GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

March 26, 2007

 

*Special Announcement*

Registration for the Fall 2007 Semester begins this FRIDAY, March 29, 2007.  Students with 75 credits or more MUST complete an audit before registering.  If you have not done so already, please complete your audit by Wednesday, March 28  To find out when your registration appointment is, look on Testudo, under Records and Registration -> Registration Appointment.  This will also tell you if you have any mandatory advising blocks from the department, the college or elsewhere.

 

In this issue:

- Advising Updates

- Registration Season Begins this Week

- Check out our Summer Courses

- Upcoming Panel Discussion

- Ford Foundation Summer Institute

- Undergraduate Research Day

- Get Involved in Local Politics

- Events around Campus

- NEW Internship Opportunities for the Summer, Fall, and Job Openings!

 


ADVISING UPDATES

 

Walk-In Hours for Spring 2007

Walk-in hours are posted online at the GVPT website: http://www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt.

The advising office will be implementing walk-in advising based on credit level beginning this week. The advising schedule will be:

 

        March 27 - April 2 : Special Populations (Athletes, AAP, etc.); 90+ credits earned prior to Spring 2007

        April 2 - April 6: 60+ credits earned

        April 9 - April 13: 30+ credits

        April 16 - April 20:  15+ credits

        April 22 - May 10: All students

 

If you would like to meet with an advisor at a time not listed as walk-in, you can email advising@gvpt.umd.edu to schedule an appointment.  Please include times you are available to meet in the request email.

 

Summer Courses

Planning on sticking around College Park this summer?  Why not get a few of your GVPT requirements out of the way?  The summer semesters are a great time to take GVPT courses because the class sizes are smaller and topics are unique, most summer courses are not offered during the fall or spring.  Check Testudo for a complete listing of all the courses being offered this summer in the GVPT Department.

 

This Week's Featured Summer Course

GVPT 399A, 388A
Summer Session I: June 4-June 22. 2007
Theme: The Politics of the Family: Terror, Alienation and Fear
Time: 1:30-4:30:


Schedule of Films includes a wide range of films such as American Beauty, Hotel Rwanda, Born on the 4th. of July, and City of God.

Students may enroll for three or six credits; for further information contact Dr. Glass at ext. 5-4119; e-mail: jglass@gvpt.umd.,edu. This is an experiential course; the films are viewed in the Jimenez auditorium and then we break up into small discussion groups. 388A is independent study and begins after June 22. For 388A, students will be required to complete additional reading; view an additional seven films from a list we hand out; and write an essay on the readings and films. Students do not have to be on campus to complete 388A; communication will be by e-mail with the student and their discussion leader from 399A.


Panel Discussion with Guest Speaker from Brown University

Please join Dean Edward Montgomery tomorrow, Tuesday, March 27, for a panel discussion titled "Changing Political Currents and Prospects for the African American Community." It will be held at 4 p.m. in Tawes Theater and will feature Glenn Loury from Brown University, and Thomas Schelling, Ronald Walters, Karen Kaufmann and Sharon Harley from BSOS. A Q&A will follow the discussion. Hope to see everyone there!


Ford Foundation Summer Institute

We are pleased to announce the third Ford Foundation Summer Institute on Replenishing Democracy, June 9-23, 2007 at Amherst College.

This program for undergraduates is designed to encourage connections between academic institutions and grassroots activism. The Institute will bring together distinguished scholars and activists with undergraduates to rigorously study the theory and practices of democratic engagement. In this forum, undergraduate student leaders will learn about the complexities of political action and gain practical knowledge about grassroots organizing.

Twenty-five undergraduates with demonstrated interests in social activism and leadership skills will be invited to participate. Preference will be given to students between their junior and senior years, and efforts will be made to ensure that a diverse group of students is chosen. The selected group will include students from the United States, South Africa and India.

The Institute will be free of charge for the selected participants. The participants will be provided with the necessary course materials and reimbursed for their travel expenses to Amherst.

Further information about the program and online application materials are available at: http://www.amherst.edu/~democracy/ .

The Institute follows Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies and encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.


Get Involved in Local Politics

Want to be the next Student Liaison to College Park City Council?

Are you interested in local politics, student government, and improving the community in which you live and go to school? If you are, then you should apply to be the next Student Liaison to the College Park City Council. The Student Liaison attends College Park City Council and Student Government Association meetings, and works with both groups to address student issues within the city.

To apply, or for more information, contact current Student Liaison Jesse Blitzstein by email at jblitz@umd.edu or by phone at 301-529-8828. Applications are due by April 5.

 


Olive W. Garvey Fellowship

The Independent Institute proudly announces the 2007 Olive W. Garvey Fellowship, to be awarded for the best essay on the topic:

"Is Foreign Aid the Solution to Global Poverty?"

A U.N. report has called for a doubling of foreign aid to poor countries as the means to reduce poverty.  Yet the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the for-profit microloan bank, Grameen Bank, and its founder, Muhammad Yunus, as an apparent vindication of the ideas of P.T. Bauer, Harry G. Johnson, Deepk Lal and others.  As Bauer wrote, "Development aid, far from being necessary to rescue poor societies from a vicious circle of poverty, is far more likely to keep them in that state... Emergence from poverty requires effort, firmly established property rights, and productive investment."

Student Category (For essays no more than 3,000 words)

First Prize: $2,500

Second Prize: $1,500

Third Prize: $1,000

Deadline for submission - May 1, 2007

The useful reading list, entry form, and further information are available at http://www.independet.org/students/garvey  All entries must be submitted in electronic format, via email or our website. Email submissions (preferably as an attachment in Word) too garvey@independent.org, the entry form information must accompany your submission.  Winners will be notified in September, 2007.

 

Campus and Local Events

 

The Zionist Organization of America is hosting Nonie Darwish, who will be presenting a lecture titled, "Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror." Ms. Darwish was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, and the Gaza Strip. Her father was the head of the Egyptian military intelligence and coordinated Fedayeen operations against Israel until he was killed in 1956. She is the founder of www.ArabsForIsrael.com, has translated and edited for the Middle Eastern News Agency, and is an influential advocate for women's rights. She speaks extensively and has appeared on CNN, Fox, and MSNBC.  This event will be taking place TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 27th at 7:30 pm in Jimenez 0220.

 

Intelligence Community Club Event

Discussion with the National Security Agency
When          : Monday, March 26, 2007 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where         : Jimenez : 0220
The Intelligence Community Club will be sponsoring a discussion with Greg Newby of the National Security Agency.  The National Security Agency is America's cryptologic organization.  It coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to protect the U.S. government information systems and produce foreign signals intelligence information.  Mr. Newby is the Associate Directorate for Education and Training, and also the Director of Outreach for the NSA.  Bring your questions and your resumes!
 

Website: icclub.org
For more information, contact:
Jesseanne Norton
Intelligence Community Club
+1 301 314 4091
jnorton@icclub.org
icclub.org

 

The Union of Progressive Zionists will be showing a series of documentaries about activists within Israeli society that are working towards making Israel a stronger and more democratic nation. These short films, from the New Israel Fund, showcase a variety of issues that plague Israeli society, ranging from the treatment of migrant workers to the integration of Ethiopian immigrants into society, to the rights of Israeli Arabs. Discussions will follow each of the videos.

The New Israel Fund is a group of Israelis, Europeans, and Americans that seeks to strengthen Israel's democracy and promote freedom, justice, and equality for all of Israel's citizens. They work with a variety of organizations that promote social change by reaching out to Israel's most marginalized communities-- Arabs, Mizrachim (Jews from Northern Africa and the Middle East), Ethiopians, people with disabilities, homosexuals, and women. Much of their work centers around promoting social and economic justice, safeguarding civil and human rights, and fostering religious tolerance and pluralism.

The first of these showings will be at Hillel on Wednesday March 28 at 7:00. Hopefully we'll see you there! Questions? Contact Aimee
(amayer44@umd.edu)

 

What are YOU willing to do to end the conflict?
OneVoice, the Palestinian-Israeli citizens' peace initiative, comes to College Park

THIS Thursday, March 29
4:00 p.m.
The Atrium, Stamp Student Union (first floor)

A grassroots movement, OneVoice aims to amplify the voice of the overwhelming but heretofore silent majority of moderates who wish for peace and prosperity, empowering them to demand accountability from elected representatives and ensure that the agenda is not hijacked by forces of militant absolutism.  Young activists Odelia Englander from Israel and Christine Soudah from the Palestinian-administered territories will be speaking on campus.  There is a way out.  Find out how you can help.

This event is sponsored by Community Roots, PITA - The Pro-Israel Terrapin Alliance, the Organization of Arab Students and the Union of Progressive Zionists.  It is open to all members of the campus community.

For more information, please visit the OneVoice Movement's website at http://www.onevoicemovement.org or contact Avi or Jenn at pita.umd@gmail.com.

 


Internship Opportunities

	
 
 

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s largest community development support organization, seeks an undergraduate student for a summer 2007 internship in its Washington DC based federal policy office.  A stipend is available and college credit can be arranged.

 

Prior exposure to government relations, political campaigns, or the community development industry is helpful. The selected candidate will gain hands on Capitol Hill experience, play an integral role in building a nation-wide campaign to support community development, and develop a working knowledge of housing policy, community development, and related issues.  The internship is ideal for a student with career aspirations in government relations or the community development industry.

 

Please email a resume and brief cover letter to Stephen Sugg at ssugg@lisc.org.  Applications received by April 1, 2007 will receive preference.  See www.lisc.org for an overview of the organization.

 

LISC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

** ATTENTION SENIORS!** A*VISTA Volunteer Job Listing

 

Through a partnership with PlusTime NH, the Afterschool Alliance seeks to hire a self- motivated, team player, committed to community service in the area of afterschool initiatives.   

At the end of the school day, 14.3 million children are unsupervised.  The Afterschool Alliance has a simple mission, making quality, affordable afterschool programs available to all children that need them.  The Afterschool Alliance has one position open for an AmeriCorps*VISTA member to serve full-time for 12 months to help us work towards our goal of afterschool for all. 

The general tasks and activities that will be performed by an AmeriCorps*VISTA member working with the Afterschool Alliance will include:

·      Performing research and preparing written materials about issues in the afterschool field;

·      Organizing communications with experts in the field, including conference calls and conferences;

·      Assisting with the monitoring of afterschool related policy developments at the federal, state, and local levels; 

·      Assisting with communicating changes in federal policy to afterschool providers and advocates;

·      Assisting with the collection and analysis of data and information regarding local, state and federal policies affecting afterschool programs;

·      Supporting events and meetings as needed;

·      Representing the Alliance at events and briefings;

·      Helping to maintain the organization’s database; and

·      Helping with administrative functions, as needed.

Requirements:  Background in child development, education, communications or community development preferred.  Stipend and benefits include:  Monthly living allowance, health coverage, education award, professional development/training and great work experience. 

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to:

AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Search
Afterschool Alliance
1616 H Street, N.W., Suite 820

Washington, DC  20036
Fax: (202) 347-2092
E-mail:   info@afterschoolalliance.org 

The Afterschool Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

 

THE WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - Minority Students are Urged to Apply

The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve the Federal government and explore public service. We are seeking
exceptional candidates to apply for this highly competitive program. In addition to typical office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours,
and complete an intern service project.

Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Every candidate must be a United States citizen, enrolled in a college or university, and at
least 18 years of age. An application and additional information about the program can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html


Applicants must be:

* At least 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship

* Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university, or graduated the previous semester

* A U.S. citizen

Strong applications should exhibit:

* Sound academic credentials

* A history of community involvement and leadership

* Solid verbal/written communication skills

* A demonstrated interest in public service

Applications should be submitted to Karen Race, Deputy Director and Intern Coordinator, White House Personnel, at intern_application@whitehouse.gov  on or before the following
deadlines:

* June 26, 2007 for FALL 2007 -- (September 4 to December 14, 2007)

If you have questions you may contact Karen Race at (202) 456-5979 [Voice/Relay] or at intern_application@whitehouse.gov

They look forward to hearing from you!

 

The Riecken Foundation Internship Program
The Riecken Foundation is a non-profit international foundation dedicated to promoting prosperity and democracy in Central America by building and supporting rural community libraries. The Foundation offers internships for undergraduates and graduate students interested in exploring careers in international development. The length of the internship is negotiable, but will be for no less than two months starting immediately or for the summer. An internship with the Riecken Foundation offers a unique experience of working in our DC office, supporting both programmatic and administrative efforts to create dynamic spaces for discovery, learning and social participation in Guatemala and Honduras. For more specific information about the Riecken Foundation, please visit our website at www.riecken.org.

Duties will vary depending on skills of the Intern and the needs of the Foundation. Likely responsibilities include:
- Assist in the development of training materials/manuals—copy editing, design components, and content.
- Coordinate support of scholarship students from Honduras
- Develop learning materials for specific programming.
- Compile information or research.
- Write news releases for website and outside audiences.
- Communicate with field offices.
- Assist with file management.
- Update website content.
- Translate documents.
- Help with travel arrangements.
- General administrative duties.

Requirements:
-Fluency in Spanish
-Strong writing and research skills
-Flexibility, creativity, and initiative
-Ability to work autonomously with little supervision
-Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Illustrator
-Availability to work for at least two months

How to apply:
Email cover letter and resume to intern@riecken.org.   Cover letter should include the following information:
-Any special skills you would bring to the internship
-Dates and hours of availability

 

Intern with the Undergraduate Legal Aid

The Undergraduate Student Legal Aid Office will begin to accept applications for the Fall 2007 Internship Program on March 26, 2007. The closing date for the acceptance of applications is April 13, 2007. I would appreciate it if you could share this information with students in your classes, or any other students that you think could benefit from the experience.

TODAY, March 5 at 4:00 P.M., we will be holding an open informational meeting in The Nanticoke Room in the Stamp Student Union for students who want to learn more about the Internship Program.
Applications for the Internship Program can either be obtained from the Student Legal Aid Office in Room 1235 of the Stamp Student Union starting March 5, or downloaded from our website at: www.studentorg.umd.edu/legalaid/ .
 

Students can obtain 3 hours of graded credit for the internship, which includes working in the office and participating in an educational seminar on Mondays from 4:00 - 5:15 P.M. A student must have 56 credit hours by the beginning of the Fall Semester (12 of which must have been at UMCP), and it is recommended that they have a minimum GPA of 3.00. All applicants must complete a face-to-face interview, and if chosen, must complete a one day training session on August 28, 2007.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Jim Jones, Director of the Student Legal Aid Office at 301-314-7756.

 

The Republican Governors Association is looking for intelligent, energetic college students to spend a semester learning the nuts and bolts of politics in America.  The internship program is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and tools that will assist an intern in all future professional endeavors. 

Interns will have exposure to the various aspects of the RGA. Responsibilities include assisting the finance team with fundraising, events and member services, working with our political team tracking news, polls and other information related to the gubernatorial campaigns as well as administrative tasks necessary for the overall success of the organization.

Any student who is interested in interning with the RGA should visit our webpage at www.rga.org and navigate to the intern program tab.  A letter from RGA Chairman and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is posted as well as application details and a link to our online application.

 

Details of the program:

Application deadlines:

Summer 2007 – April 1, 2007
Fall 2007 – July 1, 2007

Stipend:

                        $1,000/month (regardless of whether or not the student receives course credit)

Positions available:

                        DC: 1 Finance, 1 Political, 1 Administrative

                        Atlanta: 1 Administrative/Political

Duration of internship:

                        The duration of an internship will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

School credit:

RGA will be glad to assist in any way if a student would like to receive course credit for their internship.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to send an e-mail to Adam Kincaid at akincaid@rga.org.

 


 

Rules for the GVPT Newsletter

The newsletter is sent out each Monday before 5 pm to all current University of Maryland students who have declared and been accepted into the GVPT major. Only information relevant to academic and extra-curricular opportunities for these students will be sent through the newsletter. The government advising office reserves the right to edit and review all submissions to the GVPT newsletter and deny any submissions at their sole discretion. 
 

If you would like to submit information or announcements, please email ADVISING@gvpt.umd.edu. Only those submissions which are denied or delayed will be contacted further.