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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.


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NCVA eREPORTER - August 9, 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

ANGEL ISLAND COMMUNITY PICNIC
Saturday, August 13, 2005
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pack a feast for family and friends and treat yourselves to a last chance to see the Immigration Station barracks before a year-long closure for restoration work.  Learn about the future plans for the site from Daphne Kwok, AIISF's new Executive Director, and how to excavate family records from the National Archives.  Films and books about Angel Island for kids of all ages will be presented throughout this special day. Rides will be provided for those who need special assistance.

11:00 am          Tours of Immigration Station
Film Screenings about Angel Island

12:00 pm          Welcome and Overview of Immigration Station Restoration Work–Daphne Kwok, Executive Director, AIISF

12:30 pm          Tours of Immigration Station
Researching Family History–Bill Greene, Archivist, National Archives Records Administration (NARA)
Children’s Book Readings–Li Keng Wong, former detainee and author, Milly Lee, author

1:30 pm            Tours of Immigration Station
Film Screenings about Angel Island
Children’s Activities

Ferry Schedules and Prices
Depart Pier 41  Arrive Angel Island         Depart Angel Island        Arrive Pier 41
   9:45 am               10:10 am            3:00 pm          3:25 pm
   11:30 am              12:40 pm            4:40 pm          5:30 pm
Adult: $ 13.50 rt Children: $ 8.00 rt              Under 5: Free

Depart Tiburon            Arrive Angel Island         Depart Angel Island        Arrive Tiburon
    10:00 am             10:20 am             2:20 pm        2:40 pm
    11:00 am             11:20 am             3:20 pm        3:40 pm
    12:00 am             12:20 pm             4:20 pm        4:40 pm
Adult: $10.00 rt  Children: $7.50  rt          Under 4: Free

About Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF)
The mission of the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation is to promote a greater understanding of how Pacific Coast immigration and its role in shaping America's past, present, and future. Through an array of interpretive programs and educational partnerships, the Foundation preserves the Immigration Station site, a National Historic Landmark, as a place that honors the complex story and rich cultural heritage of Pacific Coast immigrants and their descendants. For information visit: www.aiisf.org

Please call (415) 561-2160 or email info@aiisf.org for more information and to RSVP.  This program is made possible through the support of AIISF Descendant’s Club and the Look Lowe Family Trust. 

((http://www.aiisf.org)

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

COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP 2005 ANNUAL CONVENTION FOCUSES ON POVERTY ISSUES

The Community Action Partnership, a national forum for policy on poverty, is America’s largest poverty fighting network. The annual convention will celebrate the Partnership’s achievements and look toward its future with the theme of “Community Action: Unity, Creativity, Vision.” The convention, which will include workshops, training classes, and networking opportunities, will be held from August 30-September 2 in New Orleans, LA..

(http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/pdfs/conference/2005/2005_Convention_Promo.pdf)

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

AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

The American Political Science Association (APSA) is having its annual meeting in Washington, DC, Sept. 1-4, 2005.  As before, we cordially invite your attendance and participation in the panels and free events organized by the Asian Pacific American Caucus (APAC), a related group of the Race, Ethnicity, and Politics (REP) section of the APSA.  To learn more about the APAC, please visit our website http://www.apa-politics.orgg.

A Quick Glance at the organized activities by or related to the APA  Caucus:*

Thursday, Sep 1, 2:00 PM
Politics in Southeast Asian Communities http://www.apsanet.org/mtgs/program/program.cfm?event=1444971

Friday, Sep 2, 6:00-7:00 PM
 APAC Business Meeting
Virginia A, ­Marriot Hotel, Wardman Park

Friday, Sep 2, 7:00-8:30 PM
 APAC Reception, co-sponsored by APAICS and APA Status Committee Johnson Room, ­Marriot Hotel, Wardman Park

Saturday, Sep 3, 8:00 AMM
The Politics of New Americans: Studying Asian American Political Engagement http://www.apsanet.org/mtgs/program/program.cfm?event=1442671

Saturday, Sep 3, 2:00 PM
Immigrant Incorporation in a Changing America http://www.apsanet.org/mtgs/program/program.cfm?event=1442661

Related Panels on Studying and Teaching APA and Other Minority Politics

Thursday, Sep 1, 10:15 AMM
Theme Panel: Roundtable on Race, Ethnicity and Political Science: The  REP Section - A Ten-Year Retrospective http://www.apsanet.org/mtgs/program/program.cfm?event=1444511

Friday, Sep 2, 2:00 PM
Roundtable on Teaching Minority Politics and Minority Student Learning
http://www.apsanet.org/mtgs/program/program.cfm?event=1445701

*Please note that numerous other individual papers and presentations may contain an Asian American component and may be identified by searching the on-line program:

http://www.apsanet.org/mtgs/program/

For registration, hotel, and other information and great opportunities related to the 2005 APSA Meeting, please visit the conference website: http://www.apsanet.org/section_222.cfmm.

We hope to see you in DC soon.

Sincerely,

Daphne Kwok, co-chair, APAC, 2003-5
Baodong (Paul) Liu, co-chair, APAC, 2004-6
and
APSA Asian Pacific American Status Committee, 2004-5
Andrew Aoki, Jane Junn (Chair), James Lai, Taeku Lee, Pei-te Lien, Bang-Soon Yoon

((http://www.apa-politics.org)

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

NATIONAL LEADERS SUMMIT
Gathering for Nonprofit Agenciess

The 2005 National Leaders Summit is being sponsored by the National Human Services Assembly, a coalition of leading national nonprofit agencies committed to helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. The summit, a gathering for nonprofit health and human services, human development, and community development organizations, will be an opportunity to network and share ideas with peers from throughout the U.S. The keynote address will be given by Lester Salamon, Founding Director and Principal Research Scientist of the Institute for Policy Studies, Director of the Center for Civil Society Studies and Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University. The summit will take place on September 8, 2005 in Washington, DC.

((http://www.nassembly.org/nassembly/nls.htm)

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

CITIES IN TRANSITION: ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICANS

The national forum, Cities in Transition: Asian Pacific Islander Americans is less than 2 months away!  Please sign up and register for this momentous event where three organizations have come together to build a unique experience.

Attached is the registration brochure where you can learn more about the speakers, special events, plenaries, and blueprint sessions.  This brochure will be updated as more speakers are confirmed and is always available for download at http://www.citiesintransition.orgg.  The full list of confirmed speakers can be found at http://www.citiesintransition.org/speakers.html.  Also, visit our updated website to learn about the conference details. 

Remember, the early-bird deadline is August 15 and book your room by August 30 to guarantee the group room rate.  Please reference Partners for Livable Communities, conference code PLC, or Cities in Transition when contacting the hotel at 1-800-236-2905 or online at http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/private_groups/houcvhh_plc/index.jhtml. Register for the forum today and save $50.00!  Bring a group and save on registration costs as well!

For forum information or registration materials, please contact:
Laura Tan, Program Officer, Partners for Livable Communities, 1429 21 st St. NW, Washington , DC 20036,
ph: (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.

***
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)

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

BLAKEMORE FOUNDATION INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR ASIAN ART AND LANGUAGE GRANTS

The Blakemore Foundation was established to encourage the advanced study of Asian languages and to improve the understanding of Asian fine arts in the United States.

The foundation's Frances Blakemore Asian Art Grants promote the understanding of Asian fine art in America. Grants are made only to tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. such as museums, universities, and other educational or art-related institutions for programs, exhibits, or publications that improve the understanding of Asian fine arts in the U.S. The next deadlines for receipt of applications are November 1, 2005, and May 15, 2006.

The foundation has also announced new deadlines for applications for Blakemore Freeman Fellowships for Advanced Asian Language Study and Blakemore Refresher Grants: Short-Term Grants for Advanced Asian Language Study. Applications for these programs must be postmarked no later than December 30,
 2005.

Blakemore Freeman Fellowships for Advanced Asian Language Study fund a year of advanced language study at the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Yokohama, Japan; the International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University in Taipei; the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies at Tsing-hua University in Beijing; and other approved programs in Southeast Asia. Fellowships are available to American citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. who have a college degree and who plan to use an Asian language in their career.

Blakemore Refresher Grants: Short-Term Grants for Advanced Asian Language Study provide funding for short-term study less than a full academic year in length. Grants are restricted to professors who are teaching in an Asian field at a university or college in the U.S. and post-doctoral professionals whose degree is in an Asian field; and graduates of the regular academic-year programs at the Inter-University Center in Yokohama, Japan; the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies at Tsing-hua University in Beijing, China; and the International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan.

((http://www.blakemorefoundation.org/)

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

STATE FARM GOOD NEIGHBOR SERVICE-LEARNING GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH SERVICE DAY

Deadline: October 17, 2005

With support from the State Farm Companies Foundation (http://www.statefarm.com/foundati/citizenship.htm), one hundred $1,000 grants are available from Youth Service America (http://www.ysa.org/) for teachers, youth, and school-based service-learning coordinators to implement service-learning projects for National Youth Service Day, April 21-23, 2006 (http://www.ysa.org/nysd/).

State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants enable youth and educators to bring the positive benefits of service-learning to more young people across America. Service-learning is a teaching method that combines meaningful service with curriculum or program-based learning. Schools and organizations use service-learning as a tool to help youth build stronger academic skills, foster civic responsibility, and develop leadership skills.

Applicants must be a certified teacher or professor who currently teaches in a public, private, faith-based, charter, or higher education institution within the fifty states or the District of Columbia; or be a school-based service-learning coordinator whose primary role is to coordinate service-learning projects in a school or university; or be a youth between the ages of five and twenty-five. Applicants must be U.S. residents.

(http://www.ysa.org/awards/award_grant.cfm)

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

VERIZON WIRELESS OFFERS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GRANTS TO NONPROFITS IN MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Deadline: September 9, 20055

Verizon Wireless (http://www.verizonwireless.com/) is seeking grant proposals for domestic violence prevention and education projects in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Qualifying nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for competitive grants totaling $30,000 and made possible through Verizon Wireless' national HopeLine phone-recycling program.

Grants are being offered to enable agencies, shelters, and other domestic violence advocacy groups to introduce or expand programs, add equipment, or enhance facilities to better serve clients. A total of six grants of $5,000 each will be awarded. The grants will be announced in the fall of 2005, and are timed to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

To qualify for funding, an applicant must be designated a public or private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and be based in Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia.

(http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050706/dcw031.html?.v=17)

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

 NEW VOICES PROJECT TO FUND COMMUNITY NEWS VENTURE

Deadline: February 8, 20066

New Voices is a program to seed innovative community news ventures in the United States. Administered by J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism (http://j-lab.org/) at the University of Maryland and supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (http://www.knightfdn.org), the program is inviting U.S. nonprofit groups and education organizations to apply for funding to launch new community news ventures and to cooperate with J-Lab in spotlighting best practices and lessons learned.

J-Lab will select ten micro-local news projects to receive support. New Voices will help fund the start-up of each project with a $12,000 grant; support them with an educational Web site; and help foster their sustainability through a $5,000 second-year matching grant.

To be eligible, organizations must have tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be an educational institution (e.g., middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities).

Funding is available for start-up news initiatives only. Ongoing efforts are not eligible to apply unless the organization is proposing a new venture. Funding is available for print or electronic news initiatives, including online, cable, broadcast, narrowcast, satellite, and mobile efforts. Collaborative ventures are eligible as long as the funded party is a nonprofit or educational institution. Only projects based in the United States may apply.

Successful applicants will benefit a defined geographic or special-interest community and be able to foster an open exchange of journalistically sound ideas, information, news, and opinion in those communities.

(http://www.j-newvoices.org/index.php/site/story/2005rfp)

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

STUDENTS INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS

Deadline: October 31, 20055

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial (http://www.prudential.com) in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (http://www.nassp.org/), the awards constitute the United States' largest youth-recognition program based  solely on volunteering.

Applications are solicited each fall through public and private middle-level and high schools, and through officially designated local organizations across the U.S. These include Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, and member Volunteer Centers of the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network. Local Honorees are selected at participating schools and organizations in November. From these winners, two State Honorees are chosen in each state, the District of Columbia, and  Puerto Rico. Ten National Honorees will be selected and announced at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., in May.

Local Honorees receive a certificate of recognition from their schools or organizations; State Honorees receive an award of $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for national recognition events; and National Honorees receive an additional award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion, and a trophy for their school or organization.

Applicants must be individuals enrolled in grades 5-12 (groups and partners are not eligible) in any state, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Applicants must have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least  partly during the twelve months prior to the date of application.

Student applications must be submitted to a school principal or to the head of one of the officially designated local organizations.

 (http://www.prudential.com/overview2/0%2C2155%2CintPageID%25253D8983%252526blnPrinterFriendly%25253D0%2C00.html?furl=%2Fspirit)
******************

EVERETT PUBLIC SERVICE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM INVITES APPLICATIONS FROM NONPROFITS

Deadline: September 1, 20055

The Everett Public Service Internship Program (http://www.everettinternships.org) encourages undergraduate and graduate students to be involved in public service and provides the public interest community with dedicated, energetic interns. In the summer of 2005, more than one hundred and fifty Everett Interns are working at fifty-five organizations in New York City and Washington, D.C., that are dedicated to making the world a better place for everyone.

Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for inclusion in the program during the 2006 season.

To apply to the Everett Program, nonprofit organizations must meet the following requirements: have a mission dedicated to improving the world; a minimum annual budget of $600,000; a full-time executive staff of six (minimum); a location in either New York City or Washington, D.C; and desk space, substantive work, and successful supervision for two interns.

((http://www.everettinternships.org/apply/orgs.html)

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

DO SOMETHING SUPPORT FOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Do Something is a national nonprofit organization that inspires young people to believe that change is possible, and trains, funds, and mobilizes them to be leaders who measurably strengthen their communities. The Do Something BRICK Awards program supports the efforts of dynamic leaders age 25 and under who have implemented innovative solutions to problems in their local communities in the areas of community building, health, and the environment. BRICK winners receive higher education scholarships and grants for continued community work. Do Something Grants provide $500 grants to potential community leaders age 18 and under who identify problems in their communities, and then create game plans to do something to change their world. The deadline for the BRICK Awards is November 1, annually. The fall deadline for the Do Something Grants is September 2, 2005..

(http://www.dosomething.org)

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

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE: CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTERS GRANT PROGRAM

The National Children's Alliance (NCA) administers federal funds for the start-up and/or expansion of Children's Advocacy Centers. Children's Advocacy Centers are programs designed by professionals and volunteers responding to the needs of their own communities. The Centers offer a new way of serving abused children through a comprehensive approach to services for victims and their families. The Centers stress coordination of investigation and intervention services by bringing together professionals and agencies as a multidisciplinary team to create a child-focused approach to child abuse cases. NCA offers several different categories of grant funding for NCA-member and non-member agencies, including staff training grants, program development grants, and tribal program grants. The deadline for competitive grants is September 13, 20055, and the deadline for non-competitive grants is October 11, 2005.

(http://www.nca-online.org/grants.html)

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

MEDTRONIC FOUNDATION FOCUS ON COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The Medtronic Foundation's mission is to improve the health of people and communities by focusing resources in areas where the Foundation can make unique and positive contributions. The Foundation primarily makes grants in communities where the company has facilities, including international locations. U.S. company communities are located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Selected national programs are also supported. The Foundation’s grantmaking categories include health; education; and community, including arts and human services organizations. Application deadlines vary by grantmaking category and applicant location.

((http://www.medtronic.com/foundation/)

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

STARBUCK INVITES LETTERS OF INTENT

The Starbucks Foundation invites letters of inquiry from organizations that work with underserved youth in the fields of literacy (reading, writing and creative/media arts) and environmental literacy. The Foundation funds programs for youth that integrate literacy with personal and civic action to bring the voices of youth into the communities in which they live. The deadline for letters of inquiry is September 1, 2005..

(http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1)

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR STEP BY STEP: LOCAL COVERAGE EXPANSION INITIATIVE

The California HealthCare Foundation’s Step by Step supports county-based efforts and local coalitions seeking to expand coverage to uninsured populations ineligible for public coverage. The upcoming solicitation will fund two types of technical assistance grants: planning grants and implementation grants. The RFP is scheduled for release in late August and proposals are due Friday, October 14, 2005..

(http://www.chcf.org/grantinfo/rfps/index.cfm?itemID=21263)

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

DEPUTY DIRECTOR – ASIAN SERVICES IN ACTION, INC.
www.asiainc-ohio.orgg

BACKGROUND:
The mission of ASIA is “to be a community resource center to provide information and services for and about Asian Americans.”  Founded in 1995, ASIA is a 501(c)(3) which has six full-time and 15 part-time staff.  With an FY’04 budget of $784,000, ASIA provides 10 programs, which are listed below:

* Prevention Programs - Asian American Youth Against Tobacco, Community Adult Mentoring Program, Healthy Asian Youth, International Community Empowerment Project, and Youth In Transition
Public Policy/Advocacy Program – Cleveland Clean Indoor Air Campaign
* Cessation Programs – Asian American Youth and Adult Smoking Cessation
* Cultural Competency Training
* Senior Wellness – Lucky Seniors and Golden Bridges
* Interpretation/Translation Services – Language Quill

The Executive Director and Board are looking for a strong manager who will build the infrastructure to ably support ASIA, Inc. in its further development. This new Deputy Director must be committed to the agency, its mission, and staff.

 JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director is a newly created position focused on expanding the reach of the organization. The Deputy Director will be responsible for program development, program management and administrative services.

Program Development
The Deputy Director will be responsible for developing new program initiatives for the organization. The first task will be to conduct a review of ASIA’s existing programs, and evaluate their effectiveness in meeting the organization’s goals. Based on this review, the Deputy Director will provide strategic recommendations to the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees regarding potential changes to existing programs and new initiatives to expand the reach of the organization.

The Deputy Director will be expected to develop and implement a fundraising plan to implement the new programs and initiatives. This fundraising plan will build upon the existing framework of corporate and individual support, but will focus on expanding relationships with foundations and corporate donors for specific program initiatives and identifying new funding sources. While the Executive Director will retain overall management of fundraising efforts, the Deputy Director will be expected to shoulder a considerable portion of the effort. In particular, the Deputy Director should focus on expanding the range of foundation support for the organization through grant applications and to solicit corporate and foundation support for new education and outreach initiatives identified above. In addition, the Deputy Director will begin to expand the geographic reach of the organization through solicitation of expanded individual and corporate memberships in communities and neighborhoods through Northeast Ohio.

Program Management
The Deputy Director will work with the Board and the Executive Director to develop a work plan to implement program changes identified above. The Deputy Director will be responsible for finalizing the work plan and managing the ongoing success of the programs, including supervising and staffing these programs as required. The Deputy Director will be responsible for the production and management of ASIA’s publications, newsletter and web sites (including the use of outside consultants); networking with other non-profits, academic institutions and government agencies; and managing programming activities, and special projects.

Administrative Servicess
The Deputy Director will be responsible for administering the organization’s office. This effort will include hiring, training and supervision of support staff, working with accountant to ensure proper fiscal procedures, developing and tracking annual operating budget, and overseeing vendors and procurement. The Deputy Director will be expected to work closely with ASIA’s CFO, Controller, and Bookkeeper to track income and expenses by accounts on a monthly basis, and to prepare monthly financial reports of actual income/expense vs. projected figures. In addition, the Deputy Director will be responsible for working with outside consultants to maintain and upgrade as needed the organizations PC technologies and applications.

QUALIFICATIONSS
The following qualifications are desired:
• A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience with non-profit or governmental organizations and a bachelor’s degree. Advanced degrees may be count toward professional experience.
• Prior successful experience in program development and program management is required. Understanding of immigrant and other disparate population’s issues are strongly preferred.
•Strong oral and written communications skills are absolutely essential.
• Self starter and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity and comfort with PC technology applications

BENEFITS
Salary: DOQ, with medical and retirement benefits, generous time off package, plus opportunities for skills/job training and promotions.

DEADLINEE
Noon on August 19th, 2005.  Please submit via e-mail a cover letter and resume to may.chen@asiainc-ohio.org.  No telephone or e-mail inquiries please. 

((http://www.asiainc-ohio.org)

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

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2005

CONTACT: Jenny Yang 202-296-9200

APAICS ANNOUNCES THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT HEALTH POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Washington, DC - Applications are now available for the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) 2005-2006 California Endowment Health Policy Fellowship Program. The Fellowship Program is designed to provide an opportunity to an individual committed to the Asian Pacific Islander American community and health policy, and who plans to pursue a career in health policy. The Fellowship has been generously funded by the California Endowment.

Applications can be downloaded from the APAICS website, www.apaics.org . Candidates can also request an application by e-mail by sending a message to apaics@apaics.org

*  Applications must be postmarked by August 19th, 2005.

The fellowship is for ten months, from September 2005 to June 2006 . APAICS will provide a stipend of $34,000 to cover travel arrangements, housing and personal expenses. A separate stipend will be provided for basic health insurance coverage.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
*  Hold a graduate degree from an accredited educational institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). A minimum of 3.5 in major coursework is preferred.
*  U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency by September 1, 2005.
*  2-3 years of relevant work experience.

Candidates will be evaluated by the following criteria:
*  Demonstrated interest in the political process.
*  Demonstrated commitment to public policy health issues and Asian Pacific Islander American community affairs.
*  Demonstrated leadership abilities.
*  Excellent oral and written communication skills.

For further information, please contact the APAICS office by e-mail at apaics@apaics.org, or call our office at 202/296-9200.

(http://www.apaics.org)

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

WOMEN’S LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program is inviting applications from law school graduates and law students graduating in 2006 who have a strong interest in women's rights.  Women's Law Fellows work for one year in Washington, D.C. with a non-profit, public interest organization or governmental agency on legal and policy issues affecting the status of women.  Applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2005, and early applications are encouraged.  The Fellowships will begin in September 2006.

Attached please find a Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program application form.  Additional information, including the application form, can be found on our website at http://www.wlppfp.org/.  We would greatly appreciate it if you would post this application in an appropriate location and forward this information to law school graduates and law students who are graduating in 2006.  Please feel free to forward this message to law professors, lawyers, judges, advocates and others who may know of potential candidates who might like to apply for a Women's Law Fellowship.

Thank you very much for your kind assistance.

Warmest regards,

Julia L. Ernst
Executive Director
Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program
600 New Jersey Ave. NW, Suite 334
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-662-9650
Fax: 202-662-9539

(http://www.wlppfp.org)

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

ORANGE COUNTY BRANCH MANAGER – BOAT PEOPLE S.O.S.

Boat People S.O.S., Inc. (BPSOS), a national Vietnamese-American community-based organization with 24 years of service. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual with creative and innovative program planning and management to lead the development of our Orange County branch office.

Essential Responsibilities:
Oversee all program implementation and evaluation;
Develop and implement program, staff and budget development strategy to meet emerging needs in the community;
Provide staff coordination, training and support;
Enforce organization's policy and procedures;
Build local and regional partnerships through various community outreach approaches;
Develop new sources of funding and revenue streams;
Form and support a local Advisory Board;
Prepare monthly reports to headquarters.

Requirements:
Outstanding management and program development skills;
Excellent organizational skills;
Experience with funding development;
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment;
Superior oral and written communication skills; bi-lingual Vietnamese
Highly-developed interpersonal abilities;
PC computer literacy, proficient in Word, Excel and Internet usage;
Bachelor's degree.

Location: Orange County, CA.

To apply: Email or fax your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to:
Pharia Le
Human Resource Department
Boat People S.O.S., Inc.
pharia.le@bpsos.org
Fax: 703-647-6499

(http://www.bpsos.org)

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

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides an annual stipend of $10,000 for a graduating college senior to pursue public service anywhere in the world. The program is designed to allow recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career.

The award is named in honor of the late president and chief executive officer of the former New England Electric System, now National Grid USA. Funded by colleagues, family, and friends at National Grid, the award offers grants to two graduating college seniors on the basis of their academic record, personal accomplishments, and a proposal for a public service project.

Applicants are encouraged to develop their own proposals for public service in the United States or abroad. The proposal may encompass any activity that furthers the public good. It can be undertaken by the applicant alone or by working through established charitable, religious, educational, governmental, or other public service organizations.

(https://www.nationalgridus.com/commitment/d4-1_award.asp)

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 TIPS/RESOURCES

FUNDRAISING – DONORS OF THE FAITHFUL

The issue of faith-based nonprofits and their roles in the sector can be a contentious one, especially when the matter is politicized. In the matter of fundraising, however, faith-based organizations, which includes houses of worship, can provide a model of success.

In his book Big Gifts for Small Groups, Andy Robinson argues that faith communities collect more than one-third of all charitable dollars, the biggest recipients by far of American generosity. How do they do it? Robinson offers seven keys to this success:

* They ask. And ask, and ask. Remember, many churches pass the plate every week.

* They ask everybody. Faith-based organizations make little distinction between the rich and the poor. Nobody is screened out because of a perceived ability or inability to give.

* It's expected. There is little shame or guilt regarding the ask. It is accepted that everyone who attends is a potential donor.

* They provide lots of options. In addition to weekly gifts, most congregations request an annual gift or something like the building fund, overseas relief fund, etc.

* Thy create opportunities for donor interaction. They see their constituents several times a month.

* Volunteers ask for the gifts. Most church fundraising is built on the backs of volunteers who not only pass the plate but also organize fundraising events.

* They do a great job building relationships. They know their people really, really well.

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

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BOARDS – DECIDING ABOUT YOUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

In the overall operation of a nonprofit organization, one area that can be overlooked is that of assessment of the chief executive. An evaluation gives the board a chance to clarify expectations for the chief executive, as well as a chance to say "Well done" for a good performance.

In Assessment of the Chief Executive Joshua Mintz and Jane Pierson present several checklists of performance assessment criteria that they say should be utilized by the board.

These lists cover a wide range of concerns, including basic abilities and skill in interacting with the board and the general public.

Following are some of the criteria that Mintz and Pireson stress:

Under core competencies:
* In collaboration with the board, articulated a clear vision for the future of the organization.

* Used the mission of the organization as a guide in making decisions.

* Engaged the board in meaningful strategic thinking about the organization.

* Developed appropriate goals and objectives to advance the mission.

* Effectively led the staff in implementing strategic objectives and annual goals.

Under administration:
* Displayed a thorough knowledge of the organization's mission area and programs.

* Managed the organization efficiently on a day-to-day basis.

* Managed the successful delivery of programs.

* Recruited, developed and retained the staff needed to implement the annual work plan.

* Minimized risk by ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place.

* Ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

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

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FINANCE- KNOW YOUR ACCOUNTING LINGO

Many nonprofit managers have a basic understanding of accounting practices and principles. As generalists, however, managers may not have a strong understanding of the terminology and procedures used by accountants today.

In their book Bookkeeping for Nonprofits, Murray Dropkin and James Halpin offer detailed information on the language you need to understand. These descriptions are in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and its Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 6.

* Assets. An asset is something we have or control or that can provide some future economic benefit. Asset accounts provide vital information for a part of the snapshot view that we need. They can include things that we own (cash, automobiles) and things that can provide a future benefit (a prepaid insurance premium, for instance).

* Liabilities. A liability is the probable future sacrifice of an economic benefit arising from a present obligation. Liability accounts help by telling how much of our assets are not fully paid for.

* Revenue. Revenues are amounts generated from activities that constitute the organization's ongoing major or central operation. Revenues increase net assets, and revenue accounts provide a part of the historical view that we need.

* Expenses. Expenses are amounts consumed by activities that constitute the organization's ongoing or major central operation. Expenses decrease net assets, and expense accounts provide a part of the historical view that we need.

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

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USING THE INTERNET FOR EFFECTIVE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY

Convio, Inc. is offering a new, updated guide, "Using the Internet for Effective Grassroots Advocacy: Strategies, Tools and Approaches for Inspiring Constituents to Take Action," to help nonprofits strategically leverage the Internet for waging high impact grassroots advocacy programs. The free, downloadable guide provides best practices and practical advice for nonprofits, associations and other organizations on utilizing the Internet to drive more effective advocacy, fundraising, marketing, event participation and more.

(http://www.convio.com/site/PageServer?pagename=land_OnlineAdvocacyGuide&s_sfid=701000000000DYu&s_source=Press_Release)

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NATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY RELEASES NEW GUIDEBOOK TO AID PUBLICITY EFFORTS

Getting positive press coverage for a volunteer program can be an uphill struggle but the payback is worth the effort, a panel of media experts told attendees of a forum at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service last week. At the forum, the Corporation for National and Community Service released a new publication designed to assist its grantees in their media outreach efforts. Titled Sharing Your Service Story: A Guide to Working with the Media, the 36-page booklet has pointers on conducting media outreach specifically geared to national service and volunteer programs.

The Corporation’s new media guidebook has a wealth of general information on dealing with the media, such as developing a media plan and putting together a good press list. It also focuses specifically on issues that nonprofit organizations and volunteer coordinators often experience, such as publicizing grant announcements, service events, volunteer recruitment drives, and the benefits of volunteering. Recognizing that nonprofit groups often don’t have the budgets or time to seek out publicity for their efforts, the guidebook includes practical tips on writing news releases; sample media advisories, public service announcements, and a list of media resources available from the Corporation. It also features vignettes detailing how national service programs have achieved their public relations goals. To download a copy of the guidebook or for more information, visit: www.cns.gov/about/media_kit/index.asp.

(http://www.cns.gov/about/media_kit/index.asp)

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 NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 03, 2005

CONTACT: Alison Fritz
Phone: 202-606-6694
Email: afritz@cns.gov

 NEW GUIDE DIRECTS FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TO NATIONAL SERVICE RESOURCES

(Washington, D.C.) – The Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America, released a new publication today to help faith-based and secular community organizations better understand how to access national and community service resources.

Titled National Service: A Resource for Faith-Based and Community Groups, the new publication provides descriptions of the various Corporation grant programs and resources, as well as information on how to access them. It also highlights examples of how the Corporation and its programs have helped a variety of faith-based and community organizations meet critical community needs and work together effectively.

“Today, more Americans volunteer through religious organizations than through any other type,” said David Eisner, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer. “Through our Faith-Based and Community Initiative and this new publication, we are committed to reaching out to new groups – both faith-based and secular – to educate them on the valuable asset of human capital that our programs offer.”

The resource guide was released at the second annual Faith and Community Institute Day, a national forum featuring leaders of faith-based organizations involved in volunteer service that was held in conjunction with the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. The conference is bringing together nearly 3,000 leaders of America’s volunteer and national service sector to gain skills and develop strategies to engage more Americans more effectively in volunteer service to meet pressing social needs.

The Corporation for National and Community Service has a long history of working with faith-based and community organizations, and has increased its outreach efforts as part of the Bush Administration’s faith-based and community initiative. In 2004, nearly 14 percent of available Corporation grant funding went to faith-based organizations. Over the next few years, the Corporation will devote special attention to faith- and community-based efforts to mentor children of prisoners, help youth and adult ex-offenders re-enter society, and strengthen families.

The new publication features stories of several current Corporation grantees, including Notre Dame Mission Volunteers, who with the help of AmeriCorps members turned a fledgling literacy program into a national model; an Idaho RSVP program that has helped meet the various needs of vulnerable children in the state; and the Jewish Youth Philanthropy Institute, a service-learning program engaging hundreds of Maryland teens in service to their community.

Corporation grantees and project sponsors are encouraged to utilize the new publication in their outreach to faith-based and community partners. To order copies, e-mail fbci@cns.gov or call (202) 606-6733. To view a copy online, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/faith_based_booklet.pdf.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.

###

(http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=161)

New Booklet
(http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/faith_based_booklet.pdf)

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2005

APAICS LISTS ELECTION CANDIDATES FOR 2005 & 2006

We are compiling candidate information and will be updating the candidate listing that can be found on the APAICS website. Please send information on any additional candidates to apaics@apaics.org.

(http://www.apaics.org)

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August 5, 2005

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS ASIAN AMERICANS FACE IN VOTING

Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2005 - A new report released today, the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, underscores the importance of providing access to the ballot for Asian Americans with limited English proficiency.

The report, "Sound Barriers: Asian Americans and Language Access in Election 2004," details the barriers faced by Asian Americans who voted during last year's elections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost three million Asian Americans turned out to vote on Nov. 2, 2004.

The report, released by NAPALC and its affiliates, the Asian Pacific American Legal Center in Los Angeles, the Asian Law Caucus in San Francisco, and the Asian American Institute in Chicago, details their observations of 466 polling stations in Illinois, Texas, Washington, and California during the 2004 election.

Eight of the counties in these states are covered by Section 203, the language assistance provision of the Voting Rights Act. Section 203 is intended to provide limited English-speaking Asian, Latino, Native American, and Alaskan native speakers with the same information and opportunities as the English-speaking public so that they can vote. This provision will expire in 2007 and NAPALC and its affiliates are working to have it re-authorized by Congress.

"Sound Barriers" draws attention to the continuing problems experienced by Asian American voters at the polls and recommends solutions to eliminate them. Although officials in the counties monitored expressed their interest in complying with Section 203, compliance was uneven.

Among the common problems encountered by Asian American voters with limited English proficiency (LEP) in these polling sites were:

* Poll workers were frequently reluctant to help, were unaware of how to help, or were suspicious of bilingual poll workers and LEP voters. In Los Angeles County, CA, a poll worker sent an Asian American voter to the back of the line for "causing too much trouble" due to the voter's limited English proficiency. * About 46 percent of the polling sites monitored had multilingual materials but these were inaccessible to those who needed them. In 96 polling stations, there were no instructions in other languages on how to use the voting machines, the sample ballots or even directional signs. * Many poll workers did not understand why multilingual materials were necessary. In Cook County, IL, one election judge who could not understand a voter said that the voter should learn to speak English. * In many of the polling sites, there were no signs indicating the availability of interpreters and bilingual poll workers were not identified as such. About 50 percent of the poll workers in Chicago, Cook County, IL, and 62 percent of the bilingual poll workers in King County, WA, did not wear badges indicating their language ability.

These polling sites were required to provide language assistance in Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean. As of 2002, 16 counties in 7 states throughout the nation are required to provide language assistance under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act. Eleven of them were required to provide language assistance in Asian languages for the first time.

To overcome the barriers encountered by Asian American voters, the researchers recommended the following solutions:

* Improve the training of poll workers. Poll workers need to be trained more thoroughly about voting laws so that they can be more helpful. Problematic poll workers and those who discriminate should be removed from the polling site immediately. * Increase voter education outreach with the help of community organizations. In Asian American communities, this will streamline the voting process and decrease voting time. * Increase accessibility of multilingual materials for LEP voters. Require the polling supervisor to periodically check that multilingual materials are sufficiently stocked and are easily accessible and visible. * Increase the recruitment of bilingual poll workers across the board. This can be done in consultation with community organizations and the ethnic media.

The Department of Justice reports that enforcement of and compliance with Section 203 and other provisions of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) resulted in an increase in the number of Asian Americans voting. In San Diego County, voter registration among Filipino Americans increased by 20 percent and 40 percent for Vietnamese Americans. In Harris County, TX, turnout among Vietnamese American voters doubled following the DOJ's efforts to ensure compliance with the VRA.

The 466 polling stations monitored in "Sound Barriers: Asian Americans and Language Access in Elections 2004" were in Cook County, IL; Harris County, TX; King County, WA; and in California, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Mateo County, San Diego, and Santa Clara.

Aside from NAPALC, APALC, AAI, and the ALC, research for the report was also conducted by VN Team Works, Chinese Information Service Center, Asian American Legal Center, the Council of Philippine American Organizations, the Asian Law Alliance, and the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance.

((http://www.indolink.com/displayArticleS.php?id=080505022903)

Press Release
(http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=51381)

Copy of report available at
http://www.napalc.org/files/sound_barriers.pdf

http://www.napalc.org/files/appendix.pdf

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August 5, 2005

ASIAN AMERICANS FUEL LUXURY CAR INDUSTRY

LOS ANGELES – Southern California Asian Americans are steadily heading towards first place among automobile consumers.  Currently, one in five Lexus RX, Lexus ES, Mercedes S-Class, and Mercedes M-Class is purchased or leased by an Asian, according to LA-18's recent analysis of automotive ownership and lease statistics provided by R. L. Polk & Co.

Nationwide, the data indicates that Asian Americans purchased or leased approximately 362,000 new vehicles in 2004. Arguably, Southern California is the breeding ground for automotive purchases. More proof for this is that one out of every four cars sold to an Asian American was sold in Southern California.

Although Asian Americans nationwide show a higher propensity in purchasing luxury cars than the general population, the partiality for luxury imports is uniquely "Southern California Asian."  One-third of all luxury cars sold to Asian Americans are sold in Southern California. LA-18's analysis shows that Asian Americans represent over 18 percent of Lexus patrons and 15 percent of the Mercedes Benz clientele in Southern California.

Though Toyota and Honda are still the most popular makes within the Asian community, the next most desired automobile manufacturers among Southern California Asians are: Lexus, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Nissan, Acura, Ford, Chevrolet and Infiniti, respectively.  In 2004, Lexus replaced Mercedes amid the top three most popular automobile manufacturers among Asians.

"Given the upscale demographics of Asian Americans, the results shouldn't be surprising to anyone.  If you just examine parking lots of any significant Koreatown or Chinatown retail establishments, for example, you'd think you're in a Mercedes or BMW dealership.  Asians' penchant for luxury automotives also translates to purchasing behavior of other luxury goods and services," said Alice Lee, Director of Marketing & Research of LA-18.

Even though luxury vehicle purchases are on the rise, Toyota still remains at the top of the market for automobile purchases in the Asian community.  Asians buy or lease 14 percent of all Toyota automobiles put on the market in Southern California.   As efforts to court Asian consumers have intensified over the past year, domestic brands like Cadillac, Chevrolet and Lincoln are also showing higher selling rates among Asians.

Another manufacturer to keep an eye on this year is Volvo. Their commitment to the Asian market is beginning to pay off.  Between 2003 and 2004, Volvo sales to Southern California Asians grew 27 percent indexing 151 against its own growth in the total Southern California.

LA-18 reports that the statistical information received from R. L Polk yields many other trends in the Asian automotive market.  Combined with other data, such as the station's proprietary consumer survey, R.L. Polk data can serve as a useful tool for automotive marketers.

LA 18 KSCI-TV was founded in 1976, and today is Southern California's preeminent Asian-language TV station, bringing news and entertainment in 12 languages to 5.9 million TV households in the Los Angeles and San Diego television markets. LA 18 produces daily local newscasts in Vietnamese and Mandarin as well as talk shows in Mandarin and Korean. LA 18 was also the first Asian-language station in L.A. to win an Emmy for its series, "U.S. Citizenship: A Dream Come True" and was one of only two local stations to receive an Emmy nomination for its live coverage of the September 11th tragedies.

(http://www.aapress.com/archive/2005/webaug5/n-cars.htm)

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August 6, 2005

VOTING RIGHTS ACT
Warnings issued on law's anniversary
Today's barriers to voting are more subtle than in the 1960s, civil rights leaders say

By SALATHEIA BRYANT
Copyright 2005 Houston Chroniclee

Texas Southern University political scientist Sanders Anderson Jr. remembers when the simple, civic act of registering to vote could be difficult and even dangerous for blacks living in the South.

It was 1968 and the 21-year-old Southern University political science major sometimes skipped classes to ferry blacks to the courthouse of his small Louisiana parish to help them register with a federal examiner — one of the provisions of the Voting Rights Act, passed 40 years ago this week.

Back then, Anderson recalls, county officials changed voting times and closed offices to keep blacks from the ballot box.

"People had experienced meanness from these county administrators," he said. "A lot of times it was just fear of people doing something to them. They had seen people lose their jobs. Across the South they had seen people get beat up."

Anderson said he wanted to register with county officials, "to show them I wasn't afraid," but on one trip, he also registered with the federal examiner.

Often called the single most effective piece of civil rights legislation passed by Congress, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Aug. 6 — did much to eliminate blatant roadblocks to voting found across the South. It outlawed literacy tests, called for federal observers to monitor elections and for federal examiners to register qualified citizens.

"People had been intimidated. There had been problems all over the South," said Anderson who gives his students at TSU extra points if they have a voter registration card. "The Voting Rights Act changed all that."

The act initially applied to several states in the Deep South, but not Texas. Congress applied it to Texas in 1975, to address voting violations involving Hispanics.

Even today, Anderson and others warn, more subtle barriers to voting exist.

"It has become more of a people of color issue," said Rogene Gee Calvert, president of the Houston 80-20, a political action committee for Asian Americans. "There's a whole gauntlet of things that have to be done to make it an open process."

Contemporary barriers to voting include disparity in the selection of early voting locations, inadequate voting machinery, which some people blame for long lines at polling places, and the lack of a uniform law regulating voting privileges for felons.

"If people show up at a polling place and it has moved and no one can tell them where, they have been denied the right to vote," said Barbara Arnwine, executive director of Washington-based Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. "Every election is about who really gets to vote."

Example from 2003

Voter rights advocates, both locally and nationally, point to recent elections to prove the need for continued vigilance in voting.

In 2003, for example, a voting rights controversy ignited on the campus of Prairie View A&M University when the Waller County district attorney questioned the rights of students to vote in county elections. District Attorney Oliver Kitzman, who is white, sent a letter to county officials saying students at the predominantly black university were not eligible to vote in local elections. He was overruled by Attorney General Greg Abbott. Kitzman later resigned.

The 2000 presidential election in Florida also is cited frequently as an example of voter disenfranchisement. A number of Florida ballots were rejected in the 2000 recount because of undervotes, overvotes or indecipherable punch cards. But black voters' ballots were discarded at a rate substantially higher than those of white voters.

Arnwine's group, along with other civil rights organizations, has formed the National Commission on the Voting Rights Act, which is set to file a detailed report of discrimination in voting since 1982 to support congressional reauthorization of some sections of the Voters Right Act, set to expire in 2007.

Since March, members of the organization have taken testimony from blacks, Latinos, Asians and American Indians about their experience with discrimination in voting. Arnwine said several National Association for the Advancement of Colored People branches in Texas have asked the group to come to the state for a hearing.

Software faulted

Houston has a long and complicated relationship with the Voting Rights Act, which requires that certain jurisdictions, including Harris County, provide bilingual assistance to voters.

Calvert testified before the voting rights commission about issues involving Vietnamese voters in Harris County. In July 2002, the Justice Department notified Harris County election officials that voting materials must be translated into Vietnamese. In its "precleared" voting procedures, Harris County included plans to do so by the 2003 election. However, because software couldn't be upgraded in time, Vietnamese was not included on the eSlate electronic voting machine. Instead, Vietnamese-speaking voters were given a paper template in Vietnamese to use with the eSlate.

In a memorandum of understanding with the Justice Department, the Harris County Clerk's office pledged to create a more effective Vietnamese language program that allows for instructions and ballots on the same basis provided for English and Spanish. The plan called for hiring a full-time coordinator to the Vietnamese election programs and having interpreters at polling places where more than 50 Vietnamese surnames are registered. The clerk's office also hired a full-time Hispanic coordinator. In addition, an early voting location was opened in a Vietnamese social service agency.

"It's a matter of what are they willing to do or what they have to do. The VRA gives those municipalities who may be reluctant a push. Without it we would still be quibbling over translations," said Calvert, who said that in visiting polling places in 2003 she found that some had not posted the Vietnamese translation of sample ballots or other voting material.

County Clerk Beverly Kaufman,