Sustainable Path: Who has the Right?

This is the second installment of the three-part series “On the Path to Sustainability: Fostering Healthy Built and Natural Environments” focuses on balancing the health of companies, communities, individuals, and the environment. Presented by Sustainable Path Foundation.

Much effort has been placed on establishing and enforcing environmental laws that define “safe” levels of toxic chemicals or require environmental disclosures for new development but do not, in the end, promote a healthy and sustainable world.

Dr. Kate Davies, Director of the Center for Creative Change at Antioch University, and Thomas Linzey, Executive Director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund discuss whether we should rather consider establishing the rights of people to an unpolluted body, the right to a healthy environment, the rights of local governments to prevent corporations from operating polluting or damaging businesses in their communities, and the rights of nature.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 6:30 – 8 pm
Downstairs at Town Hall; enter on Seneca Street. $10-$15.
Reception begins at 5:30 pm.
Tickets are $10 at www.sustainablepath.org, $15 at the door.

Passion for Global Community

Britt Yamamoto, Center for Creative Change core faculty and executive director of iLEAP, has traveled the globe in recent months. Beginning in Japan and ending in Kenya, he engaged in two of his passions: social innovation and collaborative leadership in global community.

At the end of May, he traveled to Japan to visit areas affected by the devastating March tsunami and to meet with high-level officials in the Japanese government and American Embassy and government. He was invited to attend these meetings and events by the US-Japan Council because of his expertise in Japanese social entrepreneurship and civil society.

Included among those with whom he met were Ambassador to Japan John Roos and Senator Daniel Inoyue (D-HI). This trip and the speaking engagements offered a great opportunity for Britt “to spread the word about C3 and AUS.”

In July, iLEAP introduced the Social Innovation Forum: Japan to bring together emerging Japanese social leaders involved in the nongovernmental and social business sector for an intensive 10-day training in leadership and the building of lasting global partnerships. The Forum was created with the support of the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnerships as an investment in rebuilding Japan after March’s devastating earthquakes through energizing civil society, empowering emerging leaders and forging global partnerships of mutual support between American and Japanese
civil society.

This project was featured August 31 on the Social Innovators Blog of Harvard University’s Kennedy School Project on Social Innovation: Building Solutions from the Ground Up. During the summer, Britt traveled to Kenya, Zambia and Uganda to visit recent graduates of iLEAP’s International Fellowship Program. On his blog, he posted, “I am currently on a three-country inquiry in Africa, seeking greater clarity around the intent and impact of our International Fellowship and as I windup my first visit to Zambia all I can say is ‘WOW.’”

While in Zambia he also met with the Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, who was very interested in iLEAP’s new Social Innovation Forum: Japan, as well as iLEAP graduate Paul Samba’s grant proposal to the Embassy’s “grass roots development” program.

Learn more about Britt’s work and iLEAP at www.ileap.org.

Compassion and Resilience Inspire Film

Jonathan Scherch, Center for Creative Change core faculty, is a social worker and returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica, 1991–93). His teaching, writing and fieldwork involve local-global themes of social change, ecological design, business / economic resilience and sustainable communities.

His pursuits have led him around the world — into Tibetan refugee settlements in India, into bamboo forests of China, into slum communities in Bangladesh and myriad places and projects in between. Through his collaborative work, he is committed to advancing community food security, climate recovery, ecological restoration and sustainable livelihoods.

Currently, Jonathan is completing a documentary film entitled Sustainability in Exile: Tibetan Refugees Pioneering Food and Farming Futures. After filming many hours of interviews and field scenes in India and the U.S. that include meetings with farmers and officials in the settlements, interviews with Robert Thurman, endowed chair in Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, and Lamas in New Jersey and Seattle, the film is now in post-production.

In 2005, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) invited Jonathan and Lobsang Tsering, then a Fulbright Scholar working with him, to engage with Tibetan farmers and help them envision a compassionate, ethical and sustainable farming future.

The film builds on Jonathan’s collaborations with Tibetan farmers and officials since 2005 and aims to convey three content emphases: first, the historical issues and current implications of conventional “green revolution” agricultural methods (especially in India and within the Tibetan settlements, though with global impacts cited); second, the demonstrations (and challenges) of sustainable agriculture innovations by Tibetans in the settlements from which they and we can learn and advance; and third, that such demonstrations portray practices of ahimsa and compassion consistent with what HH Dalai Lama envisions for his people and all others around the world. The film has been accepted as an official project of the prestigious Northwest Film Forum and so is eligible for 501c3 tax-deductible contributions.

The project is supported by an award-winning advisory board that, along with a talented team of volunteers and supporters (many of whom are C3 students and alumni), have contributed greatly to its success. Learn more about the project and preview the film on the Sustainability in Exile website: www.sustainabilityinexile.org.

Job Opening - Program Director

Agency
CASA for Children of Multnomah and Washington Counties

Location:
Multnomah County:
Donald Long Juvenile Justice Center, 1401 N.E. 68th, Portland, OR 97213

Washington County:
Washington County Facilities Building, 169 North 1st Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Job Type:
Full Time Employee

Years of Experience:
5-8+ years

Reports to:
Executive Director

Education Level:
Master’s Degree (preferred)

Compensation:
Commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits package including medical, dental, retirement and disability

Position Description:
The Program Director provides direct supervision and leadership to the CASA program staff and assists the Executive Director in the implementation of the programs of the agency.

Responsibilities include:
Provide professional support, guidance, and supervision to Advocate Supervisors and the Training Coordinator while ensuring that children in the dependency system assigned to a CASA receive the advocacy needed so their “best interests” are represented to the court by Court Appointed volunteers.

The Program Director will be responsible for organizing and managing the program structure and operations so that the needs of the volunteers are met. In addition, the Director will be responsible for tracking caseloads and relevant Agency data for internal and external reporting.
The Director is responsible for ensuring staff and Advocates operate in compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes governing Court Appointed Special Advocates and CASA organizations.

Successful candidates must have demonstrable skills in supervising and/or working with adult volunteers and supervising staff as well as an understanding of the clinical / dynamic issues relevant to child advocacy and family systems. Along with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the staff, this position will help to move CASA for Children to the next level of professional programming and support of our Advocates so that we can ultimately, each year, serve more youth in the system.

Education & Experience Requirements:
• Master’s degree in Social Work (preferred), or equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science, or management. LCSW is preferred.
• 5-8+ years experience as a manager in a supervisory role.
• Experience supervising direct service providers; either employees or volunteers.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Juvenile Dependency System: Courts, DHS, and community partners.
o Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and social service delivery systems for youth. Working knowledge of local foster children resources.
• Case planning and review.
• Volunteer management.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a broad variety of people including staff, supervisors, board of directors, judges, attorneys and supporters.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, assume a leadership role and act as a representative of the agency in the community.
• Ability to exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy and judgment in dealing with a variety of people in a variety of situations.
• Ability to effectively utilize computer technology.
• Ability to organize and lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of current employment law.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Conducts and presents self in a manner that is professional and respectful of fellow employees, the courts, and partner agencies.

Other Requirements:
• Criminal justice fingerprint and background check required prior to commencing employment. Proof of U.S. residency required.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable automobile transportation and adequate insurance.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the CASA training program within the first 120 days of employment.

Application Procedure:
• Email resume and cover letter to: jobs@casahelpskids.org Re: Program Director
• Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2011 or until the position is filled.
• If provided a second interview, please submit three references (two professional and one personal).
• We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer.
• NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Agency Description:
CASA for Children advocates for the best interests of abused, neglected and abandoned children who are under the protection of the Juvenile Dependency Court. Our vision is that every child should live in a permanent, safe, and nurturing family. CASA of Washington and Multnomah counties is the largest organization of its kind in the State of Oregon. Last year we provided direct advocacy for nearly 900 children through the tireless and tenacious work of over 360 volunteer court-appointed advocates.

Job Opening - Coordinator for International AIDS Conference

WORLD, an Oakland-based organization providing services to and advocating for women with HIV, is hiring a Bay Area-based coordinator for the International AIDS Conference, which will take place next year (summer 2012) in Washington, DC. This is a perfect opportunity for the right individual who’s ready to hit the ground running and committed to ensuring that the issues of women, especially women of color and women from the global South, are addressed in the global HIV/AIDS movement.

We are looking for a candidate with:
* excellent communication skills
* experience working in communities of color
* a social justice/human rights analysis
* some experience with coordination, logistics, training and facilitation.

We are prepared to work with, mentor and support the right candidate to ensure that HIV-positive women’s voices and issues will be strongly articulated and visible at the first International AIDS Conference to take place in the U.S. in over 20 years. For more information about our work and our role in the conference, please visit www.pwn-usa.org.

Please see a job description with full details on job responsibilities, qualifications, and details on how to apply at www.pwn-usa.org.

We are accepting materials on a rolling basis and will fill the position as soon as we can.

This is a full time position with full benefits for approximately one year, based at our Oakland office. The position involves domestic travel approximately once a month, likely more frequent closer to the conference date.

To apply: Send resume, cover letter, salary history and 3 relevant references to pwnhire@gmail.com.

Thank you!

WORLD’s office is moving! As of August 1 2011, our new mailing address will be: 449 15th Street, Suite 303 Oakland, CA 94612

Job Opening - First Grade Elementary Teacher

The Auburn School District No. 408 has an opening for a first grade elementary teacher. Position information, applications and forms are available online at http://www.auburn.wednet.edu.

Antioch University National Awards

2011: President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction

Antioch University was recognized as a leader among institutions of higher education for our support of volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. As such, Antioch University was admitted to the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for it’s strong institutional commitment to service and compelling campus-community partnerships that produce measureable results for the community. (This recognition was awarded in 2011 for the 2010 school year)

2012: USA Today - Top 20 Colleges Most Committed to Community Service

USA Today named Antioch University as one of the Top 20 Colleges Most Committed to Community Service.

2012: Top Ten Innovative Colleges and Universities

The National Education Association and the National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities chose Antioch University as one of the top ten Innovative Colleges and Universities in the nation.

2012: US News & World Report - 2012 Best Colleges Ranking

US News & World Report recognized AU Los Angeles, AU Midwest, and AU Santa Barbara to the 2012 Best Colleges Ranking.

Job Opening - Human Services Specialist II

JOB TITLE/DEPARTMENT: Human Services Specialist II (Aging and Disability Services) - Human Services Dept.
STARTING SALARY: $4455.77 per month plus benefits
SALARY RANGE: $4455.77– $5413.46 per month plus benefits
JOB OPENING DATE: 5/23/2011
JOB CLOSING DATE EXTENDED: 10/3/2011
TYPE OF OPENING: Concurrent
WORKING HOURS: 40 Hours Per Week
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Submit a Snohomish County Application, Resume, Professional Writing Sample (a document authored by you in a professional setting-not to exceed 2 pages) and a Cover Letter. Resume will be scored on:
• Contracting Experience
• Contractor Training and Support
• Program Knowledge
• Computer Skills
• Writing Skills

Application packets must be received by 5:00 p.m. on closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

WHERE TO APPLY: Application Packets may be returned to:
Snohomish County Human Services
Attn: Wanda Staples, Admin Support Staff Supervisor
3000 Rockefeller, M/S 305
Everett, WA 98201
Email: wanda.staples@co.snohomish.wa.us
PH: (425) 388-7421
FAX: (425) 259-1444

“Snohomish County is an equal opportunity employer
committed to an inclusive, multicultural workplace.”

Snohomish County Human Services actively recruits persons from diverse backgrounds to enhance service delivery to our diverse community. Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply.

Snohomish County Human Services is recruiting for a Human Services Specialist II with strong verbal and written skills who is experienced working with the Long Term Care service provider network. Seeking applicants with at least three years experience with contract management including contract development and monitoring, provider training and technical assistance, organizing and facilitating group meetings and program data collection and analysis.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Coordinates assigned program planning and development activities of complex programs with supervisors, administrators, other department staff, other county departments, other government agencies, private service organizations, citizen groups, and other organizations as necessary.
• Develops and conducts needs assessments and prepares comprehensive program plans, goals, and objectives, program budgets and contract documents for human services programs as assigned.
• Coordinates the data collection and reporting requirements for, assigned programs, including the organization and computerization of such reports; prepares analysis of data
• Develops and negotiates contracts and service agreements with program subcontractors; monitors contract compliance and reviews and evaluates subcontractor performance for quality assurance and prepares monitoring reports and corrective action plans.
• Participates in the development of programmatic budgets within areas of assigned responsibility; participates in negotiation and execution of contracts with federal, state and other funding sources; provides ongoing monitoring of internal program budget(s); makes recommendations for modifications as necessary.
• Provides a variety of information and technical assistance to program subcontractor and potential subcontractors as necessary.
• Researches and prepares applications to obtain funding for various projects, studies or programs as assigned.
• Provides staffing for advisory boards and committees; provides group facilitation for community groups and committees to accomplish program goals.
• Keeps informed of and provides interpretation of federal, state and local regulations and guidelines relating to assigned program areas.
• Provides community leadership and mobilization for assigned areas; provides community education and training including coordination of community events.
• Facilitates funding application processes, including request for proposals.
• Works in a cross disciplinary and interdepartmental manner to best meet the needs of the department’s clientele.
• Oversees activities of student interns and volunteers as assigned.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, one of the social sciences or other field directly related to human services; PLUS, two (2) years progressively responsible experience in human services program planning, grant preparation and management or in a closely related field; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid Washington State Driver’s License, unrestricted except as to vision, is required prior to appointment.

Susan Hunt, Psy.D., 2008

Susan is the first AUS graduate from the Psy.D. program to have gone through and completed the registration (or “licensing”) process in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Therefore, she is the first “Registered Psychologist” that has graduated from the program.

This has great significance for upcoming Canadian Psy.D. graduates as the program is recognized by the College of Psychologists of B.C., thus allowing graduates to become Registered Psychologists. Going through registration in B.C., which included a comprehensive application, completing the EPPP (licensing exam), Written Jurisprudence Exam (Ethics Exam), and Oral Exam, was a smooth process for her. Therefore, she has laid the ground work for upcoming students to go through this process as well.

Regarding her educational experience at AUS and how has it impacted her career, Susan said
she had a very positive educational experience at AUS. “The strengths of the program included: a strong core faculty, excellent instruction, course flexibility, and having the opportunity to practice/conduct research in the clinical area I am passionate about (e.g. working with children and youth in mental health settings).”

Regarding her career, Susan said she currently works as a Psychologist on the Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) Team (through the Ministry of Children and Family Development) in B.C.,which is an APA Accredited Internship Site. “I am one of the Internship Supervisors for this program, in addition to working there as a Clinical Psychologist. I also work in a Private Practice (with other Psychologists) that provides Therapy and Psychological Assessment Services to Children, Youth, Adults, and Families.

“In addition, I have a First Nations contract where I provide Therapy and Psychological Assessment Services to Aboriginal Children and Youth in a Native Community. Finally, I am an instructor at a large College in B.C. where I teach various courses in the Psychology Department (B.A. Program).”

Dale Willman, M.A. Environment & Community, 2001

Dale is a Fulbright Senior Scholar Fellow in Indonesia teaching environmental journalism. He has been a national award-winning correspondent and editor for more than 35 years and a leading voice in environmental journalism who has held various positions with National Public Radio and reported for CBS and CNN. In 2010 he was named the AUS Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

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