FREE GED ONLINE PREPARATION

FREE GED ONLINE PREPARATION NOW
PROVIDED BY
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

(Press Release from Minn. Dept. of Education, 12.04.08)

The Minnesota Department of Education announced a new online instructional program for Minnesotans who are preparing for their General Educational Development Diploma (GED). GED-i, a nationally-recognized and teacher-facilitated service, is free to innesota students.

"This is an important resource for people who are working toward their GED diploma," said Commissioner Seagren. "For many Minnesotans, transportation, child care and work obligations have kept them from going to class to prepare for the GED test. This new program will make GED preparation much more accessible."

GED-i learning is facilitated by instructors from local adult educa-tion programs. Registered students will work with a licensed teacher from their local Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in an online environment. Instructional content can be accessed on he Internet at any time.

According to the 2007 American Community Survey, ten percent (388,074) of Minnesotans over the age of 18 lack high school equivalency. Individuals who do not have their high school diploma or equivalent (GED) are at a severe disadvantage in the creasingly competitive job market.

The GED-i program is an online preparation program only; the GED test itself must be taken in person at a GED examination center. Student enrollment in person at an ABE provider site is lso required.

For location information about your closest ABE and GED-i pro-vider, visit this website http://www.themlc.org/hotline.html or call the Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline at 1-800-222-1990. For ad-ditional information about the GED test itself, visit the GED information Website at http://mnabe.themlc.org/GED2.html

Program evaluation resources available through the University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota has launched a new service: Program Evaluation Resources at the University of Minnesota.

Program evaluation is the systematic collection of information for use to improve effectiveness and make decisions with regard to what those programs are doing and affecting. This site was designed to help local nonprofit and government organizations connect with program evaluation resources at the University of Minnesota. Find expertise, student assistance, educational opportunities and more on the site.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 established a new public service loan forgiveness program. This program discharges any remaining debt after 10 years of full-time employment in public service.

The borrower must have made 120 payments as part of the Direct Loan program in order to obtain this benefit. Only payments made on or after October 1, 2007 count toward the required 120 monthly payments. (Borrowers may consolidate into Direct Lending in order to qualify for this loan forgiveness program starting July 1, 2008.)

This contrasts with the loan forgiveness of the remaining balance after 25 years of repayment under the income-contingent and income-based repayment plans for borrowers who are not employed full time in public service jobs.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.finaid.org/loans/publicservice.phtml

St. Paul Public Schools - Seeks Community Input, Please attend

The School district is currently in the midst of discussions about Large System Change and is interested in engaging the community in these discussions. PLEASE ATTEND AND FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO OTHERS IN YOUR NETWORKS. At the meetings, community members will learn more about why business as usual is not a sustainable option for achieving the SPPS mission: To provide a premier education for all. All SPPS sites and programs will be affected, whether it be through changes related to transportation, programming or professional development. Among the topics to be discussed at the community engagement meetings are academics, enrollment, school choice, budget and rightsizing or consolidation.

The meetings also will give community members the opportunity to help district staff members identify district needs as SPPS moves into the future.
Meeting dates and locations (all locations are in Saint Paul):


December 3, 2008: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
(Presentation in Hmong and English)
Phalen Lake Elementary
1089 Cypress St.

December 4, 2008: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Gloria Dei Church
700 Snelling Ave.

December 12, 2008: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
(Somali Parent Advisory Council)
Highwood Hills Elementary 2188 Londin Lane

A light dinner and refreshments will be provided. These meetings are taking place with the help of several SPPS partners, including CLUES, Hmong American Partnership, Hmong Cultural Center, Neighborhood House, Saint Paul Area Council Of Churches, Saint Paul NEAT, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation, Saint Paul YWCA and Support Our Schools.

The following is a link to a flyer on the community meetings: http://www.spps.org/sites/209472fd-849d-4015-bcbe-8839b20be25b/uploads/LSSC_Flier1008pr.pdf

Please encourage people within your organization and people that you serve to attend.

We have also included a link to the School District's Annual Report. The Report provides a great overview of the accomplishments and challenges facing Saint Paul Schools: http://www.spps.org/sites/209472fd-849d-4015-bcbe-8839b20be25b/uploads/LSSC_Flier1008pr.pdf

Mike Anderson
St. Paul Public Schools Foundation
55 Fifth Street East, Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 651.325.4224
Fax:651.224.8123
www.sppsfoundation.org

Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Offers Fundraising Fellowship for Person of Color

The Carol H. Pitchersky Development Fellowship was established by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund (LCCREF) to develop and broaden the capacity of social justice organizations to raise funds necessary to serve their respective missions and further the civil rights community’s goals of equality, equal opportunity and mutual respect. The Fellowship program will identify and support persons of color who are aspiring development professionals, who have demonstrated a commitment to civil rights and social justice, and who wish to advance their careers in nonprofit fundraising. The 2009-2011 Fellow will be placed at the national office of the ACLU in New York City. To apply, download and complete the application form from http://www.civilrights.org/about/lccref/fellowship.html

The application deadline is January 15, 2009

The Fellowship includes:

A health and benefits package consistent with the benefits provided to regular staff members of the host organization;
Mentoring from one member of a committee of fundraising professionals dedicated to the institutional advancement of social justice and civil rights organizations. These individuals include colleagues of Carol H. Pitchersky who now serve as members of the CHP Development Fellowship Review and Mentoring Committee;
Association with a network of development professionals committed to and experienced in fund development, strategic planning and leadership in the civil rights and human rights community;
Training in development strategies and operations as they are applied to nonprofit organizations
in the social justice sector.

The salary range is from $40,000 to $65,000

Applicant Requirements: The Fellowship program will identify and support persons of color who are aspiring development /fundraising professionals, who are U.S. citizens and have demonstrated a commitment to civil rights and social justice, and wish to advance their careers in nonprofit fundraising. Fellows serve two-year terms of employment at organization in the social justice community.

For more information, contact the LCCREF Development Office at

(202) 466-1887 or email CHPFellowship@civilrights.org or go to http://www.civilrights.org/about/lccref/fellowship.html

Cuba's Contribution to Africa's Liberation: A film and lecture 10/25

Date: Saturday, October 25

Place: University of Minnesota, West Bank, Blegen Hall 10

Film Time: 1:30

Prof. Gleijeses's presentation Time: 7pm.

From 1961 until 1989 Cuba was directly involved in Africa's liberation struggles by providing military and humanitarian assistance. The story of Cuba's role is the focus of a day long public forum that features Professor Piero Gleijeses of the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University and author of the award-winning, Conflicting Missions: Havana, Washington and Africa, 1959-1976. He will present his most recent research on Cuba's role in the defeat of South African troops in Angola, the critical event that paved the way for the freeing of political prisoners like Nelson Mandela and the transition to the new South Africa. Prior to the lecture, Jihan El Tahri's 2007 prize-winning three hour documentary, Cuba: An African Odyssey, will be shown, it's Upper-Midwest premier.

The program takes place on Saturday, October 25, at the University of Minnesota, West Bank, Blegen Hall 10. The film will be shown at 1:30 and Prof. Gleijeses's presentation will begin at 7pm.

In between the film and lecture Cuban foods/snacks will be provided by Victor Valens.

The program is sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change, the Institute of Global Studies, the Departments of Political Science and History, the Black Student Union, the African Student Association and the Minnesota Cuba Committee.

For more information, contact animtz@umn.edu or 612-624-1512.

--
Alisha J. Volante
BGAPSA Secretary 2008/09

An evening with Paul Rusesabagina who inspired the movie Hotel Rwanda

An evening with Paul Rusesabagina

When: November 3, 20087:30 p.m.
Where: Northrop Auditorium
Admission: Free and open to the public

A reception will follow the event.For more information, contact Serena Wright, wrigh103@umn.edu, 612-624-0430Directions and parking information


Join College of Education and Human Development students, parents, faculty, and fellow alumni for a rare evening with author Paul Rusesabagina.

Can one person make a difference?
Paul Rusesabagina's inspiring transformation from hotelier to protector of neighbors and strangers caught in the middle of the Rwandan conflict provides a powerful answer. That question also forms the basis of the college's new First Year Inquiry course, in which all CEHD first-year students will read his autobiography, An Ordinary Man. As part of the curriculum, developed by faculty in the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning, the students will also have the rare opportunity to bring their inquiries to Rusesabagina, in person on Nov. 3.

He will present a public event at Northrop Auditorium later that day.Book gathering and online discussion for An Ordinary Man.

As a prelude to Paul Rusesabagina's visit to the University of Minnesota, the College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning are hosting two opportunities for friends of the University to discuss his book, An Ordinary Man. Both are free and open to the public.

Book gathering:
When: Tuesday, October 28
Light refreshments, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Book-club style discussion, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Walter Library Conference Center, room 101[map and directions]

Join readers from the community and the University to discuss the themes and issues presented in the book An Ordinary Man.

Online book blog
Join an online discussion http://blog.lib.umn.edu/pstlitf/pstlbook/about the An Ordinary Man during the month of October. You are invited to participate in conversations on topics connected to the book and to the question: Can one person make a difference? Also available is a storehouse of links and resources related to genocide in Rwanda.http://cehd.umn.edu/PSTL/Anordinaryman/resources.asp

Annual Conference on Policy Analysis 10/15/08

The conference provides an opportunity for analysts and policy-makers to explore timely topics that reflect the importance of analysis in formulating policy decisions in government. Conference sessions provide an opportunity to:

• Gain insight into current trends and changes in the policy-making environment
• Explore current policy issues and processes in concurrent workshop sessions
• Share ideas with others from around Minnesota
  

Who Should AttendEconomic and policy analysts from all levels of government and education; administrators; appointed and elected officials; representatives from the business and nonprofit communities; and others interested in policy analysis.

For Registration QuestionsContact 612-624-4000

For Program QuestionsContact Sara Van Essendelft, 612-624-3708 or cceconf5@umn.edu

Sponsors:

College of Continuing Education, University of Minnesota

Economic Resource GroupCo-Sponsors

Citizens League

Hamline University School of Business

Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota

Save the Date: From Structural Racism to Sustainable Communities CONFERENCE

You are invited to the From Structural Racism to Sustainable Communities Conference

on

Tuesday October 7th, 2008 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

at

William Mitchell College of Law.

Cost (includes lunch)

$15 by September 19th

$20 after September 19th.

Regsitration deadline:

September 30th

Registration information attachment as well as this link:

https://www.wmitchellalumni.net/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=244&srcid=244

For questions pelase contact
Marcus Harcus
srscconference@gmail.com
(612) 600-0155

2008 MN Justice Forum: Employing a New Strategy 10/6

SAVE-THE-DATE

2008 Minnesota Justice Forum

Oct. 6, 2008
8:30 a.m. – noon
Minnesota History Center

Employing a new strategy

Enhancing public safety and reducing cost by increasing access to employment

Presented by Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota and 180 Degrees, Inc.

Policymakers and community leaders of all stripes have recognized the need to improve the ability of individuals with criminal records to gain employment in order to successfully re-enter society. This is based upon public safety and cost-effectiveness, as well as a belief in redemption for those who have paid their debt to society.

The 2008 Minnesota Justice Forum will bring these parties together to continue the work that has been started to create a targeted, coordinated, community-wide approach to passage of effective legislation during the 2009 Minnesota Legislative session.

Planned forum highlights

· U.S. Representative Keith Ellison will speak about the Second Chance Act and activity at the national level.

· Organizations will be invited to submit policy proposals for viewing at the forum.

· A panel of community leaders will discuss the impact on the community and what effective policy might look like.

· Current research and best practices will be discussed.

· There will be an opportunity to form working groups to develop legislative proposals for the 2009 session and connect with legislators.

The Council on Crime and Justice convenes the Minnesota Justice Forum to connect policymakers and community leaders to create just and effective criminal justice policy.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Haase at the Council on Crime and Justice, 612-353-3020.

--
Sarah Walker
Chief Operating Officer

180 Degrees, Inc.
236 Clifton Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403-3466
sarahw@180degrees.org
612.813.5017 office
612.220.2070 cell

Twin Cities Population Estimates Released

The latest census estimates show that the suburbs surrounding the Twin Cities are becoming more diverse. The trend may reshape suburban life from the schools to the voting booths.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/08/06/minority_population_census
(includes slide show)

Shawn Lewis
Board Member, Pan African Community Endowment of The Saint Paul Foundation
http://www.spectrumtrust.org
Trustee, Minnesota 4-H Foundation
http://www.fourh.umn.edu/foundation

FYI: LISC MCCD 20/20 Community Development Expo 11/19 and 11/20

Save the Date! 20/20 Community Development Expo November 19th & 20th, 2008 Mark Your Calendar! 20/20 Community Development Expo, November 19th & 20th, 2008 November 19th - Evening Reception November 20th - All Day Expo Hyatt Regency Downtown Minneapolis 1300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN Proudly Presented By: Hello, We wanted you to be among the first to hear about an exciting and unprecedented event that LISC & MCCD are co-hosting this fall. On November 19th & 20th, the 20/20 Community Development Expo will bring together community development practioners, partners, and policymakers to celebrate our collective work in the Twin Cities and look ahead to the next 20 years of community development's role in promoting neighborhood revitalization and regional vitality. We hope to see you there! Sincerely, Andriana Abariotes, Executive Director Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation Jim Roth, Executive Director Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers 20/20 Community Development Expo November 19th & 20th, 2008 Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 1300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN Watch your mail for more information and registration details. For more information, click here. Join Our Mailing List!

Women's Foundation of MN announces the Status of Girls Research report Presentation July 21st

Twin Cities Community Presentation
Monday, July 21, 2008 Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Minnesota Women's Building
550 Rice Street, St. Paul

PLEASE JOIN US as we share the key findings from our new research report, (Click for a link to the report) Status of Girls in Minnesota, and learn how the Women's Foundation of Minnesota and its partners are moving equality forward. Buffet lunch provided

RSVPs & Questions:
Heidi Walsh
Women's Foundation of Minnesota
heidi@wfmn.org
612-337-5010 or 888-337-5010 (toll-free)

Women venture is offering FREE SERVICES through the Great Streets Project

(for more information cllick on picture)


You must be a resident or own a business in zip codes 55411 and 55412



Our Business Consultant will be at the US Bank branch on W. Broadway on Wednesday, July 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to offer an introductory class for business owners or potential business owners.



We are offering a series of 8 business classes, Planning to Succeed, starting July 23rd at:

NorthWay Community Trust,

1501 West Broadway Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55411

We will also be offering one on one business consulting to existing business owners who might be facing challenges in their business and help them overcome those challenges.


Our Consultants and Loan Fund Manager will help people through the business financing process to get financing through WomenVenture or US Bank.

To register for any of these classes please call WomenVenture’s main number, 651-646-3808, let them know that you are calling from North Minneapolis so you are not charged for these services

Cultural Competency Workshop Series: August12 - Dec l6 -Neighborhood House

INCREASE YOUR ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND, WORK WITH AND ENGAGE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE POPULATIONS

We are proud to announce our 2008 fall workshop series. For over 100 years Neighborhood House has been helping people, families and organizations develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in diverse communities.

5 Sessions

Building Common Ground August 12, 2008 from 6-7PM

An Introduction to Somali Culture & Family Systems September 16, 2008 from 6-7PM

Latinos in Minnesota October 21, 2008 from 6-7PM

An Introduction to Hmong Culture & Family Systems November 20, 2008 from 6-7PM

The Refugee Journey December 16, 2008 from 6-7PM

Who Should Attend

Early Childhood Educators, Community Organizers, Health Care Service Providers, K-12 Educators, Human Services Providers, City and County Employees and Faith Based Community Members

Cost: $20 per session

For More Information Contact: 651-789-2571 or trivera-prescott@neighb.org

Attend one session or attend all five Discounts Available Pre-registration is required Continuing Education Units (CEUS) Available