Please Note: The NDHRC distributes a bi-weekly PAUR report to inform our members and friends about news, events, and other human rights related information around the state. The opinions expressed within the articles are those of the authors and are not endorsed by the NDHRC.

New NDHRC members: as a membership benefit you have received an e-mail subscription of our bi-weekly e-mail newsletter, the NDHRC PAUR Report. If you would like to be removed from the PAUR Report mailing list, please send an email to humanrights@ndhrc.org.

Women’s Leadership Development Opportunity*

The Tri-College NEW (National Education for Women's) Leadership Development Institute will be held on May 20-24, 2006 at North Dakota State University, in Fargo, ND. The institute is an intensive five-day residential program designed to encourage civic and political participation and to provide public leadership training to women who do not already have extensive leadership experience. There is a particular emphasis on recruiting women from groups that have typically been
underrepresented voices in the political process.

Any woman who is interested in politics, leadership, public service, or community service, and has a desire to develop her own leadership skills is encouraged to apply. Approximately 40 college students and non-students will be accepted. Priority will be given to women who are at the beginning stages of their leadership development.

There is NO COST to participate. Participants will have the option of registering for a three-credit undergraduate course: Seminar in Women’s Studies, Topics in Sociology, or Social Work Workshop. Those who choose to register for course credits will have to pay for the course registration expenses. In addition, scholarships are available to cover travel and/or childcare expenses incurred during the five-day institute.

More information and an application form are available at http://appserv.mnstate.edu/whitede/conference/

*Applications will be accepted until March 24, 2006.*

Organize and educate one's community as a Planned Parenthood Coffee House Series Committee volunteer! Committee volunteers will work as a team to plan and implement a local “coffee discussion” series, bringing together pro-choice advocates in the Fargo area to learn about and discuss a variety of relevant and insightful topics related to access to reproductive health and education. Planned Parenthood (NDHRC Member) is looking for a group of people with a good understanding of the Fargo community (contacts within the local pro-choice community are helpful), an ability to work both independently and as a part of a team, an interest in organizing and education others, and who support Planned Parenthood’s mission. Flexible commitment.

Gain valuable experience as Planned Parenthood’s Legislative Intern! The Legislative Assistant will be responsible for tracking, reporting and monitoring legislative activity as it pertains to the issues that affect Planned Parenthood and its clients. Specific duties may include researching voting records to identify pro-choice legislators, tracking proactive and reactive North Dakota legislation, maintaining a spreadsheet of current legislation, monitoring legislative website and list serves, reporting updates to staff and monitoring committee hearings/floor sessions. Familiarity with web pages and database software preferred. Located at Fargo Office.

A reality checker volunteer will monitor local media outlets, particularly newspapers, for items on reproductive health and family planning, or those concerning or mentioning Planned Parenthood. After monitoring local media outlets the Reality Checker volunteer will educate the public by responding to news items on reproductive health or Planned Parenthood by writing letters to the editor.

Clinic Administrative Assistant – Moorhead:
As a clinic administrative assistant, the assistant will be patients’ first contact with Planned Parenthood. The clinic administrative assistant will greet incoming patients and make them feel comfortable in the clinic, initiate clinic processes, and complete clerical tasks and general office procedures. Phone system management and patient record and file maintenance are also required tasks. This position is essential to patient flow and to the smooth and efficient operation of the total clinic system. Planned Parenthood's best candidates will have prior customer service and office experience, superior communication skills and the ability to file records and files accurately.

For information on volunteering in for Planned Parenthood in Fargo or throughout North Dakota,

For information on volunteering in Moorhead, contact Nicole at nmarine@ppmns.org or 218-236-7145.

The Arc (NDHRC Member) is asking for your help with anyone who can complete this questionaire. If you know someone who fits the criteria, please get this survey into their hands.

From the National Sibling Consortium and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development

We know surprisingly little about the relationship between individuals with disabilities and their adult siblings.

To better understand this long-lasting relationship, we have created the "Adult Sibling Questionnaire" for anyone age 18 or over with a sister or brother with disabilities.

The Adult Sibling Questionnaire has questions in the following general areas:
            .         You
            .         Your Sibling with Disabilities
            .         Your Family
            .         Joint Activities and Involvement
            .         Support Needs of Brother/Sister
            .         Your Health and Well-Being
            .         Reflections on Your Relationship with your Brother/Sister

The questionnaire should take 20-25 minutes to complete, all answers are anonymous, and participation is voluntary.

A summary of the results of the questionnaire will be provided to those who request it. In addition, the findings will be presented at The Arc National Convention, October 12-14, 2006 in San Diego, and in The Arc's newsletter, InSight, and other publications and scientific journals.

If you are 18 years of age or older and have a brother or sister with disabilities, please participate!

The online version of the questionnaire is at https://kc.vanderbilt.edu/FamilyResearch

Paper copies are also available. Call or email your contact information
(Name, Address, City, State, Zip) to: Family Research phone:
1.888.322.5339 [free] or email: FamilyResearch@vanderbilt.edu

We sincerely appreciate your time and interest in this important area of family research.

Thank You

Robert Hodapp, PhD
Richard C Urbano, PhD
Ann Kaiser, PhD
On behalf of the National Sibling Consortium and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development

ND APSE: The Network on Employment is soliciting nominations for workers and business owners with disabilities and professionals who work to increase employment opportunities for North Dakotans with disabilities. In the past, 1 or 2 awards have been given in each region for Best of the Best Employee with Disabilities. One statewide winner is selected from the nominations for Best of the Best Professional. Past winners have included Dave Zentner, Darrell Farland, Marla Kulig, and Pat Knudson. One statewide winner is selected for Best of the Best Business Owner.

The awards are presented at the NDACF conference and the winners receive a plaque from ND APSE: The Network on Employment. Award winners in the Best of the Best Employee with Disabilities are eligible to win an airline ticket and conference registration for the national APSE: The Network on Employment Conference in Boston on June 27, 28, and 29, 2006.

The deadline is March 20, 2006. The letter and the nomination forms are linked below.

The GOD'S CHILD Project and Patrick Atkinson have been selected by the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees to receive this year's "Kiwanis World Service Medal."

According to their literature: Kiwanis International is one of the world's largest service clubs with 275,000 members and 8,400 clubs in 96 nations. The Kiwanis International "World Service Medal" was instituted 21 years ago, and is presented to just one individual worldwide each year. This is the first year that this recognition will be given to co-recipients: The GOD'S CHILD Project and Patrick. The medal is accompanied by a $10,000 grant which will directly go in its entirety to the poor served by The GOD'S CHILD Project (NDHRC Members).

The formal presentation of this medal will be part of the Kiwanis International Convention, to be held in Montreal Quebec on June 29th, 2006. Kiwanis International has offered to provide Patrick with travel, hotel, and meal expenses.

They have also invited GOD'S CHILD Project to set up an information table in the Montreal Convention Centre, where an estimated 6,000 Kiwanis members from around the world will be attending this event. To work this table and engage in appropriate networking opportunity, at least two other GOD'S CHILD Project team members will join Patrick in going to Montreal.

"This award has been earned with the hard work and dedicated commitment over the past several of the full GOD'S CHILD Project team - God, you, our benefactors, the children and the poor we serve (in Guatemala, El Salvador, The United States, and Africa), and our professional and volunteer staffs. THANK YOU! The great part you play in all the project does to alleviate suffering, both locally and worldwide, is inspirational. "

Patrick Atkinson

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is pleased to announce a pilot study of a national, one-call center at 1-800-444-6443 that provides individualized and confidential information and resources for individuals with brain injury, family members, and caregivers. This pilot study establishes a National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) that automatically connects callers directly to the Information and Resources staff in three pilot States: Michigan, Minnesota, and Mississippi. The Information and Resources staff provides callers with brain injury information for quick linkages to the most appropriate local community services. Callers to this number from other States will be connected to BIAA's national office to receive brain injury information, help, and resources.

This project is sponsored by Cooperative Agreement #U17/CCU323329 of the Brain Injury Association of America and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visit BIAA's Web site for additional information at http://www.biausa.org.

Current members of the Autism Society of America, who reside in ND, are encouraged to "put your name on the list." Forming a local chapter will help get grants for programs and workshops for kids on the autism spectrum. Please visit www.autismnd.org for more information, or call 701-281-8254.

Nice Opportunity for a family! Do you know of a family that would benefit from having an accessible house? If you do, then you need to contact Habitat for Humanity in Bismarck, ND. Habitat for Humanity is going to start building an accessible home for one lucky family in Bismarck. The home is going to a ranch style home with 3 bedrooms, an accessible garage, accessible front and back entrance, fully accessible bathroom and other accessible features. The loan will be a 1% loan and the mortgage will be around $400 a month. Please call Habitat for Humanity and ask to speak with Jessie Quinn. Her number is (701) 255-7566 and her email address is jessie.mvfh@midconetwork.com. She will be able to tell you what the "Family Selection Criteria" consists of. They need to find a family quick, so do not put this off.

Need Help with the Medicare Part D Prescription Program- Enrollment assistance is also available through these entities under contracts with the Human Services department: Burleigh County Senior Adults, 701-255-4648; Fargo Senior Services, 701-293-1440; Greater Grand Forks Senior Citizens, 701-772-7245; Minot Commission on Aging, 701-852-0561; Rolette County Senior Meals & Services, 701-477-6421; South Central Adult Services (Valley City), 701-845-4300; Stark County Council on Aging Elder Care (Dickinson), 701-456-1818; and Williston Region I Senior Services, 701-577-6751.

Gasper's School of Dance.

Meets: Saturday 10 AM Adults: 11AM for children (1 hour each class)
At: 524 7th Street North, Fargo
Fee: $0
Starts: 24th Sept - end of May.
Come and have fun while you get fit.

Call: 234-9440(studio); 280-7032(Nandini)

Fargo Moorhead Monthly Social-organized by local parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and ND School for the Deaf. Socials will be held on Saturdays 1-3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Fargo. Saturday 2006 events are scheduled for April 8, May 13, September 9, October 14, and November 11. If interested contact Linda Ehlers (701) 239-7116

Children's Special Health Services (CSHS) Caring for kids with chronic illnesses and disabilities The purpose of Children’s Special Health Services is to provide services for children with special health care needs and their families and promote family-centered, community-based, coordinated services and systems of health care. Though CSHS exercises discretion in defining the population eligible for services, one of the programs address many of the needs experienced by children and their families. The Multidisciplinary Clinic Program: The Multidisciplinary Program provides comprehensive pediatric evaluations and coordinated care recommendations for children with special health care needs in order to help families effectively manage their child’s chronic health condition in the most effective manner. The bolded clinics are sponsored by Children’s Special Health Services and are offered at no cost to families. The other listed clinics are sponsored by private healthcare facilities. Contact CSHS Clinic staff for more information Sue Burns 328-4669 or Kora Dockter 328-4854

March 01 Fargo Cerebral Palsy Clinic- Janie Olson 701-234-6600 or 800-828-2903

March 07 Fargo Down Syndrome Clinic-Coordinated Treatment Center, Janie Olson 701-234-6600 or 800-828-2903 March 08 Fargo Ped. Neuro Rehab Clinic-contact Fargo number above

March 09 Bismarck Asthma Clinic Regional Asthma Clinic/ Mid Dakota Clinic Kirkwood Annette Bjornstad 701-530-8520

March 21 Bismarck Cystic Fibrosis, Heart & Lung Clinic, 701-530-7502, 800-932-8848

The Fair Housing of the Dakotas http://www.ndfhc.org/events.htm is hosting its series of "Fundamentals of Fair Housing" workshops in a number of communities in North and South Dakota. All workshops are open to the public and free of charge but registration is required.

Workshops have been scheduled for the following dates and communities in North Dakota for 2006:

• May 24: 1:00-4:45 PM, Alerus Center, 1200 42^nd Street South, Grand Forks, ND

• May 25: 1:00-4:45 PM, Ramada Plaza Suites, 1635 42^nd Street, SW, Fargo, ND

To register for any of these North Dakota workshops, please complete the registration form and mail or fax to the FHD offices: ND Workshop Flyer-2006.pdf.

Fargo Indian Education Parent Committee meet the 2^nd Tues. of each month at Wesley Center 6:30. Tutors are also needed: Elementary & High School Tutors needed (Native American preference) Part-time employment. Contact Melody Staebner 446-3641.

To register call (701) 777-3664 or register on line http://conflictresolution.und.nodak.edu

“Bringing Peace Into the Room”

Examine how presence, attitude, and intention affect our work as mediators and helping professionals.

In the morning, James Antes, psychologist and Kristine Paranica, as a lawyer/mediator will moderate a panel including: Twyla Baker Demaray, Center for Rural Health, traditional native practices; Lora Sloan, therapist and teacher/practitioner of meditation, director of Lotus Meditation Center; Brenda Jo Gillund, Altru Nurse working with cancer patients; and Gretchen Graf, a Presbyterian Pastor. The panel will talk about how they think about peace and presence and the impact they have on clients in various fields. The afternoon will focus on role-play scenarios around this topic, for mediators and those who wish to observe.

Come and learn from regional experts about legal, social and psychological issues facing the elderly and their families as they make decisions about their future. Expand your knowledge of resources and options. Morning speakers include: Collette Iseminger, Greater Grand Forks Senior Citizens Center; Susan Johnson-Drenth, Certified Elder Law Attorney; and Alana Knudson, assistant director at the Center for Rural Health. Spend the afternoon focused on skill building by role-playing elder care mediations as mediators or observers.

Civil Mediation Seminars 2006
40-hour Civil Mediation Seminar, Grand Forks, ND May 15-19
40-hour Civil Mediation Seminar, Grand Forks, ND Oct. 18-20 & Oct. 23-25

Family Mediation Seminar 2006
40-hour Family Mediation Seminar, Grand Forks, ND July 27-28 and July 31- Aug. 3

Mediation Refreshers 2006
Bringing Peace Into the Room, Grand Forks, ND March 15
Elder Issues and Mediation, Grand Forks, ND March 16
Dynamics of Domestic Violence for Family Mediators, Grand Forks, ND April 6

Conflict Management Seminar
The Lost Art of Listening, Grand Forks, ND September 21

We are happy to meet your specific needs in your own community by providing
Customized Training, Group Facilitation, and Mediation.

E-mail us at: conflict_resolution@und.nodak.edu

FM PRIDE Planning Meetings Mar. 14, Mar. 28 at 6-7:30 p.m Pride Collective and Community Center

Monday, March 13 @ Bismarck Public Library-Room A 6 PM Networking and 6:30 PM Panel Presentation

A community conversation on what women’s work contributes to the Bismarck-Mandan community, and how we can all best recognize and reward that work. Free Childcare: Children’s story time and homework assistance provided for children ages 3-12 from 6:30-8:30 PM

Sponsors: American Association of University Women, Business & Professional Women, ND Council on Abused Women’s Services, Voices for North Dakota’s Children, League of Women Voters, and AARP.

11:00 am – 1:00 pm “Direct Action” Bemidji Peace and Justice Street Protest – Bring signs and flags.

3:30 – 4:30 pm “Speakers for Peace”, Hobson Union, BSU, Enter lower level, lakeside.

6:00 pm “Candlelight Vigil”, at the lake pavilion for our lost soldiers of the Iraq War.

EVERYONE WELCOME

The RRAWC will be meeting on the Main St. bridge between Fargo and Moorhead on Saturday, March 18th from 1- 2pm. They will be demonstrating against the war and illegal occupation of Iraq. Then on Saturday evening they will be having some free music and guest speakers at the RED RAVEN EXPRESSO PARLOR on Roberts St. @ 7.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Dakota will host its second annual statewide 5K Walk for Wishes starting at 1 p.m. March 19 in the Fargodome. The other statewide locations are: University of Mary Fieldhouse, Bismarck; West River Community Center, Dickinson; Alerus Center, Grand Forks; YMCA, Minot; and Mercy Wellness Center, Williston. Registrations are due by March 13. For pledge forms or more information, call (701) 280-9474 or visit www.ndwish.org.

Using Your True Colors To Build Relationships-presented by Joyce Smith The Arc of Bismarck & Partners in Policymaking. True Colors offers you a fun, non-threatening approach to learning about your own personality style and how to best use it. Monday March 20, 2006 6-9 p.m. at the Robert D Johnson Center-1104 2^nd Ave. S. in Fargo. Please call Bonnie at 293-8191 or Deb at 235-9923 to pre-register. $5.00 honorarium requested-stipends available. Sponsored by the Federation of Families and The Arc of Cass County

6th Annual Campus Violence Summit/Date: March 22 & 23, 2006/Location: Four Bears Casino at New Town, ND. Hosted by Ft. Berthold Community College Registration: $25 , free for students

Contact: Renee Stromme at 888-255-6240 Registration: on-line at www.ndcaws.org or email Renee Stromme for more information at rstromme@ndcaws.org

#####

Indian Child Welfare Conference- March 22-24/Conference Flyer (2.97 Mb pdf)

This forum is intended for individuals and agencies working with Native American children and their families Location: Mandan, N.D., Seven Seas Inn & Conference Center
Registration: Fees vary from $65 to $150 depending on lead time before the conference and number of days registered to attend. On-site registration is possible.
Contact: Native American Training Institute, 4007 State Street Suite, 110, Bismarck ND 58503, (701) 255-6374 or (701) 426-1315, www.nativeinstitute.org

Monday, March 27, 2006, 10:00am to 4:30pm, Comfort Inn 1030 E. Interstate Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501,

Any one interested in learning about the Family Group Decision Making Process in Child Welfare to include: Providers,

Community partners, Social Service agencies, Schools, Human Service Centers, Division of Juvenile Justice and Courts. FGDM is an approach to working with families involved in the Child Welfare system. FGDM is a decision-making process that increases the use of kinship care, capitalizes on family strengths and affirms cultural diversity. Partnerships are developed between the family and providers. FGDM recognizes that families make well-informed decisions and developplans that nurture their children and protect them from further abuse or neglect. Please RSVP Casey Goodhouse at (701) 328-3541or e-mail at sogooc@state.nd.us by 3-22-06 as seating is limited.

#####

A Time For Change: N.D. Symposium On Home And Community-Based Services March 30-31 Sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division
Description: The conference is for individuals who have an interest in home and community-based services for people who are elderly or who have disabilities. Speakers will address topics such as anxiety, paranoia and depression, methamphetamine, interviewing and redirecting, tips to prevent dementia, compassionate fatigue, medication assistive devices, and other topics.
Social work CEUs are available. Location: Bismarck, N.D., Radison Hotel Registration: $50
Contact: Scott Hague, N.D. Dept. of Human Services, Aging Services Division, 600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325, Bismarck ND 58505-0250, 701-328-4648, sohags@state.nd.us

#####

Is It Sensory or Is It Behavior? Problem Identification And Intervention. March 31^st& April 1^st2006. Fargo, North Dakota. This conference will assist professionals, parents and special educators to understand the challenging behaviors children with autism, PDD and sensory integrative disorders often demonstrate causing us to ask the question, “Is it Sensory or Is it Behavior?” Please call Red River Professional Education at 701-730-1404 or email jpeyerl@wah.midco.net to receive more information on this conference.

The Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Women’s Fund is co-sponsoring a traveling photographic exhibit, Girl Culture, by Lauren Greenfield at the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, Moorhead, until March 24. The exhibit includes 58 color photographs with essays based on interviews with the subjects. You may find more information at www.girlculture.com.

American Photo magazine recently named Greenfield one of the most influential photographers working today. Girl Culture, an exhibit based on her book of the same name, “visually narrates the ways in which girls, their bodies and their psyches intertwine with American popular culture.” The exhibition has been seen by more than 250,000 people throughout the United States and Europe.

Come and enjoy Indian Tacos and bid in the silent auction. Items that will be in the auction are: Star quilt, Native American greeting cards, jewelry, beaded barrettes, prints, shawl, films, dream catchers, Red Lake Nation Food gift basket, Turtle Mountain Red Willow basket, and much more. Proceeds benefit the 2006 Woodlands and High Plains Pow-Wow. Call 231-1029 for more information

#####

Do You Want To Be an Organizer?

Join PEPP for 3 Saturdays in April

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

    People Escaping Poverty Project

             Presents

        Community Organizing:
   AN Effective Model for Community
      Change & Social Justice

   Invest in 3 Saturdays in April
               =
           Progress!
____________________________

Community Organizing:
Effective Model for Community Change & Social Justice

Course Dates:
Saturdays,
April 8, 22, 29, 2006
10am-4pm @ PEPP
116 12th St S Moorhead, MN

This Intensive Training is designed to give participants real working
knowledge and skills that focus on building powerful and effective
organizations. This course will provide insight and training, which can be
used to actionize communities to organize for change in public policies
that will improve community conditions for all.

We will provide.
*Child Care
*Food
*Supplies
*Materials

Why Community Organizing?
PEPP believes that our community is ready to involve ordinary people in
doing extraordinary things. As the political infrastructure shifts its
responsibility away from our basic human rights, our communities have lost
services, a voice, a priority. And we have lost power. Community
Organizing brings attention to our community issues related to poverty,
and through collective action, strategies and people, help insure that
government programs are responsive to community needs.

What are Community Organizers?
Community Organizers develop leaders and assist people in being effective
in their strategies for improving the community. Our community has many
leaders; however, we have very few Organizers. Organizers develop
relationships, do research, assist in developing strategies, assist
leaders in acting in ways to achieve their vision, assist in developing
organization and Organizers bring people together to make decision and act
strategically on their self-interest.

About PEPP
Mission: PEPP's mission is to strategically challenge the power dynamics
of systems and institutions, by organizing powerful people and resources
through intentional relationships.

VISION: PEPP is building community, empowering people and uniting for
power, justice and equality.

PEPP is focusing on getting the community involved in creating long term
solutions to alleviate poverty. We are doing this by developing the
leadership of people who are low income and involving them in the process
of community building and democracy.

APPLICATION
The course has limited space and we ask that interested individuals
complete this application for consideration for participation in this
course. Simply provide us with your contact information and respond to the
questions in the center of this brochure.

Drop off or Mail to PEPP by
March 24, 2006

Candidates will be selected based on their interest in community change,
connection to their community, and their passion for social justice.

Contact PEPP at 236-5434 for More Information

Brochure pdf file

PUZZLED - Facing Today's Challenges. The North Dakota Family Based Services Association will be holding it's annual Conference at the Ramada Inn in Fargo on April 5th -7th. Topics include: Autism, Sexual Offenders, Sexual Abuse, Meth, Adolescent Anger Management, Rage, Spirituality, Checking into your mental status. For more Information go to the website: www.ndfbsa.org

3^rd Annual AT Expo-April 13^th, 2006 at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo. Come learn about Assistive Technology (AT) and how it can help you or someone you know! The 3^rd Annual AT Expo will highlight assistive technology (AT) devices and services to people of any age and ability to help them live, learn, work and play. People interested in attending may need AT for themselves, a friend, a family member, a student, an employee or a client. If you would like more information on the Expo, please contact either person above, Jeannie Krull at 1-800-895-4728~jmkrull@integra.net or go to the Internet: www.ndipat.org

The Courage Center in collaboration with the Fargo-Moorhead Family YMCA and the 2006 Assistive Technology Expo The Paralympic Academy Sports Clinic & Workshop Thursday, April 13th, 2006 - 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fargo-Moorhead Family YMCA 400 1st Ave South, Fargo, North Dakota. Come and experience what it takes to become an active participant in your sport of choice! Wheelchair Basketball, Power Soccer, Track-n-Field and Swimming are just a few of the sports that will be exhibited! Tryout adaptive equipment! For more information please call : Courage Center Sports & Recreation Dept. (763) 520-0558

Pathfinder Services of North Dakota Inc., annual conference 2006, "We Are All In This Together" will be held April 21-22, 2006 at Minot Holiday Inn, Riverside, Minot ND. It is our pleasure to collaborate with ND. Dept. of Special Education and the Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center staff, OSEP (USDOE) leaders and others. Our purpose is to provide information about recent changes in special education law for parents of children with disabilities, professionals and other relevant stakeholders. Participants will understand changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004), increase knowledge and skills on how to be meaningfully involved in children's special education programs. We encourage networking between parents, teachers, counselors, school administrators, special and general education professionals and others. Please note that we have a limited number of parent stipends available. For information please call Diana at Pathfinder Center 1-800-245-5840 weekdays, 9am-4pm.

17^th Annual Woodlands and High Plains Traditional Powwow

The WHPP Committee invites you to attend the 17^th Annual Woodlands and High Plains Traditional Powwow 2006, themed "Honor Mother Earth and Her Children.” The WHP Powwow is sponsored by: North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College. This event will be held April 22, 2006 at the NDSU Bison Sports Arena, 1300 – 17th Ave North, Fargo, ND.

Grand Entries are scheduled for 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Dancer and Drum Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m.

A traditional meal will be served at 5:00 p.m. Head Staff includes: Danny Seaboy from Sisseton SD as MC, Dennis Bercier from Turtle Mountain, ND as Arena Director, Ambrose Littelghost from Spirit Lake, ND as Spiritual Advisor and April Ray of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, MN and Larry Yazzie, Meskwaki/Dine, as Head Dancers.

No alcohol or drugs permitted on campus. The WHP Powwow Committee and our affiliates are not responsible for accidents, lost or stolen articles.

14th Annual Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Conference/April 20 and 21, 2006 Doublewood Inn, Bismarck, ND For more information contact the Abused Adult Resource Center 701-222-8370

Save the Date-Lose the Training Wheels Camp in Dickinson, North Dakota. The camp will be held from May 22^nd – 26^th. Each child will attend the camp for 75 minutes each day. The session times are listed below. The camp will be held at the Dickinson Rec Center. The fee per child is $35.00. We must receive the registration fee with the application in order to accept the application. Applicants will be accepted on a first come basis along with eligibility criteria. If you have any questions, you can call Missi at 290-8711 or e-mail at celebrate@ctctel.com. Visit www.losethetrainingwheels.org for more information!

Save the Date-The North Dakota Family Connections Conference will be held in Bismarck this spring on June 14, 15, and 16^th. This conference, which rotates between Bismarck and Fargo, is an excellent resource for families of children with special needs. Assistance with the cost of registration and any travel expenses are usually available. Designer Genes gives it the stamp of approval. Once it’s updated with the 2006 conference information, you can refer to: http://www.conted.und.edu/connections/

Save the Date-Attention Youth! -The third annual Youth Disability Leadership Conference will be held in Minot on June 20-22, 2006 on the MSU campus. The conference is open to students aged 15-21 who have disabilities. The registration fee is $50.00, which includes meals for the entire conference, two nights lodging, and local transportation. For more information, see the conference web site at www.ndcpd.org/youth. Registration Forms are available on the website as well as information about the past conference. For questions about lodging, contact Dawn Olson at 1-800-233-1737 or email dawn.d.olson@minotstateu.edu

Save the Date- All professionals, consumers, advocates, families and friends……..The North Dakota Disabilities Advocacy Consortium (NDDAC) will be holding its 2^nd Annual Dakota Disabilities Issues Forum. This conference will be held August 22^nd and 23^rd in Bismarck. Issues addressed at this conference will be related to disabilities, including upcoming legislative concerns in the 2007 session. If you have any additional questions, please contact Brenda or Jim at 223-0347.

Social Justice Training Institute
June 7 - 11, 2006
Springfield, MA

*Application Deadline: March 31, 2006*

*What is the Social Justice Training Institute? *
The Social Justice Training Institute provides a forum for the professional
and personal development of social justice educators and practitioners to
expand and refine their skills and competencies in designing and
facilitating diversity awareness experiences.

SJTI is a developmental experience that will involve personal work. Past
participants have found SJTI to be an intense experience as we work to
understand the dynamics and effects of race and racism and as we engage in
authentic dialogue across and within race groups.

If you are looking for training tools, exercises, or "how to" activities -
SJTI might not be for you. While participants do bring articles and
activities to share with colleagues, the focus of the institute is personal
work.

*Institute Format *
The Social Justice Training Institute will provide an intensive
developmental opportunity for social justice educators to examine the
complex dynamics of RACE AND RACISM and to focus on how to develop their
personal competencies as trainers and practitioners.
Faculty:

Kathy Obear, Ed.D. - Alliance for Change
Vernon A. Wall, M.S. - Washington Consulting Group
Rev. Jamie Washington, Ph.D. - Washington Consulting Group
http://www.sjti.org

Part of the mission of the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) is empowering people with disabilities to challenge expectations, achieve personal goals and be included in all aspects of community life. People with disabilities must learn to be their own advocates in order to be successful in life. This requires leadership skills.

According to an informal study conducted by NDCPD in 2002, few students with disabilities have the opportunity to develop leadership skills while attending school. To give the next generation of self-advocates the opportunity to develop leadership skills, NDCPD co-sponsors an innovative leadership program for high school students with disabilities

The third annual Youth Disability Leadership Conference will be held in Minot on June 20-22, 2006 on the MSU campus. The conference is open to students aged 15-21 who have disabilities. The registration fee is $50.00, which includes meals for the entire conference, two nights lodging, and local transportation. In an effort to give the students an opportunity to experience this conference independently, personal care attendants will be provided if requested. Chaperones and a nurse will also be available throughout the entire conference. Students will participate in group activities and discussions that promote leadership. There will be presenters from the disability community. Many team building experiences are also planned focusing on abilities as well as disabilities.

The keynote speaker for the 2006 conference banquet is Ben Anderson. Anderson was born with cerebral palsy and grew up in Kenmare. He graduated from Minot High and attended both Lake Region Junior College and Golden Valley Lutheran College in Golden Valley, Minnesota. He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout at Menomonie, Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. Anderson began Break Through, Inc. in 1978 which is a non-profit organization that provides leadership training to churches, community civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, and professional groups. Parents and guests are invited to attend the banquet.

For more information, see the conference web site at www.ndcpd.org/youth. Registration Forms are available on the website as well as information about the past conference. For questions about lodging, contact Dawn Olson at 1-800-233-1737 or email dawn.d.olson@minotstateu.edu

The next generation of self-advocates are in our high schools right now. This conference will give them the opportunity to develop leadership skills that will empower them in their community and in their personal lives. We hope that you will encourage students with disabilities to attend this conference.

It’s that time of year when we ask our members and friends to renew their commitment to human rights in North Dakota.

With your support this year, we increased and enhanced grassroots interest and support for human rights issues in North Dakota. Our major accomplishments in 2005 included:

To register call (701) 777-3664 or register on line http://conflictresolution.und.nodak.edu

“Bringing Peace Into the Room”

EVERYONE WELCOME

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Indian Child Welfare Conference- March 22-24/Conference Flyer (2.97 Mb pdf)

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17th Annual Woodlands and High Plains Traditional Powwow

17^th Annual Woodlands and High Plains Traditional Powwow