NCVA REPORTER - November 9, 2004

In this NCVA Reporter:

Events

• CAPAL Annual Fundraising Dinner – Nov 17, 2004
• Alliance for Justice Web Training on Lobbying

Funding Opportunities

• HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative
• Volvo for Life Awards
• Food Industry Crusade Against Hunger: FOOD FOR ALL Program
• Academy for Educational Development: New Voices Fellowship Program
• Bank of the West Corporate Contributions Program
• Youth Recovery and Resilience Request for Proposals
• National Endowment for the Humanities We the People Initiative
• Dodge Foundation 2005 Teacher Fellowships
• $20,000 Cleveland Community Service Award
• 2005 Leadership for a Changing World Awards

Jobs/Internships

• The Kaiser Media Internships in Urban Health Reporting

Tips/Resources

• Nonprofit Branding: Unveiling the Essentials
• Free Database of Nonprofit Capacity Building Programs

News

• WLOX faces sex discrimination lawsuit (Sun Herald)
• Incumbents have a good day at polls (Mobile Register)
• Longtime legislator Heflin upset by Democrat Vo (Houston Chronicle)
• First Vietnamese-American lawmaker object of pride, threats (Associated Press)
• Vo wins District 149 seat by 31 votes (Houston Chronicle)

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EVENTS

You are cordially invited to

The CAPAL ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP DINNER, our annual event to raise support for and awareness of the CAPAL scholarship programs:

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at 6:30pm
Chinatown Garden 618 H Street, NW
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown

TICKETS:
$40/person ($25/student)
Gold sponsorship: $500/table
Platinum sponsorship: $1000/table
(10 seats/table)

We will be presenting CAPAL Public Service Awards to Hung Nguyen and Ron Nerida, both past CAPAL board members. Speakers include Daphne Kwok, one of CAPAL's founders and Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, and Doua Thor, recipient of the first Asha Jaini Memorial Graduate Leadership Fellowship.

Please RSVP with Jennifer Na at jennifer.na@gmail.com or (703) 981-3416 by Sunday, November 14, 2004.

About CAPAL's scholarship programs: CAPAL offers scholarship stipends to outstanding students seeking careers in public service. Scholarships have been financed by memorial funds established in honor of APA public servants who have since passed away and community partners. The Asha Jaini Graduate Fellowship, the Asha Jaini Emerging Leader Award, the Senator Paul Simon Scholarship, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, and State Farm Scholarship Awards have been awarded to outstanding Asian Pacific American students for public or non-profit sector internships in Washington DC. These $2,000 scholarships are intended to enable outstanding college students with the potential for leadership to work full-time and learn about ways to effect public policy in order to better benefit and serve Asian Pacific American communities.

The CAPAL Mission: The mission of CAPAL is to promote APA interests and success in public sector careers, to provide information and education on policy issues affecting the APA community, and to serve the APA community at large.

For more information: www.capal.org or capal@capal.org

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ALLIANCE FOR JUSTICE WEB TRAINING ON LOBBYING

Join the Alliance for Justice in its continuing series of online trainings for nonprofits as we explore the rules for lobbying by 501(c)(3)public charities.

Want to know what your 501(c)(3) organizations can accomplish but don't have time to attend a training outside of the office?  Sit at your desktop in your office or home and join the Alliance for Justice for a virtual lobbying training.

This one-hour web-based training will cover the rules for 501(c)(3) lobbying activity, including lobbying limits, definitions of lobbying, and some notable lobbying exceptions.

WHEN: **TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30th** at 2 p.m. EDT, (1 pm CST, 12 noon MST, 11 am PST,10 am Alaska, 9 am Hawaii)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO PARTICIPATE:
You will need a computer with internet access and working computer speakers in order to participate.  Questions will be taken through an online chat mechanism, but not through voice, so you do not need a microphone.  Once you've registered, we'll email instructions on how to log in to the training.

COST: $30

To register online, click on or paste in the following link:
http://www.afj.org/nonprofit/workshops_events

If paying by check or AMEX, register directly with Robin Powers at rpowers@afj.org or 202/822-6070.

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

HP TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING GRANT INITIATIVE

Support for Use of Technology in Education

The HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative is designed to support the innovative use of mobile technology in K-16 education, and to help identify K-12 public schools and two- and four-year colleges and universities that HP might support with future grants. The K-12 initiative supports K-12 public schools using a collaborative, team-based approach to implementing technology integration projects. The higher education initiative provides support to educators for projects that redesign core courses in a way that integrates HP mobile technology and positively impacts student learning. HP product packages, teacher stipends, and technical assistance are provided. Public K-12 schools and private and public two- and four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted online from January 17, 2005 to February 15, 2005.

(http://www.hp.com/go/hpteach)

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VOLVO FOR LIFE AWARDS

Awards Honor Heroes in Safety, Quality of Life, and the Environment

The Volvo for Life Awards, a program designed by Volvo Cars of North America, recognize and reward U.S. heroes for their contributions in three areas reflecting Volvo's core values: safety, quality of life, and environment. Nominees are being sought who act beyond the ordinary requirements of their profession or daily routine. Six finalists will be awarded $25,000 for their charity of choice and a trip to the awards ceremony and three winners will receive $50,000 for their charity of choice and a trip to the awards ceremony. In addition to the charitable donation, the grand winner will receive a Volvo for life. All U.S. citizens or legal residents of the U.S. of any age, including U.S. citizens living abroad, are eligible for the award. Nominations must be submitted by January 10, 2005. Visit the website listed above for more information or to access the online nomination form.

(http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com)

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FOOD INDUSTRY CRUSADE AGAINST HUNGER: FOOD FOR ALL PROGRAM

Funds to Fight Hunger: Applications Due February 3

FOOD FOR ALL, a program of the Food Industry Crusade Against Hunger, is a voluntary effort of the food industry to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by fostering long-term, self-help solutions in the U.S. and around the world. Grants are awarded to programs that build community food security, develop individual and family self-reliance, and create employment opportunities. Nonprofit organizations located in a geographic area where retailers participate in the year-round program are eligible to apply. These geographic areas include California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The application deadline is February 3, 2005. Visit the above website for more information, including information on FOOD FOR ALL's international program.

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

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ACADEMY FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: NEW VOICES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
January 10 Deadline for New Voices Fellowship Program

The Academy for Educational Development's New Voices Fellowship Program is a national program to help nonprofit organizations bring innovative new talent to their staffs. Salary-support grants are awarded to small nonprofits working in the areas of human rights and social justice that demonstrate a commitment to cultivating and strengthening the leadership potential of "new voices." Selected fellows, the "new voices" working with the nonprofit, are offered financial assistance, training, and other opportunities for personal and professional development. Nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. are eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is January 10, 2005.

(http://www.aed.org/newvoices)

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BANK OF THE WEST CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS PROGRAM

Bank of the West Provides Community Supportt

The Bank of the West Corporate Contribution Program supports nonprofit organizations in communities the bank serves in the states of California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, and New Mexico. The bank's areas of interest include education and job training, community and civic organizations, health and human care, cultural activities, and community development. Applications are accepted year-round.

(http://www.bankofthewest.com/in_contributions.htm)

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YOUTH RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Grants Program is issuing a Request for Applications in the area of Youth Recovery and Resilience. This funding is available to support mental health services and resiliency programs for children directly impacted or personally exposed to the events of 9/11; training or support for the caring adults in their lives; and collaborations or partnerships among services providers and specialized centers capable of providing professional support for the detection and treatment of children and youth affected by traumatic experiences. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications are due December 3, 2004..

(http://www.recoverygrants.org)

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NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES WE THE PEOPLE INITIATIVE

As part of its We the People initiative, NEH invites proposals for challenge grants designed to help institutions and organizations secure long-term improvements in and support for humanities activities focused on exploring significant themes and events in American history. NEH is particularly interested in projects that advance knowledge of the founding principles of the United States in their full historical and institutional context. The application deadline is February 1, 2005.

(http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/wtpchallenge.html)

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DODGE FOUNDATION 2005 TEACHER FELLOWSHIPS

The Dodge Foundation 2005 Teacher Fellowships for New Jersey Charter School Teachers will provide $125,000 in grants to full-time, classroom K-12 teachers in New Jersey’s charter school, to support and encourage personal and professional renewal. Awards to teachers will range between $2,000 and $7,500 for individuals, and between $5,000 and $10,000 for teams (2 or more teachers with one common proposal). Applications are due January 17, 2005..

(http://www.grdodge.org/teacherfellowships_main.htm)

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$20,000 CLEVELAND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Public-service organizations in the Greater Cleveland area are eligible for the Anisfield-Wolf Memorial Award, a $20,000 grant for outstanding community service.

The award, given out annually by the Center for Community Solutions, is for nonprofits that have performed notable service above and beyond their basic mission in a program or specific activity.

The majority of service must have been completed in 2004. Deadline for application is Jan. 19, 2005.

(http://www.clevelandfoundation.org)

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2005 LEADERSHIP FOR A CHANGING WORLD AWARDS

Jan. 7, 2005 is the deadline for the Leadership for a Changing World program, an initiative of the Ford Foundation to recognize and award leaders nationwide.

Seventeen leaders will be picked from various fields and communities working on social-justice issues such as education reform, community development, and human development. Winners will receive $100,000 over two years for their programs and initiatives, and an additional $15,000 for "exploring new learning opportunities," the program's website says.

Nominations must be made by someone outside of the organization, their family members, or relations. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens. A detailed layout of the award and application process can be obtained online.

(http://leadershipforchange.org/nomination)

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JOBS/INTERNSHIPS

THE KAISER MEDIA INTERNSHIPS IN URBAN HEALTH REPORTING

The Kaiser Media Internships Program, established in 1994, is an intensive 12-week summer internship for young minority journalists interested in specializing in urban public health reporting. The aim is to provide journalists or journalism college graduates with an in-depth introduction to and practical experience on the specialist health beat. The application deadline is December 3, 2004..

(http://www.kff.org/about/mediainternships.cfm#AboutInternship)

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TIPS/RESOURCES

NONPROFIT BRANDING: UNVEILING THE ESSENTIALS

An organization's greatest asset is its brand. Branding is the process of creating a clear, consistent message about your organization, so that when people see your logo or hear your name, they'll think of your mission and programs in terms you have defined. I.e., the way you want them to.

In graduate school recently, I drew on 18 years' practical experience in marketing to look at nonprofits and branding. I found that nonprofits devote little time, energy, and care to branding, and that they generally relegate this process to a lower-level functionary.

The reason why is readily apparent: daily responsibilities and thin resources give nonprofit executives little time for the reflection that effective brand management requires. The purpose of this article is to help busy nonprofit managers by distilling the essentials of branding in a simple and concise fashion.

Four Steps

1. Define your overall brand perception today.
Step back and view your organization through the eyes of a potential donor. What do people see as your organization's mission? What do they think are its most important activities? How do they define your goals? If you don't like what you see, it's time to roll up your sleeves and evaluate every facet of your brand.

2. Describe your goal for your brand.
Every organization should ask itself, "What is the one thing that we do better than anyone else?" To be a meaningful brand, your cause must be a first—a new category, approach, or service that hasn't been exploited.

My master's thesis focused on a nonprofit organization that had many competitors in a crowded market space. What set them apart was that they were a fully functioning village. The organization slowly shifted its brand perception from a decentralized rescue mission to a community that integrates a variety of functions (meals, shelter, education, behavior enhancement, hope, etc.) under one roof. This concept has the potential to become a powerful new brand position in the local community, one whose attributes are easily recognizable and unique.

3. Create a plan to reach the brand goal.
This step bridges the gap between the current perception of your brand and your brand goal. As with any planning process, a series of activities that culminate in a brand shift takes time and patience. Great brands are not invented overnight; achieving them requires careful planning and attention to detail. A brand that lives on in the mind of each donor must be developed through years of message layering. One Super Bowl ad just won't cut it!

4. Make the brand live throughout your organization.
Finally, the key to successful branding is top-down commitment and involvement. The greatest stumbling block to achieving a brand goal lies in its execution; most plans are written and then collect dust on the shelf. Brand planning requires daily attention for progression and change to occur.

Once your brand is defined, every facet of your organization should be centered on that mission. Aside from the change in external messages, a separate campaign to inform, educate, and acquire buy-in from everyone associated with your nonprofit is essential. In order for the new brand perception to be realized, it can't be the latest management fad—it needs to reside in the hearts and minds of every single board member, paid employee, and volunteer! My research indicates that monthly, weekly, and even daily meetings are needed to ensure that a consistent message is delivered and acted on.

Summary
The four essentials of branding provide nonprofits with a structure from which to reflect on their own brand processes. All brands should be re-evaluated continuously to ensure that the message and delivery of services support each other. Analyzing the present perception of your brand and projecting a future brand goal lead naturally into the planning process. Integrating the entire organization into the execution of the plan is critical for realizing the brand promise.

Bill Nissim, October 2004
© 2003, 2004, Bill Nissim

Bill Nissim consults with nonprofit organizations on brand-management issues. He developed brand strategies for Parker Hannifin and wrote his graduate thesis on nonprofit branding methodologies. Bill received his bachelor's degree in advertising, master's in communications, and is in pursuit an MBA in change management. His Web site, www.ibranz.com, contains reference materials, links, and helpful articles on the many facets of branding.

(http://www.guidestar.org/news/features/npo_branding.jsp)

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FREE DATABASE OF NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMS

Human Interaction Research Institute: Philanthropic Capacity Building Resources Databasee

The Human Interaction Research Institute, an organization helping nonprofits handle the challenges of innovation and change using behavioral science strategies, helps nonprofits find information on capacity building programs through the Philanthropic Capacity-Building Resources Database. The database, a free resource, includes descriptions of 318 capacity building programs being carried out by various types of U.S. foundations. Database users may request a profile of any program, or conduct searches according to geography or type of capacity-building work. Visit the website listed above for more information and to access the database.

(http://www.humaninteract.org/pcbrdatabase.htm)

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NEWS

September 29, 2004

WLOX FACES SEX DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

By MELISSA M. SCALLAN

BILOXI - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against WLOX-TV and its parent company, The Liberty Corporation.

In its complaint, the commission alleges that the station violated the Civil Rights Act when it failed to promote Trang Pham-Bui to a news co-anchor position because of her pregnancy.

In September 2002, station manager Dave Vincent said Pham-Bui, then the education reporter, and weekend anchor Rebecca Powers would share the weekday co-anchor spot with Jeff Lawson. Two weeks later, Vincent said Pham-Bui and management agreed she would not be an anchor, and he suggested the impending arrival of her fourth child was a factor.

"... Employers are not permitted to make employment decisions on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions," said Charles E. Guerrier, regional attorney for the EEOC's Birmingham District Office. "In this case it appears that, at every stage of the process for filling the vacant co-anchor position, WLOX management let Ms. Pham-Bui's pregnancy affect their judgment."

The EEOC charges that the station "restructured the position because of Ms. Pham-Bui's pregnancy, and then withdrew that offer while contract terms were being negotiated."

In a news release, the EEOC said it filed suit "after exhausting its conciliation efforts to reach a voluntary pre-litigation settlement." The suit seeks "appropriate back pay with prejudgment interest," as well as compensation for monetary and non-monetary losses, including emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life and humiliation.

The suit also seeks "punitive damages for its malicious and reckless conduct, in amounts to be determined at trial. The suit also seeks injunctive relief prohibiting the employer from engaging in any employment practice which discriminates on the basis of sex."

Guerrier said The Liberty Corporation would have time to file a response to the lawsuit before any court proceedings would be scheduled. He added that it was the commission office in Washington, D.C., that made the decision to file the lawsuit.

When contacted Tuesday afternoon, Vincent said he did not know the lawsuit had been filed.

"I don't know if we could say anything because it's a personnel issue," he said.

Pham-Bui worked for WLOX from 1989 to 1992 as a news producer. She left in 1992 for a stint at WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, but returned to WLOX in 1993, again as a news producer. She became a reporter in 1997.

Pham-Bui still works at the station as the education reporter. She said Tuesday she has not seen the lawsuit.

"I understand the government has filed a lawsuit on my behalf, but I haven't seen it, so I can't really comment on it," she said.

(http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/9785756.htm)

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November 3, 2004

LONGTIME LEGISLATOR HEFLIN UPSET BY DEMOCRAT VO

By Kristen Mackk
Houston Chronicle

Republican Talmadge Heflin, one of the state's most powerful legislators, was upset by businessman Hubert Vo late Tuesday, losing a close race for the seat Heflin has held for more than two decades.

In complete but unofficial returns, Vo had a 52-vote margin over Heflin, who leads the influential House Appropriations Committee.

In other Harris County state House races, Republican incumbent Martha Wong and Democratic incumbent Scott Hochberg beat back strong challenges to hold their seats. Ten other incumbents from Harris County easily defeated challengers, and 12 were elected without opposition.

Heflin, named Appropriations chairman during last year's legislative session — the first in which Republicans controlled the House — also is a member of the Select Committee on Public School Finance.

Vo, who immigrated from Vietnam 30 years ago, had said that he could better represent the diverse District 149, which includes parts of Alief, west Houston and Katy and is 36 percent white, 21 percent Hispanic, 20 percent black and 18 percent Asian.

"I went into this race, I had no hesitation at all," Vo said. "I think the people of this district wanted some changes, and I can be a better representation for them."

Heflin could not be reached by the Chronicle late Tuesday.

Vo focused much of his race on Heflin's record, saying the incumbent would be hurt because of cuts in the state share of school funding and children's health insurance during his tenure as appropriations chairman.

Heflin also got unfavorable attention last summer when he tried unsuccessfully to take custody of a 20-month-old boy away from his mother, an immigrant from Uganda.

Austin lobbyists poured a lot of money into Heflin's race, helping him raise more than $250,000 from political action committees and lobbyists.

Wong, who sought a second term representing District 134 in Meyerland, South Braeswood, West University Place and the Texas Medical Center, pledged to continue efforts to control property taxes, with a cap on tax appraisals as her No. 1 issue. She also wants to attract biotechnology companies to Houston.

Her opponent, lawyer Jim Dougherty, said the two most important issues are restoring the funding cut from the Children's Health Insurance Plan and devising a school finance plan that relies less heavily on local property taxes.

Republican businesswoman Ann Witt challenged Hochberg in a district the GOP thought it could capture because of its closely split voting history.

Hochberg moved into District 137 two years ago after redistricting made it unlikely he would be re-elected in the district he had represented since 1993.

The southwest Houston district includes the Sharpstown, Gulfton and Westchase neighborhoods.

Hochberg thinks the major problems facing the state are school funding, the affordability of higher education and crime-related issues.

Easily re-elected were Republican incumbents Peggy Hamric in District 126, Joe Crabb in District 127, Wayne Smith in District 128, Corbin Van Arsdale in District 130, Joe Nixon in District 133, Beverly Woolley in District 136 and Dwayne Bohac in District 138.

Democratic incumbents Kevin Bailey in District 140, Harold Dutton in District 142 and Joe Moreno in District 143 also easily defeated challengers..

(http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/2881310)

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November 4, 2004

FIRST VIETNAMESE-AMERICAN LAWMAKER OBJECT OF PRIDE, THREATS

By Ben Foxox
Associated Press