PAUR Report

Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources

Friday, February 23, 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!

* NDHRC Legislative Update: February 6, 2007

NDHRC activity regarding human-rights-related legislation. Includes: Education, Workers' Rights, Human Services, Reproductive Rights, Workforce Safety & Insurance, Tax Proposals, and Human Rights.

* SB 2121, the bill to add "and Human Rights" to the name of the Department of Labor, has been assigned to the House Government & Veterans Affairs Committee, the same committee that it was assigned to last session. More information: Name Change Bill (SB 2121). View the latest Action Alert.

* NDHRC is posting lists of Legislative Forums taking place around North Dakota. Please contact mitchmarr@ndhrc.org about any forums happening in your area. Visit www.ndhrc.org or go directly to lists for Fargo, West Fargo, Williston and Moorhead.

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A committee in Grand Forks has been working on establishing a Grand Forks Human Relations Commission. The group is currently seeking allies in the community and drafting an ordinance to present to the City Council this fall. Please join the next monthly meeting on March 20 at the UND International Centre from 6:30-8:30. For more information, please contact mitchmarr@ndhrc.org. Directions available upon request and through upcoming Action Alerts.

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Freedom Resource Center Position Opening

Salary Range: $11.00 - $13.00 * Pay Comments: DOE (Depends on Experience) * Hours per Week: 40 * Shift: Day * Benefits: 401K - Dental Insurance - Extended (Family) Sick Leave - Flexible Benefit Account - Health Insurance - Holidays - Retirement - Sick Leave - Vacation - Vision Insurance * Location: Fargo, ND

Job Description: Community organizer to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for peer mentoring and civic engagement activities. Will also serve on committees and/or task forces having to do with the systems change priorities of the Center, and develop and maintain working relationships with agency personnel, policy makers, and other key individuals. Attend and organize community events. Preferred qualifications include experience with disability issues, volunteer coordination, grass-roots advocacy, and good interpersonal and communication skills. Some computer application knowledge and travel are required. Send resume, letter, and work history to: Assistant program director, Freedom Resource Center, 2701 9th Ave. S. Ste H, Fargo, ND 58103. Deadline: February 28. Persons with disabilities encouraged to apply.

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The GOD'S CHILD PROJECT: Guatemala segments appears on KVLY

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Fargo-Moorhead PRIDE Grand Marshall Nominations Being Accepted through March 1, 2007
Its that time of year again! The FM Pride Committee is busy working out the details to bring our community the best Fargo-Moorhead Pride possible, and we need your help. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2007 Grand Marshal of the FM Pride Parade. We are looking for someone who embodies the spirit and values of our community, who has made or is making a positive impression for the GLBTA community, and who can inspire a sense of community in all of us.
** Past Grand Marshals have been: 2004- Jon Lindgren; 2005- Larry Tweeton and Mark Chekola; 2006- Glen and Audrey Anderson **
Nominations can include anyone from the GLBTA community in the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas. To submit a nomination, please describe in 300 words or less the person you believe should lead our Pride Parade. Please include contact information for yourself and your nomination. Submit nomination by March 1, 2007 to fmpride@pridecollective.com or Pride Collective & Community Center Attn: Parade Planner 116 12th Street South Moorhead, MN 56560
 

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Pride Collective & Community Center now accepting Board Member applications
The Pride Collective & Community Center is currently receiving applications for an open position on its board of directors.  Board terms are currently for one year, renewable for a total of five consecutive terms.  Please contact the Pride Collective at info@pridecollective.com if you're interested in completing an application.
 

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The University of Minnesota at Moorhead has an opening for an assistant/Associate professor in Educational Leadership. The search committee is especially interested in Female and Native American applicants. Please pass the word! Apply online:  http://www.mnstate.edu/vacancy/unclassified Thank you!

* Denise K. Lajimodiere (Assistant Professor, Ed. Leadership), College of Human Development and Education

210C FLC P.O. Box 5057 Fargo, ND 58105-5057

Ph. 701.231.7214, Fax 701.231.7416

Denise.Lajimodiere@ndsu.edu

www.ndsu.edu/ed_lead

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The Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) is hiring two temporary, part time (.5 FTE) positions for a grant funded project to train law enforcement and medical personnel across the state regarding a victim centered response to sexual assault. The project is funded for two years.The ideal candidates will have direct experience working with sexual assault victims in the investigative process either within law enforcement or in a medical facility. The position is located in St. Paul and extensive state travel is involved. Direct inquiries to info@mncasa.org. To apply please submit a letter of interest and resume to MNCASA, 161 St. Anthony Avenue, Suite 1001, St. Paul, MN 55103. Position open until filled.

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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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Gandhi Peace Network of North Dakota announces the 5th Annual Season for Nonviolence in North Dakota. This is a program of daily practices inspired by the principles of nonviolence practiced and taught by M K Gandhi and Dr Martin Luther King. Season runs from the date of Gandhi’s assassination on Jan 30th to Martin Luther King’s on Apr 4th. Printed brochures for individual practice over this 64-day period are available FREE of charge at the Bismarck Public Library and at the Bismarck Park and Recreation offices. Contact Aruna or Vinod Seth at 701-223-4234 / 701-426-4788 or jjart@btinet.net. Visit www.gandhipeace.org for more information on the Gandhi Peace Network of North Dakota. See Mayor John Warford’s Proclamation of the SEASON on the Bismarck website http://www.bismarck.org/

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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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Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program - 2007

   The Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program encourages residents of the Upper Midwest - including students, teachers, lawyers, health professionals, community leaders, and others - to undertake practical experiences/internships in human rights organizations, locally, nationally, and internationally.

   The Fellowship Program is designed to promote social justice by providing practical training in the varied aspects of human rights work worldwide. The fellowship placement provides both training for the individual and assistance to the host organization, as well as fosters links between communities in the Upper Midwest and human rights/social justice organizations around the world. Participants return with a stronger commitment to a lifetime of work in human rights/social justice and contribute to bringing human rights concerns home to communities in the Upper Midwest.

   Over the past 17 years, the Human Rights Center has sponsored 330 interns and fellows to work with human rights/social justice organizations in more than 80 countries and awards approximately 25 fellowship grants each year. In 2006, the Human Rights Center´s Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program awarded grants to 28 individuals committed to the promotion of human rights and social justice.

   Grant details:

* Awards are competitive; approximately twenty grants will be awarded for the 2007 program.

* Fellowships should be a minimum of 10 weeks in duration.

* Grants will ordinarily range from $1,000 to $4,500, averaging about $3,200 and are intended to cover food, lodging, and transportation during the fellowship experience.

* Applications must be received by Monday, February 26, 2007, at 4:00 p.m.

* Decisions will be made by April 1, 2007.

For more information and an application, please check out our website at

http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/center/uppermidwest/

If you have more questions after reviewing our website, feel free to contact Kim Walsh at (612) 626-2226 or via email at hrfellow@umn.edu

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Laurie Loveland Lecture: The Growing Influence of Women in Politics
Presented by Governor Chris Gregoire. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007. 10:00 a.m. Century Theatre
If 1992 was the “Year of the Woman” in American politics – when four women were elected to the U.S. Senate in the year after the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings – what was 2006 when Nancy Pelosi was propelled into the position of House Speaker and more women were elected to Congress than ever before? With Hillary Clinton’s status as frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, what does this foretell for 2008? Washington Governor Chris Gregoire discusses the growing influence of women in politics and encourages more women to get involved in the political process. Sponsored by the Laurie Loveland Lecture Series and the NDSU Women’s Studies Department

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PEPP presents: Arrests on Record = Denials for Housing!

Do Arrest Records without convictions or charges keep people from getting housing? Join us in a strategy session and discussion on what we can and are doing about this issue.

~What: Strategy Meeting on Arrest Records Expungement Legislation (MN)

~When: Tuesday, February 27,~~~ 2:00 pm  to 3:00 pm

~Where: Social Connextions, 1004 1st Ave. N. Moorhead (Next to Quick Lube and Tune)

~Who: Anyone interested, affected by this issue and wants to change the policy

   We can do something about Unfair Tenant Screening! Our region has seen a lot of impact of criminal background records leading to people being denied housing.  One element PEPP has focused on is that arrests on individual’s records, even without charges or a conviction has led to the individual not being able to rent an apartment.

   This issue has been taken on by some statewide agencies and there is a plan to introduce legislation in the 2007 Minnesota Legislature that would expunge and seal the arrest records of individuals that have not been convicted or charged of a crime.

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The regular meeting of the Waking the Sleeping Giant group of Health and Human Services Nonprofits will be held the fourth Wednesday of the month, February 28, at Friendship, Inc., 801 Page Drive SW, Fargo. Monthly meetings regularly are held from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

   The meeting will focus on planning for the March meetings with legislators and continuing the “Put People First” initiative. We want to continue to inform our government officials on how their decisions affect the lives of people in our community. These meetings are open to anyone wishing to attend. Health and human service organization staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend. If you have questions call PEPP 218-236-5434 and ask for Duke or Lysa.

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Women’s Leadership Development Opportunity

     The Tri-College NEW (National Education for Women's) Leadership Development Institute will be held May 13-17, 2007 at North Dakota State University, in Fargo, ND. The intensive five-day residential program is 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. Applications accepted until March 26th. For information and applications visit http//appserv.mnstate.edu/whitede/conference/ or call Deb White at 218-477-2041.

    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 and community women will be accepted. Priority will be given to women who are at the beginning stages of their leadership development.

    At the institute, participants attend workshops on running for office, public speaking, community organizing, public policy advocacy, and working with the media. They meet over twenty women leaders, including state and local officials, women in tribal government, and grassroots activists. Participants apply what they learn to exercises that develop leadership skills. Participants and some women leaders reside on campus throughout the institute, providing opportunities to build strong ties with women who are already experienced public leaders.There is no cost to participate. Participants will have the option of registering for a three-credit undergraduate course: Seminar in Women’s Studies, Sociology Workshop, 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.

Anti-Racism Tuesdays: Speaker and Video Series - Spring 2007

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Join the Pride Planning Meetings: F-M Pride has been set for Wed., May 30 through Sun., June 3. The Pride Planning Committee meets every other week and welcomes people to join the meetings. Are you interested in helping plan or volunteer for Pride? Do you have an idea for our event? Please join us for the upcoming meetings. For more information check out our website www.pridecollective.com or email fmpride@pridecollective.com Meetings are held at the PEPP Building from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The next scheduled meetings are Thursday February 22; Tuesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 22.
 

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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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A committee in Grand Forks has been working on establishing a Grand Forks Human Relations Commission. The group is currently seeking allies in the community and drafting an ordinance to present to the City Council this fall. Please join the next monthly meeting on March 20 at the UND International Centre from 6:30-8:30. For more information, please contact mitchmarr@ndhrc.org. Directions available upon request and through upcoming Action Alerts.

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Building Bridges Conference March 26-27 in Fargo

Lutheran Social Services’ New American Services of Fargo will host a two-day conference, Building Bridges, at the Holiday Inn, I-29 at 13^th Avenue South in Fargo on March 26 and 27^th. The conference features national speakers and will bring together a wide range of service providers, educators and employees who work with refugee families. They will work on building and strengthening partnerships that lead to economic self-sufficiency for individuals, companies and communities. The conference is co-sponsored by The ND Department of Education and the Agassiz Valley Human Resource Association. For further information, contact LSS/ND New American Services, 701-271-1603 or www.dasche@lssnd.org.

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AFP and NDANO co-host non-profit conference in Fargo

Creating Common Ground for Growth, an educational conference on nonprofit funding will be held June 3-5 at the Ramada Plaza Suites and Conference Center, Fargo. The conference will feature excellent speakers and educational tracks, as well as opportunities for networking. More than 200 nonprofit professionals, board members and volunteers from throughout the Midwest are expected at the event to gain quality training at a very reasonable cost. Save the dates now.   

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** Special Feature **

February is Black History Month. Take few minutes to watch Tracy Chapman performing live: "Across the Line"

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Local GLBT Social/Discussion Group
Minnkota Center would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming social/discussion groups offered to men who identify as Gay, Queer, MSM, or Bisexual and to women who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Womyn Loving Womyn, or Bisexual. The men's groups will be meeting the first and third Mondays of each month; and the women's groups will be meeting the first and third Wednesdays. The groups will meet from 5:30-7:30 in the downstairs community room of the PEPP building. These will be open-forum discussion groups that Minnkota hopes will provide people the opportunity to meet others, share ideas, discuss alternative views and empower one another through knowledge and understanding. For more information, please contact Clint or Katie at 287-4636 or toll-free at 1-877-871-4636, or by email at: clinton@pepp.org or katie@pepp.org
 

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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.
    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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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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N.D. attorney general: Illinois decision doesn't affect UND

By Joseph Marks, Herald Staff Writer - Published Saturday, February 17, 2007

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said Friday the University of Illinois' decision to retire their Indian mascot Chief Illiniwek will not affect UND's legal case against the NCAA over the Fighting Sioux nickname. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=27750&section=News

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Nick Coleman: Illinois shows North Dakota what is the truly honorable thing

Goodbye, Chief Illiniwek, and good riddance. Next up, the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

By Nick Coleman, Star Tribune, Last update: February 20, 2007 – 9:12 PM

Chief Illiniwek gets the ax tonight. The Fighting Sioux nickname should be next … Sometimes, despite everything, there is progress.

http://www.startribune.com/357/story/1014754.html

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Please report any related news items to mitchmarr@ndhrc.org

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Please report any related news items to mitchmarr@ndhrc.org

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Peace resolution gets rewrite after troop morale concerns raised

Janell Cole, Forum Communications Co., Published Friday, February 23, 2007

Bismarck - A Senate resolution backed by North Dakota peace activists and asking that the U.S. disengage from Iraq was rewritten Thursday after the adjutant general said it could hurt troop morale. http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/157467

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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.  

Not getting the PAUR Report directly in your email? It's so easy to be added to the PAUR mailing list! Email HumanRights@NDHRC.org and be sure to add us to your address book to avoid missing the report.

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