What's happening this week:
 
Tuesday, March 21st, 2006
Book Launching by Willliam Easterly (NYU): The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good
When: 4:30 PM
Where: Lipton Hall, D'Agostino Hall, 108 West Third St. at MacDougal St., New York      
Description: Isn't it finally time for an end to the impunity of foreign aid that has spent $2.3 trillion over 5 decades and yet left the desperate needs of the world's poor so tragically unmet? Do recent plans to end world poverty actually make the problems of aid worse rather than better? The author discusses why things went so wrong, and what can be done to put them right. U2's lead singer Bono is unavailable to introduce the author. Co-sponsored by Penguin Group.

Refreshments will be served at the space.
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Tuesday, March 21, 2006
U.S. Advocates Rally for U.S. Accountability on Human Rights
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, Second Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets, New York, New York,
Description: Join human rights advocates, civil rights leaders, criminal justice advocates and international allies to call for U.S. accountability. The U.S. has legal obligations under the Civil and Political Rights Treaty and this July they go before the UN to report on their progress realizing and respecting civil rights in the U.S. The U.S. submitted a report to the UN that blatantly IGNORES human rights in the U.S. including
--violations of the rights of Hurricane Katrina Victims and Internally Displaced Persons
--structural discrimination targeting many communities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or religious belief
--discrimination against immigrants
--cruel and inhumane treatment by U.S. law enforcement and in U.S. prisons
--violations of children's rights concerning such basic issues as education, health care
--violations of the right to vote
--violations of juvenile offenders right to be separated from adult offenders
We cannot allow the U.S. Government to ignore these and many other human rights violations that are taking place right now – in New York and across the United States.  Speakers will include Wade Henderson, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights; Ajamu Baraka, US Human Rights Network; Ann Beeson, ACLU; Chino Hardin, Prison Moratorium Project; Alexander Woods, Disabilities Network of NYC; Kristen Freeland, Sex Workers Project; and other prominent leaders from the U.S. and NYC social justice and civil rights groups.
Directions: Take the 4/5/6/7 or shuttle to Grand Central.
 
For more information about the process, http://www.ushrnetwork.org/page210.cfm
 
**please note that no metal, wood or plastic rods are allowed at NYC rallies**
***Education and Strategy Meeting to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Church Center, 777 UN Plaza (44th St. & 1st Ave), 2nd Fl.***
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Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Careers at NGOs
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: The Turkish Consulate General, 821 United Nations Plaza (46th and First Ave.), New York, New York
Description: Reception: 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. , Panel Discussion: 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. , Q&A Sessions: 7:45 - 8:30 p.m.

Panelists:
- Isolda Oca, Officer-in-Charge, NGO Section, Dept. of Public Information, United Nations
- Louise Shea, Vice President, Human Resources, International Rescue Committee
UNA Members - $5.00
UNA Non-Members: $20.00*
*Non-members can join UNA-USA at
http://www.unausa.org/eventjoin3 for just $25.00 and attend the event FREE plus enjoy all other membership benefits, including discounted price at future career events, throughout the year. Your new membership confirmation page will provide you a link with a discount code to register for this event FREE.

Admission only through online registration. Register now at
http://www.unausa.org/careersinngos
Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Thursday, March 23, 2006Reflections On Philanthropy
When: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Baruch College School of Public Affairs, 135 East 22nd Street, Room 301, New York, New York
Description: Two senior philanthropic executives will reflect upon what they have learned during years of working in the philanthropic arena. This event is for Nonprofit Executives - Nonprofit Board Members - Fundraisers - Foundation Executives - Coorporate and Private Philanthropists - Students - Educators.
 
Space Limited - RSVP Required. RSVP by phone 646-660-6743 by email to nonprofit_workshops@baruch.cuny.edu
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Thursday, March 23, 2006
Antares Foundation Workshop: Managing Stress in Humanitarian Workers
When: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: 155 Avenue of Americas, 4th Floor, New York, New York
Description: FREE 1-DAY WORKSHOP on current, international trends and developments in the management of stress in humanitarian staff. Presented by the Antares Foundation, and co-sponsored by the International Trauma Studies Program at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. This event is for Directors, Policy Makers, and Managers of humanitarian NGOs

IMPACT OF STRESS
How psychological stress impacts humanitarian workers, NGO teams and an organization's ability to meet its goals; ways of reducing and managing stress

GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING STRESS
Overview of the recently published 'Managing Stress In Humanitarian Workers: Guidelines for Good Practice' to orient agencies in how to develop their own staff care plan. (A copy of the Guidelines are available on Antares Foundation website
http://www.antaresfoundation.org )

ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES
Review and assessment of your organization's current policies and practices for managing staff stress, using key Principles and Indicators of the Guidelines for Managing Stress in Humanitarian Workers Friday, March 24, 2006Role of Women in the Reconstruction of Afghanistan: Afghan Women Leaders SpeakWhen: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: Synergos Institute, 9 E. 69th St.,New York, New York,
Description: This event is for those interested in the work done by Afghan women in the reconstruction and development of their country in recent years, the work being done by non-government organizations, and possibilities for the future. We especially welcome organizations or individuals currently working with NGOs in Afghanistan, or those who would like to become involved.  There will be a luncheon, followed by a panel discussion entitled, "Afghan Women Leaders Discuss Challenges and Successes in the Reconstruction of Afghanistan. For more information go to:
http://www.idealist.org/en/events/2329-84/92904-90
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Friday, March 24, 2006
Youth Venture Media Network
When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: 434 W. 33rd Street (btw. 9th and 10th avenues), New York, New York
Description: It's that time again; time to watch youth-produced films, munch on snacks, attend inspiring workshops and interact with other young people interested in changing the world with the help of media! This event is for any young person interested in using media for positive social change; any young person (12-20) interested in the opportunities (including grant opportunities) offered by Youth Venture; any adult working wwith young people in these categories.
Directions: A/C/E/1/2/3 to 34th street. 
 

What:
- A screening of two short youth produced films by members of DCTV and Fierce! with accompanying discussion.
- Workshops on how to move from idea to action and get funding for it. The workshops will be conducted by staff from Youth Venture and the Educational Video Center.
- Plenty of time to hang out, network and make friends!

RSVPs are mandatory! Please contact Gaia at
glarsen@youthventure.org or 212 261 4398.
Spread the word and bring your friends!
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Upcoming events:
 
Monday, March 27, 2006Awakening from the Dream: Civil Rights Under Siege
When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Hue- Man Bookstore, 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (between 124th and 125th), New York, New York
Description: Celebrating the birth of the National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights, the new book Awakening from the Dream: Civil Rights under Siege and the New Struggle for Equal Justice exposes the Supreme Court's methodical dismantling of federal laws that advance inclusion, equal membership, political participation, and economic mobility in our diverse national community. Please join us as we discuss these issues and more.
Directions: Directions to Hue-Man by Subway: A,B,C or 2,3 to the 125th Street Stop.
Please register on: http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/SiteIndex/AssetViewer/view?asset=Event&asset-id=92838-38&sid=49306897-185-BXpiX
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Tuesday, March 28, 2006The Return of the Grand Coalition: Angela Merkel and the 2005 Elections
When: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, 871 United Nations Plaza (First Avenue and 49th Street), New York, New York
Description: On November 22, 2005, Angela Merkel toppled Gerhard Schroeder to become Chancellor of Germany. Hailed as the first woman and first person from the former Communist East to hold this office, Merkel's greatest challenge will be to steer the grand coalition in parliament that swept her into power. The grand coalition is made up of her own center-right allies (CDU/CSU) and the social democrats of the center-left (SPD). Discussion today will touch on 1) the historical roots of coalition politics in post-war Germany, 2) the effects of this new government on industry and trade and finally, 3) public mood in Germany towards the ruling coalition.

Welcome Address: Deputy Vice Consul, Hon. Mr. Hans-Dieter Stell

GUEST PANEL

Mr. Erol Avdovic
Senior Diplomatic Correspondent at Deutsche Welle and former president of the United Nations Correspondents' Association

Dr. Sven Berggoetz
Director, New York Corporate Office of Altana AG and former Director of Programs at the BMW Herbert Quandt Foundation

Dr. Volker Berghahn
Seth Low Professor of History at Columbia University and former Director of the Center for European Studies at Columbia University

Please register on: http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/SiteIndex/AssetViewer/view?asset=Event&asset-id=92925-64&sid=49306897-185-BXpiX
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Wednesday, March 29, 2006
LEADING FROM THE LEFT Celebrating Progressive Politics in NYC
When: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: 143 Madison Avenue, New York, New York
Description: You are cordially invited to join Democracy for NYC and Air America Radio for the 2nd Annual Spring Gala to benefit Democracy for NYC LEADING FROM THE LEFT Celebrating Progressive Politics in NYC Special Guest Speakers: Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America Norman Siegel, Civil Rights Attorney. Special Musical performance by Anika Altmann
On Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at Vapor NYC 143 Madison Avenue (between 31st and 32nd Streets) VIP: $500 and $250, includes one hour open bar and hors d'ouevres from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM General Admission: $50, from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM All ticket prices include buffet dinner. EVENT CHAIR Lewis Cohen HOST COMMITTEE Hon. Liz Krueger, Hon. Trudy L. Mason, Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Hon. David Paterson, Hon. Eric Schneiderman, Hon. Scott Stringer, Hon. Anthony Wiener, Steve Behar, Robert Behm, Sandra Bennett , Margaret Biedel, Ruth Benedict, Mike Brady, Theresa Canter, Jon Cohen, Paul H. Curtis, Miriam Danar, Tracey Denton, Leecia Eve, Bernadette Evangelist, Ethan Geto, Kirsten Gillibrand, David Kogelman, Justin Krebs, Stephanie Low, Bonnie Maslin, Eric Massa, Merle McEldowney, Abhishek Mistry, Leila Noor, Dana Northcraft, Sandy Schechter, Norman Siegel, Josh Skaller, Gordon Suber, Jessica Way, Bernard Whitman, Heather Woodfield
Directions: Madison Ave. 31-32nd Stree
 
RSVP to Miriam at events@dfnyc.org

Vapor NYC is "ADA Compliant" and is wheelchair accessible.
There will be a signer for the hearing impaired.

SPONSORS OF DFNYC $500, FRIENDS OF DFNYC $250, SUPPORTERS OF DFNYC $50 ____________________________________________________
 
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Seminar: Artist Access - Healthcare Initiative for NYC Artists
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Woodhull Medical Center, 760 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York
Description: Learn about a groundbreaking healthcare initiative for NYC artists. The Artist Access program at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn offers an affordable healthcare plan for uninsured artists, which includes the unique option of exchanging creative services for healthcare credits.
Directions: J, M to Flushing Avenue, G to Flushing Avenue
Please register at http://www.idealist.org/en /events/117661-34/92946-38 ____________________________________________________
 
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Non-Citizens And The Right To Vote
When: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: 33 West 60th Street, 5th Floor, New York, New York
Description: New York City is home to more than 1,300,000 legal immigrants of voting age – individuals who are subject to all the laws that citizens must observe and who work, pay taxes, serve in the American military and contribute to the economy of our city. And yet, documented non-citizen immigrants do not have the right to vote in any elections in New York City. Some argue that America was founded on the premise of "No taxation without representation," but others argue that voting is the essence of citizenship. Yet others argue that voting is about political power, not citizenship. But what are the issues about non-citizen voting? While we welcome and integrate immigrants into our city's economic and cultural networks, should we also incorporate them into our civic life? What does it mean to be a citizen and where and what has shaped our perception of that definition? Are there technical barriers and challenges to giving non-citizens the right to vote? Should legal non-citizens be allowed to vote in local elections but not in elections that influence national security, such as President and Congress?

WCC presents a round-table discussion that will examine the issues, questions
and multi-faceted views of the non-citizen voting rights debate.

PANELISTS:
•RON HAYDUK, Co-director of the Immigrant Voting Project, author of Democracy for All: Restoring Immigrant Voting Rights in the United States. and Associate Professor of Political Sciences at Borough of Manhattan Community College.

•RODOLFO DE LA GARZA, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, and has served as Vice-President of the American Political Science Association.

MODERATOR:
•TOVA ANDREA WANG, Senior Program Officer and Democracy Fellow, The Century Foundation.
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Wednesday, April 05, 2006Using Narrative to Support Humanitarian Aid Workers in the Field and on Re-entry
When: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Cathedral of St. John the Divine Library, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York
Description: Presented by Sharon Forrence, M.S.W., and Juliet Bruce, Ph.D. This presentation introduces a simple, cost-effective, and easily replicable narrative process to help field staff tell the story of their experiences.
It has become increasingly evident that anyone responding to both acute and chronic disasters suffers many of the same symptoms of trauma as the people they are there to help. Failure to address this issue on the part of agencies results in burnout, dysfunctional behavior, difficulty in readjusting to "normal" life, administrative disconnect from realities on the ground, high staff turnover, and increased training costs.
The process is designed to reduce emotional stress, help individuals find meaning in the suffering they have witnessed and even experienced themselves, integrate it into their past and future lives, and be able to talk about what they have been through to their families, fellow workers, and friends on their return. It also teaches how to listen to the story being told as witness rather than problem-solver. Narrative debriefing can also elicit more nuanced information regarding field realities, and enhance program evaluation and training of new workers.

This presentation will include:

- An overview of the different kinds of trauma faced by workers engaged in disaster response, the impact of living with chronic stress, and the professional and economic consequences for organizations if left unaddressed;

- An experiential demonstration of the narrative process -- including the four elements of story, writing about experience and sharing it, and how to listen to the story being told;

- Ideas for application.

Please register on:
http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/SiteIndex/AssetViewer/view?asset=Event&asset-id=92791-17&sid=49306897-185-NHoVA
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Wednesday, April 05, 2006
AccessNetworking
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: 540 Columbus Avenue, Starbucks, New York, New York
Description: The AccessNetworking program consists of industry-specific groups of parents who meet monthly for the purpose of networking and support in local Starbucks venues. Meetings are open to those already specializing in an industry, as well as those wishing to learn about individual industry. This event is for parents and caregivers of school-aged children who wish to network with others in their industry or other industries.
Directions: 1, 9, B or C train to West 86th Street. Event will be held at Starbucks - 540 Columbus Ave., at W.86th Street.
 
Light refreshments will be provided by Starbucks.

If you are interested in attending one of our networking events, please RSVP us at:
http://www.parentjobnet.org/AccessNetworkingRegForm.html , email networking@parentjobnet.org, or contact us at: 1-866-541-3994
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Thursday, April 6, 2006Critical Briefing: Street Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), presented by Tony Tate, Children's Rights Division, Human Rights Watch Co-Sponsored by Human Rights Watch Young Advocates and Africa House, NYU
When: 6:30 PM -8:00 PM
Where: 300 Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East, NYU
Description:  An estimated 30,000 children live on the streets of Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, with tens of thousands more found in urban areas around the country.  Police and military personnel regularly beat and extort money from these children, arbitrarily arrest and detain them, and in the worst cases, enlist them to engage in criminal activities. Street kids are equally victimized by civilians, who physically and sexually assault girls and boys and in some instances, recruit them for political activities.  Back from a month long mission to the DRC and neighboring countries, Tony Tate will discuss his findings from the mission and present some of the underlying factors that are driving an increasing number of children onto the streets.
Directions: Subways: A, B, C, D, E, F, V to W. 4th; 1 to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square or N, R, W to 8th St.

Refreshments will be served!
Note: You must bring picture ID to be admitted. ____________________________________________________
 
Thursday, April 6, 2006 - Saturday, April 8, 2006
Third Annual Conference of Social Entrepreneurs: Where Practice & Research Align
When: 6:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: 44 W 4th Street, 7th floor, New York, New York,
Description: The Conference will bring together entrepreneurs, scholars, and philanthropists to discuss the theoretical frameworks and practice based knowledge involved with the process of starting new social ventures. By gathering the leading academic researchers and the top social innovators from around the world, this conference will forward our understanding of social entrepreneurship and help set the agenda for future inquiry in the field.
Conference Speakers include:
- Dr. William Magee, Operation Smile
- J. Gregory Dees, Duke Fuqua School of Business
- Diana Wells, Ashoka
- Paul Shoemaker, Social Venture Partners
- John Fullerton, Investors' Circle
and many others
 
For more information and registration, please go to: http://www.stern.nyu.edu/berkley/conference
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Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: 220 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York,
Description: Join Demos for a discussion with Lester Brown, author of Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble, concerning environmental issues of vital importance in the 21st century. In his book, Brown draws attention to several devastating trends, including shrinking forests, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. Brown also addresses economic issues facing the world today as a result of rising oil prices, globalization, and international terrorism. In Plan B 2.0 Brown says that "our global civilization today is on an economic path that is environmentally unsustainable, a path that is leading us toward economic decline and eventual collapse". "Plan B" is the new model based on energy conservation and recycling that will sustain the economy in the future. Lester Brown is president of the Earth Policy Institute and is author of several previous books, including Outgrowing the Earth: The Food Security Challenge in an Age of Falling Water Tables and Rising Temperatures, Eco-Economy: Building an Economy for the Earth, and co-author of Saving the Planet.
Directions: Fifth Ave. @ 26th St., 5th floor