PAUR Report

Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources

Friday, January 19, 2007

North Dakota Human Rights News

www.ndhrc.org

Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!

Select individual headings to view specific content. Thank you for reading.

In this PAUR Report:

              Announcements

Events

Reminders

NEWS:

       Native American Nicknames / Mascot News

      Tribal News

      Race & National Origin News

      Sexual Orientation News

      Disabilities

      Religion

      Miscellaneous

Do you have a Program, Announcement, Update or Resource that you would like shared on our weekly PAUR report? If so, please send an email to HumanRights@NDHRC.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Please Note: The NDHRC distributes a 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.

We need your help and support to make a difference.  Your individual advocacy is invaluable.  Please consider making a monetary donation to help support the NDHRC's work.  Send your donations to NDHRC, P.O. Box 1961, Fargo, ND 58107-1961 or make a donation online by visiting www.ndhrc.org. Free memberships are also available.

New NDHRC members: as a membership benefit you have received an e-mail subscription of our 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.

NDHRC Legislative Activity

Visit our Legislative Activity page for updates on NDHRC activity and human rights-related legislation!

** Legislative Update: Name Change Bill  (SB 2121) **

    Senate Bill 2121, asking for the name of the North Dakota Department of Labor to be changed to North Dakota Department of Labor "and Human Rights" was heard in the Senate Industry, Business & Labor Committee on January 17.

         It's time to let the Senate IBL Committee members, and members of the Senate, know that the reasons to change the name are genuinely compelling and thoughtfully justified.

     Contact the Senate IBL Committee members and let them know that it's time to have the Labor Department's name reflect the work of the department, which includes human rights.  Commissioner McEvers testified that at least half of the department's work is in human rights enforcement.  Find more information on the Name Change Bill on our Legislative page.

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** Special notice to NDHRC members! **

NDHRC is looking for members to serve on Nominating Committee and Conference Committee. The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition is accepting applications for Committee Members, and needs just one more Coalition member to serve on our 2007 Nominating Committee. We are also looking for members to serve on our 2007 Conference Committee. The first Conference Committee meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2007. Please contact Mitch Marr: mitchmarr@ndhrc.com, 701-793-1134.

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The Arc of Bismarck & The ND Protection & Advocacy Project staff are collaborating to offer training and support to groups or individuals wishing to participate in the legislative process. For more details or to schedule a workshop that includes information on how a bill becomes a law and how to draft and deliver legislative testimony, please use one of the contact points listed below to schedule an appointment.

Please share this in your circles - Thank you! 701-258-7949. joyce@apsimail.com # arcbis@midconetwork.com # tlarsen@nd.gov

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Mayor's Human Relations Committee Endorses Season for Nonviolence
   A Season for Nonviolence, January 30 - April 4, is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our community.
   Inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this international event honors their vision for an empowered, nonviolent world.
   Their mission is to create an awareness of nonviolent principles and practices as a powerful way to heal, transform and empower our lives and communities.
   Through an educational and community action campaign, we honor those who are using nonviolence to build a community that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
   We demonstrate that every person can move the world in the direction of peace through their daily nonviolent choice and action.
   The mission of the Mayor's Human Relations Committee's mission is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck citizens and to eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from reaching their full human potential.
64 Days and Ways To Practice Nonviolence
For more information about A Season for Nonviolence click here A Season for Nonviolence
For more information about the Human Relations Committee click here Human Relations Committee

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The Opportunity Agenda: Building the National Will to Expand Opportunity in America

Fellowship Position Announcement: Robert L. Carter Fellowship, September 2007

   The Opportunity Agenda, a project of The Tides Center, seeks candidates for the first Robert L. Carter fellowship, to begin September of 2007.  The Opportunity Agenda is a communications, research, and advocacy organization dedicated to building the national will to expand opportunity in America.

   The fellow will participate in legal research, conduct legal advocacy, work with communities, and collaborate with local and national public interest organizations.  The fellowship will focus on promoting universal, equitable access to quality health care for all communities, and combating barriers to care based on race, gender, immigration status, and other characteristics.  Activities are likely to include administrative advocacy, reporting, policy advocacy, and litigation support.  This work will be done in close collaboration with The Opportunity Agenda’s legal, research, and communications staff, providing opportunities for social science research and media experience, as well as legal work.  Fellows may also work on The Opportunity Agenda’s nascent criminal justice reform activities, as well as efforts to apply international human rights principles in the United States.

About the Robert L. Carter Fellowship:

The Opportunity Agenda has created a fellowship program named for acclaimed civil rights lawyer and jurist Robert L. Carter, a chief architect of Brown v. Board of Education and a champion for civil rights.  The program will honor and continue Judge Carter’s legacy of unflinching commitment to justice, intellectual excellence, and the integration of law and social science knowledge to improve the lives of all Americans.

Qualifications:

Law school graduates, law students who will graduate in 2007, and judicial law clerks who will complete their clerkships in 2007.  We also are particularly interested in candidates with a background or additional degrees in social science research, journalism, and/or communications.  Candidates must have a strong interest in working with advocates and communities in the field.  The Opportunity Agenda is an equal opportunity employer.  We value a work place that is diverse in terms of gender, race, class, geographic origin, sexual orientation, and other differences that enrich our society.

Compensation:

The fellow will receive a salary of $37,500 plus The Opportunity Agenda’s benefits package.  The term is for two years.  The position will be based in our New York City office.

Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  All application materials must be received no later than February 1, 2007.  Interested candidates should e-mail a letter of interest, resume, transcript, writing sample, and two references to sardalan@opportunityagenda.org.

For more information about this position and all of our work, see www.opportunityagenda.org

www.opportunityagenda.org / 212-334-5977

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Statewide “Surge for Peace” Rally

Saturday, January 28, 2007, 2 pm CST; 1 pm MST

Trinity Community Center, 3^rd & Ave A., Bismarck

The people of North Dakota are invited to a statewide “Surge for Peace” rally in Bismarck on Saturday, January 27, 2007. The rally will begin at 2 pm CST, 1 pm MST, at Trinity Community Center, 3^rd St & Avenue A. Attendees will initiate a “Peace Walk” to the south doors of the Federal Building on Rosser Ave., where a representative of Senators Conrad and Dorgan and Congressman Pomeroy's offices will greet them. The North Dakota Peace Coalition will present the representative with petitions, letters, and a resolution urging, “Please do not support the surge of war in Iraq. Bring our troops home.” Attendees will return to Trinity Community Center for entertainment provided by singer/songwriter Kristin Kitko, Dragon Jane Theater Company, and other special guests. Carpools are expected to arrive from rural and urban areas of western and eastern North Dakota. Organizers promise a festive, peaceful atmosphere, with face painting, North-Dakota-grown refreshments, and surprises.

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Benefit concert for the ACLU of the Dakotas

All proceeds from the concert will go to the local ACLU and its Native American Voting Rights Project. The concert features Susan Werner, an nationally known singer and composer who has performed with Peter, Paul and Mary, among others. Susan will donate her concert fee. Read about her at www.susanwerner.com. The concert will be held on January 31, 7:30 pm, at Beckwith Auditorium (NDSU Music Building). Tickets are $20. They can be purchased from Elaine or Jon Lindgren at 701-232-7868.

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January 31, Interactive Presentation: "Rethinking Mascots"

This presentation is developed and presented by Tracy Peterson, Dickinson State University (formerly Cornell) and Jonathan Hyde, University of Southern California. There will be three sessions, all at the UND Memorial Union Lecture Bowl: 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Please encourage your students, clubs, organizations to attend, or bring your entire class. Any questions about the presentation should be directed to Donna Brown, American Indian Student Services, 777-2949.

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Heidi Heitkamp, Keynote Speaker!
Saturday, February 24, 2007, Concordia College, Moorhead. MN
Women made great strides in the 2006 elections. Let’s keep that momentum going. The Womens Network of the Red River Valley, in partnership with Tri-College NEW Leadership.  Development Institute invites you to attend a conference on Saturday, February 24th from 10:00-5:00.  to assist you in gaining the skills to run for office or take an active role in supporting those women who do! Watch for more information coming soon. For more info contact Vickie McCollum of the Womens Network of the Red River Valley (218-233-2737 ).
 

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Disability Awareness Day @ North Dakota State Capitol Great Hall - March 14, 2007, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

"Many Voices, One Vision" topics include home and community based services, people first language, housing shortages, employment, ADA compliance, Medicaid, accessible transportation, qualified service providers (QPS's), civil rights & discrimination, family & children's issues, technology that promotes independence, and inclusion in decisions ("Nothing About Us Without Us").

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In Our Family: Portraits of All Kinds of Families - Tuesdays

    A new exhibit "In Our Family: Portraits of All Kinds of Families" (on display January 2 - March 31, 2007) at the Heritage Hjemkomst Center celebrates the diversity of family life in 21st century America. In collaboration with area organizations dedicated to community, the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center (HHIC) Tuesday Night Programming, which is free and open to the public, will accompany this highly praised exhibit. Programs for January are as follows: January 30, 6:30 p.m., Homelessness and Families, Presented by Sara Kearns, YWCA of Fargo-Moorhead.

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Volunteer or Intern with Planned Parenthood!

“MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  IN HER LIFE.  IN HIS LIFE.  IN YOUR LIFE.”

Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota has provided our community with

education and confidential reproductive health care at an affordable cost for more than 70 years. 

Help us achieve our mission by participating in one of these exciting opportunities: 

Volunteer and Internship Positions:

Reality Checker – Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks

Super Activist - Fargo 

Coffee House Series Committee - Fargo

Public Affairs Administrative Assistant - Fargo

For more information or to apply, contact ajacobson@ppmns.org or 701.526.0726 , or visit our website at www.ppmns.org.

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Citizenship classes slated in Moorhead
Moorhead Adult Basic Education has scheduled citizenship classes Jan. 9 through March 9. Classes are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no fee, but registration is required. Call Teresa Huff at (218) 284-3457 or (701) 237-4700 or email thuff@moorhead.k12.mn.us. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/printer.cfm?id=151038

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Bismarck: Human Relations Video Series

    The Bismarck Human Relations Committee in partnership with the Bismarck Public Library presents a Human Rights Video Series the 3rd Sunday of each month, 3:00 PM, at the Bismarck Public Library, Room C. January's video 'Life & Debt', explores the effect of the International Monetary Fund's policies on developing counties through Jamaica's experience when it entered into a tricky agreement...resulting in the loss of jobs and economic self reliance.
    The series is facilitated by a member of the Human Relations Committee and is family focused with material presented suitable for the entire family. For more information about the video series call the Bismarck Public Library at 250-7600. For more information about the Human Relations Committee please click on Human Relations Committee

Contact Information: contact Daphne Ghorbani. Affiliation: Bismarck Human Relations Committee

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RE: 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Application to
assist families who require long-term supports and services to maintain their medically fragile child in a family home setting.
    The North Dakota Department of Human Services, Medical Services Division, intends to
submit a 1915(c) waiver application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to
request a new Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services.
    The Waiver for Home and Community Based Services will provide supports for eligible
children including In-Home Support, Institutional Respite, Transportation, Equipment and Supplies, Pediatric Specialty Services, Individual or Family Counseling, Nutritional
Supplements, and Environmental Modifications. The family will direct the supports
included in the waiver.
    The 1915(c) waiver application to CMS is available for review on the Department of
Human Services website at the following link: http://www.nd.gov/humanservices/info/pubs/1915c-med-fragile-children-hcbs-waiverapplication.html  If you are unable to access this document, please call 701-328-8935 or e-mail mailto:soperc@nd.gov for a copy.
    This is a draft waiver application. The final document will be posted on the Department
of Human Services website when it is approved by CMS. Please provide any written
comments or questions related to this draft waiver application by 5:00 pm Central Time
on March 12, 2007 via e-mail to mailto:soperc@nd.gov or regular mail to:
North Dakota Department of Human Services
Disability Services Division
Attn: Colette Perkins
1237 W Divide Ave, Suite 1A
Bismarck, ND 58501

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North Dakota Family Stories booklet

Family Voices of North Dakota has just completed the booklet on North Dakota Family Stories.  As it is to big of a file to send, we have placed it on the Family Voices of North Dakota website. http://www.geocities.com/ndfv/ndfvpage7.html

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Dental Care is Available at MSCTC

You may qualify to receive quality dental care at Minnesota State Community and Technical College-Moorhead. Thanks to grants through the Minnesota State Depaertment of Health and the Dakota Medical Foundation, the college has opened a dental clinic for MN Care and MA recipients providing: dental exams, x-rays, dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures. The clinic provides staff who are Minnesota Board Certified, with student assistance. Second-year dental hygiene students provide x-rays and cleanings under close supervision. Open Tuesdays from 6-9pm, 1900 28^th Avenue South, Moorhead, MN  56560. For appointments or information call 218-299-6560.

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Nonprofits Assistance Fund Launches Blog
A newly launched blog by Kate Barr, Executive Director of the Nonprofits Assistance Fund, can be found here . The blog focuses particularly on nonprofit organizations, large and small, that must work to raise funds each year. In a weekly one-pager, Kate shares her thoughts and insights on nonprofit management. The subscription is free and you’ll find very practical, relevant information on what all NPO’s face every day to help make your organizations successful.

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The Local chapter of the national campaign for the creation of a cabinet level Department of Peace is looking for a few good men and women volunteers, across the state, to team up to lobby for this bill.  Please contact State Coordinator and District Team Leader Paddy McLaughlin to see how you might become involved with this powerful bill for peace.  Meetings in Fargo at the Center, every 1^st & 3^rd Tuesday of the month, 8 p.m. Call 701-232-0694 for details. www.thepeacealliance.org

Local Peace Circle takes place every Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. at The Center for Peace, 411 11th St. N., Fargo, ND. Please join us as we meditate on, prayer for and envision the conditions necessary for healing and peace on Earth.  Contact Paddy McLaughlin, 701-232-0694

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UND group nominates NCAA for award

Amy Dalrymple, The Forum - 01/25/2007

The same university that is suing the NCAA will honor the organization with a human rights award on Friday ... A University of North Dakota student group opposed to the Fighting Sioux nickname nominated the NCAA for an award recognizing its efforts to eliminate American Indian logos. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=154112&section=News

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CHICAGO - The Oglala Sioux Tribe presented a resolution to the University of Illinois administration Thursday demanding the return of the Lakota regalia worn by Chief Illiniwek, the school mascot. http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/state/16496190.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

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UND’s Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon set for Jan. 27

12/08/05 -- The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon will be held at the Memorial Union Ballroom on the University of North Dakota campus Friday, Jan. 27. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the public is invited to attend. http://www2.und.edu/our/news/story.php?id=1713

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Board of Higher Education's first American Indian member resigns

By Dale Wetzel, Associated Press Writer - Bismarck Tribune 1/24/07

Charles Murphy, believed to be the first American Indian appointed to North Dakota's Board of Higher Education, has resigned his seat after less than seven months on the panel ... Murphy had a spotty attendance record at board meetings, and his resignation letter to Gov. John Hoeven said the "time that is required to serve the board successfully is more than I can devote at this time in my life." http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/01/24/news/state/127636.txt
 

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Study concerns shared parenting supporters

By Lisa Gibson, Herald Staff Writer - Published Friday, January 19, 2007 - Grand Forks Herald

G.F. Herald: "On the heels of November's failed statewide Shared Parenting Initiative, North Dakota lawmakers are requesting a Legislative Council study on child custody issues in the state." http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=24344
 

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North Dakota's Senate has endorsed a proposal to allow young girls to seek medical care without notifying their parents if they are pregnant. http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/01/19/news/state/127394.txt (Note:  There are several comments on this article on the Trib site.)

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Do you have a Program, Announcement, Update or Resource that you would like shared on our weekly PAUR report? If so, please send an email to HumanRights@NDHRC.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.

If you are not yet a member of NDHRC, what are you waiting for? Sign up now! The membership form is available on line at http://www.ndhrc.org/Membership/membership_form_revised.htm.  

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