February 22, 2012

Congressional Fellowship on Housing with APAICS

APAICS is Now Accepting Applications for the AREAA Housing Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C. (2012 – 2013)

The Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) join together to establish the AREAA Housing Fellowship Program. This is a congressional fellowship program administered by APAICS to provide fellows with the unique educational experience as full-time staff in the U.S. Congress. The purpose is to develop a pipeline of leaders who are dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the housing and community development context.

Applicants must have a strong commitment to public service, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and must have demonstrated experience in the field of housing and community development. The AREAA Fellow will be placed in a congressional office and will work on housing and community development issues facing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, along with other important issues facing the US Congress. The fellow will also participate in special events hosted by APAICS and AREAA.

Founded in 1994, the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian Pacific American participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.

Founded in 2003, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market. AREAA is the sponsor of this fellowship program.

Term: May 2012 – May 2013

Benefits:
➢ Fellowship placement in a congressional office, federal agency, or non-profit organization
➢ $35,000 fellowship stipend
➢ Separate stipend for basic health insurance coverage
➢ Complimentary air travel to and from Washington, D.C. (U.S. continental travel provided by Southwest Airlines)
➢ Leadership trainings led by APAICS staff
➢ Networking opportunities at numerous APAICS events
➢ Access to a lifelong national network of APAICS alumni

Minimum requirements to apply for the AREAA 2012 – 2013 Fellowship Program:
➢ Demonstrated interest in the political process and public policy
➢ Experience in the field of housing and community development
➢ Demonstrated understanding of Asian American and Pacific Islander issues
➢ Demonstrated leadership experience
➢ Excellent oral and written skills
➢ Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from an accredited educational institution
➢ Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
➢ U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency by September 1, 2011

Please submit the following required documents to APAICS Program Director at AREAAFellowship@apaics.org in a PDF document by March 1, 2012:

➢ A cover letter addressing why you should be selected for an APAICS Fellowship Program and how the fellowship will further your personal and professional goals

➢ A writing sample of 500 words or less answering the following question: What role does the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) play and why do you want to be an integral part of the work of the Housing Task Force of the Caucus?

➢ A writing sample of 500 words or less answering the following question: What do you think is the most pressing housing or community development issue facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander community? If you were a policymaker, how would you address this issue?

➢ Resume

➢ Two (2) letters of recommendations

➢ Official transcripts

Your application will not be considered until these documents are received. Semi-finalists will be contacted for a telephone interview. All applicants will receive a final decision by April 2012. If you have questions, please contact APAICS Program Director at AREAAfellowship@apaics.org or (202) 296-9200.

For additional questions, contact Program Director at AREAAfellowship@apaics.org.

–Caroline

APALA hiring a Membership & Chapter Coordinator

Job Description for Member & Chapter Coordinator

Join a small but dynamic team of organizers in fighting for economic justice and promoting civic engagement in the Asian Pacific American community. Founded in 1992, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, is the first and only national organization of Asian Pacific American (APA) union members and allies. APALA unites generations of Asian Pacific Americans and labor activists in advocating for worker, immigrant, and civil rights. Recently, APALA incorporated the APALA Education Fund to educate Asian Pacific Americans and the broader public regarding rights in the workplace; host forums with the goal of educating the public, policy leaders and public officials regarding the working conditions of and challenges for the Asian Pacific American community; and to promote civic engagement and participation among the community.

 

Position Overview

The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO & APALA Education Fund seeks a full-time Member & Chapter Coordinator that will oversee member & chapter expansion & development, including, but not limited to implementing a national membership mobilization campaign, engaging the membership in all APALA programs, the Organizing Institute and other training & leadership development programs. The Member & Chapter Coordinator will serve as a representative of APALA and the APALA Ed Fund and should be comfortable presenting in front of large and small audiences.

This position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the APALA Executive Director.  Nights and weekends may be required with occasional travel. Competitive salary with 2 weeks paid vacation, health and disability insurance, and retirement savings. The primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Member & Chapter Engagement:

1.    Oversee the implementation of a national membership mobilization campaign, in consultation with NEB and chapter leadership;

2.    Act as liaison with chapter leaders and support chapter involvement in national campaigns; and

3.    Participate in the planning and coordination of APALA’s Biennial Convention.

Program Design & Implementation:

1.    Implement national field plan including chapter visits and campaigns through planning, implementation, and evaluation.

2.    Work with the National staff to develop APALA campaign plans and organizing materials.

3.    Oversee planning and execution of APALA’s Organizing Institute and other regional/state trainings and strategy sessions.

Communications:

1.    Enhance APALA’s communications program that includes the following components:

a.    Produce press advisories & releases on an as needed basis; and

b.    Maintain APALA Facebook page and Twitter account.

2.    Produce educational fact sheets, and other relevant materials; and

3.    Produce monthly electronic newsletter, in conjunction with Associate Director.

Internal Operations Support:

1.    Process membership & chapter reimbursements; and

2.    Other duties as outlined by the APALA Executive Director.

Desired Skills & Experience

1.    At least 2 years of experience with social justice organizations;

2.    BA or BS degree in political science, labor relations, or equivalent work or education-related experience;

3.    Knowledge of Asian Pacific American communities and the labor movement;

4.    Strong interpersonal, writing & oral skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse range of people;

5.    Strong database skills and experience with Excel and Access, along with a willingness to learn Catalyst and VAN.

6.    Ability to work independently and manage time effectively; and

7.    Strong computer and technical skills.

TO APPLY:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Gregory Cendana at APALAjobs@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Email subject shall state “Member & Chapter Coordinator”. Please no phone calls, faxes or mail in applications.

APALA is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and differently-abled people are strongly encouraged to apply.

DNC calls for Minority Vendors

The Democratic National Committee is walking the walk when trying to help the 99% get jobs. It is especially trying to do appropriate outreach to firms owned by minorities, women, veterans, and others whose presence in the contracting community has not been on par with their presence in the population at large.

Last July, the DNC conducted a nationwide search to hire a Chief Diversity Officer. On October 17th, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the Democratic National Committee Convention (DNCC), and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced that they had hired a new Chief Diversity Officer, U.S. Cellular phone executive Greg Hinton, a well-regarded African American business leader and diversity expert.

Today, it is incumbent on Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to register our small businesses with the DNC and Democratic 2012 Convention databases so that CDO Hinton and the Democratic party can bring more APIA vendors to the attention of Democratic candidates and party organizations around the country. Registering is not a guarantee of getting more business, but not being registered is a guarantee of no business!

To register for minority contracting with the DNC, fill in their online questionnaire. To be listed for vendor opportunities for the 2012 DNC convention in Charlotte, NC, go to the convention website, click on “Register Your Business” in the Vendor Directory and follow the links.

Job Posting: AAJC Executive Director/President

Ed.’s Note: The below is from our friends at the Asian American Justice Center.

AAJC: Advancing Equality

Asian American Justice Center is recruiting an Executive Director/President to lead the organization into the future. We seek a visionary leader and strong advocate who will advance AAJCs mission and implement a bold strategic plan, which includes creating a strong and unified voice for the Asian American community. The new ED/President will have a demonstrated track record and passion for advancing social justice. The application deadline is October 21, 2011.

See the description and application for more.

Job hunting? Be Careful What you Post to Facebook

If you’re looking for a new job, you may want to rethink posting those party pictures on your Facebook profile.

Over at The Atlantic, Alexis Madrigal explains:

1) 95 percent of employers say they use social media sites to ferret out more information about job candidates. 2) If these employers informed these job candidates why they were dropped, Facebook as we know it might not exist.

Work at APALC

Editor’s note: Our friends at APALC are hiring! See below for more information and to apply. Good luck!

Dear friends & colleagues:

Please share these 3 advocacy positions!  As part of APALC’s exciting recent expansions, we are revamping how we think about civic engagement and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).  Our vision spans everything from immigration and citizenship, to engaging our community members on issues that affect them, to educating and mobilizing voters in key elections.

As we look to next year’s elections, we are excited to announce that we have added a new unit to our policy team: the Voter Engagement Project, which will seek to foster a progressive AAPI electorate, empower AAPI voters to hold policymakers accountable, and win policy change that benefits low-income and immigrant communities.  We are hiring 2 new staff to establish and run this new area of work: a project director and a coordinator.

In addition, we are also hiring a health policy advocate, who as part of our Health Access Project and policy team will work on health care reform education and policy issues as well as coalition-building.

More information about APALC on our website and Facebook page.  Interested candidates should apply as instructed in the job postings (click the position title for pdfs of the job postings).

Apply to be a DCCC Fall Fellow!

*Editor’s note: We received this announcement from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

DCCC Fall Fellows Needed Immediately!

Are you looking for an opportunity to break into politics? Do you want to establish lasting connections and gain campaign experience? Would you like to work on behalf of a future Member of Congress? The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) serves as the official national Democratic campaign committee charged with recruiting, assisting, funding, and electing Democrats to the U. S. House of Representatives. We provide services ranging from designing and helping execute field operations, to polling, creating radio and television commercials, fundraising, communications, and management consulting. The DCCC is supported by the contributions of individuals and other groups from throughout the country. The DCCC Drive to 25 Fellowship Program is designed to give people substantial exposure to practical, campaign-style politics on a national level. This is a great opportunity to help Democrats win back the Majority in 2012 and learn the ins and outs of a Congressional Campaign.

Who are we looking for?
•     Proven leaders who are committed to taking back the House in 2012
•     Smart, energetic and fun people who are interested in gaining
experience and involvement in politics

What are the benefits of the DCCC Fellowship Program?
•     An unprecedented opportunity to work day to day with top political operatives in the country who are passionate about winning back the House
•     Receive first hand experience with how professional campaigns are run and how they function
•     The opportunity to network with leaders in the field

To apply for this program, please visit: http://www.dccc.org/page/s/Drive_to_25_Fellowship_Program

Applications are due by 9/9/11.

The DCCC prohibits discrimination of employment, promotion, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of gender, disability, race, age, national origin, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex (including marital and parental status), gender identity and expression, religion, economic status, ethnic identity, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. This policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of the DCCC, including opportunity for employment and treatment as a DCCC employee. The DCCC is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.

Apply to be an Obama for America Fall Fellow

The Obama for America Fall Fellowship program will train and develop the next generation of community organizers and will help the campaign expand its outreach efforts in communities across the country. Organizing is inspiring but difficult work, so only those with a serious interest should apply. Fall fellows who complete the program will leave with a full understanding of the most effective tools and methods that organizers use to make change in their communities. Some fall fellows work for the Obama Campaign directly while others will work for Organizing for America.

The Fall Fellowship is a 12-week organizing program. Fall fellows will help the campaign build neighborhood and campus teams of volunteers. They will:

 

  • Engage new potential volunteers through phone calls and canvassing.
  • Hold 1:1 meetings with potential volunteers and campus organizers to discuss shared goals and strategy, develop relationships, and plan events.
  • Empower new voters by collecting voter registration forms at community events.
  • Enter, organize, and maintain the data from all of our interactions in communities.
  • Use social networks to help amplify our message and talk about the work that we do.
  • Hold house meetings to bring supporters together in communities and on college campuses to strategize about what the campaign should look like locally.
  • Recruit, coach, and develop local and campus teams of individuals who are willing to work together to hold outreach events with other potential volunteers and voters.
  • Plan and execute events with other campaign staff and fall fellows.

Candidates for the Fall Fellows program must be:

  • Enthusiastic about helping to re-elect President Obama and other Democrats up and down the ticket
  • Willing to volunteer long and irregular hours at times, potentially including weekends (these will be pre-determined by you and the staffer with whom you work)
  • Interested in people-centered, metrics-driven work
  • Goal-oriented
  • Personally organized
  • Hard working
  • Strong communicators
  • Committed to collaboration and teamwork
  • Flexible
  • Self-motivated
  • Willing to commit to 15+ hours a week or 40+ hours a week from early September through December 3rd

Applications are being accepted and processed on a rolling basis until the program is full, but the program is filling up quickly. Apply now before your state has reached capacity.

http://my.barackobama.com/Fall-Fellows

2011 New America Media Fellowship Program on Health/Environmental Health

*Editor’s Note: Our friends at New America Media are looking for CA ethnic journalists to report on health and environmental health issues. Additional information and application materials are available here.

2011 New America Media Fellowship Program on
Health/Environmental Health for CA Ethnic Media Journalists

WHEN: October 13-14, 2011
New America Media’s 2011 Health/Environmental Health Reporting Fellowship, sponsored by the California Wellness Foundation, will support ethnic media journalists based in California to research and write at least one in-depth story, documenting the human impact of a health care issue, or policy issue, or the impact of environmental toxins on human health. The story, or series, will be published or broadcasted in the fellows’ respective ethnic media outlets, and selected stories will be published on NAM’s web site. Project must be completed and published/aired no later than Jan. 16, 2012.

In addition, Health/ Environmental Health Fellows will participate in a mandatory two-day workshop hosted by the University of California Sacramento Center from Oct. 13-14, 2011 where they will meet state level policy makers, and leading health reporters, advocates and researchers.

Fellows will receive a $2,000 stipend once the story or series has been published or aired. Flight and hotel bookings for the two-day Sacramento workshop will be arranged and paid for by NAM, and fellows will be reimbursed for all other travel expenses (i.e. cab fares and train/bus tickets).

Asia Society Seeks New Fellows

We’ve just received word that the Asia Society is looking for fellows, “to contribute to a better understanding of policy challenges related to the growing importance of Asia in the international political arena and global economy.” Additional information on the fellowship is below.

 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

  The Bernard Schwartz Fellows Program

The Bernard Schwartz Fellows Program seeks to contribute to a better understanding of policy challenges related to the growing importance of Asia in the international political arena and global economy. The program selects highly qualified professionals to serve as resident Fellows at Asia Society’s headquarters in New York City or its office in Washington, D.C. for up to one year. During the course of their residencies, Fellows direct a policy initiative, such as a Task Force, Study Group, or policy research project.

Additionally, the Asia Society relies on Fellows to provide in-house expertise via the media. Opportunities for Fellows to present their work and/or participate in panel discussions, conferences, and other events at the Society’s Centers in the United States and Asia are also arranged. In these ways, Fellows play an important role in the Society’s mission of advancing policy research and public education on Asia.

The application process is highly competitive. Candidates are drawn from the fields of government, academia, journalism, business, and civil society. Nominations are by invitation or by application. The defining qualifications for Bernard Schwartz Fellows are a solid record of distinction, a soundly conceived project proposal with clear policy relevance, and a commitment to engaging the policy community and the broader public. The Program does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research or work toward a degree.

Applications and nominations for the 2011-12 Bernard Schwartz Fellows (Fall 2011 to Fall 2012) are currently being accepted. Interested applicants who meet the profile and qualifications outlined above should send a cover letter outlining their proposed project, along with a detailed curriculum vitae, with the subject line “2011-12 Schwartz Fellow Application” to Robert Hsu at globalpolicy@asiasociety.org by August 19, 2011.

For more information, please visit AsiaSociety.org/SchwartzFellows