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, May 4, 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:

      Women's Rights

      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.

 

 

 

NEW: Consider Becoming a Board Member for the North Dakota Women's Nework (NDWN )

     The Women’s Network is seeking new applicants for our Board of Directors. This year, there are four positions available. The Board holds an extremely important role in creating and carrying out the actions of the organization. The Board will set policies and goals for the organization. As a member, I hope you would consider submitting an application to be a board member.

      During the last year, the North Dakota Women’s Network has been actively involved in building the organization and engaging in activities to improve the status of women in North Dakota. Members formed committees to establish the work of the Women’s Network – budget/fundraising, legislative, sustainability, public relations, focus group, annual meeting. The Women’s Network conducted focus groups throughout the state to assess the needs of North Dakota women. The engagement of members and the discussions with women will be the guidepost for the organization to solve the concerns of women in North Dakota.

      We asked many members to submit a survey with their membership. A few issues have been emerging as important concerns faced by women today. Most notably, pay equity and economic security. 60% of all respondents (66 respondents) listed this as one of their top three concerns, and made a resounding declaration that the pay gap still exists. This is not surprising, as research continues to show women’s economic security lags behind our male peers. Women earn 77 cents for every dollar a man earns; for minority women the gap is even larger. The Women’s Network can play a vital role in addressing this issue, among other concerns. Issues of violence, political representation, and reproductive rights are top concerns for many North Dakota women.

      NDWN’s Board is given the task to look at these concerns and craft a response and solutions. The membership asks that the Women’s Network keep women informed and be the voice for North Dakota Women. I hope you will consider applying for a position on the board. There are four open positions on the board. Attached is information to help you in your consideration of applying: A one-page description of the organization, NDWN’s bylaws, a job description, and the application.

      Applications are due to Renee Stromme by May 18, 2007, which can be either emailed or sent postal mail. Please contact Renee with any questions. The new members of the board will be voted on at the Women’s Network annual meeting on June 15, 2007.

      Renee Stromme, Executive Director, North Dakota Women's Network: 418 E Rosser #301B, Bismarck, ND  58501. (701) or (888) 255-6240 ext 21 or renee@ndwomen.org

 

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NEW: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Discrimination & Health Research

   The Canadian Psychological Association's Section on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGII; http://www.cpa.ca/sections/sexualorientationandgenderidentityissues/ is  conducting a study looking at sexual minorities' exposure to prejudice and discrimination and how this can affect health and well-being.  As you may be aware, there is a dearth of research actually documenting the experiences of sexual minority persons and how this influences their health.

   They would like to invite ANY individual who identifies as gay or lesbian to participate in a study by going to: www.socialjusticeresearch.com. As well, please feel free to circulate the link to friends, family members, and/or colleagues that might be interested in participating. The survey link can also be sent to those who do not live in Canada

   Participants are not required to put any identifying information such as their name, address, or e-mail on the questionnaire. The anonymous survey has been approved by the Ethics Review Board (beh 05-02) of the University of Saskatchewan and is funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

   Researchers will answer questions and respond to any comments you might have about the study. Contact information is located below.

Melanie A. Morrison, PhD, Principal Researcher Department of Psychology (9 Campus Drive, Arts Building University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sk. S7N 5A5) Phone:306-966-2564; Email: melanie.morrison@usask.ca, Tracey Arnold, Research Assistant: Phone: 306-966-1773; Email: tma490@mail.usask.ca or Chad Hammond, Research Assistant: Phone (306) 966-1773; Email: cnh920@mail.usask.ca

 

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NEW: 2007 ND legislature Provides for Major Boost for Charitable

Governor Hoeven has recently signed a bill providing significant tax incentives to ND taxpayers who support qualified ND charitable organizations.  The legislation focuses on two types of giving: Deferred giving ...irrevocable planned gifts made by individuals which favor qualified ND charitable organizations, and Outright giving…gifts (most often cash) made by business entities to qualified endowment funds of qualified ND charitable organizations. To meet the requirements for the tax credit, the above gifts must qualify for tax-deductibility under Federal income tax law.

 

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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 Monday, May 14 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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Did you know that current federal hate crime laws don't protect everyone?

     We've had a federal hate crimes law on the books since 1969, and it has never included crimes targeting victims because of their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

     Congress is about to consider a bill that would change that and ensure all bias motivated crimes based on a person's sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, race, religion, color and national origin are covered. It would also help underfunded law enforcement officials investigate and prosecute hate crimes.

Tell your representative to support this bill at:

http://www.hrc.org/FightHate

     Here's something else that shocked me: one in six hate crimes are motivated by the victim's sexual orientation. And the federal government can't even investigate most of these crimes or help bring the criminals to justice. That's outrageous!

     In past years, right wing groups have successfully blocked attempts to expand hate crimes laws. They're gearing up for another fight now, so we need to make sure our representatives do the right thing and support this landmark law.

Click here to send your message:

http://www.hrc.org/FightHate

     In my mind, there's no question that including hate crimes protections for GLBT Americans in federal law doesn't constitute "special treatment," as some right wing groups would have us believe - there's nothing special about wanting to live safely and without fear of violence. That's something everyone deserves.

Thanks for joining me.

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/fighthate_house?rk=q11ysb41j5AlW

 

 Take action against hate crimes!

     Andrew Anthos was a 72-year-old patriot who loved his country so much that he led a one-man campaign to light the Michigan state capitol in red, white and blue every 4th of July. He was also gay. 

     Andrew was riding a city bus in Detroit in February when a man asked him whether he was gay. After Andrew got off the bus, the man trailed him and then beat him on the head with a pipe. Andrew was rushed to the hospital, paralyzed from the neck down. He didn’t recover. Ten days later, on February 23, Andrew passed away from his injuries.

     Hate crimes happen in this country alarmingly often. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 1,985 hate crimes motivated by anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender violence were committed in 2005. Nine of those attacks were murders.

     The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc., has been working with our partners at the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights to pass a federal hate crimes law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. We’ve worked hard to ensure that any legislation clearly covers crimes motivated by anti-transgender bias. On Thursday, we’ll proudly be at a press conference on Capitol Hill to applaud the introduction of a Senate bill that matches transgender-inclusive legislation already introduced in the House. The fact that both bills mirror each other signals that Congress is poised to take swift action this year to finally address these heinous crimes.

But it won’t happen without your help. Join our efforts to urge members of the House and Senate to take action right now!

E-mail your Representative

E-mail your Senator

     You can also call your elected officials and tell them to vote for the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask to be connected to your Representative or Senator.

     Please, take action today. The legislation is expected to be introduced in the Senate tomorrow, and the House bill is being heard in committee next week. Now is when your elected officials need to know you care about passing this bill.

E-mail your Representative

E-mail your Senator

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc. (“NGLTF, Inc.”), founded in 1974, works to build the grassroots political power of the LGBT community to win complete equality. We do this through direct and grassroots lobbying to defeat anti-LGBT ballot initiatives and legislation and pass pro-LGBT legislation and other measures. We also analyze and report on the positions of candidates for public office on issues of importance to the LGBT community. NGLTF, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation incorporated in New York. Contributions to NGLTF, Inc. are not tax-deductible.

 

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Disabilities Fact Sheet:

On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, guaranteeing equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, commercial facilities, employment, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.

View the full fact sheet, here, on the NDHRC website. Below, we’ve highlighted a few facts:

* 51.2 million people have some level of disability. They represent 18 percent of the population.

* 10.7 million people age 6 and older need personal assistance with one or more activities of daily living (such as taking a bath or shower) or instrumental activities of daily living (such as using the telephone).

* 2.7 million people age 15 and older use a wheelchair. Another 9.1 million use an ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches or walker.

* 1.8 million people age 15 and older report being unable to see.

* 1 million people age 15 and older report being unable to hear.

* 2.6 million people age 15 and older have some difficulty having their speech understood by others. Of this number, 610,000 were unable to have their speech understood at all.

* 11.8 million of 16- to 64-year-olds who reported the presence of a medical condition that makes it difficult to find a job or remain employed.

* 56% of people ages 21 to 64 having some type of disability and also employed in the last year. The rate ranged from 82 percent of those with a nonsevere disability to 43 percent with a severe disability. For those without a disability, the rate is 88 percent.

* $22,000 is the median earnings for people with a nonsevere disability. This compares to $25,000 for those with no disability and $12,800 for those with a severe disability.

* 11% is the poverty rate for people ages 25 to 64 with a nonsevere disability. This compares to 26 percent for those with a severe disability and 8 percent of those without a disability.

 

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May is Mental Health Month

For a complete calendar, visit www.ndhrc.org, or access directly here.

 

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NDSU Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Program Seeking Participants
   The North Dakota State University Extension Service is looking for individuals who want to become part of creating the future for their organization, community and state.
   The Extension Service's Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) program is accepting applications for its 2007-09 class, which starts in October. RLND is a two-year program for emerging agricultural and rural leaders. RLND teaches participants to be effective leaders with the skills to overcome challenges and guide North Dakota into the future.
   July 1 is the deadline to apply to join the 2007-09 class. Applicants must have been a state resident for at least a year and be able to attend all of the seminars and study tour. Participants will be responsible for tuition of $1,375 for each of the two years. Scholarships are available for part of the tuition. Funding from other sources covers the rest of the $11,000 cost per participant. Those other funding sources include the NDSU Extension Service, North Dakota businesses and organizations, foundations, granting agencies and individuals.
   For more information on RLND, or if you want to apply or nominate someone for the class, visit RLND's Web site at www.ag.ndsu.edu/rlnd, send an e-mail to r-leader@ndsuext.nodak.edu or call the RLND Office at 701-231-5803.

 

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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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Cystic Fibrosis walk to be held Saturday
Forum and wire reports, Associated Press - 05/03/2007

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is holding the Fargo-Moorhead GREAT STRIDES 10K walk at 10 a.m. Saturday [May 5] in Fargo’s Oak Grove Park. Proceeds will go toward supporting Cystic Fibrosis research. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting 30,000 people in the United States. Registration for the walk will begin at 9 a.m. It is planned and organized by local families affected by the disease. For more information on participating in the walk, contact the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Minnesota Chapter at (651) 631-3290 or email minn@cff.org. http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/164539

 

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NEW:The North Dakota Women’s Network holds FIRST Annual meeting, award ceremony and training of the NDWN

   Friday, June 15th 2007 at the Best Western Kelly Inn (3800 Main Avenue, Fargo, ND). A block of rooms has been set aside at the Kelly Inn under the ND Women’s Network. For reservations call 1-800-528-1234 or locally at 701-281-0243.

   Tentative Agenda:  2pm – 4pm: Training – “Why Wait? Women and Activism: Balancing Passion, Time and Responsibilities.” 4pm – 5pm: Board Meeting (Visitors are welcome to attend). 5pm – 6pm: Social – An Opportunity for Networking and Getting to Know Women’s Network Members; silent art auction featuring original work by women artists. 6pm – 9pm: Dinner – Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony; Keynote on “Women in North Dakota Politics: A Review of Women’s Role in State Policy-Making”; Election of Board Members; Woman of the Year Award Presentation to Dr. Ellen Chaffee.

   Registration fee: $20/training only; $30/meeting only; $45/both events w/meals. The Red River Valley Fair will also be held that weekend – no admission fee and a great (family-friendly) opportunity. Contact: Renee Stromme, Executive Director, North Dakota Women's Network (418 E Rosser #301B, Bismarck, ND  58501): 701- or 888-255-6240 ext 21; Cell – 701-226-1116; renee@ndwomen.org

 

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NEW: Peace Studies-West Film Series Continues 

Sunday May 6, 7:00 pm at the Bismarck/Mandan Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship (818 E Divide Ave, Bismarck).

   For the adults: “Shut Up & Sing”: In 2003, the female country band, The Dixie Chicks, are at the top of their game being one of the most successful bands of all time. However, with the US invasion of Iraq about to begin over frustrated worldwide objections, one of the Chicks vents off the cuff in concert about being ashamed of US President George W. Bush. This statement sparks a firestorm of organized and personal attacks against the Chicks. This film covers the band's effort to ride out the turmoil that would leave their careers under a cloud, but would eventually give them an opportunity to grow as artists.

   For the kids: “Duma”: Set in the exotic country of South Africa, Duma tells the powerful adventure tale of an unbreakable bond of friendship between a cheetah named Duma and a courageous young boy named Xan (ALEXANDER MICHALETOS). Xan faces the true test of love when he must cross the wilds of Southern Africa to return his best friend to his rightful home.

Free & Open to the Public. Popcorn and lemonade will be served. For more information, contact Julie Huwe at 400-1897.

 

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NEW: Tri-College NEW Leadership Development Institute: Diane Meyer Keynote Address by Demetria Martinez *for the

Tuesday May 15, 2007, 6:30pm, North Dakota State University, Beckwith Auditorium.

A public reception will follow the address.

     Demetria Martinez is an author, activist, lecturer and columnist. Her acclaimed book "Mother Tongue" is based in part upon her 1988 trial for conspiracy against the U.S. government in connection with transporting Salvadoran refugees into the country. A religion reporter at the time covering the faith-based Sanctuary Movement, she was found not guilty on First Amendment grounds. Born in Albuquerque, NM in 1960, where she now resides, Martinez earned her BA from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Martinez teaches at the annual June writing workshop at the William JoinerCenter for the Study of War and Social Consequences at the University of Mass., Boston.In New Mexico she is active with Enlace Comunitario, an immigrants’ rights group that serves Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence.

     The Tri-College National Education for Women’s (NEW) Leadership Development Institute is a five-day residential program aimed at promoting public and community leadership among women of diverse backgrounds. It is being sponsored by Tri-College University and will be held May 13-17, 2007 at North Dakota State University. Tri-College NEW Leadership is made possible through generous financial support from friends and family of Diane Meyer, the Otto Bremer Foundation, North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, Church of the Nativity Social Justice Fund Concordia College, the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Women’s Fund, Fargo-Moorhead branch and members of AAUW, Soroptimist International of Moorhead, Soroptimist International of Fargo, Cass County Bar Association, the Fargo Human Relations Commission, and other individual contributors.

For information please contact Deborah White at 218-477-2041 or whitede@mnstate.edu

 

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NDHRC announces 5th Annual Conference

Mark your calendars today! NDHRC and the Professional Issues conference are collaborating on a conference, "The Human Rights Umbrella: Removing Barriers to Full Participation," scheduled for Fri.-Sat., Oct. 19 & 20. The conference will feature tracks focused on human rights, GLBT, disability, and New American issues. In those tracks, presenters will cover topics such as education, law, diversity issues, activism, health & human services, and spirituality. Watch for e-mail updates or click here for details (updated as information is available).

 

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“Uniting Our Families”-May 4th & 5th in Bismarck at the Comfort Inn.  Hosted by ND Vision Services/School for the Blind & Family Team.  This event is for families who have children with visual impairments.  Contact ND Vision Services/School for the Blind for more information at 1-800-421-1181. 

 

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Third Annual Clinical Forum on Mental Health:  Turning Knowledge into Practice!  May 15-16-17, 2007, Pre-Conference, May 15 Seven Seas Inn & Convention Center- Mandan, North Dakota  A preliminary Schedule at a Glance is posted on the Web site.  Updates will be made very soon with more detail.  The Web site is www.conted.und.edu/clinicalforumREGISTRATION INFORMATION:  Your complete registration brochure will be mailed to you at a later date.  Registration is available now through our secure server, or you can print a PDF of the registration form, on our Web site:
www.conted.und.edu/clinicalforum

 

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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:

       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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Hjemkomst Voyage 25th Anniversary: The Dream Lives On - 6-month Commemoration

May 11, 2007: Sail-Raiser (a fundraiser for the HHIC) - 25 years ago to the day the Hjemkomst ship set sail for Norway. Enjoy Gourmet Scandinavian Hors D'Oeuvres, meet Hjemkomst Crew Members, watch the Hjemkomst sail being raised by Hjemkomst Crew Members with Community Members. For ticket information call: (218) 299-5511.

June 19, 2007: Collaborative Event with Scandinavian Festival (TBA)

Tuesday Night Programming (TBA): Topics include Hjemkomst Crew and Family, Scandinavian Immigration, Viking History.

Contact Person: Michelle Kittleson - 218-299-5511 x222

 

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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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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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NEW: Local GLBT Social/Discussion Group
Minnkota
Center would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming social/discussion group (now combined) 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 group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the PEPP building. These will be open-forum discussions 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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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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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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Judge limits document request in North Dakota nickname lawsuit
  - Bismarck Tribune

FARGO - A judge has sided with a University of North Dakota request to limit certain documents in a lawsuit against the NCAA over the school's Fighting Sioux nickname. http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/04/27/news/state/132572.txt
 

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Improving the reservation by degrees

MIKE McCLEARY/Tribune United Tribes Technical College students Florine Burning Breast, left, Sylvester Thomas, center, and Autumn Elm are graduating from the Small Business Management program on Friday.

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OUR OPINION : A vote of support for tribal colleges
- 04/27/2007 - Grand Forks Herald

It would be easy to miss this upbeat bill to emerge from the North Dakota Legislature. That's because the amount of money involved is small - only $700,000 ... In addition, lawmakers authorized the spending on the session's second-to-last day, a time when other bills involving tens of millions of dollars also made it through. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=35807&section=News

 

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Appeals court upholds sentence in immigrant trafficking case

FARGO - A federal appeals court has upheld the sentence of man convicted in a human smuggling case in which authorities said thousands of illegal immigrants were brought to work at restaurants at North Dakota and other states. http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/05/03/news/local/132860.txt

 

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Janet Hohenstein, Glyndon, Minn. letter: We all trace origins to somewhere else
The Forum - 05/03/2007

I will never forget a few years back I was reading the local paper and in the editorial section a person was quoted saying, “I think they should all go back to where they came from.” The “they,” this writer was referring to, was the current influx of refuges immigrating to our neighborhoods. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/164515

 

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Brost doesn’t speak for all white men in the country
Amy Schauer Nelson; Bismarck, The Jamestown Sun - 04/26/2007

After reading Ronald Brost’s letter to the editor on April 14, I was quite amazed at the ramblings he posed. I know Brost does not speak for all white men and thank goodness he does not. I’m addressing him in this response, not the white male population who I know he does not speak for. http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=48814&section=Opinion

 

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COLUMNIST LEONARD PITTS : Pitts' rules of order
04/30/2007 - Grand Forks Herald

You might want to take notes, because I'm about to explain The Rules.

Frankly, The Rules have always seemed self-evident to me, but in the post-Don Imus world, they are apparently not. Witness Jeff Vandergrift and Dan Lay, two New York shock jocks who call themselves “JV and Elvis.” They were suspended without pay last week after an Asian-American group took exception to an on-air prank call supposedly made to a Chinese restaurant. The tone of the bit can be inferred from the fact that the caller places an order for “slimp flied lice.” http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=36161&section=News

 

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Trying to perpetuate native languages in the Dakotas

Letter to the editor, April 26 - Rapid City Journal

I am writing in regards to our Lakota, Dakota and the Nakota language barriers in South Dakota. I was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation and introduced to my native language and oral history at a young age. Unfortunately, I stopped learning and speaking the language. But then I began my journey into the past of my ancestors and the history of my language. http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2007/05/01/news/opinions/letters/opin734.txt
 

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Pocahontas Revealed

   For four centuries, Americans have adored her as a romantic fairy-tale heroine, but who was the real Pocahontas? As Jamestown, the first successful English settlement in the New World, marks its 400th birthday, NOVA celebrates with an illuminating new view of Pocahontas---and gives television audiences their first look inside the recently discovered sacred village of Werowocomoco ("Place of Chiefs") in present-day Virginia, where the longhouse in which Pocahontas first met the colonial leader John Smith in 1607 is being unearthed.
   "Pocahontas Revealed" will premiere Tuesday, May 8 at 8:00 pm on most PBS stations. Check your local listings to confirm when it will be broadcast near you: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/schedule-local.html
   We invite you to help us spread the word about "Pocahontas Revealed" by forwarding the attached e-card to friends, family and colleagues who might want to tune in. You can also learn more about "Pocahontas Revealed" at the companion Web site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pocahontas
 

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Police stand behind decision
Dave Olson, The Forum - 05/03/2007

Moorhead police Wednesday stood by a decision not to pursue charges against a man who claimed to be the victim of a hate crime and later changed his story. http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/164549

 

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Hate crime report a sham
Dave Olson, The Forum - 05/02/2007

Police said Tuesday a Minnesota State University Moorhead student’s claim that he was the victim of a hate crime was a sham.

Deputy Police Chief Bob Larson said Paul Marquardt, 23, had recanted major parts of a story he first told police Friday and as a result, “It is no longer believed that a bias-motivated crime took place.” http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=164478&section=news

 

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Granite State extends rights to gays, lesbians
Associated Press - 04/28/2007 - Fargo Forum

The Washington Post - Gay and lesbian couples in New Hampshire took a step closer to gaining official recognition of their relationships when Gov. John Lynch (D) said he would sign legislation to establish civil unions in the Granite State. “I believe it is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination,” he said Thursday. We agree. Other states should follow suit. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/printer.cfm?id=163951

 

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Deb J. Malm, Fargo letter: A very special night for talented women

The Forum, Published Thursday, May 03, 2007

Recently I sat in the Great Hall at Fargo’s Holiday Inn, surrounded by 44 astounding women who have made monumental contributions to this community. These caring women were recognized by their families, friends, coworkers, the YWCA and area sponsors for their contributions and their impact to our community at the YWCA Women of the Year event. http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/164520

 

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Hearing for GF oral surgeon begins today
By John Edison, Herald Staff Writer - 05/03/2007

A hearing involving complaints against a Grand Forks oral surgeon begins this morning in the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Dr. Greg Frokjer will appear before the State Board of Dental Examiners today and Friday in the wake of accusations that he touched four female patients in an inappropriate, sexual manner during physical examinations. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=36483&section=news

 

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Indians face high risk of rape: Race, poverty factors in assaults on 1 in 3 women

PIERRE - One of every three Native American women will be raped in their lifetimes, a report released Tuesday by Amnesty International says. http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704250323
 

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Report charts sexual assault, rape
By Jennifer Talhelm, Associated Press - 04/25/2007 - Grand Forks Herald

WASHINGTON - American Indian women are more than twice as likely to be raped as other U.S. women, and the suspects often go free because of confusing police jurisdictions and a lack of nurses, Amnesty International reports. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=35588&section=News

 

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A muddled reversal on abortion
Associated Press - 04/28/2007 - Fargo Forum

Los Angeles Times - The U.S. Supreme Court executed an unconscionable U-turn on abortion, upholding a restrictive federal law that is virtually indistinguishable from a Nebraska statute it struck down only seven years ago. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/printer.cfm?id=163950

 

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Legislators think they know more than a woman’s doctor
Jane Ahlin, The Forum - 04/29/2007

How odd it was to see Mexico City legalize abortion the day after the North Dakota House and Senate voted to ban it. Irony abounded as the largest city of Mexico, a country traditionally viewed as lagging far behind America, voted for women’s reproductive freedom, while North Dakota’s House, Senate and governor fell all over one another, rushing to take that freedom away. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/printer.cfm?id=164160

 

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Cystic Fibrosis walk to be held Saturday
Forum and wire reports, Associated Press - 05/03/2007

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is holding the Fargo-Moorhead GREAT STRIDES 10K walk at 10 a.m. Saturday in Fargo’s Oak Grove Park. http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/164539

 

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Kristen Granly, Thief River Falls, Minn., letter: Autism awareness month is under way
none - 04/29/2007 - Fargo Forum

As parent of a child with autism. I would like to get the word out that “April is autism awareness month.” My son is 7 years old now and was diagnosed when he was about 3 years old. He goes to a regular school and has an aide who helps him. He is an amazing little boy. Every day is a challenge with him. He is the second oldest out of four children, and none of his siblings have autism. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/printer.cfm?id=164155

 

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DISABILITY RIGHTS: A small victory
By Yangkyoung Lee, Herald Staff Writer - 04/30/2007

Debra Ericson, a former internationally certified driver's license examiner, is no novice to bureaucracy ... But when she found herself "humiliated" and "treated like a second-class citizen" by some Amtrak employees she encountered between Grand Forks and Williston, N.D., she decided to take on the national corporation. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=36216&section=News

 

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Please send related news items to mitchmarr@ndhrc.org

 

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Matthew Bakko, Fargo, letter: Abstinence study was misrepresented
none - 04/28/2007 - Fargo Forum

After reading Pauline Economon’s conclusions (Forum, April 22) on the “Impacts of Four Title V, Section 510 Abstinence Education Programs,” I am wondering whether she read the study at all. The study does not suggest that abstinence programs are well conceived as Economon would have us believe. It actually tells us that these programs had absolutely no impact on teen sexual activity different from that of regular health programs offered at schools. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/printer.cfm?id=163954

 

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Mandan gets transit updated

The Mandan City Commission got its first look at a transit development plan being produced by URS for the Bismarck-Mandan Transit Center by URS Corp ... URS's Bill Troe showed the plan at Tuesday's commission meeting. The 199-page document is a five-year master plan for the CAT (Capital Area Transit) and paratransit operations. URS spent several months collecting data on Bismarck-Mandan's fixed route and demand response services. http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/05/03/news/local/132856.txt
 

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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.

 

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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

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Fax: (701) 478-4452