide better services
in the state, and make sure state policies are more responsive
to the communities" according to Doua Thor, SEARAC's incoming
Executive Director. SEARAC, based in Washington, DC, has been
primarily managed by and for Southeast Asian Americans since
1979. SEARAC strengthens a national network of over 180
community organizations, carries out advocacy for and with the
communities, and produces informational resources.
Mr. Mathavongsy came to the United States as a teenage refugee
from Laos. He graduated from California State University, Chico
in 1995 with a BA in International Relations. While pursuing
his undergraduate education, he completed his internship with
SEARAC. He received his Master of Public Administration degree
in Public Policy from California State University, Hayward.
Prior joining SEARAC, he was with the San Francisco Unified
School District, Marin Education Fund, Mills College, Council
for Opportunity in Education and
AACE Educational Services. He is a founding member of Southeast
Asian Students Association (SEASA) at Chico State, and the
Laotian American National Alliance (LANA). Currently, Khammany
is also the Vice President of the LANA Board, and a Vice
President of the Board of Trustee for the Wat Lao Rattanaram
temple in Richmond, California.
### END ###
SEARAC (http://www.searac.org)
is a national nonprofit organization working to advance the
interests of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans
through capacity building, advocacy, and education. SEARAC is
proud to work with a national network of over 180 Southeast
Asian American grant-eligible organizations accessible at
http://www.searac.org/maa/.
(www.searac.org)
******************
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13th, 2005
CONTACT: Daphne Kwok 202-296-9200
APAICS ANNOUNCES CITIES IN TRANSITION CONFERENCE
How can cities across America use their civic assets and
diversity to provide leadership for a better tomorrow? How can
the dynamic and growing Asian Pacific Islander American
community collaborate to make this possible? What unlikely city
is already the model of excellence for this vision?
Partners for Livable Communities, The Asian Pacific American
Institute for Congressional Studies, and the City of Houston
will provide the answers at a groundbreaking national forum in
Houston, Texas on September 21-23, 2005. "Cities in Transition:
Asian Pacific Islander Americans..An Asset for America's Future"
will examine the changing needs of the Asian Pacific Islander
American (APIA) population and highlight the tremendous
potential that this unique group brings to our nation.
The forum has three goals: 1) to build national unity amongst
the myriad APIA groups; 2) to explore the role of APIAs in the
context of the multicultural city and in the melting pot of
America; 3) to develop tangible strategies to help local leaders
better understand the issues facing their APIA populations while
also providing a feasible plan for utilizing the resources
offered by the APIA community and increasing their participation
in mainstream civic affairs.
For the first time ever, APIA and non-APIA decision makers at
all levels of government will gather with stakeholders
representing community based organizations, philanthropy,
business, non profit and the media to discuss the opportunities
and barriers for the full participation of Asian Pacific
Islander Americans in building better communities for everyone.
The forum proceedings will be packaged and distributed in "A
Blueprint for Change," an action plan for cities and
organizations who seek to engage APIAs and are committed to
promoting diversity as a priority in their civic agenda.
Houston's unique vision in cultivating strong relationships with
the APIA population is the inspiration for this important
national forum. The number of APIAs in the Houston area is
growing quickly, and their impact on the economic and cultural
landscape of the city is significant.
Join us in exploring the role of APIAs towards achieving equal
opportunity for all.
For additional forum information or registration materials,
please contact:
Laura Tan, Program Officer
Partners for Livable Communities
1429 21St. NW Washington , DC 20036
t: (202)
887-5990
x14 f:
(202)
466-4845
ltan@livable.com
http://www.citiesintransition.org/
Partners for Livable Communities is a non-profit leadership
organization that works to improve the livability of communities
by promoting better quality of life, economic development, and
social equity.
The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies
is dedicated to increasing participation of individuals of Asian
and Pacific Islander heritage at all levels of the political
process, from community service to elected office.
The City of Houston is extremely active in advancing
opportunities for all minorities and is eager to showcase its
city as a best practice model of innovation and success in
utilizing the resources offered by the APIA community and
increasing their participation in mainstream civic affairs.
Other Contacts:
Debbie Chen,
(713)
446-8430
debbiechen@earthlink.net
Irene Garnett, (202)
887-5990,
igarnett@livable.com
Daphne Kwok, (202)
296-9200,
dkwok@apaics.org
The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)
is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization based in
Washington, D.C., that seeks to build a politically empowered
APA
community, to fill the political pipeline for Asian Pacific
Americans to enter and advance into elected office, and to be a
resource to Congress about the APA community.
(http://www.citiesintransition.org/)
******************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Contact: Jillian Schoene
202-225-0855 Office | 541-729-4772 Cell
HOUSE EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE SUPPORTS WU'S EFFORT TO IMPROVE
OUTREACH TO ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER STUDENTS
Government Accountability Office to study underserved Asian
American & Pacific Islander student populations
Washington, DC--Today Congressman David Wu won the support of
Chairman Howard "Buck" McKeon (CA) of the House Subcommittee on
21st Century Competitiveness for his efforts to improve and
expand higher education services targeting Asian American and
Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. Congressman Wu has been
working in Congress on legislation to help institutions of
higher education better identify and assist low-income and
underserved AAPI students.
During a subcommittee hearing, Chairman McKeon agreed to request
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the
services institutions of higher education are currently able to
offer AAPI students. Congressman Wu believes the report will
reveal specific ethic groups within the AAPI student population
are underserved and recommend more be done to assist these
students. Similar programs currently only serve other minority
populations.
Chairman McKeon also stated for the record that he would work
with Congressman Wu on legislation to address the needs of the
AAPI student population following the GAO report.
"Today's developments are a big win for Asian American and
Pacific Islander students," stated Congressman Wu. "This
successful step forward will ultimately lead to greater higher
educational opportunities and a better future for the entire
AAPI population."
Current law allows the U.S. Department of Education to provide
similar financial assistance to institutions which serve African
American, Hispanic, Native American, Alaskan Native and Hawaiian
Native students. Higher education institutions serving large
numbers of AAPI students have not had access to this financial
aid in part because of socioeconomic assumptions that categorize
a complex youth population of over three million as a
homogenous, academically successful unit that is not in need of
academic support systems.
The current educational support system fails to address the
needs of specific ethnic groups within the AAPI population. A
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center study of the 2000 Census
found great differences in education attainment among the
different ethic groups of the AAPI population. For example,
only 26% of Laotian and 28% of Cambodian Americans have had some
college as compared to 63.6% of Chinese and 51.8% of the
national average. The study also found that 26.2% of Cambodian
and 45% of Hmong Americans indicated that they have no formal
schooling, as compared to 1.4% nationally.
###
******************
July 19, 2005
Thai Tennis Organization in America
13015 Dunhill Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030
Tel 703-855-9499, Fax 202-862-9193
Email
info@thaitennis.org
PRESS RELEASE
2nd ANNUAL
ASIAN FESTIVAL
Fairfax, VA - The Thai Tennis Organization in America (TTOA) is
proud to announce the 2nd Annual Asian Festival. The Asian
Festival is a one-day
FREE
ADMISSION event to promote a greater understanding of the Asian
culture from Thailand, China, India, Philippines, Japan, Korea,
Burma, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore and Malaysia. The
Festival aims to bring together people from various cultural
backgrounds, to promote peace, harmony and unity. Each
participating country will showcase its unique music, cultural
performances, food, fashion, handicrafts, gifts, and other
products and entertainment. The event, which is the largest
Asian Festival in the Washington, DC area, will occur on
Saturday, July 30, 2005 at the Lake Newport Tennis Facility in
Reston, VA.
Last year, TTOA successfully combined two large events in the
Mid-Atlantic section: a Thai Festival, and the Singha Beer USTA
$50,000 Tennis Tournament, which was the largest women's
professional tennis tournament in Northern Virginia in over 20
years. This year, the Asian Festival will correspond with the
Legg Mason $75,000 Women's Challenger (presented by Singha Beer)
and the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. The qualifying rounds will
be play during the same time as the Asian Festival.
Twenty-five well-known Asian restaurants will feature specialty
dishes from their countries at the Asian Festival. Many of
their specialty dishes you cannot find on menus. The Festival
will also include stage cultural performances, a fashion show,
Asian martial arts demonstrations, music, a Chinese lion dance,
and even a $1,000 prize Asian Idol singing contest! A movie
tent will figure special presentation in each hour in order to
promote participated country's culture and tourism. As for
tennis, Paradorn Srichaphan (#1 Asian tennis player) will
conduct a free tennis clinic for all age at
6pm sponsored by USTA-VA and Bryan Brother
Rock Band (World #1 tennis doubles team from USA) will be
performing live music on stage at
8pm.
The opening ceremony will start at
noon by Alan Schwartz, immediate past president of United State
Tennis Association with many honoree guests including
Congressman Jim Moran, Robert E. Simon, Jr. - Founder of Reston,
Donald Dell-President of SFX Sports and former USA Davis Cup
Captain, and etc.
The TTOA works with many local Asian Associations to introduce
Asian cultures and tennis to the local community. TTOA's
mission is to promote tennis growth and encourage young people
to broaden their horizons through education initiatives via
scholarships. TTOA is a proud member of the USTA family, and
was the recipient of the 2004 Organization of the Year Award by
USTA Mid-Atlantic section and the USA Virginia District. A
major portion of the proceeds from Asian Festival benefits the
Thai Tennis Organization (TTOA). Since their establishment in
May 2003, TTOA has maintained an institution that fosters and
improves relationships among the minority community.
For more information, to register for a booth, or to reserve a
performance at the Asian Festival, contact Thanakorn Duangmanee
at
703-855-9499,
info@asianfestivaldc.com or visit the website at
www.asianfestivaldc.com. Media-related questions may be
forwarded to
media@thaitennis.org.
The 2nd Annual Asian Festival
Location: Lake Newport Tennis Facility
11452 Baron Cameron Avenue
Reston, VA 20194
Admission: Free
Date/Time:
July 30, 2005
One Day Only!
10 a.m.-9 p.m.
#
George Duangmanee
Thai Tennis Organization in America
www.thaitennis.org
http://www.Asianfestivaldc.com
******************
July 19, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: Andy Lei
(202)
258-5023
Julie Sellew, Niwa Public Relations
(508)
238-6547,
Julie@niwapr.com
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
AND
ANHEUSER-BUSCH HONOR THE LATE DR. JOHN
TSU
WITH A MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) and
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. are proud to honor the late Dr. John Tsu,
the first ILF Chairman who passed away earlier this year, with
the Anheuser-Busch Dr. John Tsu Memorial Scholarship. The ILF
will unveil the new scholarship at its annual Gala Dinner "A
Salute to Asian Pacific American Women in Leadership" at the
Washington Hilton on Thursday,
July 21, 2005
at 1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.,
Washington,
D.C. 20009 at 6 p.m. ILF will honor Andrea Jung, CEO of Avon
Products.
"We're very pleased to partner with ILF and create this memorial
scholarship in honor of Dr. John Tsu," said David L. Kim,
Director, Sales Development & Community Relations,
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Anheuser-Busch has a tradition of honoring
excellence and leadership. Dr. Tsu exemplifies both as a person
and in his accomplishments, especially in his efforts to develop
leaders in the community."
Dr. John Tsu worked to promote Asian Americans in public service
for more than 30 years. An advisor to Presidents Nixon, Ford,
Reagan and both Bushes, Dr. Tsu was Chairman of President George
W. Bush's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders. He was President of the Asian American Political
Education Foundation and served on the Presidential Commission
on Education.
We are extremely pleased to be able to offer the Anheuser-Busch
Dr. John Tsu Memorial Scholarship through a generous donation
from Anheuser-Busch, " said Derek Chen, the incoming ILF
President. "Dr. Tsu is the greatest Asian American leader in our
generation. He helped so many people to succeed in life, yet
asked for nothing in return. This scholarship will be a lasting
tribute to his great deeds"
"The Anheuser-Busch Dr. John Tsu Memorial Scholarship is very
appropriate," said, Dr. Paul Hsu, Chairman, ILF. " It will help
the next generation of young leaders and that's what Dr. Tsu
always emphasized in his life. He believed in helping young
people succeed. There really is no better way to honor his
life."
About International Leadership Foundation
The ILF is a non-profit organization that promotes the civic
involvement, and effectiveness, of APAs. In 2005, the ILF
awarded $1,000 scholarships and arranged government internships
for 40 Asian American students. Each student spends six weeks
during the summer working for a government agency in either
Washington, DC or in Sacramento, CA. For more information,
please go to
www.ILEADER.org.
About Dr. John Tsu
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Tsu taught at Duquesne University
in Pittsburgh, then at Seton Hall University in New Jersey where
he founded the Asian Studies Department and chaired this
department for 10 years. In 1977, Dr. Tsu relocated to San
Francisco to direct the Multicultural and Bilingual Programs at
the University of San Francisco, where he expanded its Doctoral
program from 9 students to 300. He was also a visiting scholar
at Stanford's Hoover Institute.
Dr. Tsu was born in Jilin Province, China. He studied in Japan
and graduated from the University of Tokyo's Law School. He came
to the US in the 1950s to pursue his graduate studies, where he
received an MA in political science from Georgetown University
and a Ph.D. from New York's Fordham University. Dr. Tsu married
Susan Tsu, an accomplished artist.
Dr. Tsu committed his life to the service of others and always
built relationships to provide more opportunities for the API
community. He worked with Japanese Americans to increase trade
with Japan by establishing the U.S. Foundation for International
Economic Policy. He helped the Southeast Asian community
establish refugee service centers; Dr. Tsu was most proud of his
advocacy on behalf of qualified
API
individuals to state and federal appointed positions in
government.
About Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
For more than 15 years, Anheuser-Busch has contributed to Asian
Pacific American communities through the development and support
of a variety of programs that help meet the needs of these
diverse communities. These programs are designed to provide
immediate and long-term benefits to the communities through
joint efforts with national, regional and local organizations
who are developing the next generation of leadership.
Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. is the leading American
brewer holding 50 percent of the U.S. beer market. The company
is American-owned and brews the worlds largest-selling beers,
Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also holds a 50 percent
share in Grupo Modelo, Mexicos leading brewer, and a 27 percent
share in Tsingtao, the No. 1 brewer in China. Anheuser-Busch
ranked first in the U.S. beverage industry in FORTUNE magazines
2005 Americas Most Admired Companies and in the top 30 on
FORTUNEs 2005 Global Most Admired Companies list. The company is
one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is
a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and is the worlds largest
recycler of aluminum beverage containers. For more information,
visit
www.anheuser-busch.com
(www.ileader.org)
******************
July 19, 2005
IN THE WORLD OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, VIETNAM REMAINS A ‘SUPPLY
COUNTRY’
News Analysis, Andrew Lam
Pacific News Service
Editor's Note: Human trafficking in Vietnam shows no signs of
abating.
PNS
editor Andrew Lam is author of "Perfume Dreams: Reflections on
the Vietnamese Diaspora," forthcoming this fall from Heyday
Books.
SAN FRANCISCO--While visiting Saigon last December I
asked a group of well-educated young women for their thoughts on
Vietnamese women being sold abroad. Their answers were
surprisingly tempered.
"Not everyone is going to end up as a prostitute or badly
treated by her husband," said Tuyen Nguyen, a 19-year-old who is
attending college and planning to be a doctor. "I know this one
girl who came back wealthy. It's true, she's one of the lucky
ones, but still, it's a better chance than staying home."
Vietnamese sex workers in Cambodia. Courtesy of Women's
eNews.Org and Mikel Flamm.
Some observers estimate that as many as 400,000 Vietnamese women
and children have been trafficked overseas, most since the end
of the Cold War. That's around 10 percent of trafficked women
and children worldwide. They are smuggled to Cambodia, China,
Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Czech Republic -- and,
to a lesser extent, the United States -- for commercial sexual
exploitation.
"Still, if your parents and siblings are starving, you've got to
do something," observed Thuy Le, a young woman in her mid-20s.
"It's the right thing to do."
"It's the girl in the countryside who would do this kind of
thing," said another woman, a publicist for a cosmetic company.
"No one in the city would go. I mean, it's hard work in the rice
field. Besides, who is to say their Vietnamese husbands won't
beat them just like their Korean or Taiwanese one?" Her friends
murmured in agreement.
Unfortunately, not all trafficked women end up in real
marriages, even if their paperwork says so. According to Huy
Phan, who is part of a group of Vietnamese Americans trying to
help victims of trafficking, "the scheme is, the brothel or
mafia finances a man to go to Vietnam to buy a wife. But the
marriage is a ruse, and the girl ends up as a prostitute or
indentured servant when she gets to Taiwan. It's a way to
legalize trafficking."
In June, the U.S. State Department released the "Victims of
Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000: Trafficking in
Persons Report." Vietnam was classified as a "tier two" country,
meaning that the government of Vietnam, according to the report,
makes some effort to eliminate the problem but "does not fully
comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking."
In March 2004, a Taiwanese tried to sell three young Vietnamese
women on E-bay. The starting bid was $5,400. Vietnamese living
abroad protested, and E-Bay quickly pulled the auction page. But
the language used on that page, along with the images of the
three young, hapless women smiling to the camera, bespoke of
modern-day slavery: "Products will be delivered only to Taiwan,"
the page said.
A typical trafficking scenario in Saigon goes something like
this: A group of men come in from a foreign country, Taiwan or
Korea, perhaps, and are chauffeured to a designated bar where
young women and teenage girls await. The girls are lined up. The
men pick and choose their brides, and pay around $5,000 to
$10,000 dollars depending on the "quality" of the bride, which
depends largely on whether she is a virgin. Soon these so-called
brides are taken to unknown destinies. Their families back in
the rural areas receive around $500 dollars for the sale. The
rest goes to middlemen and to grease the legal machine.
Girls and women may also be promised jobs in Cambodia, Laos or
China, only to end up as sex slaves once they cross the border.
Recent raids in Cambodian brothels came up with Vietnamese girls
as young as 5 years old. Young boys, too, are bought, and are
highly prized in China, especially for families that have no
children and want to adopt.
Many problems help perpetuate this form of exploitation. First
are rising population pressures. There are now 82 million people
in Vietnam. Two out of three Vietnamese are under 35, and there
are an estimated 1.5 million abortions each year. The
rural-urban gap is widening. Peasants trying to survive become
easy prey.
Second is corruption. Government officials can be bribed to look
the other way or, worse, actively assist the sale of these women
by stamping their exit visas.
Third, and most important, Vietnamese people themselves have
developed a lackadaisical attitude about the plight of
trafficked women. After all, when there are approximately half a
million prostitutes in Vietnam trying to make ends meet, who
cares if a few hundred thousand more are plying their trade
abroad?
Thien-Tam Tran, another Vietnamese American activist, remembers
a scene in the airport in Taipei, Taiwan. Three Vietnamese girls
were waiting to be taken away by gangsters. "I asked them if
they wanted help but they wouldn't talk. They were very afraid.
When the gangsters showed up the girls finally realized what
would happen to them and started to weep. One girl, about 17,
held onto me. But it was too late."
In Vietnam, self-sacrifice is still perceived as the highest
Confucian virtue, but few seem to notice that to sell or induce
one's own offspring into slavery is an absolute evil -- and
highly un-Confucian. "Some women and girls are raped by their
captors, husband, and/or male members of the family," Tran notes
sadly.
Unless human rights become a real dialogue in Vietnam and the
urban rural gap is seriously addressed, the nation seems fated
to play a role that many activists working against human
trafficking refer to as "a supply country."
(http://news.pacificnews.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=5eb46622209f2d8d0ebca1c116b2c11d)
******************
July
19, 2005
Nonprofit initiative program focuses on minority homeownership
By Tom LaVenture
ST. PAUL (July 13 2005) – The Payne-Lake
Community Partners (PLCP) promotes community development,
investment and revitalization of the Payne-Arcade and Phalen
Corridors, and the Lake Street area in Minneapolis. This week,
PLCP began an initiative that enhances existing homeownership
education, counseling and outreach to minority communities.
PLCP is an umbrella organization to act in an
intermediary role for resources and community based groups to
increase homeownership, job and employment opportunities, and
entrepreneurship. They want to help first-time homeowners are
discovering a complicated process with its own vocabulary and a
number of people with confusing titles involved in the process.
Homeownership is not just the American dream,
it is an investment, a community commitment, and a key to stable
family environment. The PLCP program connects new and
prospective homeowners with a network of trusted advisors that
can provide counsel on everything from selecting a home to
financing.
“There is a tremendous energy, vitality and
drive coming out of these new communities as well as the
pre-existing communities of color,” said Paul Fate, executive
director, PLCP. “What are we doing to embrace that? To support
and tap that as opposed to turning our back on it?”
Key funding for the initiative comes from the
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which is giving a
five-year, $2 million grant to Payne-Lake Community Partners to
address the disparity of Minnesota’s 75 percent White
homeownership rate to about 41 percent in communities of color.
“We want to help everyone, but the focus is on
community of color because the disparity is so great,” Fate
said.
Other partners include the City of St. Paul,
The McKnight Foundation, St. Paul Travelers, and Twin Cities
Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Banking partners include
Bremer Bank, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. With them PLCP will
attract up to $60 million in additional funds, including $5.25
million in mortgage financing from the Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency to work on increasing equity participation loans that
will reduce that affordability gap, and work with employers to
promote savings programs.
PLCP has a five-year goal of helping 250
families buy their first home, and support 500 current
homeowners to ensure they are successful. PCLP will also support
home construction of 250 units and rehabilitation of older
stock.
A similar project, the Emerging Markets
Homeownership Initiative, was unveiled two weeks ago at
Arlington High School, with much fanfare.
“The difference here is EMHI is pretty much
statewide emerging markets, and the PLCP Initiative is focused
on the east side, primarily in Districts 4 and 5,” said Fate,
who felt the concentration of color in these areas warrants the
overlap to fill as many gaps as possible and to keep communities
out of a vacuum.
“It is a framework of readiness, access and
success, and how to support people along that continuum,” he
added.
The barriers to homeownership are more than
just about money. Cultural and language differences and finding
the right real estate and financial advisors can be just as
daunting.
“People don’t know where to turn,” said Fate.
“They don’t know who the lenders are, or what the different
programs are; who you can trust, or who you can’t trust.
“Navigating all of that is very difficult,” he
added.
Pao Yang, a housing counselor at Community
Neighborhood Housing Service (651-292-8710), is considered one
of the trusted advisor partners that help people get homes, and
keep them, with 8-hour workshops on readiness and financial
credit. They discuss the variety of financing available and
which options are available to clients based on their needs,
including down payments and closing cost assistance
possibilities.
“Credit is important for the whole family,
even if they are not planning to buy a home right now,” he said.
“You have to budget and plan to set a goal for homeownership.”
Others include the Home Ownership Center
(651-659-9336); Neighborhood Development Alliance
(Spanish-651-292-0131); and African Development Center
(Somali-612-333-4772).
(http://www.aapress.com/archive/2005/webjuly15/b-plcp.htm)
******************
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
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