NDSU Pilot Project: Summer Mentorship Program for Prospective Students with Disabilities – Application Deadline Extended to May 26
May 7, 2009 by admin
This summer mentorship program intends to encourage and prepare students to pursue a university degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors at the North Dakota State University (NDSU).
This residential program will be held at NDSU from July 6 – 10, 2009. Students will reside on campus throughout the week, participate in mentorship activitieswith NDSU faculty, and get a chance to meet current NDSU students. Along with STEM mentorship activities, fun activities are planned for students to experience the Fargo-Moorhead community.
The number of students admitted to the program is limited.
Application due date has been extended to: May 26, 2009
More information about the Summer Mentorship Program can be found at: http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/gajan/pswd.html
Employment Issues and Disability Summit: May 20, Bismarck
May 7, 2009 by admin
Please see the following brochure for more information:
5-20-09-employment-disability-summit-brochure1
Saberi ends hunger strike
May 6, 2009 by admin
U.S. Journalist Jailed In Iran Ends Hunger Strike
by The Associated Press
NPR.org, May 6, 2009 · An American journalist convicted by an Iranian court of spying for the U.S. has ended her hunger strike for health reasons, her father said Wednesday.
Roxana Saberi, a dual Iranian-American national was convicted last month of espionage and sentenced to eight years in prison after a one-day trial behind closed doors.
“Roxana called last night to inform me that she has ended her hunger strike,” Reza Saberi told The Associated Press. “I’m relieved that she has done so to avoid a deterioration of her health.”
VIDEO: Free Roxana Saberi Vigil (NDHRC event)
May 5, 2009 by admin
High Plains Reader and many others, listed below, to host a peaceful rally in support imprisoned journalist Roxana Saberi.
The event wa a great success with several notable speakers including Congressman Earl Pomeroy, Governor John Hoeven and Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker. NDHRC Executive Director Mitch Marr also spoke.
Special thanks to Tucker Lucas for creating the video!
Free Roxana Saberi: A Hometown Vigil – Saturday, May 2, 2009
Video courtesy of Tucker Lucas
Event organized and sponsored by High Plains Reader, North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, KFGO, The Flag, People Escaping Poverty Project, North Dakota Newspaper Association, North Dakota Broadcasters Association, and KVLY / KXJB Tv / Valley News Live.
Fall Regional Self-Advocacy Leadership Days: October 30-31, Moorhead
May 4, 2009 by admin
Please visit http://www.connectionsofmoorhead.org/ for more information.
Minnesota Trans Health & Wellness Conference – Metropolitan State University (St. Paul), May 15-16
May 4, 2009 by admin
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Register here for one or both days of the Conference! Everyone is welcome to attend both days.
Provider Day: Friday, May 15, 7:30am to 5pm approved for CME — up to 7.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM PDF brochure with schedule and full details about Provider Day Community Day: Saturday, May 16, 8am to 6pm Trans Action Cabaret: Saturday, May 16, 7:30 to 9:30pm, Emceed by Andrea Jenkins For full details and schedules see our Conference page – newly updated with Program information as of May 1st! Online registration will close at midnight on Tuesday, May 12. Please note: you may register onsite at the door for either day or both days, but we will not be able to provide you with food unless you pre-register.
Location: Metropolitan State University, St Paul Campus, 700 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
The 2-day Conference will feature a full day of programming for health providers, a full day of programming for trans and ally individuals and community, 3 Keynote speakers, over 40 Workshops, Health Screenings, free Chair Massage, Resource Fair with health and GLBTA organizations, mini surgery and voice consults, youth and people of color social spaces, and more! If you’re interested in volunteering, want to have a table in the Information Fair, if you’re coming from out of town and need information or would like community housing, or if you have any other questions, please contact us. 2009 Keynote Speakers:  MJ Gilbert, MSW – Provider Day Keynote (Friday, May 15, 11am)
“Following transgender patients and clients: A journey for providers”
MJ is a field coordinator and teaching specialist for the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. She has done a great deal of teaching and training on transgender issues, and is Co-Chair of the University of Minnesota Transgender Commission. http://cehd.umn.edu/SSW/About_SSW/Faculty_Staff/faculty.asp
 Earline Budd – Provider / Community Shared Keynote (Friday, May 15, 4pm)
“Move over and share the bench: Transgender health empowerment, HIV/AIDS and trans health advocacy”
Earline is a transgender woman fighting to make a difference. She is currently Special Projects Coordinator for Transgender Health Empowerment, serving at-risk transgender people by providing extensive HIV prevention interventions. http://www.theincdc.org/
 Ignacio Rivera – Community Day Keynote (Saturday, May 16, 1pm)
Featured Artist in Cabaret (Saturday, May 16, 7:30pm)
“Why welfare is a queer issue”
Ignacio is a Queer, gender fluid, Trans-Entity, Black Boricua performance artist, currently performing “Dancer” and Lagrimas de Cocodrilo/Crocodile Tears internationally. Ignacio is a lecturer/trainer, activist, new filmmaker and self-proclaimed sex educator. www.IgnacioRivera.com www.Q4ej.org
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High Plains Reader Editorial: From Flood to Freedom Fighting
May 1, 2009 by admin
Thursday, April 30 – Link to orginal article
Roxana Saberi’s situation right now is looking grimmer by the day. She’s been on a hunger strike for over a week, and there seems to be little hope of intervention by the U.S. government. Under Iranian law, she may or may not have been guilty of the accusations against her, but this isn’t about politics. This is about caring for human life. When our property was on the line during the flood we are still recovering from, we rose as one and fought the river back. Now, when the life of a community member is on the line, will we not do the same?
From flood to freedom fighting, Fargo can overcome adversity. Let us make a spectacle of unfathomable proportion, so that our demonstration may dwell in the thoughts of the world. It is time to let the masses know that Fargo-Moorhead will not let this happen lightly. That is why we, in cooperation with other various organizations, particularly the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, have planned a home town vigil on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Main Avenue, this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to wear yellow ribbons, yellow armbands, or yellow clothing of any sort. Speaking at the vigil will be the President of Concordia, Congressman Pomeroy, a representative of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, a representative of the North Dakota Broadcasters Association, various media, and other friends and advocates.
A special thanks to those who are supporting Roxana’s plight: ND Human Rights Coalition, Concordia College, North Dakota Newspaper Association, North Dakota Broadcasters Association, KVLY / KXJB Tv / Valley News Live, KFGO, People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP), The Flag, FM Extra, Red River Women’s Network, and many more.
On a side note, it seems there is a community in California who also have one of their locals imprisoned in Iran. There is talk that they will host a similar demonstration at the same time in the hopes that our unified voice will be even stronger.
Final Push to Free the Cass 23:
On a similar note, the remaining members of the Cass 23 are awaiting trial on May 7. This is the last chance for these men to receive justice. Lured by the false promises of a company called Signal International, they came to the United States to find themselves without the green card they were promised, underpaid, and in slave-like conditions.
They had a choice between legal temporary residency in indentured servitude, or illegal status on the run. These men chose the latter. Many of them spent their life savings on this scam, some even acquiring loans from shady loan-sharks.
They can’t go home and face the consequences there, but they can’t work if they stay here. The trial on May 7 will determine their fate. They could be deported, sent packing both broke and broken-hearted to an even worse situation.
There will be a prayer vigil/rally for these men at Olivet Lutheran Church, Friday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m. This is the final push to convince the powers that be to intervene. Our current immigrations policy is broken, and by beating legislators over the head with it, we might just accomplish something.
Saberi Vigil: FINAL SPEAKING SCHEDULE
May 1, 2009 by admin
** 2 p.m. start **
Inide Out Strings Live Music 1:40 – 1:58 pm (to be confirmed)
Solo — The National Anthem — Mary Cutrufello (Minneapolis)
1 min. Welcome Lineup Preview Emcee John Strand
2 min. Prayer Rabbi Janeen Kobrinsky
5 min. Concordia President Dr. Pamela Jolicoeur
5 min. ND Gov. John Hoeven
5 min. Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker
5 min. US Congressman Earl Pomeroy
2 min.Ryan Asheim representing Sen. Byron Dorgan
2 min. ND Newspaper Assn. Exec. Dir. — Roger Bailey
2 min Scott Hennen The Flag / ND Broadcasters Assn.
2 min. Joel Heikamp KFGO
2 min Daron Selvig KVLY / KXJB / Valley News Live
2 min. Friend / neighbor ? / MPR Mentor?
2 min. Catherine McMullen, Concordia Journalism Professor
2 min Mitch Marr NDHRC Exec. Dir.
Vocal Solo — God Bless America — Mary Cutrufello
1 min Wrapup John Strand
Saberi Vigil: Fargo Forum article
April 29, 2009 by admin
Published April 29 2009
Supporters plan Saturday vigil for Roxana Saberi, the Fargo journalist imprisoned in Iran
By: Kelly Smith, INFORUM
FARGO – A vigil for Roxana Saberi is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Bridge between Fargo and Moorhead.
“We have to remind the communities she’s one of us; she’s a Fargoan, a North Dakotan,” said Concordia College professor Catherine McMullen, who taught Saberi when she attended the school. “This is not a political event. It’s just to show support.”
The event is organized by several local media organizations and community leaders as well as the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.
Saberi, a 32-year-old Fargo native and Fargo North High graduate, was sentenced to eight years in prison for spying for the U.S. more than a week ago.
She’s been held in a Tehran prison since Feburary, and has lived in Iran for six years, contributing to news organizations such as National Public Radio and the BBC.
Participants are encouraged Saturday to wear yellow ribbons, arm bands or clothing in honor of her.
For more on the event, read Thursday’s Forum.
Roxana Saberi: Links
April 29, 2009 by admin
Here are some helpful links to learn more and take further action regarding Roxana Saberi:
Committee to Protect Journalist