North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights

 

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PAUR Report

Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources

 

 

Friday, March 30, 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: 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.

 

*SB 2121: Name Change Billl Narrowly Defeated (Tuesday, March 27)

The House voted today on SB 2121, the bill to add "and Human Rights" to the name of the Department of Labor. Unfortunately, the bill went down, 40-50 with four absent, leaving the Department of Labor’s name unchanged. Thank you to everyone who supported SB 2121 and the effort to bring attention to human rights issues in North Dakota. Please visit our website and watch for further updates regarding SB 2121 and other human rights-related legislation.

 

* 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 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.

 

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     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.
     This is an important milestone for the PCCC as it now allows us to seek funding and donations from members and supporters (such as yourself) while also allowing you to deduct your donations on your income tax returns.  While we hope that we could count on your support without the tax deduction, we recognize that for many, it is an added incentive.
The PCCC board recently completed a day long retreat which involved getting to know each other better and more importantly, planning and brainstorming goals for the PCCC based on surveys we gathered from many of you during last year’s FM Pride, Red River Valley Fair, and other events.  The board determined that, based on your suggestions, we needed to take a more active role in the GLBTQA community, offering more resources and educational and social opportunities to you and the public.
How can you help?
1)
 Support the PCCC through your donations;
2) Volunteer to help organize, promote, and staff events and PCCC functions;
3) Attend PCCC events and functions, and bring a friend (or ten)!
4) Provide feedback and suggestions about the type of events you’d like to see PCCC sponsor (email us at info@pridecollective.com );
5) Tell your friends about PCCC and ask them to join you in supporting us.

     We’ve made supporting PCCC easy to do by registering with PayPal.  PayPal is a secure and widely respected method of transferring funds by internet.  All you need is a credit or debit card to use the PayPal service.  You don’t need one of their accounts.  We’ve added a link to our website to make this process easier (go to www.pridecollective.com and click on the PayPal link in the upper left corner of the screen).   If you’d prefer not to use PayPal, you can send your donations to Pride Collective & Community Center, 116 South 12th Street, Moorhead, MN 56560.
      While you’re visting our website, don’t forget to check out our calendar and other web content.  Watch for new events to be scheduled in the coming months.
 

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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:

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&f=HF1380&ssn=0&y=2007

Senate File 279 Status:

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&f=SF0279&ssn=0&y=2007

 

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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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Hate Crimes Bill Introduced in the House of Representatives
   
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (H.R. 1592) was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 20.  This bill gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias motivated violence by providing the Department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the persons actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
    The National Association of LGBT Community Centers (NALGBTCC) is working actively with a broad coalition of organizations and individuals committed to the passage of this important piece of legislation.  If you would like more information go to www.unitedagainsthate.net or email Terry Stone at terry@lgbtcenters.org to add your name to the growing list of advocates in our Community Center Action Network (CCAN).  The Association will keep you up-to-date as this bill and others move through Congress as well as provide you with important tools to help you make your voice heard.  Become part of CCAN today.

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TODAY! 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.

 

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NEW: Free Forum: Conversations with Legislators
Tuesday, April 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
...Each Tuesday during the 2007 Legislative Session...
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Room 113 (basement), Corner of Washington Street and Divide Avenue, Bismarck.
Legislators and ordinary North Dakota folks from around the state are participating. This is an informal, positive, opportunity to visit with lawmakers away from the hub hub of wining and dining. We're the people and legislators would like to visit with us.
Sponsors:
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, North Dakota Center for the Public Good, NDPeople.Org, AAUW Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota Peace Coalition     ...more sponsors are welcome...
For more information, contact
Cheryl Bergian Executive Director NDHRC, 701-239-9323, cherylbergian@ndhrc.org
Don Morrison, Executive Director NDCPG, 224-8090,
don@ndpeople.org
 

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NEW: ARRESTS on Record = Denials for Housing

  Do Arrest Records without convictions or charges keep people from getting housing?

One Response: How big of a problem is this? In 2004 46,806 misdemeanor cases were

filed-21,043 were dismissed outright, 7,715 continued for dismissal. This was in Hennepin County. Despite the dismissals, all these folks will have a "criminal" record that may impede their efforts to find employment, a place to live, obtain credit or get a licensure.

   Join us in a strategy session and discussion on what we can and are doing about this issue.Join us for an one hour Meeting on Thursday, April 5 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at PEPP at 116 12th St. S. Moorhead, MN.

** 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.

  Get people affected by this issue to join our group and have their stories and situation documented and their voice heard!

Contact PEPP if you want to get involved! Call Duke at 218-236-5434.  Allies, Advocates and especially those impacted by this issue are welcome!

 

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NEW: North Dakota Children’s Health Care Forum.

Co-sponsored by Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota and  North Dakota’s KIDS COUNT  Monday, April 2nd 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., Olivet Lutheran Church 1330 University Dr. S (Hwy 81), Fargo, North Dakota.  There are over 12,000 uninsured children in North Dakota.  Bring Friends and Colleagues Be informed of the well-being of North Dakota’s children. Hear update on State and Federal policy solutions.  Discuss with others how you can be part of the solution.

 

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NEW: Fargo-Moorhead Pride Festival
F-M Pride has been set for Wednesday, May 30 through Sunday, 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 (116 South 12th Street, Moorhead, MN) from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The next scheduled meetings are March 22, April 3, and April 19.  More info at www.pridecollective.com.

 

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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. 

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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.

 

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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)

 

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Presentation Peace Studies Forum, one remaining:
*Radical Amazement: Planetary Spirituality and the New Universe Story
Friday, April 13, 7 p.m. at Presentation Center, 1101 32nd Aave So. Fargo
Judy Cannato, discusses select scientific findings and faith.
 

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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.
   Eagles Park is located north of Bismarck along the historic Missouri River on Highway 1804. The park offers camping for the weekend, and various activities for all ages. For those camping at the campground, there will be a themed campsite decorating contest.
   Pride Fest begins with a Friday night bonfire and entertainment. Saturday there will be various outdoor activities, information/vendor booths, food concessions, a GLBT Pride Award presentation, entertainment, and a dance hosted by Dakota Good Friends. Pride Fest will conclude with a Sunday morning worship service followed by snacks and fellowship.
   Make the journey this summer to Bismarck-Mandan to celebrate your GLBT pride! For updated information regarding Bismarck-Mandan GLBT Pride Fest 2007, visit www.DakotaOutRight.org or email hosts@dakotaoutright.org.
 

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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

 

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

Tuesday, April 10, 2007, 12:30-1:30pm (FLC 319): “Raising Anti-Racist Children” Speaker
Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 12:30-1:30pm (FLC 319): “A Place at the Table: History & Identity Through the Eyes of Today's Youth” Video

 

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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.

 

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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 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.

 

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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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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."

 

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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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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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Ten Percent Society    www.fmtps.com
Our group provides social activities, support, and education to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered students, faculty and staff and straight allies on the campuses of Minnesota State University Moorhead and North Dakota State University and in the Fargo-Moorhead community.
Rideshare Names & Numbers:
If you would like to join us at a meeting but don't have a ride, give one of these nice people a call and you can arrange to meet somewhere:  Abby: 701-541-1605, Nate: 701-388-2075, Justin: 701-400-6429, Nick: 651-380-6741, Andrew: 701-212-2109, Jake: 701-866-8550, Jacob: 701-361-9774, Stacey: 701-318-3347, or Erika: 320-250-1915.
 

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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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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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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 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

 

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

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.

 

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UND named beneficiary
Amy Dalrymple, The Forum - 03/25/2007

The Engelstad Family Foundation, which is supporting the state’s lawsuit against the NCAA, named the University of North Dakota as a primary recipient of funding when establishing the private foundation. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=160694&section=news

 

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Eagle stolen from UND American Indian Center

By Joseph Marks, Herald Staff Writer, Published Friday, March 30, 2007

UND's American Indian Center began the day without its most identifiable feature ... The large decorative eagle with outspread wings that sits outside the center was stolen sometime last night, employees said. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=32830&section=News

 

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Indian plaintiffs voice objections to Interior trust settlement
  - Bismarck Tribune, March 30, 2007

WASHINGTON - The lead plaintiff in a decade-old Indian trust lawsuit told Congress Thursday that an Interior Department attempt to settle the suit is a "slap in the face." http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/03/30/news/state/131160.txt
 

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Reservation seeks VA outreach program
3/29/07

A veterans' outreach program is in the works for the Turtle Mountain Reservation ... It would be a joint effort of the Veterans Administration Center in Fargo and the Indian Health Services. Organizers toured the Fargo facility Monday and discussed plans for the Turtle Mountain program in Belcourt.

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/03/29/news/local/131072.txt

 

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VIEWPOINT : Law could tear children from a ‘tribe' they love
By Lisa Morris, - 03/29/2007 - Grand forks Herald

RONAN, Mont. - At 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, Patrick and Virgina Swartz of Van Buren County, Ark., were getting their two girls ready for bed. The 10-year-old twins already were in pajamas when police suddenly arrived. Brandishing a court order, they took the frightened girls and drove them 60 miles to the home of an elderly relative. The girls couldn't even tell their friends good-bye. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=32674&section=Opinion

 

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Possible Hate Crime in Bismarck

By Jeff Alexander, News Director, KBMR Radio, Bismarck, ND - Wednesday, 3-28-07, 12:05 p.m. newscast

ALEXANDER: Bismarck Police are investigating a possible hate crime that occurred Tuesday evening in the Hillside Park area. Lt. Dan Donlin says four Native American children, two 13 year old boys, a 12 year old girl, and a 14 year old girl, were approached by five white men in two separate vehicles.

DONLIN: The conduct of the suspects was that as they drove by they yelled out racial slurs to these kids. And they also threw things at them. The information is that one of the men chased one of the 13 year old boys and apparently caught him and was attempting to take him back to the car, making comments to him that they were gonna ‘take him for a ride.’The 13 year old boy was able to get away and they ended up all running to one of the kid’s residences.

ALEXANDER: Donlin says the men were described as being in their late teens to mid 20s. The suspect vehicles were believed to be a gold four-door car and a white four-door Pontiac. Donlin says this is a very, scary situation.

DONLIN: When racial slurs are, you know, yelled out it raises the stakes quite a bit, especially when it goes out to the point where someone exits a vehicle and attempts to make contact with a juvenile, a teenager. That gets very serious when that starts to occur. And it’s very serious anytime someone is being harassed and when racial slurs are being thrown out at people.

ALEXANDER: If anyone has any information regarding the case you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers at 224-TIPS or Bismarck Police at 223-1212. Meantime, Bismarck Mayor John Warford said he’s shocked and appalled at the incident. Warford formed Bismarck’s Human Rights Committee to address issues like the case being investigated by authorities.

WARFORD: I’m shocked and, ah, you know, it’s, hopefully an isolated incident here in Bismarck, because we pride our community on being a good community that celebrates our diversity.

ALEXANDER: Warford says he maintains a close relationship with the Native American community and with the leadership and students at United Tribes Technical College. He said he doesn’t believe racism is running rampant in North Dakota’s capital city.

WARFORD: I don’t think it happens a lot, but, ah, ya know, when it happens once or twice, ah, that’s a lot. And it’s, it’s, not good. And, ah, ya know, its ah, something that all communities deal with. And, ah, we are not proud of this. At all.

 

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Former N.D. police chief files complaint over firing
Associated Press - 03/30/2007  - Fargo Forum

LARIMORE, N.D. – A former police chief here who was fired has filed a wrongful dismissal complaint with the state Labor Department’s human rights division ... Steve Jones was fired in December after about 4½ months on the job. Larimore residents had complained about what they said was Jones’ aggressive ticketing and policing practices ... Jones, who is black, said his firing was racially motivated. http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/161154

 

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Only one promise has been kept — taking land

Herb Johnson; Jamestown, The Jamestown Sun; Published Saturday, March 24, 2007 - Jameston Sun

Regarding oil drilling on reservation land, broken promise ... They made us many promises. More than I can remember. But they kept but one — they promised to take our land. And they took it ... (Johnson is a member of the Potawatomi Nezperce Tribe) http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=47432&section=Opinion

 

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'Don’t ask, don’t tell, just fight!'
By Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune - 03/25/2007  - Fargo Forum

How much harm do gays and lesbians really cause in the ranks of the military? Not much, it turns out ... Judging by the latest discharge figures, the military’s real policy goes like this: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Just Keep Fighting!” ... Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made more news than he wanted to last week when he called homosexual acts “immoral” during a meeting with the Chicago Tribune editorial board. Pace later expressed mild regret for expressing his personal views instead of sticking with the official Pentagon line. But he stopped short of an apology to all of the gay and lesbian military personnel whose service and sacrifices he had insulted. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/160653

 

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Republicans tout human service bill
By Janell Cole,State Capitol Bureau - 03/30/2007

BISMARCK - The House's human service budget for 2007-09 has funds to give workers who care for the state's developmentally disabled citizens and nursing home residents a 5 percent increase each of the next two years, Republican legislators said, presenting their product Thursday after more than a month of work. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=32783&section=news

 

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Emotion fuels shelter hearing
Mike Nowatzki, The Forum - 03/27/2007

After a nearly three-hour hearing filled with emotional pleas, Fargo city commissioners voted unanimously Monday to table a decision on a proposed emergency homeless shelter and detox center, drawing applause from neighbors opposed to the site.

Commissioners responded to neighbors’ concerns that they weren’t properly notified about the project plans by vowing to work with them over the next four weeks to identify other potential sites for the shelter. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/printer.cfm?id=160888

 

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Freethinkers urge monument near City Hall
Benny Polacca, The Forum - 03/27/2007

Jon Lindgren told Fargo city commissioners Monday night that a monument on public property built by Red River Freethinkers could provoke intellectual  discussion among residents ...The group, whose members share atheist or agnostic views, propose erecting a “sister monument” supporting freedom of worship near the Ten Commandments monument outside City Hall in 2009, when the new library’s construction is expected to be completed. http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/160891

 

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Forum Editorial: Freethinkers hang their stone on a thin reed
The Forum - 03/30/2007

The Freethinkers are hanging their logic for placing an anti-Christian monument alongside Fargo’s 10 Commandments stone on a thin reed. Whether one adheres to the notion that the United States is a “Christian nation,” or subscribes to a secular view of the nation, the Freethinkers (thinkers, after all) can do better than relying on Article 11 of an obscure 1797 friendship/trade treaty with Tripoli of Barbary. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/161109

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Hearings should be on the Web
By Amy Schauer Nelson, Bismarck
I want to commend the North Dakota Legislature and the Legislative Council this session for posting live audio and video of House and Senate floor sessions on the Legislature's Web site, in contrast to previous sessions where it was limited to alternating weeks or only via television. The legislative Web site also keeps improving from session to session. The more information the better for our "citizen Legislature."
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/03/27/news/opinion/letters/130980.txt
 

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State will pay for rape exams

Bismarck Tribune, March 29, 2007

North Dakota legislators are moving to ensure that a woman who is raped is not obliged to foot part of the bill for investigating who assaulted her. http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/03/29/news/state/131088.txt

 

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House kills teen pregnancy bill
Forum Communications and Associated Press - 03/24/2007

BISMARCK - North Dakota teenagers should not be allowed to get medical help for pregnancy without their parents knowing, lawmakers narrowly decided Friday. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=32024&section=news

 

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N.D. House rejects private obstetrical care for teens

By Gwen Bristol, Correspondent- Minot Daily News 3/24/07
Bismarck — In a close vote, the bill allowing physicians to give obstetrical services to pregnant minors without parents’ knowledge failed the House floor vote Friday. http://www.minotdailynews.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=9844
 

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House: Teens need parents consent
Teri Finneman, The Jamestown Sun - 03/24/2007, The Forum

North Dakota teen-agers should not be allowed to get medical help for pregnancy without their parents knowing, lawmakers narrowly decided Friday. http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=47415&section=homepage

 

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