Through the Best Buy Teach Award program, Best Buy (<a href="http://bestbuy.com/">http://bestbuy.com/</a>) will present $3.5 million in total awards to more than fifteen hundred schools in the United States.

The Best Buy Teach Award program recognizes creative uses of inter-active technology in K-12 classrooms. Winning Teach Award programs focus on kids using technology to learn standards-based curriculum rather than on teaching students to use technology or educators using technology that children are not able to use hands-on. The purpose of the Best Buy Teach Award program is to reward schools for the successful interactive programs they have launched using available technology.

K-12 public, private, parochial, magnet, and charter schools in the U.S. using interactive technology in classrooms are eligible to apply. Schools must be located within fifty miles of a Best Buy store to apply. Applications must be completed by educators who have been at the school for a minimum of one full academic year, and the program or project must have been in existence for at least one full school year.

Up to fifteen hundred schools will receive Best Buy Teach Awards of $2,000 each, up to fifty schools will receive $10,000 each, and eight school districts will receive $100,000 each.

Visit the Best Buy Web site for complete program information and a store locater.

RFP Link: <a href="http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008010/bestbuy">http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008010/bestbuy</a>

For additional RFPs in Education, visit: <a href="http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_education.jhtml">http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_education.jhtml</a>

http://www.unk.edu/acad/mcslhe/

Marygrove College?s Institute for Arts-Infused Education (AIE) announces a three-day intensive training workshop for artists, principals, in-service and pre-service teachers August 21-23, 2006, on its campus in Detroit. The AIE has designed these training sessions as a means to support the growing field of arts integration into the K-12 core curriculum and providing professional development for those interested in and/or working in the field.

The intensive will have several areas of concentration:

1) Teacher track: performance and inclusive experiences in each art discipline: drama, dance, visual arts, music and technology arts, and basic terminology to assist in future collaborations with artists

2) Artist track: basic classroom management techniques, how to identify and include the Michigan standards and benchmarks in lesson planning, age-appropriate lesson-planning, how to teach to the multiple intelligences, cognitive learning basics, etc.

3) Combined track: artists and teachers together experience arts-infused units and co-plan/team-teach units themselves

4) Professional track: participants look at the field regionally and nationally and gather information on resources available and how to implement arts-infused programs in a specific school. Participants receive information on the research and practice in the field.

5) Assessment: how to make AIE work

http://www.marygrove.edu/news/releases/2006/Arts_Infused_training.htm

http://www.center4arts.org/breaking_walls.html

Accepting proposals for workshops: arts in the community; technology and the arts; arts entreprenuership
Workshops, discussion, experiential, small roundtable discussions
Scholarship money is available
call Lois @732/591-2362

On behalf of New York University?s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Research Center for Leadership in Action, and New York Foundation for the Arts, we are happy to invite you to attend the 33rd Annual Conference on Social Theory, Politics and the Arts (STPA) being held October 11-13, 2007 in New York City.

STPA brings together researchers, students, policy makers, artists, foundation officers, and managers of arts institutions and advocacy organizations to explore key trends, practices, and public policy issues affecting and shaping the arts around the world. Conference participants are drawn from a broad range of disciplines including, but not limited to, sociology, political science, management, economics, law, urban planning, art and art history, museum and curatorial studies, education, and policy studies as well as managers and artists in the visual, performing, written, and multi-media arts.

http://stpa.culture.info/

The Merchants Fund is a Philadelphia charity established in 1854 to provide charitable gifts to business persons facing financial hardship. It evolved from the Mercantile Beneficial Association, an organization dedicated to providing business advice, networking opportunities, and protection from financial failure or default due to illness, old age, or disability at a time in our nation?s history when there was no health or disability insurance, or pension plans.

The Merchants Fund has succeeded for nearly 150 years by keeping the goals and objectives of its early founders in a constantly changing social and economic environment.

TMF has four core grant making areas:

? Business Stabilization grants of up to $10,000 are available to help small businesses remain stable and viable in the face of economic challenges, changes and crisis.

? Emergency grants of between $1,000 and $20,000 to offset harm caused by nature or man are available to current merchants.

? Business Loan matches of between $1,000 and $20,000 are available to current merchants for accredited government programs or bank loans.

? The Merchants Fund selectively awards grants to foster the betterment of a group of merchants on a corridor or in a business district.

We are focusing on Philadelphia for the first phase of implementing our new goals. Please visit our web site for printable applications and detailed guidelines or contact us directly at info@merchantsfund.org or 215-399-1339.

The Herb Block Foundation’s (<a href="http://www.herbblockfoundation.org/">http://www.herbblockfoundation.org/</a Defending Basic Freedoms grant program seeks proposals to safe-guard the basic freedoms guaranteed in America’s Bill of Rights, to help eliminate all forms of prejudice and discrimination, and to assist government agencies to be more accountable to the public. Anti-discrimination projects that involve joint efforts of two or more organizations are encouraged. The foundation will also consider funding for programs to address contemporary societal issues that may arise.

Applicants must be nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations located in the United States.

Grants in the range of $5,000 to $25,000 each will be considered for one year’s funding. Grants will not be made for capital or endowment programs, or for sectarian religious purposes. Grants cannot be used for lobbying or other partisan purposes.

Visit the Herb Block Foundation Web site for further information.

RFP Link: <a href="http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10007920/herbblockfoundation">http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10007920/herbblockfoundation</a>

For additional RFPs in Civil and Human Rights, visit: <a href="http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_civil_rights.jhtml">http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_civil_rights.jhtml</a>

Lego Systems, Inc. (<a href="http://www.lego.com/">http://www.lego.com/</a>), the Americas (North America and Latin America) division of the Lego Group, a privately held, family-owned firm based in Billund, Denmark, has announced the formation of the Lego Children’s Fund, a nonprofit foundation established to support organizations and programs dedicated to inspiring and encouraging youth creativity, thereby improving their quality of life and preparing them for the future.

The Lego Children’s Fund was incorporated with an initial corporate contribution of $1.2 million dollars. The fund will make cash grants to nonprofit organizations in the United States with programs dedicated to a child’s exploration of creativity that cater to children ages birth to 14, with priority consideration for disadvantaged or at-risk youth. The fund’s cash grants generally will range between $500 and $5,000 each. Additionally, the fund aims to make one $100,000 grant per year to a single organization identified and selected by the fund’s board of directors.

The fund will award grants to qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, including educational organizations with specific, identifiable needs, in these areas of interest: early childhood education and development; technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities; and sport or athletic programs that concentrate on underserved youth.

The Lego Children’s Fund also will provide monetary support to those qualified local and national organizations to which Lego employees donate their time, especially those which cater to children and children’s creativity. While the fund will not make product donations, Lego Systems will maintain its play material donations program to qualified organizations in Connecticut and the western Massachusetts area.

The fund will provide grants quarterly. Applicants are invited to submit proposals anytime throughout the year; however, to ensure that a request is considered for a particular trustee meeting, proposals must be received by the following dates: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

Grant program guidelines and application instructions are available at the Lego Children’s Fund Web site.

RFP Link: <a href="http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008008/legochildrensfund">http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008008/legochildrensfund</a>

For additional RFPs in Children and Youth, visit: <a href="http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml">http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml</a>

Portside Arts Center at 2531 E. Lehigh Ave. is opening in September and is offering:
Senior Arts and Crafts 12p.m. to 3p.m.
Children’s after school Arts and Crafts Programs 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Youth and Adult Workshops 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Workshops include but are not limited to:
Drawing fundamentals, Portrait drawing, Figure drawing, Drama, Vocals, Pottery, Ceramics, Jewelry making, Photography, Mosaic, Water colors, Acrylic, Sculpture, Crafts, Mixed media, and Ethnic Arts.

Suggestions, inquiries, teachers, volunteers, fund raising, class requests, students, donations, and support from the community is welcomed.
Portsideartscenter@verizon.net

The Norman Foundation (<a href="http://www.normanfdn.org/">http://www.normanfdn.org/</a>) seeks to support "efforts that strengthen the ability of communities to determine their own economic, environmental, and social well-being, and that help people control those forces that affect their lives."

The foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry from U.S. organizations for its Environmental Justice program, which supports work to prevent the disposal of toxins in communities, and to link environmental issues with economic and social justice.

The foundation provides grants for general support, projects, and collaborative efforts. The foundation also welcomes innovative proposals designed to build the capacity of social change organizations working in its areas of interest. Priority will be given to organizations with annual budgets of under $1 million.

Programs seeking funding must be tax-exempt and focused primarily on domestic issues. The foundation does not make grants to individuals or universities; or to support conferences, scholarships, research, films, media and arts projects; or to capital funding projects, fundraising drives, or direct social service programs. The foundation’s grantmaking is restricted to U.S.-based organizations.

The foundation only accepts full proposals upon positive response to the Letter of Inquiry. Visit the foundation’s Web site for complete program information and examples of funded projects.

RFP Link: <a href="http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008012/normanfdn">http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008012/normanfdn</a>

For additional RFPs in Environment, visit: <a href="http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_environment.jhtml">http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_environment.jhtml</a>

A program of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (<a href="http://www.knightfoundation.org/">http://www.knightfoundation.org/</a>), the Knight News Challenge (<a href="http://www.newschallenge.org/">http://www.newschallenge.org/</a>) will award a total of $5 million in grants in 2007 for projects designed to transform community news.

The competition is open to nonprofits, companies, or individuals of any age and anywhere in the world. Projects must meet all of the following criteria: 1) use digital media; 2) involve new forms of news in the public interest; and 3) focus on a specific geographic community.

Projects can be submitted in the following categories: 1) Idea, for good ideas, even if they are not fully formed; 2) Pilot Project & Field Test, to support the development of innovative pilot projects, prototypes, field tests, or trials that use news to inform or inspire physical, geographic community; 3) Leadership, to turn pilot projects into trends, or to find the best among competing technologies or ideas, or to bring people together in new networks to achieve greater collective impact; and 4) New Business Ventures, for products or companies that will have positive social impact.

Visit the program’s Web site for complete application procedures and examples of winning projects.

RFP Link: <a href="http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008017/newschallenge">http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008017/newschallenge</a>

For additional RFPs in Journalism/Media, visit: <a href="http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_journalism.jhtml">http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_journalism.jhtml</a>

POSITION TITLE: Program Implementer (Paid & Non-Paid Positions are available)
TERM: Flexible, based on semester requirements
REPORTS TO: Membership Manager/Special Initiatives
HOURS: 16 – 20 per week
LOCATION: Various schools and community centers in Bucks, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:
The Program Implementer serves as an essential part of the Membership Services unit in a specifically assigned community, either ethnic or geographic, and provides short-term programs to girls in the assigned community. The program topics range from sports-themed to self-esteem building. Training is provided for correct program implementation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
? Identify program needs of girls at assigned sites and communicate those needs to the Membership Manager responsible for that area.
? Conduct programs such as in-school, headstart, Girl Scouting Beyond Bars, etc., in assigned sites through flexible delivery initiatives. Ability to work with at-risk girls.
? Develop relationships with girls, parents and community site administrators to help build long term commitments to Girl Scouting.
? Work with Membership Manager to recruit additional girls and adults to provide on going programs in assigned area.
? Complete membership registration for participating girls and adults.

QUALIFICATIONS:
? Excellent interpersonal skills.
? Ability to develop resources and deliver program.
? Commitment to working with at-risk girls.
? Must provide own transportation
? Knowledge of or willingness to learn Girl Scout program, philosophy and structure of the organization.
? Spanish speaking skills optional.

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit a resume to:
Raina Yancey
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
PO Box 27540
Philadelphia, PA 19118
ryancey@gsep.org
T 215-564-4657×234 F 215-564-6953

Desired skills and qualifications for this position include:

* Experience working in business development and/or sustainability education
* Event planning experience
* Ability to facilitate groups and run meetings
* Self-motivated; able to work independently and balance multiple tasks
* Strong communication and writing skills
* Experience working with diverse communities
* Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or other relevant field
* Experience in curriculum development

This is part-time position that is funded for one year. Interested candidates should submit cover letter and resume by August 31st to:

Leanne Krueger-Braneky, Executive Director
E-mail: leanne@sbnphiladelphia.org
Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
1218 Chestnut Street, Suite 1008
Philadelphia, PA 19107

POSITION
REGIONAL TRUANCY COURT FACILITATOR
Consultant ? Monday through Friday

Objective

To ensure that the Regional Truancy Courts operate effectively and that all protocols are followed.

To facilitate and monitor court process towards alleviating truancy

Responsibilities

? The Court Facilitator is expected to Preside over the first listing of
truancy cases in the Community Based Regional Truancy Courts and make
recommendations to alleviate truant behavior

? Review quality assurance compliance with court recommendations for
service delivery to insure quality social service practice

? Comply with all protocols, timelines and processes established by the
Office of Truancy and Delinquency Prevention.

? Identifying training needs for community-based providers

? Develop and provide training(s) to address the needs of providers

? Ensure consistency between the court disposition and the recommendations
developed in the multi-disciplinary PATCH process

? Attend administrative meetings and OTDP provider meetings

? Compile and analyze various monthly statistical data and submit reports
to Regional Truancy Court Supervisor and Director

? All other related duties as determined by the Office of Truancy and
Delinquency Prevention

Qualifications

? Masters Degree or a Law degree with a minimum of 3 years experience working in community based social services.

? 3 ? 5 years experience in community based human services/ social work; Facilitation and mediation skills desirable

? Preference will be given to those who are able to demonstrate legal/court room experience.

Court Facilitators report to the Regional Truancy Court
Supervisor/Project Manager

All resumes must be received by Monday, August 13, 2007

Please forward your resume to the following:

Sonya Bundy-Carmichael
Office of Truancy and Delinquency Prevention
1515 Cherry Street
9th Floor
Phila., Pa. 19150
E mail address: sonya.m.bundy-carmichael@phila.gov

Alice Powell
Office of Truancy and Delinquency Prevention
1515 Cherry Street
9th Floor
Phila., Pa. 19150
E ?mail to: alice.m.powell@phila.gov

Hands On Network, a CNCS-funded training and technical assistance provider for community engagement, is offering a series of free ?Summer Studies? webinars for national service programs.

To pre-register for either of the sessions listed below, contact Staci Bruce at (404) 979-2926 or training@handsonnetwork.org. Space is limited, so sign up today!

Effectively Using New Media to Engage Volunteers
Date: August 9, 2007
Time: 2:00 p.m. ? 3:30 p.m. Eastern / 11:00 a.m. ? 12:30 p.m. Pacific

After surveying national technology trends, participants explore a variety of ways to utilize new media applications, such as MySpace, podcasts, Wikipedia, blogs, and YouTube, to engage volunteers and market themselves to groups ranging from teenagers to first-time volunteers.

The Environmental Leadership Program is accepting applications and nominations for the 2008 fellowship class! Are you an emerging environmental leader in the Delaware Valley area, or anyone who you would like to recommend for the program? ELP fellows work in non-profits, government, business and higher education and are emerging leaders addressing environmental and social justice issues through their work. Please Click Here for application materials.

<a href="http://www.elpnet.org/delawarevalleynetwork/process.php">http://www.elpnet.org/delawarevalleynetwork/process.php</a>

Applications due November 2, 2007.

Sage Session Featuring Amy Cohen, Director of Learn and Serve America, Corporation for National & Community Service.

Topic: Be A Solution: Take the National Learn & Serve Challenge.
Amy will share and solicit strategies for leveraging The National Learn & Serve Challenge to raise the visibility of service-learning in your site town/ city/ state/region.

Amy will provide techniques for connecting and collaborating with allies, accessing stakeholders, cultivating champions, and making the most of the media. This isn’t a one-sided conversation. Best practices come from the field. Amy wants to hear what your sites are doing to take the challenge. Please submit your ideas, successes and strategies for outreach and visibility.

Pre-Session Preparation:
1. This is an on-line interactive session, so you can post questions during the session. However, to ensure your question is addressed, please send them to Amy at "sl_sage": <a href="http://slyoungprofessionals.org/messages.php">http://slyoungprofessionals.org/messages.php</a> by COB Monday August 13th, 2007. You can also email Heather Margolis: hmargolis@aed.org.

2. Take the National Learn & Serve Challenge:

3. Submit your ideas and activities describing how your site will show support for service-learning during the National Learn & Serve Challenge: <a href="http://www.learnandservechallenge.org">http://www.learnandservechallenge.org</a>

The most innovative or creative suggestions will be announced in the next SLYPN Newsletter and receive free Be A Solution t-shirts.

Live Sage Session:
On August 15th Amy Cohen will be logged on to the SLYPN website’s Sage Page found on the Forum Tab. Registration is free and required to participate.

What is SLYPN?

The Service-Learning Young Professionals Network (SLYPN) was created to provide young professionals (20-30-somethings) opportunities to develop the skills and capacity needed to pursue interests, and advance their careers in service-learning. Membership is free. Learn more at <a href="http://www.slyoungprofessionals.org/">http://www.slyoungprofessionals.org/</a>

What are Sage Sessions?
Sage sessions provide young professionals the opportunity to interact with service-learning experts on the Service-Learning Young Professionals’ Network. This helps create a flow of information from experts to the members and also helps cultivates community of learners.

Learn more by reading the FAQ:
<a href="http://slyoungprofessionals.org/docs/Sage Session FAQ.doc">http://slyoungprofessionals.org/docs/Sage Session FAQ.doc</a>

* 2007 Service-Learning Young Professionals Network

SLYPN is administered by the National Service-Learning Partnership at the Academy for Educational Development-with strategic support and leadership from Youth Service California.

Obtain information to help you make your biggest financial decision your best!

? Considering a home purchase?
Get tips on selecting the right loan for you!

? Saddled with a high interest loan?
Find out about refinance options!

? Trouble making payments?
Find government programs that can help or talk directly to a lender or housing counselor!

Professionals on-site to assist you!
? Federal, State, and City Housing Experts
? Housing Counselors
? Mortgage Lenders

More Information and Register at 1-800-CALLFHA
Registration Encouraged, Walk-ins Welcome

Saturday, August 18
10:00 to 2:00
Temple University
Student Center
1755 N. 13th Street*, Phila.
*Entrance on 13th between Moore and Montgomery

Parking Available or take SEPTA to the Cecil B. Moore Station

General Sessions and One-on one Assistance