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Fwd: [DW] Harry Potter Alliance hiring for two full time positions! (please circulate!)

Includes mix of online/offline skill needs. I've heard they do some amazing
work. -Steve

From: "Andrew Slack" <andrew@thehpalliance.org>
Date: Oct 14, 2012 10:25 PM
Subject: Harry Potter Alliance hiring for two full time positions! (please
circulate!)

Hi all! The Harry Potter Alliance has just launched a very exciting search
for two new full time positions. Please circulate any where and
everywhere! Here's the link:
http://thehpalliance.org/what-we-do/jobs-at-the-hpa/

About the Harry Potter Alliance
The Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) uses parallels from the Harry Potter novels
to inspire close to one million fans to act as heroes in our world. Hailed
by the University of Southern Californias Annenberg School of
Communications as one of the premier models of civic engagement for the
twenty-first century, we have sent five cargo planes to Haiti, built
libraries across the world, and recently raised $100,000 for our innovative
advocacy on equality for LGBTQ, immigration, and education. Almost every
major publication in the US has been very interested in our quirky quest
for social justice, JK Rowling has praised us in Time Magazine and on her
web site, and we are now working with other fan communities having started
with fans of the Hunger Games.

Below are the full job descriptions provided in this link:
http://thehpalliance.org/what-we-do/jobs-at-the-hpa/

Open Positions
CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR
The Campaign Director is responsible for maximizing the efficacy of the the
HPAs campaigns and projects, overseeing the work our volunteers, and
working directly with other members of Senior Staff to direct and guide the
organization. Our Board, Executive Director, and Senior Staff are excited
to work with the person in this new position to help create a job that we
believe will truly transform and expand our reach.

While primarily a structural position focused on campaign strategy and
development, deadlines, follow-up, assessment of our efficacy and impact,
etc., the Campaign Director is also responsible for the creative use of the
tools and resources at the disposal of the HPA to achieve our mission. As
such, the Campaign Director has a primary responsibility for the impact of
the organization overall and must be attentive to: volunteer staff,
communication and messaging, engagement with members, and other measures of
success.

It should be noted that the HPA and our emerging Imagine Better Project
make up a young organization, running on passion, a thirst for new ideas, a
love for young people, social justice, and an understanding that we are
attempting to engender a more creative approach to social change  so a
strong appetite for innovation is key. When you work for the HPA, its not
simply an occupation or job, its more of a vocation or calling  its an
exciting moment at the HPA and we are looking for someone who is excited to
be in this position.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
A knowledge of HPA campaigns and projects and an understanding of fan
culture and fandom
Masters in management, media theory, or a social justice/policy field, or
comparable experience, preferred
1  2 years of experience in campaign development, program management, or
related field (this may be in a volunteer capacity, however previous work
experience is preferred)
Demonstrated ability to outline deliverables and quantify campaign results
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong strategic thinker, likes puzzles and a prioritization of efficacy
over efficiency
Open mind and active interest in learning more about the fields of both
social entrepreneurship and cultural entrepreneurship
An understanding of and interest in continuing to build a strong volunteer
culture based in a sense of community
Excellent follow through and comfortable in high-pressure, high-stress
situations and achieving goals through trial-and-error or other creative
and flexible management techniques
Vision and energy to inspire collaboration and engender trust from staff
and key organizational funders, stakeholders, and supporters.
Commitment to a work environment where creativity and diversity are
celebrated.
Experience with social media and social media organizing preferred
THE JOB:
Coordinating all aspects of campaign development, including researching and
selecting social issues, outlining the timeline of the campaign,
communicating with partners, defining and tracking partnerships, etc.
Working directly with the Executive Director to ensure that the Board of
Directors is kept abreast of new campaigns, shifts in goals, and any other
high-level developments
Overseeing the implementation of campaigns by the volunteer staff,
including but not limited to the mobilization of members via social media,
the explanation of campaigns via web copy and resources, and the engagement
of our local area chapters; as well as any necessary wrap-up
Overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of campaigns and ensuring that
campaign tactics are reaching the achievement of the agreed upon basic
campaign goals, are aiding to the overall mission of the organization, and
are increasing overall impact of and investment in the organization
Overseeing the planning of IRL opportunities including the HPA presence at
events run by partners and any potential future HPA hosted events
Participating in low-level press interviews as necessary and acting as the
voice of the organization when describing and detailing campaign objectives
and successes
Primarily responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance
of the volunteer staff (with the purposes of building a staff with the
flexibility for strong high-impact campaigns)
Assisting with all fundraising projects as needed and maintaining any
campaign-related budgets and defining budgetary needs

TO APPLY
Please email  careers@thehpalliance.org with your cover letter, resume, and
response to the below question:

Take a look at our past campaigns. The HPA focuses primarily on the issues
of human rights, literacy, LGBTQ equality, media reform, and
self-empowerment, but have recently expanded to look at immigration reform
and other contemporary social movements.

Please briefly describe a campaign you believe the HPA should run. Your
description should include: (1) Why the cause is important to our audience;
(2) A simple call to action that fits with the HPA or Imagine Betters
brand; (3) Your strategy for motivating our audience to take action, with
sample language or social media asks as appropriate.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
The HPAs Director of Development is an emergent position with the
organization. We are lucky to be an organization on the precipice of
tremendous expansion and thus are seeking a candidate with previous
experience to draw upon who is looking for an exciting new challenge. The
Director of Development will be responsible for spearheading the capacity
building efforts of the organization. This will involve outlining areas for
growth, working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to
quantify those needs, working with volunteers to accomplish tasks, and
working with other members of Senior Staff to direct and guide the
organization.

Over the years, we have built excellent relationships with our members,
reputable foundations, and potential donors. The Director of Development
will help us foster these relationships toward our growth as well as look
for new avenues that we can work with foundations and donors. Our Board,
Executive Director, and Senior Staff are excited to work with the person in
this new position to help create a job that we believe will truly transform
and expand our reach. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys
tackling ambitious projects, leading a team, and embraces new technologies
and new media. S/he will become familiar with the HPAs mission and
innovative model of social activism and will be responsible for messaging
this mission to donors.

It should be noted that the HPA and our emerging Imagine Better Project
still make up a young organization, running on passion, a thirst for new
ideas, a love for young people, social justice, and an understanding that
we are attempting to engender a more creative approach to social change
so a strong appetite for innovation is key. When you work for the HPA, its
not simply an occupation or job, its more of a vocation or calling  its
an exciting moment at the HPA and we are looking for someone who is excited
to be in this position.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Masters in nonprofit management, media theory, or a social justice/policy
field, or comparable experience, preferred
A strong understanding of and commitment to social justice issues
2  3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, finance, or a related
field (this may be in a volunteer capacity, however previous work
experience is preferred)
Demonstrated ability to utilize multiple methods of fundraising including:
membership drives, grant writing, and outreach to private donors; and a
dedication to researching new avenues
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong strategic thinking with an ability to plan long-term and come up
with creative solutions and utilize resources creatively
Experience managing volunteers, and an understanding of and interest in
continuing to build a strong volunteer culture based in a sense of community
Excellent follow through and comfortable in high-pressure, high-stress
situations and achieving goals through trial-and-error or other creative
and flexible management techniques.
Vision and energy to inspire collaboration and engender trust from staff
and key organizational funders, stakeholders, and supporters
An interest in and ability to work with authors, actors, musicians and
other artistic personalities
Commitment to a work environment where creativity and diversity are
celebrated
Experience with social media driven fundraising drives a plus

THE JOB:

Coordinating all established fundraising projects and working with the
established volunteer Development Department to sharpen goals and tighten
methods.
Overseeing any grant writing, membership drives, stewardship efforts, merch
related concerns and coordinating merchandise for IRL events, and other
current fundraising efforts
Expanding HPA fundraising efforts by conducting research into best
practices in online and offline fundraising, creating a comprehensive
fundraising strategy, and working with the Executive Director to codify the
vision and direction of the organization
Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and individual donors
within and outside of the fandom and communicating with any other
fundraising contacts and building new relationships
Communicating with, supporting, and supervising our finance team and
playing a pivotal role in all financial decisions made by the organization
Implementing a long-term vision for the staff which is in-line with
efforts in helping the organization build-to-scale; this will include
working with volunteer staff, assisting in the development of an internship
program, as well as assisting in the establishment of best practices for
paid staff and consultants and participating in the hiring process of any
future staff
Working with the Campaign Director to outline ways to build campaign impact
and leverage campaigns for fundraising, build recognition of the
organization, and strengthen the HPAs brand
Travel as needed (this is usually limited to 2 or 3 times a year but may be
more)

TO APPLY
Please email  careers@thehpalliance.org  with your cover letter, resume,
and response to the below question:

Take a look at our  current website and donate pages. Keeping in mind the
goal(s) of the organization, what are three (3) recommendations you have to
make the us more appealing to individual donors via the website. Your
response should take into account and describe any weaknesses of the
current layout, any concerns/weaknesses of current or past campaigns, and
any preconceived ideas people may have regarding the organization which
would limit them from donating and offer specific ways to counter these.

--
Andrew Slack
Harry Potter Alliance, Executive Director, Creator, Co-founder
@thehpalliance
@andrewslack
http://facebook.com/andrewcraigslack

Find out more about the Harry Potter Alliance at www.thehpalliance.org




--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Google Releases Civic Information API

From: Steven Clift <clift@e-democracy.org>

From: "Dan Diebolt" <dandiebolt@gmail.com>
To: <sunlightlabs@googlegroups.com>

What is the Google Civic Information API?

The Google Civic Information API allows developers to build applications
that display civic information including polling place, early vote
location, candidate data, and election official information to users. The
initial version of the API is geared towards election-related information
for the United States. Future versions of the API may add more types of
civic information and expand to other countries.

US election data is based on the political geography of a voters
registered address. The voters address determines where the voter is
eligible to vote and what offices and ballot measures the voter may vote
on. There are many US elections throughout the year, and the election
information relevant to a voter can shift depending on the election. Google
assigns every election available in the API an election ID, and the
information associated with that ID is intended to be accurate for that
election only. You can use the Google Civic Information API to query all
upcoming elections and then find information for a voter for a specific
election.

https://developers.google.com/civic-information/

Fwd: From the Desk of Gov. Gary Johnson

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Gary Johnson 2012" <Gary_Johnson_2012@mail.vresp.com>
Date: Oct 11, 2012 4:07 PM
Subject: From the Desk of Gov. Gary Johnson
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>

Friends,     Do you feel good about your choices for President of the United States? Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?     If you are like millions of other Americans, you may not be entirely comfortable with those choices.  And if so, you need to know that there is another option.     I am Governor Gary Johnson, and I am running for President.  Thanks to the news media's obsession with the two major party candidates, you may not be very familiar with me.  I would like to change that.     I served as Governor of New Mexico for eight years, elected and reelected as a fiscal conservative and social liberal in a state that is 2-1 Democrat.  While I was Governor, we cut taxes 14 times, balanced the state budget, and created an environment for job growth that led the National Journal to say that my record of job creation was the best of all the governors running for president.      Some called me Governor Veto -- a nickname I accepted with pride.  We need leaders who aren't afraid to say NO to bigger government and excess spending.  I did that, vetoing 750 bills during my eight years in office.  That is probably more vetoes than all other governors combined.     If you are interested in learning more about my record, my philosophy and my plans for restoring opportunity and individual freedom as government's priorities, I hope you will go to GaryJohnson2012.com and check me out.      You might also want to read this from GQ magazine: Is This the Sanest Man Running for President?   As you will see, I'm not just a former governor.  I'm an athlete who loves challenges and achieving goals, and I'm an entrepreneur who grew a one-man business into a successful company that employed more than 1,000 people.     You know as well as I that the way our government works has to change, and if you're like me, you also know that it won't change if we just keep electing the same politicians who thrive on spending too much, involving government in every aspect of our lives, and insist on sending our military into wars we can't afford and don't need to fight.      To see what I mean, take a quick look at this video: Be Libertarian With Me - Just This Once   I'm the only candidate for President who will submit a balanced budget in 2013, get us out of unnecessary wars NOW, support marriage equality for all Americans, end the failed War on Drugs, and repeal laws like the Patriot Act that are robbing us of basic privacy and freedoms.     I hope you'll take a little time to learn more about me and what I want for America. You may find we are on the same page, and that our revolution is a cause you want to join.     Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.     Governor Gary Johnson       P.S.  If you want to help me spread our message of less government and more freedom, I welcome your support.  Go to http://www.garyjohnson2012.com.         [facebooklike]    [twittertweet]     [googleplusone]      Paid for by Gary Johnson 2012 Contributions or gifts to Gary Johnson 2012 are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.

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Click to view this email in a browser If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe

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Gary Johnson Campaign 731 East South Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 USA Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

Grant and Daniel at North Park Golf Course. 4th and 3rd places for PPS Obama.

Fwd: Fw: PA, VOTE ATTICUS FINCH!

 

 

 

"The right to criticize: the right to hold unpopular beliefs; the right to protest; the right of independent thought. The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American citizen his reputation or his right to a livelihood... Otherwise none of us could call our souls our own."

Margaret Chase Smith Biography -

United States Senator from Maine 1897-1995

 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Steven Singer 

Shockingly, 52 Pennsylvania architects of the recently halted Voter ID law are running UNOPPOSED in the November election. That means no matter how voters in these districts feel about these representatives, they have no choice but to re-elect them. This is outrageous!

That's why we're asking voters who live in these districts to write-in ATTICUS FINCH, the hero of Harper Lee's Civil Rights masterpiece To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus is a figure who truly stands for the idea that Civil Rights - including the right to vote - come first and that our elections should include EVERYONE - not just those who can jump through hoops to get a state-approved photo ID with an expiration date.

So this November, send a message to the cynical opportunists who tried to take away your right to vote. Tell them "I'm voting for ATTICUS FINCH!"

Please make the pledge to vote against politicians who drafted the voter ID law or write-in ATTICUS FINCH for those politicians running unopposed.
Go to: http://signon.org/sign/pa-vote-atticus-finch?source=s.icn.em.cr&r_by=2420891&mailing_id=6396
 
Please share this link through email, facebook, twitter and anyway you can.

Not sure if your local Voter ID supporter is running unopposed? A complete list, promotional posters and additional information can be found at svteach.wikispaces.com.


We feel ATTICUS FINCH would make a great representative. If he was a real person that is.

Compare ATTICUS FINCH to, let say, State Rep. Daryle Metcalfe - one of these unopposed politicians.

Finch: "If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."

Let's see what happens when Metcalfe tries it. Metcalfe: "[The verdict to halt voter ID] is skewed in favor of the lazy, who refuse to exercise the necessary work ethic to meet the common-sense requirements to obtain an acceptable photo ID." "As Mitt Romney said, 47% of the people... are living off the public dole, living off their neighbors' hard work..."

Finch might note that 25% of African Americans, 16% of Latinos, and 18% of seniors lack photo IDs. Finch: [People like Metcalfe are] "confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption... the evil assumption that all Negroes lie, all Negroes are basically immoral beings...  An assumption that one associates with minds of their caliber, and which is, in itself, gentlemen, a lie, which I do not need to point out to you."

What would Finch say about the court decision to halt implementation of the law? Finch: "Now, gentlemen, in this country, our courts are the great levelers. In our courts, all men are created equal. I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts... that's no ideal to me. That is a living, working reality!"

How would Finch reply to State Rep. Mike Turzai - another unopposed politician - who famously said, [The voter ID law will] "allow Governor Romney to win the state of Pennsylvania,"?

Finch: "They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions, but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

Why would Finch allow his name to be used as a purely symbolic gesture? After all, even if a majority of voters in these districts write in his name, he cannot actually take office since he is a fictional character. Finch: "I wanted you to see what real courage is...  It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win."

Please make the pledge to vote against politicians who drafted the voter ID law or write-in ATTICUS FINCH for those politicians running unopposed.
Go to: http://signon.org/sign/pa-vote-atticus-finch?source=s.icn.em.cr&r_by=2420891&mailing_id=6396

Please share this link through email, facebook, twitter and anyway you can.

Not sure if your local Voter ID supporter is running unopposed? A complete list, promotional posters and additional information can be found at svteach.wikispaces.com.

Thank you so much for all you do.

Yours,

Steven Singer and Adrian Seltzer
 

--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Phillips Swim Team back in the groove again

Dear Parents and Guardians of students at Pittsburgh Phillips, K-5:

Phillips Elementary School will once again be participating in the Pittsburgh Public Schools Elementary Swim Championships. The swim meet will be on December 4th at 1:30 pm. The event will be held at Allderdice High School. Tryouts and practices for the Phillips Swim Team will be held at the Oliver Bath House on the South Side. All fourth and fifth graders are encouraged to participate. Third graders are permitted to practice but are not eligible for the meet. Students who wish to make the Phillips Swim Team must meet the following requirements:

1. Permission slip must be filled out and returned by October 26th.
2. Students must meet the age and grade requirements for the meet.
3. Students must not have more than two “needs improvements” on the first quarter report card.
4. Students must be competent swimmers (you must be able to swim in the deep end of the pool).
5. Students must attend three tryouts or practices.

Students will be practicing to swim competitively. Please do no let your child participate if they did not pass a deep end swim test this summer. Parents are responsible for safe and timely transportation to and from the Bath House. More information regarding the actual swim meet will be sent home at a later date. If you have any question please call me at school 412-488-5190.

The first practice will be on October 28th at 6:30pm.

Thank You,
Mrs. Bichler


Practice dates:
Oct 28, 6:30 pm.
Nov 4
Nov 11
Nov 16
Nov 25
Dec 2.

Meet is December 4 at Dice!

Penn Hills '77: Our Classmate Tony Lonero is coming back to visit the Burg!

Please spread the word... 

Many of you already know Tony's story.....he is an inspiration to people all over the world. 
Here is the link for his website if you want to check out his story and latest news. 
http://www.ridetofinish.com/ 

* Tony will be at the premier of his movie next Wednesday....a documentary that tells his whole story. 
It will be held at Linton Middle School, Wednesday October 10th at 7:00 pm. All are invited. 

* On Thursday October 11, Tony gets inducted into the East Boros Sports Hall of Fame. 

* Friday October 12, We are taking Tony to Carnivores (Restaurant & Bar) in Oakmont at 7:00 pm 
Tony is really looking forward to hanging out with all Classmates and friends! Please come! 

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Movie on Wed and/or at Carnivores on Fri.!! 

Many thanks to Loretta, PD (Doc), Mr. Ford and the rest of the committee that got this together for Tony. 

Please pass this email on to any Classmates! 

Thanks, 

Pat Farabaugh 

Rumble

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P5tIxg4VDg&feature=colikehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P5tIxg4VDg&feature=colike

Race to the Top educational funding is federal bribery and those in Fresno said, "No."

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2012/10/race_to_the_top_frozen_out_in_.html

Interesting article above.

Engaged students without bus passes hurts after school opportunities

From the school newspaper, Obama Eagle

Bus pass cuts provide students with headaches, frustration
Posted: 03 Oct 2012 01:45 PM PDT
“What ever happened to bus passes?”

Many students come across this question daily. “It would make it so much easier to get to school if we had bus passes. If we miss our school buses we have to pay for the PAT buses anyway,” student Maria Vaccarello says. Many students aren’t very pleased about the dismissal of these passes. Sci-Tech student Idee Olugbade explains,” The school district doesn’t realize that those bus passes brought us to our after school sports!”

While many students are enraged Dr. Miles Brown calmly states that along with budget cuts the school just can’t afford PAT bus passes for everyone. The school needed to start prioritizing its budget and giving unnecessary bus passes was the easiest thing to cross off the schools list of financial expenses. “The bus passes aren’t handled by us,” Dr. Brown explains, “The school’s administrative office gets notified of the bus pass distribution just as the students do.” She understands the complaints and thinks it best for every ones’ educational priorities to stick with the yellow buses! She also says that all extra-curricular activities receive buses. She even gave a number to call if you want to discuss concerns with a PPS transportation director, Theodor Vasser, (412-338-8125). Fortunately OAIS students can get to and from school, daily activities, and home without too much of a struggle.

Ready to jump in!

No Kangaroos are killed for sport shoes for water polo players.

Nike: stop using kangaroo leather to make soccer cleats! Sign Robert's Petition Nike: Stop the slaughter of kangaroos to make your soccer shoes! Started by: The Fish Family, Portland, Oregon Please join my family and I in asking Nike to stop using kangaroo leather to make soccer shoes! Did you know that millions of kangaroos are slaughtered in Australia every year to make soccer shoes (or football shoes for the more enlightened of us)? If that isn't sad enough many times baby joeys are found in the dead mothers' pouches after they are killed and then meet the end of their life by being stomped on, beaten with sticks or smashed against vehicles because they serve no use. Being from Portland, Oregon, it's exciting to know that Adidas, which based its US headquarters here, just recently stated that they will cut back on kangaroo leather use by 98% in the next twelve months! Even cooler Puma recently said it's exploring even more non-animal material because of environmental problems like chemicals and waste created in leather tanneries! The question is what about Nike and Umbro (the soccer specialty company which Nike owns)? The interesting thing is that Nike already makes an alternative to kangaroo leather called 'Kanga-Lite.' Now some may wonder if it using a synthetic material impacts performance? As a Manchester City fan it is difficult for me to ever give credit to anything associated with Manchester United, but if a synthetic shoe can work with a world class player like Rooney it is clear that performance is not an issue. Add in Ronaldo and US superstar Landon Donovan amongst those who wear amazing Nike cleats where no kangaroos had to die and it is clear that the alternatives are great. Our whole family loves soccer and we also love animals which is why we find it painful and sad to imagine slaughtering even a single kangaroo for use in a shoe! That's why we want Nike to stop using kangaroo leather and instead use the many wonderful, kangaroo-friendly, highly-functional materials that go into football shoes that don't involve needless cruelty. Some of Nike's best models featuring revolutionary synthetics include models called CTR360, Total90 Laser IV, and Mercurial Vapor VIII, and there are plenty of choices for regular families like ours who play on recreational teams! Remember Nike is a business and if their customers ask them to use less cruel and more environmental friendly materials they will listen! Will you join us by signing our petition to Nike to stop the slaughter of kangaroos to make their shoes? Thank you! Robert, Renate, Ras and Chaitan Fish Click here to sign The Fish Family's petition, "Nike: Stop the slaughter of kangaroos to make your soccer shoes!". You can also check out other popular petitions on Change.org by clicking here.

Presidential Debates with only the Ds and Rs suck

Dear Open Debates Supporters,

We have some exciting news. In direct response to an email and letter-writing campaign from our allies and supporters, three of the ten corporations that sponsor the Commission on Presidential Debates have withdrawn their sponsorship! Over the past week, advertising agency BBH New York, nonprofit women’s group YWCA and tech giant Philips North America have withdrawn their sponsorship of the Commission. YWCA explained its decision: “As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, we have decided to withdraw our sponsorship effective immediately.”

Here is a good article on the events: http://t.co/1kBxVvhT

We want to keep the heat on and persuade the remaining seven sponsors to withdraw their support of their Commission. Please contact the following seven companies and foundations at the listed address and express your desire for them to withdraw sponsorship. Note that Anheuser-Busch remains, by far, the largest sponsor of the Commission on Presidential Debates; these debates are largely brought to you by Bud.

Crowell & Moring LLP
At Crowell – Moring LLC, the Chairman is Kent A. Gardiner and his email is
kgardiner@crowell.com

Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
One Busch Place
St. Louis, MO 63118
800-342-5283
E-mail Contact Form: http://contactus.anheuser-busch.com/Contactus/email.asp

Southwest Airlines
P.O. Box 36647-1CR

Dallas, Texas 75235
https://www.southwest.com/contact-us/contact-us.html

The Howard G. Buffet Foundation
158 W Prairie Ave, Suite 107
Decatur, IL 62523-1442
Also:
121 S 51st St
Omaha, NE 68132
402-556-6641

Sheldon S. Cohen, Esq.
Farr, Miller & Washington
1020 19th Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
800-390-3277
202-530-5600
202-530-5508 Fax
Email: sscohen@farrmiller.com

International Bottled Water Association
1700 Diagonal Road
Suite 650
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-5213
703-683-4074 Fax
Email: ibwainfo@bottledwater.org
800-WATER-11 (Information Hotline)
http://bottledwater.org

The Kovler Fund
aka Marjorie Kovler Research Fellowship
c/o John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Columbia Point
Boston, MA 02125
617-514-1624
617-514-1625 Fax
Email: kennedy.library@nara.gov

Thank you for your support!
- Open Debates Team

Fwd: South Side Cares: Paint-Out 13 October

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "South Side Community Council GRAFFITI WATCH Action Group" <graffitiwatch@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 28, 2012 9:32 AM
Subject: South Side Cares: Paint-Out 13 October
To: "Graffiti Watch" <graffitiwatch@gmail.com>

VOLUNTEER for the GRAFFITI WATCH PAINT-OUT
ON SATURDAY 13 October

ANY ONE INTERESTED IN PREVENTING AND REMOVING GRAFFITI ON THE SOUTH SIDE IS welcome. This work is ongoing and we need new volunteers.  

GRAFFITI WATCH = WE CARE = WE DO = SOUTH SIDE CARES

Date:  SATURDAY 13 October

Time:  9:00 AM

WHERE:  We will meet at 2132 Sarah St.  Entrance behind building on Larkins Way

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Graffiti Watch
phone: 412-496-2272
Email: graffitiwatch@gmail.com

            South Side Community Council GRAFFITI WATCH

PREVENTING AND REMOVING GRAFFITI ON THE SOUTH SIDE

Fwd: Education Notebook - #12-19 - 9.28.12

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: The Education Policy and Leadership Center <robinson@eplc.org>

EPLC Education Notebook Friday, September 28, 2012 In this issue PENNSYLVANIA POLICYMAKERS GOVERNOR CORBETT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EPLC NEWS DATEBOOK The EPLC Education Notebook (current and past editions) also is available by visiting the EPLC web site at http://www.eplc.org/publications-reports/weekly-policy-notebook/ PENNSYLVANIA POLICYMAKERS   The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Senate returned to Session this week on Monday (September 24) after a summer recess that began early in July. Fewer than ten session days are scheduled by the House and Senate before the November 6 General Election. Governor Corbett  On August 15, the Corbett Administration's Program Policy Guidelines (PPGs), which provide direction for the preparation of agency budget requests for the Governor's 2013-2014 Executive Budget, were published in the Administrative Circular. "The 2013-14 Budget is to be predicated on the fact that the Pennsylvania economy is still in recovery and has not yet emerged from the "Great Recession." Additionally, continued increases in pension obligations and other cost drivers, such as Medical Assistance, prison costs and debt service obligations, are projected to consume an even greater share of the Commonwealth's budget next year. Therefore, agencies should not assume funding increases for the 2013-14 fiscal year and should continue to evaluate current programs and recommend changes that will improve program management and operations reduce costs and optimize direct services." The Governor's policy directive is a good indicator of the Administration's plans for continued austerity seen in previous Corbett budgets. To read the full text of the PPGs, click here.    HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES On August 22, the House Education Committee, hoping to build a strong case for additional state funding for public school libraries when discussions begin for the 2013-14 state budget, held an informational meeting on the study conducted by the State Board of Education pursuant to HR 987 of 2010. HR 987 urged the State Board of Education along with the Department of Education "to conduct a study of public school library resources and services in this Commonwealth for students in kindergarten through grade 12, measuring and comparing funding, facilities, access to print and electronic resources, professional support and programming and instruction in the use of information and research among this Commonwealth's public schools and districts and evaluating how these elements are allocated in relation to student and community circumstances, such as poverty, disability, race and English language ability." In order to meet the requirements of HR 987, the State Board collected data on library resources, services, staffing, and funding currently available in the schools via an electronic survey tool. After collecting the baseline data, the board partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to conduct the analysis. In addition to the data collection, the board also held roundtables to solicit public input on the draft of the School Library Study. The draft report, along with the public feedback, was then presented at a public meeting of the State Board of Education for further review and comment prior to the adoption of the final report (September 2011). At the House Education Committee hearing, state lawmakers received testimony from Mr. Larry Wittig, Chairman of the State Board of Education and Mary Kay Biagini, Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh, on the work and findings of the board pursuant to HR 987. Among the findings highlighted at the hearing:   Of the 2,180 schools participating in the survey, 94 percent have school libraries. 128 schools have no library and 103 of those are in the School District of Philadelphia. Schools with libraries show higher academic success. While 95 percent of schools have librarians, only 44 percent of them are full time. For the ten-year period from 2000-2001 school year through the 2010-2011 school year, the largest percentage of libraries (39%) received between $1 and $10 per student, and an additional 21% of libraries received district funding between $11- $15 per student. In 2010-2011, 3 percent of libraries received no district funding for library resources. The 2011 Guidelines for Pennsylvania School Library Programs, published by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, set a benchmark for funding at $41 per student for elementary schools, $45 per student for elementary schools and $50 per student for high schools. Following Mr. Wittig's and Ms. Biagini's presentation, the Committee heard from the following individuals representing various statewide organizations and agencies: Sandra Zelno, Education Law Center; Julie Lesitsky, President of the PA Parent Teacher Association (PTA); Eileen Kern, President of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association; Matthew Hutcheson, Superintendent, Jeanette City School District; Graig Henshaw, School Librarian in York City School District; Allison Burrell, School Librarian in Southern Columbia School District; Debby Malone, President of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PLA), Kristy Oren, junior at Hamilton College; and Sean Gregory, 2012 graduate of Danville High School. Written testimony was submitted by Martin Hudacs, Superintendent of Solanco School District and Alice Lubrecht, Secretary, Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education. To watch a video account of the House Education Committee's informational hearing on school library funding, click here. To read the testimony submitted, click here.   On August 20, the House Select Committee on Property Tax, chaired by Rep. Thomas Quigley (R-146), held its first informational meeting pursuant to House Resolution 774. The select committee is tasked with studying the interrelationship between all taxes affecting municipalities and school districts, with an emphasis on property taxes. Prime sponsors of several property tax reform bills were invited to brief members on their proposals and to respond to questions. The proposals include:   House Bill 2230 (Rep. Grove, R-196) would amend "The Local Tax Enabling Act" to allow counties to enact through voter referendum a one percent sales tax at the local level for the purpose of reducing the property tax levels in the county's school district. The bill would also allow counties, municipalities, and schools district to enact a personal income tax or an earned income tax as a replacement for property taxes.   House Bill 2300 (Rep. Maloney, R-130) is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow a local taxing authority to exclude one hundred percent of the assessed value of a homestead in determining property tax. Article VIII Section 2(b)(vi) of the Pennsylvania Constitution currently provides that the General Assembly may authorize local taxing authorities to exclude from taxation an amount based on the assessed value of homestead property. The exclusions authorized by this clause shall not exceed one-half of the median assessed value of all homestead property within a local taxing jurisdiction. This legislation deletes the phrase "one-half of the median assessed value of all" and replaces it with "100 percent of the assessed value of each" homestead. In order to amend the Constitution, legislation proposing the Constitutional amendment must be passed by the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions and be advertised in newspapers upon each passage before being submitted to the electorate for approval.   Senate Bill 1400 (Sen. Argall, R-29) would establish an act known as "The Property Tax Independence Act." SB 1400 proposes to eliminate school property and local school nuisance taxes across the Commonwealth and replace those taxes with funding from a single state source.   The committee announced it will conduct an additional three hearings focusing on the school property tax, municipal property tax and the county property tax. The select panel also intends to invite the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) to share their findings of its review of House Bill 1776 (Rep. Cox, R-129) which is identical to SB 1400. On August 15, the House State Government Committee held a public hearing to receive input on a package of bills introduced by Representative Brad Roae (R-6) that would: allow students attending a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) university to opt out of student activity fees; prohibit free or reduced tuition for spouses, children, same sex partners, or relatives of employees of PASSHE institutions; eliminate paid sabbaticals for PASSHE professors; and impose a construction moratorium until June 30, 2014 on non-emergency construction and improvements at PASSHE universities. These bills (HB 2442, 2443, 2444, and 2446) are part of a larger package of bills that the prime sponsor believes will keep the cost of attending PASSHE schools affordable. Testifiers included: John Robe, Administrative Director, Center for College Affordability and Productivity; Dr. John Cavanaugh, Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education; Student Trustee Shane McGrady (Millersville University); Kenneth Mash, Vice President, Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculty (APSCUF); and Nathan Benefield, Director of Policy Analysis, The Commonwealth Foundation. Written testimony was also submitted by The Center for Higher Education.   To read the written testimony submitted, click here. A video account of the proceedings, is available for viewing by clicking here.     On August 14, the House Finance and State Government Committees held a joint public hearing on the issue of pension reform legislation. Executive Directors of the Public School Employees' (PSERS) and the State Employees' (SERS) Retirement Systems testified about proposed legislation to change the current defined benefit system to a defined contribution system. In addition to the PSERS and SERS representatives, the Committee members also heard remarks from the Office of Attorney General on matters related to the state's Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act. The following organizations also presented testimony: American Enterprise Institute, Keystone Research Center, and the Commonwealth Foundation. Written testimony was submitted by TIAA-CREF. Click here to read the testimony. PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION  On August 7, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that it has met the highest level rating possible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as determined by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). This year marks the fifth time in the past six years that the state has received this rating. Pennsylvania is the only large state, among the seven-largest states ranked by number of students with disabilities, to achieve the "meets requirements" status for five of the past six years, as well as one of the 14 states overall to receive this determination. The IDEA directs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities from birth to age 18 or 21 years. The USDE began evaluating states in 2007 and considers each state's annual performance report, performance plan, and information obtained through federal monitoring visits, as well as other public information, as part of its review. To view PDE's Federal Fiscal Year 2010 Annual Performance Report, click here. On August 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced the award of $6.9 million in federal School Improvement Grants to 10 of Pennsylvania's lowest performing schools. The purpose of the School Improvement Grant program is to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) that demonstrate the greatest need for the funds and strongest commitment to use the funds to provide adequate resources in order to raise student achievement in their lowest performing schools. The PDE awarded the grants through a competitive application process and were reviewed and scored by a panel of peer reviewers who then made award recommendations. In order to be eligible, schools must adopt and implement one of four reform models developed by the federal government: Transformation, Turnaround, Restart, and School Closure. To read more about the four reform models and to see a complete list of grantees for the 2012-2013 school year, click here.  STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION  The first meeting of the State Board of Education's Advisory Committee on Financial Recovery (Chapter 18) was held on September 6 in Harrisburg. The committee is responsible for the implementation of provisions in Act 141 of 2012 directing the State Board to promulgate regulations establishing criteria the Secretary of Education may consider in designating a school district in financial recovery status. A discussion and review of Act 141 and its charges to the Advisory panel were led by the Chair of the advisory committee and State Board member Maureen Lally-Green and Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In addition, a presentation was made by Brian LaForme, staff at PDE, regarding the recently published Early Warning System guidelines(Chapter 731). Please refer to Pennsylvania Bulletin section of the Notebook for further explanation. The Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet once a month (October 18, November 14 and December 6). The panel plans to have draft regulations ready for consideration by the Council of Basic Education by the end of December 2012 before presenting them to the full Board for its consideration. The draft regulations will include, at a minimum, the 15 factors for financial recovery status as specified in Act 141, plus any additional factors or criteria the Advisory Committee deems appropriate. Also noteworthy, the PDE has launched a new web page with information on districts currently in financial recovery status. PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN On September 8, guidelines (issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education) relating to Early Warning System for financially troubled school districts were published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin (Vol. 42, No. 36). According to the notice, the goal of Chapter 731 (relating to Early Warning System- Statement of Policy) is to identify and provide technical assistance to school districts to prevent them from becoming Financial Recovery status school districts under Act 141 of 2012.      U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION On August 1, the U.S. Department of Education announced that more than $21.5 million in grants has been awarded to 43 states to cover all or part of the fees charged to low-income students for taking the Advanced Placement tests administered by the College Board and the International Baccalaureate Organization. Grants under the Advanced Placement Test Fee Program are expected to be enough to pay up to $38 per Advanced Placement exam for as many as three exams per student. Levels of funding per state were calculated on the basis of state estimates of the numbers of tests that would be taken by low-income students. Under this federally-funded program, Pennsylvania was awarded $487,964. Click here to view the complete list of states and their award amounts.  EPLC NEWS   EPLC will host its second annual Arts and Education Symposium on Thursday, October 11 (8:00 AM- 5:15 PM) at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. Do not miss this chance to join fellow arts educators, artists, arts advocates, school and community leaders, and state and local policymakers to share information about: *    State-level and local advocacy. *    The development of new teacher evaluations. *    National core arts standards. *    The role of arts education in preparing a Pennsylvania workforce with twenty-first century skills. The Symposium will feature Ayanna Hudson, Director of Arts Education at the National Endowment for the Arts, as Keynote Speaker and Remarks by Sandra Ruppert, Director of the Arts Education Partnership. Registration is $25 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and all Symposium sessions. Click here to register.  DATEBOOK   The Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators will hold its annual Workshop for Career and Technical Education Adult/Continuing Education Coordinators on September 27-28 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College. Click here for details and registration. The Senate Education Committee will hold a public hearing on Diabetes care for students on Tuesday, October 2 in Harrisburg at 10:30 AM. The Public Employee Retirement Commission will hold a public hearing on topics of Pension Reform and Funding Status on Wednesday, October 3 in Harrisburg at 1:00 PM. The PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools will hold its annual conference October 7-9 in Lancaster. Click here for more details and registration.   The House Education Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 2464(Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Prevention) on Wednesday, October 10 in Harrisburg at 11:00 AM.   EPLC's 2nd Annual Arts and Education Symposium will be held on Thursday, October 11 in Harrisburg. Click here for more information.  "Give Kids Good Schools Week" will take place on October 14-20. During the week, communities around the country host events and activities to encourage people to learn, vote and act in support of public education. Click here to learn more.  The House Select Committee on Property Tax Committee will hold a public hearing pursuant to HR 774 on Monday, October 15 in Harrisburg at 9:00 AM.  The Public Employee Retirement Commission will hold a public hearing on topics of Pension Reform and Funding Status on Tuesday, October 16 in Harrisburg at 1:00 PM.  The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) will hold their joint annual School Leadership Conference on October 16-19 in Hershey. Click here for details and registration.   Save the Date: EPLC's Annual Education Finance Symposium will be held on Friday, November 16 in Harrisburg.   Save the Date: The Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development 62nd Annual Conference "Power Up: New Perspectives" will be held November 18-20 in Hershey. For information on upcoming events, please visit www.eplc.org and click on "Events Calendar". EPLC Education Notebook is published by The Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC).  Permission to reprint or electronically redistribute the Notebook in whole or in part is granted provided attribution to EPLC is provided.  The Education Policy and Leadership Center is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit organization.  The Mission of the Education Policy and Leadership Center is to encourage and support the development and implementation of effective state-level education policies to improve student learning in grades P-12, increase the effective operation of schools, and enhance educational opportunities for citizens of all ages.

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