The YESPhilly program combines an intensive academic skill-building curriculum that prepares students for the GED tests, and for post-secondary success with media arts courses that motivate students, access their creativity, and develop their technology literacy skills.  These are complemented by counseling services, and college and career readiness supports, which help students make key changes that put them on the path to success.   Our skill-focused classes are small, designed to engage students’ interest, and provide rigorous and differentiated instruction.   YESPhilly’s media arts courses are an essential element of student engagement—the place where they can express themselves, and stay motivated to complete their education.  Media arts projects—including documentary and animated videos, promotional materials, murals, and other artwork help students become proficient users of technology as a tool for communications, research, problem-solving, career readiness, and enrich students’ academic studies, and expand their understanding of social, ethical and human issues.  We will be hiring three full-time AmeriCorps members ASAP!

For further information visit http://www.yesphilly.org

To apply email resume and cover letter to tfrome@yesphilly.org.  Do not call us to apply!

Member Duties: AmeriCorps members must to demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, be proficient with computers, able to participate as a team member, and to serve as a mature, productive and professional role model for youth.  Experience working with urban young adults preferred.
Instructional Assistants (1) will provide academic instruction to students whose instructional needs are different from the majority of students at YES.  This includes working with/assisting academic instructors and leading tutoring labs for students who come to YES with low literacy and math levels, as well as for students who are close to earning their GEDs, or have attained their GEDs and need to prepare for non-remedial college classes.   We seek motivated, energetic individuals with experience tutoring or teaching young adults. Good communication and computer skills required.

Media Arts Studio Coordinators (2) will work with YESPhilly’s media arts team, to develop and teach a web design/digital animation course, and an audio production/digital broadcast course.  Studio coordinators will work with the media arts director to develop and implement  hands-on,  project-based studio courses that complement YES’ video production, graphic design and mural/fine arts curriculum.   We seek motivated, creative, energetic individuals with familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, FinalCutPro, HTML, Dreamweaver, Flash, and audio engineering and software such as Pro Tools and Reason and experience working with urban young adults.  Good communication and computer skills required.

Program Benefits:  $1,250 monthly stipend, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health Coverage, Childcare assistance if eligible, Training

Terms:  Starting ASAP Full time, year-round position, Monday–Friday,  primary duties 9 am and 3 pm

Service Areas:  Education, Media Arts, Technology

Skills:  Teaching/tutoring, youth development, computers/technology, web design, digital animation,  sound production, music production, general organizational skills

ABCD in Action: Madison

September 19: Starts at 10 am
September 20: Ends at 4 pm

Goodman Community Center
149 Waubesa St.
Madison WI 53704

ABCD in Action is a learning experience that familiarizes participants with the basic ABCD concepts, shares tools to put concepts into practice, and provides opportunities for participants to develop their skills in using the tools to improve programs and the effectiveness of their nonprofit organization, collaborative or local agency.

Participants in ABCD in Action will work on real life situations and develop action plans to take home. Part of the training will emphasize how to include and engage traditionally excluded people (usually “labeled” people with disabilities or illness, youth, seniors, immigrant communities, etc.).  This learning opportunity is open to all interested participants from all walks of life.

Registration:

Registration fee – $199
Registration deadline: August 31, 2011

Some scholarships are available.  Deadline for application: August 19, 2011.

Lodging:
We have a block of rooms set aside at a hotel in Madison.  Participants are responsible for making and paying for their own reservations.  Be sure to tell them you are with “In Control Wisconsin” and make your reservation by August 18th.  The rate is $79/night.

Comfort Inn & Suites
4822 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608-244-6265

Contact for application:

Deb Wisniewski
Sharing Common Ground
phone: 608-345-4761
email: scgwis@gmail.com

Over 30 nonprofit organizations throughout greater Philadelphia receive pro bono predevelopment design services through the Community Design Collaborative each year. We encourage you to apply!

The Collaborative’s service grants offer a package of design services tailored to the specific needs of each nonprofit. Nonprofits look to the Collaborative as they plan ahead for new affordable housing, revitalized commercial corridors, refurbished parks, stronger neighborhood schools, and improved health and human services. Early design assistance helps nonprofit organizations assess options, raise funding, use resources effectively and develop high-quality projects.

If purchased, the professional services provided through the Collaborative on a typical project would range between $15,000 and $20,000 in value. An administrative fee of $1,000 is required at the start of a service grant to offset direct costs.

http://www.cdesignc.org/p_2000.htm

Sunday, October 9 – Tuesday, October 11, Philadelphia Radisson, 220 S. 17th Street

Presented by the Association for Community Design, the Association of Architectural Organizations, and Architecture + Design Education Network,  Design in Action 2011 brings together over 300 community designers, design educators, architectural organization leaders, and volunteers for more than 40 sessions and presentations, plus a public symposium featuring Teddy Cruz. The Community Design Collaborative is co-hosting. Find out more and register.

http://communitydesign.org/DIA2011

Money Habitudes is a game-like tool used by educators and counselors to help thinking and talking about money be fun and approachable. It is often used as an icebreaker or a foundation for future skill-building programs and classes. Use coupon code “nctcweb” to save 15% on orders at http://www.moneyahbtiudes.com before the webinar.

Helping someone improve his or her finances typically requires changing habits and attitudes. It means not only teaching skills like budgeting, but also encouraging people to understand their motivation behind spending and develop new methods to motivate them to save. Unfortunately, these discussions can be tough and uncomfortable.

This web seminar will cover how the behavioral/psychological side of money comes into play when working with clients and will teach you how to use Money Habitudes to better connect with and understand your clients.

Date: Thursday, August 11, 2011
Time: 12 PM (Pacific), 1 PM (Mountain), 2 PM (Central), 3 PM (Eastern)
Cost: Free for Affiliates of the National Community Tax Coalition; $25 for Future Affiliates

http://tax-coalition.org/skill-building/events/money-habitudes-understanding-the-behavioral-side-of-finances

Calling all entrepreneurs! Empowerment Group and the Free Library of Philadelphia will once again team up to host the Small Business Resource Fair, a “one stop shop” for entrepreneurs.

Browse the tables of representatives from local and state government agencies, nonprofits, and business-to-business service providers. Learn how these resources can help your small business and take the opportunity to make valuable connections in the process.

When: September 14, 2011 4:00pm-7:00pm

Where: 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

http://libraryresourcefair.eventbrite.com/

Join us for our Summer 2011 Biz ConneXion Networking Event!

When: Thursday, August 18, 2011 6:30 pm

Where: Entrepreneur Works, 111 S Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Join Entrepreneur Works for this networking event:

Great Food
Build Your Business Network
Learn Valuable Tips
How to Apply for an Entrepreneur Works Loan!

Also, featuring a panel on how our entrepreneurs survived the recession.

Register today! Call Theo Thompson at (215) 545-3100 ext. 222 or email tthompson@entre-works.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

An annual program of the Open Society Institute, the Soros Justice Fellowships fund outstanding individuals seeking to implement innovative projects that advance the efforts of the Open Society Foundations to reform the U.S. criminal justice system.Among other things, OSF seeks to reduce the destructive impact of current criminal justice policies on the lives of individuals, families, and communities in the U.S. by challenging the overreliance on incarceration and harsh punishment and ensuring a fair and equitable system of justice.

Fellowships are awarded in two categories:

Advocacy: Soros Justice Advocacy Fellowships fund outstanding individuals — including lawyers, advocates, grassroots organizers, activist academics, and others with important perspectives — to initiate innovative policy advocacy projects at the local, state, and national levels that have a measurable impact on one or more of the Open Society Foundations’ U.S. criminal justice reform priorities. Projects may range from litigation to public education to coalition-building to grassroots mobilization to policy-driven research. Advocacy Fellowships are eighteen months in duration, may be implemented in conjunction with a host organization, and can begin in the spring or fall of 2012. Advocacy Track I fellowships, designed for new and emerging leaders, provide a stipend of $75,000; Advocacy Track II fellowships, aimed at individuals with a demonstrated record of achievement and expertise in their fields, provide a stipend of $105,000.

Media: Soros Justice Media Fellowships support writers, print and broadcast journalists, bloggers, filmmakers, and other individuals with distinct voices proposing to complete media projects for local, regional, and national markets that engage the public and spur debate on one or more of the Open Society Foundations’ U.S. criminal justice priorities. The fellowships aim to mitigate the time, space, and market constraints that often discourage individuals from pursuing important but marginalized, controversial, or unpopular issues in a comprehensive manner. Media fellowships are one year in duration, and fellows are expected to make their projects their full-time work during the term of the fellowship. Projects can begin in either the spring or fall of 2012. Media Track I fellowships, designed for new and emerging media makers, provide a stipend of $50,000 and up to $4,000 for project-related expenses; Media Track II fellowships, aimed at more experienced individuals, provide a stipend of $70,000 and up to $4,000 for project related expenses. (Please note that photography projects — production or distribution — are not eligible for funding through this fellowship program. The Open Society Institute has a separate program for documentary photography projects.)

Visit the OSI Web site for complete program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

http://www.soros.org/initiatives/usprograms/focus/justice/news/justice-fellows-call-20110705

The Queer Consciousness Funding Circle, a donor-advised program of the New York City-based North Star Fund, supports organizations that provide healing and empowerment to lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning (LGBTIQQ) communities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Through the Queer Consciousness Fund (formerly called the Queer Wellness Fund), the circle funds programs and curriculum focused on the advancement of psychological, spiritual, and physical healing aimed at transforming individuals and communities through conscious dialogue and innovative practices (i.e., individual therapy and support groups, outdoor environmental healing, arts and cultural programs, and other queer affirming activities); confronting the shame, disgust, and contempt that a heterosexist paradigm creates for LGBTIQQ communities; reversing the understandable but destructive patterns of LGBTIQQ people who deal with their oppression by turning to alcohol and/or drug abuse, compulsive sexual behavior, and other forms of self- harm or community violence; and creating a connection among LGBTIQQ people to build a greater sense of community by overcoming and preventing destructive isolation.

The fund makes grants to state and local organizations conducting programs or initiatives to help improve the quality of life among LGBTIQQ populations. National organizations may apply for support of programs in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

The fund seeks to support community-based solutions that are practical, grassroots approaches to building a healthier LGBTIQQ community. The fund encourages applicants to go further in attacking the systemic root causes of homophobia.

The QCF is particularly interested in supporting projects that have inspired replication by others. The fund seeks to support the expansion and dissemination of exemplary projects and services.

The fund will award one-year grants of $25,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations (or groups with fiscal sponsors) conducting specific work that matches the grant guidelines. Groups may be asked to renew their application in successive years for up to a total of three years. Applicants must have an operational budget under $1 million. (For fiscally sponsored projects, this restriction only applies to the group applying for the grant, not the fiscal sponsor.)

Visit the North Star Fund Web site for complete grant guidelines and Letter of Inquiry instructions, as well as further information on the Queer Consciousness Funding Circle.

http://northstarfund.org/programs/queer-consciousness-fund.php

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Scholars in Health Policy Research program is designed to develop and support a new generation of creative health policy thinkers and researchers within the disciplines of economics, political science, and sociology.

Each year the program selects up to nine highly qualified individuals for two-year fellowships at one of three nationally prominent universities (University of California, Berkeley, in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco; the University of Michigan; and Harvard University) with the expectation that they will make important research contributions to future U.S. health policy. All three sites have nationally recognized social science departments and professional schools whose faculty has significant health policy expertise. Scholars in the program have the opportunity to work closely with faculty from the social sciences — as well as from medicine, public health, and public policy — in an environment conducive to disciplinary and multidisciplinary learning and collaborative research. Scholars will have access to the full range of university resources, including libraries, computers, databases, and research support, and s will be free from teaching, consulting, and administrative responsibilities during their participation in the program.

Applications are invited from recent graduates of doctoral programs in economics, political science, and sociology, including junior faculty. The program will give preference to applicants who have not previously worked extensively in health or health policy research. Applicants must have received a doctoral degree after January 1, 2007, but no later than July 2012. For those expecting to receive degrees in 2012, all degree requirements must be completed by July 16, 2012.

All applicants must be citizens of the U.S. or its territories or have permanent residency status at the time of application to the program. Applications from candidates who come from groups that historically have been underrepresented in the three disciplines are encouraged.

Up to nine fellowships will be awarded in this grant cycle. Scholars will receive annual stipends of $89,000.

Visit the RWJF Web site for the Call for Applications and the program brochure.

http://www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/cfp.jsp?ID=21370

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization created by Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, supports wildlife research, habitat protection, animal rescue, and conservation education in the United States and around the world. Since its inception in 2003, the fund has awarded more than $8 million in total support, including animal crisis grants to fund rapid response efforts when animals or their habitats are in peril due to either natural or human-caused events and catastrophes.

The fund’s annual grant program accepts applications from organizations around the world. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in the U.S., non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and nongovernmental organizations, governmental entities (including public schools and universities), accredited universities and research centers, and AZA- or AMMPA-accredited institutions. Applications from individuals not affiliated with any of these entities will not be accepted. The project for which funding is requested must have broad community/constituency support and be based on legitimate scientific and conservation principles.

While the fund recognizes and supports the critical importance of ex-situ efforts such as endangered species breeding programs and conservation awareness/education, its primary focus is to support conservation efforts directly benefiting wildlife in their native ranges (in situ). For this reason, the fund is unable to help underwrite the captive breeding efforts of other animal management facilities. However, the fund will consider ex-situ conservation education proposals that demonstrate significant positive and sustainable impact.

The fund has no set minimum or maximum grant amount. In the past, the fund has awarded project grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for a one-year term. The fund will consider multiyear proposals. Requests for major capital investments will not be funded.

All grant applications for each year’s granting session are due by December 1 of the prior year. Visit the fund’s Web site for complete grant guidelines, information on previously funded projects, and the online application.

http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org/grantInfo.htm

Bikes Belong, which provides grants to organizations and agencies within the United States that are “committed to putting more people on bicycles more often,” is accepting applications for Community Partnership Grants, which are designed to foster and support partnerships between city or county governments, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses working to improve the environment for bicycling.

Grants largely will be used to fund the construction or expansion of bicycle facilities such as bike lanes, trails, and paths. The grants committee also will consider advocacy projects that promote bicycling as a safe and accessible mode of transportation.

To be eligible for a grant, a partnership must include collaboration between at least one city/county government office or department; one nonprofit organization with a mission specific to bicycling, trails, or recreation; and one local business. “Collaboration” means that each partner contributes time, labor, materials, or money to the project. The project must support bicycling among all age groups and ability levels. The lead (submitting) organization must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or a government entity (city or county government office).

Additional consideration will be given to projects that have more than one business engaged as a partner; are located in an area with Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists; whose business partner does not belong to the bicycle industry but has Bicycle Friendly Business designation from the League of American Bicyclists; are designed to reach the 70 percent of people who do not ride regularly but would if safety and accessibility concerns were addressed; can expect significant contributions of funding, goods and services, and employee time by the business partner; and have a long-term plan to maintain and/or promote the project with continuing involvement from the partner organizations.

Bikes Belong will only consider Community Partnership Grants for this funding round. Following completion of this special round, Bikes Belong will again accept applications for its regular grant program, which is aimed at providing funding to organizations working to improve bicycling in the U.S. through facility projects such as the building of trails and paths, or through promoting general bicycling advocacy and awareness. Upcoming deadlines for the grant program are February 29, 2012, and June 29, 2012.

For program guidelines and application procedures, visit the Bikes Belong Web site.

http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/

The Libri Foundation Books for Children Grants donate new, quality, hardcover children’s books for small, rural, public libraries across the country. Maximum award: varies. Eligibility: Libraries should be in a rural area, have a limited operating budget, and an active children’s department. The average total operating budget of a Books for Children grant recipient must be less than $40,000. Deadline: January 23, 2011.

http://www.librifoundation.org/apps.html

The American Management Association and Leader to Leader Institute scholarship program is intended to assist social-sector nonprofit organizations in developing strong leadership. The AMA Scholarship is designed to provide nonprofit leaders with an opportunity to step out of the day-to-day, interact with peers across the sectors, and develop practical skills they can apply immediately within their organizations. Maximum award: one-year scholarship. Eligibility: employees of 501(c)3 organizations with a minimum of three years of work experience in the social sector. Deadline: December 15, 2011.

http://www.leadertoleader.org/collaboration/ama/index.html

See the report: http://kronley.com/criticalcontributions.php

Related: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/27/walton-foundation-teach-for-america-walmart_n_910615.html

Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have unveiled a new undertaking from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education, targeting school discipline policies, Education Week reports. The Supportive School Discipline Initiative has four parts: building consensus for action among federal, state and local education and justice stakeholders; collaborating on research and data collection to shape policy; developing guidance to ensure discipline policies and practices are in line with federal civil rights laws; and promoting awareness and knowledge about evidence-based and promising policies and practices. Secretary Duncan recalled that when he led Chicago’s public schools, 7 percent of schools were responsible for more than half of juvenile arrests in the city. A small group was calling the police too often to deal with minor disciplinary issues, while schools with similar demographics handled the same behaviors in other ways. “People wanted to do the right thing. They just didn’t know better,” Duncan explained. “So many of these children need assistance. What they don’t need is to be pushed out the door.” Holder and Duncan also referenced a recent report by the Council of State Governments Justice Center that found more than half of all Texas middle and high school students were suspended or expelled at least once between 7th and 12th grades.

Read more: http://tinyurl.com/3zdjh8n

http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/issue_briefs/issue_ELLS_49.pdf

One of the goals of the Verizon Foundation is to improve literacy and strengthen educational achievement for children and adults by preparing them for success in the 21st Century. The Verizon Foundation has a long history of supporting quality educational resources and literacy programs with a focus on preparing children to be successful; enabling teachers, parents and caregivers to help children learn; and educating adults so they are prepared to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities. For more information and guidelines, click here.

http://www.verizonfoundation.org/grant/guidelines.shtml

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a July 8, 2011 memorandum providing information on the new requirements for wellness policies that local education agencies must incorporate into their school year 2011-2012 plans.  Wellness policies can help improve student health and prevent and reduce childhood obesity.

The memo covers key elements of local wellness policy; local discretion; and public involvement; along with implementation, periodic assessment, and public updates.  For additional information, go to: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/whatsnew.htm and find the July 8 memo.

November 4-8, 2011

http://www.communityfoodconference.org

The CFSC Annual Conference is an excellent time to connect with the national food justice movement and to meet activists working throughout the US.  The conference will begin with two days of pre-conference short courses and Food Justice Tourst throughout the Bay Area. The main conference begins Sunday morning and runs through Tuesday afternoon featuring 66 skill building and educational workshops, 20 networking sessions, 5 CFSC Member committee meetings, and a poster session.

Throughout the conference General Sessions will look back to the roots of our food movement, discuss the Food & Farm Bill, and examine where our movement is heading.  The third annual Food Sovereignty Prize will be awarded and attendees will have the opportunity to meet Food Sovereignty and Food Justice advocates from the Bay Area and beyond.

For scholarships:

Apply online: http://bit.ly/CFSC15scholarship

Application deadline: August 26