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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
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Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Friday, March 23, 2007 North Dakota Human Rights News
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition! Select individual headings to view specific content. Thank you for reading.
NEWS: Native American Nicknames / Mascot News
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: March 18, 2007 NDHRC activity regarding human-rights-related legislation. Includes: Education, Workers' Rights, Human Services, Reproductive Rights, Workforce Safety & Insurance, Tax Proposals, and Human Rights.
* The House GVA Committee voted 8-5 "do not pass" on SB 2121, the bill to add "and Human Rights" to the name of the Department of Labor. The bill is not up for a full House vote. The vote could be as early as Monday, March 26. For more information on the bill, read 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.
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 April 26 at the Grand Forks Public Library Meeting Room from 6:30-8:30. For more information, please contact mitchmarr@ndhrc.org. Directions available upon request and through upcoming Action Alerts.
The Pride
Collective & Community Center board of directors is very excited to announce
that we have obtained 501(c)(3) tax exempt status! We started the process
in September, 2006 with researching and preparing the application, followed by
submitting the application in October. On Monday, March 12th, we
received confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service that our application has
been approved.
PEPP: Aren't we Innocent until proven Guilty? We are asking you to contact your local legislators and ask them to vote YES when these two bills go to the floor for a vote. ** We support Senate Bill 279 and House Bill 1380! ** This change in the law will seal arrest records of individuals who have not been charged with a crime or convicted of a crime. This sealing protects the presumption of innocence, ensuring that an individual who is arrested but not charged is not treated as if s/he is guilty of the charge. The legislation will also seal case information regarding acquittals and dismissals. Again, this protects the presumption of innocence, ensuring that an individual who is acquitted or has charges against her/him dismissed is not treated as if s/he is guilty of the charge. The law will also not inhibit law enforcement’s access to criminal records in any way. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement, city and county prosecutors, courts, and probation. Alleviates some of the expungement burden, which weighs heavily on courts and prosecutors. Excludes records associated with severe crimes or charges plus domestic abuse data. For More back ground go to: http://www.pepp.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=189&forum=4 * Ask Senator Keith Langseth to support Senate File 279 when it comes up for a vote. Bill Number: SF 279 Keith Langseth (D) 9, Capitol Office: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Capitol Building, Room 122, St. Paul, MN 55155-1606, 651.296.3205, Email Address: sen.keith.langseth@senate.mn * Ask Rep. Morrie Lanning to support HF 1380 when it comes up for a vote. Bill Number: HF 1380 Morrie Lanning (R) 09A, 259 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155, (651) 296-5515 (800) 657-3742 * Ask Rep. Paul Marquart to support HF 1380 when it comes up for a vote. Bill Number: HF 1380 Paul Marquart (DFL) 09B, 597 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155, (651) 296-6829 (800) 551-5520 House File 1380 Status: Senate File 279 Status:
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/
Mayor's Human Relations Committee Endorses Season
for Nonviolence
Free Forum:
Conversations with Legislators
North Dakota-Northern Lights Chapter NAACP: Membership Drive The Organizing Committee formed to establish a branch of the NAACP will be conducting a membership drive meeting at the Ramada Inn, Grand Forks, North Dakota on 29 March 2007 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting will be held in the Diablo Room. The annual membership fee is $30.00 and donations will also be accepted to help with initial startup cost. We encourage all interested persons in the community to join in this endeavor to organize the Northern Lights Chapter of the NAACP. This will be an inclusive organization that serves the needs of all the citizens and promotes friendship, unity and social justice.
Global Dialogues (Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures) Dialogue on Diversity: An Open Roundtable Conversation. Memorial Union, River Valley Room on Monday, March 26, 2007 at 4pm. For more information, contact Dr. Olaf Berwald (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures), 7-6435, olaf.berwald@und.nodak.edu
Growing Futures Summit: Early Childhood is Economic Development-Want to spur economic growth in your community and support early care and education? Attend the Growing Futures Summit to learn why early childhood programs should be part of your community’s economic development plan. Summit speakers will be: Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return by Rob Grunewald, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Infant Brain Development by Dr. Todd Twogood, President, North Dakota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Attend the Growing Futures Summit March 28th at the Doublewood Inn, Bismarck. The event and noon luncheon are free, but pre-registration is requested. Contact the Shannon at (701) 223-5707 or cscc4kids@yahoo.com.
Pathfinder Services, ND's Department of Special Education and the ND State Council on Developmental Disabilities will present "Transition: A Collaboration In School and Beyond" on April 13th and 14th, 2007. The Pathfinder Conference will be held at the Grand International Inn in Minot ND. Free conference registration is available for parents of children with disabilities. We also have limited Thursday and Friday evening lodging stipends for parents who must travel a distance of more than 60 miles each way. For more information and to print a registration form, please visit the Pathfinder Family Center website at www.pathfinder.minot.com . You can also call Pathfinders at 1-800-245-5840 or 1-701-837-7500 and we will mail out a registration form.
Save the Date, Family Connections Conference Mark Your Calendar … June 13-16, 2007 The Family Connections Conference helps North Dakota families of children with special needs and the professionals who support them to collaborate. The conference will be held at Best Western Doublewood Inn in Fargo North Dakota. For more information Contact NDCPD at 1-800-233-1737 (toll free) or 701-858-3580, or e-mail at haarstad@minotstateu.edu.
Fair Housing of the Dakotas sponsors: Fundamentals of Fair Housing Workshops Agenda: What is Housing Discrimination? ** The Federal Fair Housing Act ** State Human Rights/Fair Housing Laws ** Complaint Filing & Investigative Process ** Advertising & Applications ** Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications ** New Design and Construction ** Occupancy Standards ** Updated Case Law Workshops have been scheduled for the following dates and communities for 2007: • April 19: 1:00-4:45 PM, Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 1400 8th Ave., NW, Aberdeen, SD • April 24: 1:00-4:45 PM, Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 800 S. 3rd Street, Bismarck, ND (funding for this workshop also provided through a City of Bismarck CDBG grant) • May 22: 1:00-4:45 PM, Airport International Inn, 3601 2nd Avenue West, Williston, ND • June 21: 1:00-4:45 PM, Travel Lodge, 3300 W. Russell Street, Sioux Falls, SD • Save the Dates: Check our website (www.ndfhc.org) for tentative dates for Fargo, Chamberlain, Grand Forks, Minot & Rapid City or for updates on continuing education credits. A registration flyer for these workshops will be distributed at a later date. Attendance is free but advance registration is required to ensure adequate seating and materials. Space may be limited at some workshops. Materials available in alternative formats upon request. Coffee and soft drinks will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact the Fair Housing of the Dakotas: 701-221-2530 or 1-888-265-0907 (toll-free)
People Escaping Poverty Project present a screening of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" Wednesday, March 28 06:00 PM at NDSU campus Memorial Union (1301 12th Ave. N.) For more details and to RSVP, please visit: http://walmart.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/9078 About the film: Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price is the documentary film sensation that's changing the largest company on earth. The film features the deeply personal stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to survive in a Wal-Mart world. It's an emotional journey that will challenge the way you think, feel... and shop. Released simultaneously in theaters and DVD in November 2005, the film has been seen by millions worldwide. Families, churches, schools, and small busineses owners have screened the film over 10,000 times and the world is taking notice. See the film, share it, and become part of the movement forcing companies to act responsibly. To learn more, or find another screening to attend, please visit: http://walmart.bravenewtheaters.com/
Presentation Peace Studies Forum, one remaining:
Bismarck-Mandan GLBT Pride Fest July 27-29, 2007 :: GLBT Pride Event to be Themed “United for Equality”
Bismarck, ND – March 5, 2007 – Dakota OutRight, a non-profit organization
that serves as a community resource and provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender (GLBT) diversity education, has announced that they will celebrate
their fourth GLBT Pride Fest July 27-29, 2007 at Eagles Park, Bismarck. Pride
Fest is a unique time to celebrate unity within the GLBT community and allies in
western and central North Dakota. All friends and family of the GLBT community
are invited to join in any of the activities during the weekend festival.
North Dakota Peace Coalition “Peace Studies – West” Speakers’ Series “Corporate Conscience: Economics of Peace” held Friday, April 13, 7 p.m. at Trinity Community Center on 3rd St. & Ave. A, Bismarck. Free and open to the public. Features Howard Dahl and Don Morrison. Event co-sponsored by Stones Throw IT, Smoothie Operator Juice Bar, Seeds of Hope Thrift, Makoche Recording Studio, ND Center for the Public Good. Travel scholarships are available for those from out of town. For more info visit www.ndpeace.org or call Karen Van Fossan at 701-258-6667
Anti-Racism Tuesdays: Speaker and Video Series - Spring 2007Tuesday, April 10, 2007, 12:30-1:30pm (FLC 319): “Raising Anti-Racist Children” SpeakerTuesday, April 17, 2007, 12:30-1:30pm (FLC 319): “A Place at the Table: History & Identity Through the Eyes of Today's Youth” Video
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.
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 April 26 at the Grand Forks Public Library from 6:30-8:30. For more information, please contact mitchmarr@ndhrc.org. Directions available upon request and through upcoming Action Alerts.
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 13th Avenue South in Fargo on March 26 and 27th. 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.
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.
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.
NAACP chapter starting in ND: A group out of Grand Forks has laid the groundwork for a North Dakota chapter of the NAACP. North Dakota is one of only two states in the United States without a chapter of the organization. Stay posted for notices of future meetings and events. Right now, the group needs members in order to get a charter from the national NAACP. The membership is $30.00, and checks can be made out to, and sent to: Northern Lights Chapter of NAACP, P.O. Box 12142, Grand Forks, ND 58208-2142. The Mission Statement of the NAACP: "...to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination."
Pride Collective & Community Center now
accepting Board Member applications
Local GLBT Social/Discussion Group
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.
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
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.
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Launches Blog
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 1st & 3rd 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
"In Our Family: Portraits of All Kinds of Families" - Tuesdays A new exhibit: In Our Family: Portraits of All Kinds of Families is on display through March 31, 2007, at the Heritage Hjemkomst Center celebrating the diversity of family life in 21st century America.
UND-NCAA LAWSUIT: Legal
fund relocated The NCAA Litigation Fund - set up to privately channel money from donors to the North Dakota attorney general's office to fund the Fighting Sioux lawsuit - is in the process of shutting down, according to the UND Alumni Foundation. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=31507§ion=Opinion
NCAA Litigation Fund shuts downBy Joseph Marks, Herald Staff Writer, Published Monday, March 19, 2007The NCAA Litigation Fund set up to privately channel money from donors to the North Dakota attorney general's office to fund the Fighting Sioux lawsuit is in the process of shutting down, according to the UND Alumni Foundation. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=31458§ion=News
UND Nickname Lawsuit:
Foundation takes donations after Litigation Fund closes: Documents list alum
as head of fund BISMARCK Documents provided by the Secretary of State's office list Mark Foss, a retired Fargo architect, 1950s UND football player and longtime university supporter, as the organizer of the now inactive NCAA Litigation Fund corporation. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=31776§ion=Opinion
Forum Editorial: Secrecy
taints UND logo case Without coming down on one side or the other regarding the appropriateness of the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux logo and nickname, the conduct of the logo lawsuit ought to raise eyebrows. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/160281
Kupchella: Fund has
received $200,000 The NCAA Litigation Fund has received about $200,000 from 170 separate donors, UND President Charles Kupchella said Thursday. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=31833§ion=News
Engelstad behind NCAA
battle The Engelstad Family Foundation has pledged to support the state’s lawsuit against the NCAA over the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux nickname. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=160396§ion=news
United Tribes' funding saved United Tribes Technical College will receive the remainder of its federal funding for 2007 ... The Bureau of Indian Affairs agreed to continue UTTC's funding for fiscal year 2007 at its 2006 level ... "Basically, it is the same amount as last year," UTTC President David Gipp said. "It is level funding." http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/03/23/news/local/130798.txt
Calls for wills prompted by
changing laws for inheriting Indian land New federal laws governing how the estates of American Indians are administered mean that many Indian landowners might not be passing on the rights to their land allotment as they intended. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=31631§ion=Opinion
New
bill would regulate drilling on reservations Newly
introduced legislation should help encourage oil exploration on the Fort
Berthold Indian Reservation, which covers a substantial chunk of the
oil-producing Bakken geologic formation, the state Senate's majority leader
says.
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/03/21/news/state/130702.txt
NEWS: Race & National Origin
Building Bridges conference
planned The Building Bridges Conference will be March 26 and 27 at Fargo’s Holiday Inn. The conference will focus on ways service providers, educators and employers can work with refugee families as they transition into communities to become an important part of the area work force. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/159849
COLUMNIST LEONARD PITTS: Homophobic general fails the morality testPublished Sunday, March 18, 2007MIAMI - In other words, it's wrong because it's wrong … Boil Gen. Pace's controversial comments in a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune down to their essence, and that's what you get. Bypass intellect, detour around critical reasoning, and there you are: wrong because it's wrong. No other explanation necessary. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=31286§ion=Opinion
Donene Feist, Edgeley,
N.D., letter: Neediest families should be assisted We are at a critical juncture in the session. In these final days, my hope is truly with a surplus at hand that our neediest of North Dakota residents will be assisted. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/160080
Bills try to improve quality of life By Gwen Bristol,
Correspondent - Minot Daily News 3/21/07
Please send related news items to mitchmarr@ndhrc.org
N.D. legislative process is
open, but it doesn't work for everyone The competence of the Republican-controlled North Dakota Legislature has come into question recently. In the March 14 Forum, Sen. Judy Lee claims some of the words are unkind. She claims the system works. Others, including Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker, are not so sure. Truth is always appropriate in open government. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/160178
Bills try to improve quality of life By Gwen Bristol,
Correspondent - Minot Daily News 3/21/07
Capitol Notebook: No Opposition During Peace Resolution Hearing By Gwen Bristol, Correspondent At a Thursday hearing in front of
the House Government and Veteran’s Affairs Committee for Senate Concurrent
Resolution 4022, more than 30 people stood to show their support for the
resolution.
http://www.minotdailynews.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=9827
Women honored for taking the lead: YWCA event's founder given special award The founder of an annual event to recognize Sioux Falls women leaders received special recognition Thursday. http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/NEWS01/703230314/1001/NEWS
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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition P.O. Box 1961 Fargo, North Dakota 58107-1961 Phone: (701) 239-9323 Fax: (701) 478-4452 Email: humanrights@ndhrc.org
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