Here are some more announcements, links, and job postings about academic-related jobs, fellowships, and other related opportunities for those interested in racial/ethnic/diversity issues. As always, the announcements and links are provided for informational purposes and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of the organization or college involved.

Speaker Contest: Campus Progress Conference

Hello, I have an exciting opportunity that you or your viewers might be interested in! I am from an organization called Campus Progress in Washington D.C., and in conjunction with Colorlines.com, we have opened up a Keynote Speaker Contest for our upcoming National Conference in July.

To enter, contestants are asked to submit a 1-3 minute long video addressing the question: “In your own life, how are you changing the rules of our race conversation, and creating real solutions for racial and social justice?”

We are expecting over 1,000 young progressive in attendance, so this will be a great event for politically minded young people (18-30 yrs) who are specifically passionate about issues of racial justice. If you are interested in applying to the Keynote Speaker Contest, or if you would be interested in making a blog post about it on your site, then please check out this link.

The deadline for submissions is 12am EST May 13, 2011.

Thank you,
Erin Glinowiecki
Intern, Campus Progress
Campusprogress.org

Position: Special Projects Coordinator, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee) is seeking a bright, creative, highly qualified individual to serve as Special Projects Coordinator for our Legal Mobilization Project (LMP). In general, the Legal Mobilization Project works to address civil rights issues beyond a litigation only model, including the involvement of large scale pro bono lawyers, technology, advocacy, education, as well as a variety of enforcement options, while working with other Lawyers’ Committee expert lawyers on particular issues. This includes developing overall organizational plans, protocols, volunteer and client materials, management tools, and volunteer recruitment and training.

In the midst of the recent economic turmoil and associated foreclosure crisis, millions of distressed homeowners have become vulnerable targets for unscrupulous and sometimes criminal third party scams. Minorities and low income people are particularly targeted by bogus companies that seek fees and promise assistance in addressing mortgage arrears, only to refer homeowners to resources they could have accessed for free or, in far too many cases, to provide no services at all. The Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network (LMSPN) mobilizes a nationwide network to educate distressed homeowners on how to recognize and avoid mortgage scams and their individual rights, work with federal and state authorities on enforcement, and collect a large amount of data on mortgage fraud to put an end to the mortgage rescue scam problem.

The Special Projects Coordinator will work primarily, but not exclusively, on the Lawyers’ Committee’s Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network and Election Protection program. Additionally, a portion of the Special Projects Coordinator’s time will be spent providing support to the Lawyers’ Committee’s Chief Counsel.

As November 2012 approaches, the Special Projects Coordinator will focus more and more of her or his time on the 2012 Election Protection program, which the Lawyers’ Committee leads. Election Protection – the nation’s largest non-partisan voter protection coalition – works throughout the year to break down barriers to the ballot box for traditionally disenfranchised voters. In 2008, Election Protection mobilized over 10,000 legal volunteers, received over 240,000 calls to the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline, and organized Election Protection Legal Committees in 46 jurisdictions that worked on the ground throughout the election cycle and on Election Day to support traditionally disenfranchised voters. It is overseen by the Voting Rights Project.

The Special Projects Coordinator’s duties include:

• Maintaining the Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network database, including: uploading data from our reporting partners, managing the paper intake system, running statistical reports and analysis, and site maintenance
• Serving as a member of the Lawyers’ Committee’s Online Communication Team and will maintain Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts, and be involved in the organization’s eAdvocacy and fundraising programs
• Maintaining Legal Mobilization project’s webpage and various campaign micro-sites by drafting and editing content, formatting text and images, and posting content using a Content Management System (CMS). No HTML or other programming experience is required, but applicants should have a strong affinity for this type of technology
• Working with Project Directors, LMP Manager and vendors on the development, implementation and maintenance of all technological Project solutions
• Serving as a technical lead for the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline and assist the LMP Manager in the development of hotline call centers and legal field programs
• Working with LMP and other Project staff in the development, tracking and formatting of relevant materials
• Utilizing computer software such as Excel, databases, Microsoft Project, PowerPoint, and Geographic Information System software to support the work of the project
• Using organizing and logistical expertise to support process aspect of LMP’s, assist with other LMP priorities as identified by the Legal Mobilization and Public Policy Directors and the LMP Manager
• Assisting with the recruitment, training, and deployment of legal volunteers, particularly for Election Protection
• Administrative support for the Legal Mobilization Project and Chief Counsel as needed, including: managing project accounting forms with regard to third party vendors and travel vouchers, taking meeting minutes, mail retrieval, photocopying, arranging conference calls, reserving conference rooms, and providing support for work with the Lawyers’ Committee’s Board and Affiliates

The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of related work experience, preferably at a non-profit organization or on a political, issue or candidate campaign. The applicant must be detail oriented, have strong personal organizational skills, be able to manage multiple projects at one time, and prioritize tasks effectively. Familiarity with web-based volunteer management and mass communications software and proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word strongly preferred. Familiarity with desktop publishing and graphic design skills are a plus.

The ideal candidate will be a fast-learner who does not shy away from hard work, has a passion for civil rights issues and progressive causes, and a strong head on his or her shoulders. Applicants must be outgoing, affable, have a good sense of humor and be able to work under the pressure of a campaign environment with tight deadlines. Because the position is critical to Election Protection, a commitment is asked through the 2012 elections (November). The Special Projects Coordinator will report directly to the Manager of Legal Mobilization.

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to kcoates@lawyerscommittee.org or Kathy Coates, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, 1401 New York Avenue, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005. If you are applying by email please include REF#SPC51311 in the subject line of the email. The Lawyers’ Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The position will remain open until May 13, 2011, and applications will be reviewed as received.

Eric Marshall
Manager of Legal Mobilization
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
1401 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-662-8325

Position: Race/Ethnicity, Univ. of Illinois, Chicago

The Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy (IRRPP) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) invites applications for a visiting faculty scholar position (with the title of Visiting Senior Associate) in Race/Ethnicity and Public Policy. The applicant must be a tenured faculty affiliated with an institute of higher education in the United States other than UIC, and who has made a significant contribution to their field.

IRRPP promotes, coordinates, and conducts innovative research at the intersection of race, ethnicity and public policy. IRRPP represents a major commitment on the part of UIC to better understand racial and ethnic diversity in Chicago, the nation, and the world. One of our central aims is to increase the quantity, quality and relevance of research on racial and ethnic groups facing persistent inequalities and inequities.

The Institute pursues a comprehensive multiracial, multiethnic and multicultural agenda that includes African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans and other groups confronted with systematic racial, ethnic, and class barriers, with the primary goal of improving both the understanding and conditions of these groups. In addition to working on broad issues of race and public policy, each year IRRPP organizes its activities around a theme. For the 2011-2012 academic year, the focus will be on issues of criminalization and mass incarceration as racial justice issues.

We are seeking applicants whose work addresses issues of race/ethnicity and injustice in the criminal legal system. The focus might include: the impact of law enforcement, immigration, and incarceration policies on communities of color, the criminalization of disadvantaged youth, the disproportionate impact of criminal sanctions, or state and other forms of structural violence as a means of social control. Work at the intersection of race/ethnicity and other markers of social disadvantage (such as class, sexuality, immigration status, age) is of particular interest to IRRPP. We are specifically seeking applicants whose work has an engaged social justice perspective and who have experience working with communities and in collaboration with community organizations. The applicant must be a tenured faculty affiliated with an institute of higher education in the United States other than UIC, and who has made a significant contribution to their field.

The specific duties of the visiting faculty scholar will include:

• Completing a policy-oriented research project on a problem related to race/ethnicity, inequality and criminal legal policy as discussed above
• Writing a policy paper on the results of the research project with policy recommendations
• Presenting a public lecture .Collaborating with the IRRPP research team on projects related to their proposed research
• Teaching a graduate seminar or Honors College class on their work
• Serving as a resource to community groups in Chicago working on similar issues

The position runs from August 16, 2011 to May 15, 2012. The scholar must be in residence in Chicago during the entire length of the position. The salary ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 plus benefits, based on current salary. In addition, the scholar is eligible for $2,000 to fund research and conference travel, and up to $2,000 for allowable relocation expenses.

All application materials must be received by May 20, 2011. For questions about the position please contact Francesca Gaiba, Associate Director for Research at gaiba@uic.edu. To apply, go to jobs.uic.edu, find job ID number 7263 and submit: 1) a cover letter describing your proposed research project; your work in relation to the field; and your experience with community-engaged research and social justice projects; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a writing sample (either a chapter or an article).

Summer Institute: Redefining Asian Americans in Queens, NYC

Redefining Asian Americans: Youth, Culture, and Community in Multicultural Queens, NYC.

The Asian American Studies Center at Queens College CUNY is delighted to announce its 2011 Summer Institute: “Redefining Asian Americans: Youth, Culture and Community in Multicultural Queens, NYC.” This weeklong institute provides participants a unique opportunity to learn about the social and cultural experiences of Asian American youth in culturally diverse communities of Queens. Being home to immigrants from over 150 countries, Queens offers a fascinating setting to study intersections of individual, ethnic, and global identities, and to re-examine the changing nature of Asian American communities.

The program will include meeting scholars/leaders with expertise on various Asian American topics, discussions on related issues, and field trips to community-based organizations and neighborhoods with large Asian American concentrations.

The registration fee for the Summer Institute is $150. This non-refundable deposit is due upon admission to the program by cashier’s check or money order. Room and Board will be provided at the Queens College dormitory, The Summit, for the duration of the program. Expenses for air or ground travel will be reimbursed on approval of estimated cost with the submission of receipts. Students will receive a stipend of $500, which will be disbursed upon completion of the Summer Institute.

For more information, eligibility requirements, and to download the application form, go to www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Centers/Asian and go to “Related Links.”

Application deadline: May 31, 2011.

Position: Policy Analyst, Natl. Korean Am. Service & Education Consortium

The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) seeks a hardworking, highly skilled, talented, and committed individual to serve as the Policy Analyst focusing on economic security and civic engagement of low-income seniors for its Washington D.C. office.

NAKASEC is a dynamic grassroots-based organization founded in 1994 by local community centers to project a progressive voice and promote the full participation of Korean Americans within the social justice movement. NAKASEC has offices in Los Angeles and Washington, DC. NAKASEC has affiliates in Los Angeles (The Korean Resource Center) and in Chicago (The Korean American Resource & Cultural Center) and works in partnership with local community based organizations across the nation. Major program areas: Civic Engagement (Redistricting, Elections and Census), Civil Rights (LGBTQ, Hate Crimes, Language Access, Voting Rights), Financial Empowerment, Immigrant Rights (Immigration Reform, Immigrant Integration, and Enforcement), Youth Organizing, and Technical Assistance.

Major Responsibilities

• Be a part of a local-national team that implements a multi-pronged education, advocacy and organizing project to strengthen elder civic engagement in economic security issues
• Develop and implement a policy agenda focused on economic security for low-income communities
• Advocate for policies and measures to enhance and address the economic security needs of low-income seniors
• Conduct research and analyze existing data and studies to identify priority concerns and economic status of low-income seniors
• Produce relevant educational materials
• Represent NAKASEC at constituent and coalition partner meetings, events, and conferences. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key national and local groups
• Speak on behalf of NAKASEC at conferences and events. Help coordinate media relevant activities including the development of messaging points and spokespersons
• Oversee project evaluation activities
• Provide ongoing technical assistance and program support to NAKASEC affiliates and partners
• Work with NAKASEC staff as a team to create a strategic plan for developing new programs and building organizational capacity that will advance the organization’s mission and objectives
• Produce and maintain relevant work & grant reports and other documentation

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years experience working on Korean American, Asian American & Pacific Islander, or economic security/empowerment policy initiatives. Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills. Strong research and analytical capacity. Experience in policy and legislative advocacy desired. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, think creatively, and prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to work collaboratively in local-national or multi sectoral/ethnic partnerships. Some experience in working with ethnic and/or mainstream media desirable. Experience in community organizing and electoral campaigns an asset. This position requires occasional travel and ability to work some weekends.

To apply: Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary history and requirement to Yeon-Ok Suh, NAKASEC, 1628 16th Street, Suite 306, Washington D.C. 20009 or via email at jobs@nakasec.org. Put “NAKASEC POLICY ANALYST SEARCH” in the subject line if applying via e-mail.

Competition: 14th Annual Asian American Literary Awards

Since 1998, The Asian American Writers’ Workshop has presented the highest literary honor for writers of Asian American descent. We believe we are the only national organization that actively solicits entries, to ensure that a comprehensive list of the year’s Asian American books are entered into competition. Past winners of the award include Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri, National Book Award winner Ha Jin, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Susan Choi, Booker Prize Finalist Amitav Ghosh, American Book Award winner Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, and Guggenheim Fellow Arthur Sze, among many others. As these writers show, Asian American literature is not just a niche genre, but a central chapter in our nation’s literature.

The Annual Asian American Literary Awards honor Asian American writers for excellence in three categories: (1) fiction, (2) poetry, and (3) nonfiction. Literary awards recipients are determined by a national panel of judges who are selected on the basis of expertise in a literary genre and/or experience in academic environments relevant to Asian American literature; residence in the U.S. and ethnic background as to create a diverse committee.

To qualify for our next award, a work must have been written by an individual of Asian descent living in the United States and published originally in English during the calendar year preceding the award year (for example, works published in 2010 are eligible for the 2011 Literary Awards). No self-published works will be considered. Award submissions are accepted in spring, with award recipients announced in Fall, and publicly presented during our Winter awards ceremony and literary festival.

Applications for the upcoming Fourteenth Annual Asian American Literary Awards are due June 28, 2011. Please view the guidelines and fill out the online application to apply.

Call for Authors: Asian American History on the West Coast

Hello! I’m a Commissioning Editor for The History Press, and I’m looking for West Coast authors who have an interest in their community history. I would like to develop book projects on the history of Japanese Americans in West Coast communities — especially during World War II. I came across your website, and I’m writing to ask if you can recommend local authors who might be interested in this type of project.

To tell you a bit about The History Press, we are a traditional publisher that focuses exclusively on local and regional history. We publish a wide range of accessible, text-driven history books, from the story of a town or landmark, to local food and sports culture, to a city’s haunted or criminal past. We handle all stages of the publishing process—financing, editorial, design, production, sales, marketing, and distribution—and compensate in the form of royalties.

Can you recommend any authors who might be a match for our local history approach? I welcome your input. I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm Regards,
Aubrie Koenig
Commissioning Editor
The History Press
aubrie.koenig@historypress.net
843.577.5971 ext. 117