PAUR Report

Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources

Friday, May 18, 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 Issues

      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.

F-M Area Feminists Calendar Nominations
   Please take the time to nominate yourself or another outstanding feminist in the F-M area! The F-M Area Feminists project is a calendar that highlights individual women and girl feminists, aged 13 and older, as well as feminist organizations in the F-M area. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar support the mission and programs of the Women’s Network of the Red River Valley. The mission of the Women’s Network of the Red River Valley is to empower women and girls and organize for social justice.
   Nominations are due by June 15, 2007. Please make sure the nominee has signed the form acknowledging her nomination. The nominee will be notified if she has been chosen to be highlighted in the calendar by approximately July 1, 2007 and will have her picture taken within the next 30 days. The women (along with the calendars) will be showcased at the Women’s Network of the Red River Valley’s annual Women’s Equality Day event on the evening of August 28, 2007 at the Green Market in downtown Fargo.
   Please spread the word to feminists you know in the area! If you would like more nomination forms, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 218.233.2737. Forms are also available online at http://www.wnrrv.org.
   We look forward to honoring the hard work and dedication of feminists in our community. Send completed nomination forms to: Women’s Network of the Red River Valley / 810 Fourth Avenue South, Suite 130 / Moorhead, MN 56560 / or wnrrv@wnrrv.org

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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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May is Mental Health Month

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

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NDHRC: Join NDHRC for wine tasting and hors d’ oeuvres at Maple River Winery - Thursday, June 7, 5-7 p.m.

You’re invited to a fundraiser for the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition at Maple River Winery (628 Front Street, Casselton, ND). The winery is only 15 minutes west of Fargo. Help us work to effect change! Contribute to human rights in North Dakota! Bring a friend! Sample North Dakota wines, have a few snacks and browse North Dakota products. $50 suggested contribution. RSVP Cheryl Bergian: 701-793-2002 or cherylbergian@ndhrc.org. Visit NDHRC or Maple River Winery for more information.

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NEW: NDHRC & Professional Issues Conference present: Jennifer Baumgardner & Damali Ayo

   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.

Two keynote speakers!

We’re proud to bring you two keynote speakers for this year’s conference. First is damali ayo, a conceptual and performance artist known for her work on contemporary race relations, who will address our Friday evening reception. Her work spans the media of painting, web art, performance, sculpture, audio and video. Jennifer Baumgardner, best-selling author and former Fargoan, will speak Saturday over lunch. The author of “Look Both Ways: Bisexual Politics,” “Grassroots” and “Manifesta” will touch on a variety of human rights issues, including her work on sexuality, feminism and activism.  

Watch for e-mail updates or click here for details (updated as information is available).

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NEW: Fargo-Moorhead Pride Week - Tues., May 29 - Sun., June 3

Join in a week of celebration with the GLBT community and its allies. Events are open to everyone, with plenty of options for family and all-ages crowds. Find more details at www.pridecollective.com or in the 2007 PRIDE paper.

Tues., May 29 ... 7-9pm - Rollerskating @Skateland ($3/under 19, $5/adult)

Weds., May 30 ... 6-11pm - Coffee Shop Hop @ Zandbroz, Atomic Fargo, Babb's, Red Raven (FREE)

Thurs., May 31 ... 7-11pm - Pride-a-bowl-bowl @ All Star Bowl ($3/under 19, $5/adult)

Fri., June 1 ... Drag show & dancing @ I-Beam ($5/21+)

Sat., June 2 ... 12noon-5pm - FM Pride Park Festival @ Lindenwood Park (FREE/all-ages) Includes vendor tables, softball, kickball, music, entertainment and children's activities.

... 5pm - Rainbow Recovery 12 Step Meeting @ Lindenwood Park

... 7pm - Fierce Drag Show @ The Venue in Playmakers ($7/21+)

... 10pm - Pride Dance @ I-Beam ($5/21+)

Sun., June 3 ... 11am-12noon - Non-denominational Program @ Unitarian Universalist Church of Fargo-Moorhead

... 12noon-2pm - Pre-parade party @ Zandbroz w/music, grand marshall meet & greet, special Pride value meals

... 2pm - Pride Parade down Broadway followed by Pride Rally in Island Park

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NEW: Nuclear Weapons: Is it Time to Build More? - Weds., May 23, 7pm

   Sponsored by the North Dakota Peace Coalition, This program will address the current status of the U.S.’s nuclear weapons arsenal and this administrations proposals to develop a new nuclear weapon. Devin Helfrich, Legislative Assistant for the Friends Committee on National Legislation (a Quaker lobby based in Washington, D.C.) will be speaking and answering questions.

   North Dakotans have a pivotal role to play in this debate on the future of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Senator Byron Dorgan chairs the appropriations subcommittee that funds all nuclear weapons programs. The appropriations bill that he writes will determine whether these proposed programs are funded or not. Please join us and find out more! For more information on nuclear weapons, you can go to the Friends Committee on National Legislation’s website at www.fcnl.org or call (800) 630-1330.

   Weds., May 23, 7pm at the Presentation Ministry Building, 3001 11th St. South. For more information contact: Sister Maris Stella Korb: 701-235-8246 (or) Paddy McLaughlin: 701-232-0694

NEW: Catch the program again Thursday, May 24, 7pm at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship

818 East Divide Avenue, Bismarck. For more information contact: Karen Van Fossan: 701-258-6667.

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Annual PEPP Fest June 9th 4 to 7:30 PM at Romkey Park in South Moorhead

   You are invited to: Participate! Have Fun! Tye Dye a Shirt! Play Games! Celebrate Justice! ~~Or/And~~ Volunteer! Grill Hot-dogs and Slice WaterMelon! Help the Kids Tye-Dye Shirts! Help Run Sound! Perform Your Talent on the Green Grass Stage! Help set-up and Clean-up! Donate Money for shirts and food!

   You are also welcome to set up an organizational table and add to the festivities (Read on for details)!

   DETAILS: People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP) is celebrating its 21st year as a nonprofit.  PEPP is hosting its 7th annual PEPP Fest Celebration on June 9th, 2007 from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM in Moorhead’s Romkey Park. This Community Celebration is free for the entire community to attend.

   This year we are asking community organizations to participate in our celebration by hosting a booth at PEPP Fest.  We are also asking organizations to engage in the festivities by offering at least one family friendly activity this year. This will be a first for us. If you are interested in offering an activity please let us know and we’ll do our best to coordinate times and announcements of activities to be offered.

   If you are interested in hosting a booth or have any questions at all about PEPP Fest, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 218-236-5434, or by e-mail at pepp@pepp.org.

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

   Friday, June 15^th 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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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 2^nd 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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   Bismarck, ND –  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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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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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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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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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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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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Nonprofits Assistance Fund Launches Blog
A newly launched blog by Kate Barr, Executive Director of the Nonprofits Assistance Fund, can be found here . The blog focuses particularly on nonprofit organizations, large and small, that must work to raise funds each year. In a weekly one-pager, Kate shares her thoughts and insights on nonprofit management. The subscription is free and you’ll find very practical, relevant information on what all NPO’s face every day to help make your organizations successful.

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

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

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UND nickname again focus at Dartmouth
By Joseph Marks - Herald Staff Writer - 05/19/2007

The newest member of Dartmouth College's Board of Trustees cited the college's conflict with UND over the Fighting Sioux nickname in his write-in campaign for the post ... Trustee Stephen Smith described this winter's war of words between the two colleges as one in a long list of instances in which he believes freedom of speech was either curtailed or denied on the Dartmouth campus. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=38280&section=News

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Different school, same debate

Amy Dalrymple, The Forum, Published Thursday, May 17, 2007

The former chancellor of the North Dakota University System is in the middle of another debate over American Indian nicknames … Robert Potts, now chancellor for Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, appointed a committee this week to recommend what the campus should do with its mascot, the Indians. http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/165944

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Potts advises 'Indians' against lawsuit
- 05/17/2007

Former North Dakota University System Chancellor Robert Potts, now chancellor at Arkansas State University, recently counseled that school against taking legal action to retain its Indians nickname. http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=38106&section=news

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Flawed bill hurts workers

By Sen. Byron Dorgan, Published Sunday, May 27, 2007

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Immigration proposal isn’t right

Jim Eykyn, Publisher; Bryan L. Obenchain, Editor

With the issue of illegal immigration swirling through the halls of Congress, we’ll take the opportunity to reiterate our long-standing position: We will continue to oppose any form of “amnesty” program for illegal immigrants, and we’re confident we are not alone in that feeling among North Dakotans. http://www.minotdailynews.com/Editorials/articles.asp?articleID=11177

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Lenny Tweeden, Fargo, letter: Thanks for support of the Pride Parade

Published Wednesday, June 06, 2007

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Letter: Declaration is painfully ironic

Tim Stanleyand & Amy Jacobson, Published Thursday, May 17, 2007

Readers need to know just how painfully ironic it is that Gov. John Hoeven declared this week to be “Women’s Health Week” after signing a ban on abortion that has absolutely no exception for the health and well-being of women (Governor proclaims women’s health week, Monday, May 14, 2007). http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/165912

[Ed note: Tim Stanley & Amy Jacobson - Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (Fargo)]

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Please send related news items to mitchmarr@ndhrc.org

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