Leadership Development and Civic Engagement Fair

Are you looking for a professional development opportunity or a meaningful opportunity to build relationships with peers from across the city?

Then attend EPIP’s upcoming event showcasing Boston’s various Leadership Development and Civic Engagement Programs to be held at City Year on May 16, 2011. Boston offers a range of leadership development and civic engagement programs. Come hear first hand from the various types of programs in a career fair setting.

Join representatives from the Arts & Business Council's Business on Board program; Boston Cares’ Civic Leadership Institute; Boston Center for Community and Justice’s LeadBoston program; Boston University's Institute for Nonprofit Management and Leadership; the Environmental Leadership Program; the Future Boston Alliance; Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Program & Boston's Future Leaders; and, the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Boston’s Leadership Development and Civic Engagement Fair

Date: Monday, May 16, 2011, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Location: City Year National Headquarters, 287 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

RSVP: alnorthrop@statestreet.com

EPIP Boston (Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy - The Next Generation of Grantmakers)
The goal of EPIP nationally (www.epip.org) is to strengthen the next generation of grantmakers and advance the field of philanthropy. The Greater Boston chapter works toward these goals by sponsoring professional development events and networking opportunities in the local area, hosting monthly lunch discussions, and publishing a regular newsletter with upcoming programs of interest, research from the field, local job opportunities, and news from EPIP national. Recent programs have included: a Career Workshop, a small group discussion on Leadership and Innovation, a Social Entrepreneurship Panel, and a volunteer event at the Greater Boston Food Bank.

URL: http://www.epip.org/networking.php

Boston Public Library Compass Roundtable

You are invited to a Boston Public Library Compass Roundtable

Join a conversation with Boston Public Library staff and learn more about the library’s strategic planning process.

These roundtables are for all residents, citywide, and the conversation is about the whole Boston Public Library, systemwide. Topics include: a review of the Compass process to date, an introduction to the Compass Principles, and an interactive exercise on outcomes.

• Wednesday, June 1, Adams Street Branch, 690 Adams Street in Dorchester, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  
• Monday, June 6, Connolly Branch, 433 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  
• Thursday, June 9, Orientation Room, Central Library in Copley Square, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  

URL: www.bpl.org/compass

High School Hoops Updates

Of all the city teams that made the playoffs, only a five remain.

In the North Division 2 sectionals, the Brighton boys play Burlington on Thursday, March 10th at Lawrence High School at 7pm. The winner will face New Mission on Saturday, March 12th at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.

The Cathedral boys play Cohasset at noon on Saturday, March 12th at UMass Boston for the South Division 4 Title.

On the girls' side, New Mission plays Shawseen on Wednesday, March 9th at 7om at Chelsea HS. The winner will face Fenway on Saturday, March 12th at the Tsongas Center in Lowell for the North Division 4 title. It would be real ill to see two Boston teams in that final. But it would be really ill if both New Mission teams walk away with the crown.

Boston High School Basketball Playoffs

The field has dwindled for the boys' teams. And it's looking very likely on the girls' side that New Mission and Fenway may meet for the state championship next Saturday.

Sat, 3/5:
Latin Academy at Burlington @ 7pm
Madison Park at Mansfield @ 6pm

Sun, 3/6:
Central Catholic at Charlestown @ 3pm
Lynn Classical at New Mission @ 5pm (@ Reggie Lewis Ctr)

Mon, 3/7:
Brighton at Winchester @ 7pm

Boston High School Basketball Playoffs First Round Games

Boston High School Basketball Playoffs First Round Games

Boys

Tues, 3/1:
Boston Latin vs Billerica @ 7pm
Snowden at Winthrop @ 7pm

Wed, 3/2:
East Boston at Lincoln-Sudbury @ 7pm
Boston Latin Academy at Marblehead @ 7pm
Brighton vs Concord-Carlisle @ 7pm
Cathedral vs Bristol Plymouth @ 7pm

Thu, 3/3:
Charlestown vs Methuen @ 7pm
New Mission vs Reading @ 7pm (@ Reggie Lewis Center)
BC High @ Marshfield @ 7pm
West Roxbury vs Brockton @ 7pm (@ Emmanuel College)
Madison Park vs Franklin @ 7pm

Girls

Tue, 3/1:
Latin Academy vs Wilmington @ 7pm
New Mission vs Pope John @ 7pm (@ Boston English)
Fenway vs Presentation of Mary Academy @ 7pm (@ Orchard Gardens)

Wed, 3/2:
O'Bryant vs Sharon @ 7pm
Boston Collegiate at Wooster @ 4:25pm
Snowden at Newburyport @ 7pm

Thu, 3/3:
Burke at Archbishop Williams @ 7pm
Cathedral at South Shore Christian @ 7pm

GIve Kids A Smile Dental Access Day, March 5th

Each year, thousands of the nation's dentists and their dental team members provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families across the country. The American Dental Association's Give Kids A Smile program enhances the oral health of large numbers of needy children. Give Kids A Smile activities also highlight for policy makers the ongoing challenges that low-income families face in finding dental care.

• Free dental cleaning, exam, x-rays, referrals, and mouthguards for children 10 and up!
  
• Ages 1 - 17 welcome!
  
• Bring siblings!
  

Saturday March 5, 2011
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115

To make an appointment, call: 857-209-4963 or email: gkas.harvard@gmail.com

Dorchester Day Parade Committee Annual Essay Contest

The Dorchester Day Parade Committee is hosting the annual essay contest open to all Dorchester residents in the 6th through 10th grade or students that attend a Dorchester school.

Two (2) prizes will be awarded to the winning essays that are chosen from a panel of local judges. Please fill out the registration form and mail it with your essay to the committee chair.

Mail the completed entry form and essay postmarked no later than March 12, 2011, to:
Dorchester Day Essay Contest
PO Box 220145
Dorchester, Ma 02122

Prizes:
6th - 8th grade: (1) $500 United States Savings Bond
9th - 10th grade: (1) $ 500 United States Savings Bond

Rules:
1.) The student must be a Dorchester resident or attend a Dorchester school.
2.) The essay must be written on just one of these Dorchester historical figures:
William Munroe Trotter (1872-1934) or Maria Cummins (1827-1866).
3.) The essay must be between 500–600 words for the 6th through 8th grade and 800–900 words for the 9th and 10th grade students.
4.) Only one essay accepted per student.
5.) The essay must be typed and double spaced.
6.) The essay and entry form must be postmarked by March 12, 2011.
7.) Sorry, no e-mailed submissions will be accepted. They must be mailed.

The (2) prizes will be awarded during the Annual Dorchester Day Kick-off Dinner held at the First Parish Church in Dorchester on March 24, 2011. The winners are required to attend and will be invited to read their winning essays.

Questions: Edward Geary, Jr., (617) 265-5376, essay@dotdayparade.com

Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee

The Roxbury Strategic Master Plan [web site], is a strategic planning agenda meant to provide a framework to guide change and economic growth for the next ten to twenty years in Roxbury.
Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee 2011 Work Calendar

This is a list of Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee scheduled meetings for 2011. Unless noted otherwise, these meetings will be held at the Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren Street. Working sessions will be held at the Central Boston Elders Services, 2315 Washington Street, in Roxbury.

All meetings and working sessions are open to the public.

RSMPOC Scheduled Meeting Dates for 2011
January 10, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 11, September 12, October 3, November 7

RSMPOC Scheduled Workings Sessions 2011
January 24, February 28, March 28, April 18, May 23, June 20, July 25, September 26, October 24, November 21

Where They Do That At? Consistency In Accountability

To the naked eye, there is not much digging left to be done to unearth the resounding calls for accountability across the country. However, here in our Commonwealth, we seem to find ourselves mired in scandal and controversy more than other states. The saying goes; do the crime, do the time. Yet, some punishments oddly do not reflect the context of the charges.

In this so-called post-racial era, Black people are often blamed for pulling the proverbial race card. Race certainly does not erase guilt. Wrong is wrong. Yet, how could such blatant discrepancies not be called into question? It does not take a Cambridge-trained mathematician to figure out a few sentencing irregularities.

Former Chicopee mayor Richard Goyette received 2 years for extorting $10,000 in bribes.
Former State Senator Diane Wilkerson received 3.5 years for accepting $25,000 in bribes.
Former Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner received 3 years for accepting a $1,000 bribe.
Former East Boston liaison John Forbes received probation for selling both OxyContin and cocaine.
US Representative Tierney's wife, Patrice Tierney, received 30 days for $8 million dollars worth of tax fraud.

And on top of all this there have still been no arrests much less indictments on the state or federal levels for the major players behind the financial scams that nearly brought the nation's economy to its knees.

No wonder there still exists a very palpable resistance to "the law" in communities of color who are still being lynched albeit not physically but mentally and financially. Does US Attorney Carmen Ortiz really believe her predecessor undertook proper due diligence to truly uncover all of the truths behind this conspiracy?

A friend of mine noted this week "there are often many shades of gray in between that white and black we are socialized to only believe in." However, many of my peers and elders truly believe the criminal justice system is intentionally designed for us to fail. No matter how successful you may become, don't stray too far to the left of radical activism. Are we to believe that the process of issuing liquor licenses was only flawed inasmuch as it led to the political demise of only Diane Wilkerson and Chuck Turner? Case closed. Really? Can it all be so simple?

Special Preliminary & Municipal Elections for Boston City Council District 7

The Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Boston is providing you with the following information in the hope that you will share it with your members, colleagues, friends, and voters in the District Seven community.

SPECIAL PRELIMINARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Last Day to Register to Vote for 2/15: January 26, 2011

SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Last Day to Register to Vote for 3/15 is February 23, 2011

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. till 8 p.m. on the election days.

The vote registration deadlines apply to address changes as well as voter registration. Voters must be registered at their District Seven residences in order to participate in these elections.
Many voters are asking Election Department staff why these elections are being held in the middle of winter. The formula for determining the dates for special municipal elections is established by law, once an office is formally declared vacant. In this particular instance, the City Council chose the earliest possible date for the election to be held, so that District Seven would not be without representation.

CERTIFIED CANDIDATES (according to February 15, 2011 Ballot Order)
Natalie E Carithers [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter]
Danielle Renee Williams
Cornell Mills [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter]
Tito Jackson [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter]
Roy Owens [Website]
Althea Garrison

POLLING LOCATION CHANGE
Northeastern University's Matthews Arena is unavailable on February 15 due to a previously scheduled event. The Election Department was forced to find new locations for Ward 4 Precincts 5 and 8, which voted at the Arena. Beginning with the February 15 Special Preliminary Municipal Election, Ward 4 Precinct 5 will vote at SymphonyPlaza East, 334 Massachusetts Avenue. Ward 4 Precinct 8 will vote at SymphonyPlaza West, 333 Massachusetts Avenue. All registered voters in these precincts will receive a first-class mailing next week advising them of the changes. Additionally, advertisements have been purchased in community newspapers.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Given the unpredictable nature of February weather, the Election Department strongly suggests that any voter, particularly the elderly, who may have difficulty getting to his/her polling location in bad weather, consider applying for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be requested in writing. Visit the Department's website: www.cityofboston.gov/elections for an in-depth explanation of the absentee ballot process, or to print out an application for an absentee ballot. Any voter who wishes to vote absentee should not delay getting his or her application to the Election Department as soon as possible to allow time for mailing.

Please contact the Boston Election Department at 617-635-3767 if you have any questions

2011 Democratic Caucuses

Democratic Caucuses for the 2011 State Democratic Convention will be held between February 5th-19th, 2011.

At these caucuses, Democrats from across the Commonwealth will be elected as delegates to attend the State Convention in Lowell to develop an "Action Agenda." The convention will focus on training in party building, electoral techniques and issue-based organizing.

To find the date and time of your local caucus, please visit caucus.massdems.org to search for your caucus. A downloadable spreadsheet is also available. If you do not know your Ward, get with the program, yo. Or check out WhereDoIVoteMA.

Northeastern U Master Plan Task Force Meeting, 1/26, 6pm

Northeastern University is proceeding with amendments to its Institutional Master Plan and beginning the process of creating a new IMP, in partnership with neighbors and city officials.

The Northeastern Task Force will meet on Wednesday, January 26, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Kerr hall, 96 The Fenway. Kerr Hall is #4 on the map at: http://www.northeastern.edu/campusmap/map/qad2.html

The draft agenda is as follows:

* Preliminary design of building
* Process/schedule/impact of demolition of existing building
* Preview of significant issues
* Next steps

Northeastern plans to file an Expanded Project Notification Form (PNF) in February. This document contains all the information typically found in a Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR). The next step in the process is a 60-day coordinated review and comment period on that document and the IMP Amendment.

Filings and other documents related to the process will be posted at:
http://www.northeastern.edu/governmentrelations/community_affairs/institutional-master-plan.html

Contact:
Gerald Autler, Senior Project Manager/Planner
Boston Redevelopment Authority
p | 617.918.4438

preamble

We the people
who forsake the souls of those who came before us
know better than to curse in front of grandma dem
in order to form a more perfect family
full of beautiful blemishes and fatal flaws
that merely characterize us as caricatures of ourselves

our dosage of domestic dormancy comes at the hands of those who feed us
be they breadwinners or born losers
for there is no such thing as just an injustice
without the meritorious marvel of our self-defense mechanisms
which we subliminally put in place to shield our egos
from toning it down a notch

shots fired

Job: Grants and Scholarships Coordinator, Tourism Cares

Tourism Cares is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the travel experience for future generations.

Position: Grants and Scholarships Coordinator

Position Overview: The role of the Grants and Scholarships Coordinator is to support the management of the Grant (Worldwide and Special) and Scholarship (Academic, Professional Development, and Service-Learning) Programs. This position is full-time, salaried position. All work will be performed at the Tourism Cares office in Canton, MA.

Responsibilities may include assisting the Grants and Scholarship Program Director with the following activities:

1) Grant Program (Worldwide and Special)

Operations:
* Respond to ongoing phone and e-mail inquiries
* Process and verify grant applicant and recipient documents (at different phases)
* Create, update, and record grant applicant and recipient organization and project details in spreadsheets/database (nonprofit compliance)

* Respond and track each stage of grant application
* Process grantee financial documents
* Prepare internal and external grantee reports
* Continuously follow up at grant applicant and recipient stages
* Research potential grantees

Marketing/ Outreach:
* Finalize and publicize grant application openings (Tourism Cares web, external websites, print)
* Help revise and update grant guidelines
* Help prepare grantee press releases and web pages
* Ongoing grantee impact follow up

2) Scholarship Program (Academic, Professional Development, and Service-Learning)

Operations:
* Respond to ongoing phone and e-mail inquiries
* Process and verify scholarship applicant and recipient documents (at different phases)
* Create, update, and record scholarship applicant and recipient information in spreadsheets/database (nonprofit compliance)
* Respond and track each stage of scholarship application
* Process scholarship recipient financial documents
* Prepare internal and external scholarship reports
* Continuously follow up at scholarship applicant and recipient stages

Marketing/ Outreach:
* Finalize and publicize scholarship offerings (Tourism Cares web, external websites, print)
* Help revise and update scholarship guidelines
* Continuously update and research Scholarship Mailing List
* Help keep the Tourism Cares Scholarship Alumni Network current
* Prepare scholarship press releases and web pages

3) Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Knowledge and skills Required:
* Experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
* Capability of quickly grasping new concepts and mastering new software
* Ability to take initiative, and work well independently and with others
* Great organization skills with attention to detail
* Good written and oral communication skills
* Creative and resourceful

Preferred:
* College graduate, or equivalent experience
* Experience working with grants or scholarships helpful

Working Conditions: Normal office environment.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume and cover letter to:

Carolyn Viles, Grant and Scholarship Program Director at Tourism Cares, at CarolynV (AT) tourismcares.org

Teen Opp: Boston Cares Teen Teamworks, Feb 22-25

Calling all teens!

Boston Cares Teen Teamworks is a 4-day, small group volunteer program designed for high school teens ages 13-17. The session takes place Tuesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 25.

The program provides opportunities for teenagers to participate in team-building and leadership activities, in addition to daily volunteer projects at local non-profit agencies. A great chance to get a leg up on college resumes, gain leadership experience, and learn about how to make a positive impact in local communities, all while having fun with other Boston teens!

Learn more at www.bostoncares.org , or contact Riley Albair, ralbair (AT) bostoncares.org to apply.

Teacher/Upward Bound @ Wheelock College seeks volunteers for FAFSA Completion Day

On January 15th, Teacher Bound, the Upward Bound program at Wheelock College, is hosting a FAFSA Completion Day for our seniors and their families.

Because many of our students are the first in their families to go to college, we are trying to circumvent the confusion surrounding the FAFSA by providing families with one-on-one assistance. The program will run from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and because we have 25 seniors we need as many volunteers as possible.

I know it’s a long weekend, but if you are in town and could spare two hours of your time we could REALLY use the help. As you probably will remember the FAFSA is full of little caveats and for a family that has never had to submit one it can be overwhelming.

We will have laptops set up for instant submission. We will also provide snacks to keep everyone’s energy up!

FAFSA Day will be held at Wheelock College in ACE Room #321 on Saturday, January 15th from 1pm to 3pm.

If you can make it, please email or call Jasmine Toussaint at 617-879-2352 or Jtousaint (AT) wheelock.edu to confirm.

Scholarship: Emma Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests in Media

The Emma L. Bowen Foundation was created in 1989 to prepare minority youth for careers in the media industry. The Foundation’s program is unlike traditional intern programs in that students work for partner companies during summers and school breaks from the summer following their junior year in high school until they graduate from college.

Minority students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better and an interest in the media industry as a career are eligible to apply. Students earn an hourly salary and matching funds for college expenses.

The application deadline date is Friday, January 14, 2011.

SPECIAL NOTE: The Emma Bowen Foundation has designed a New Media and Technology Program to provide opportunities for students pursuing careers in engineering, system design, information systems, web services, applications or other technical disciplines in the media industry.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Any minority student (African American, Hispanic, Asian or Native American) who is a rising high school senior, graduating high school senior or college freshman, has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, is interested in pursuing a career in the media industry, and plans to attend a four-year accredited college or university is eligible to apply to the Emma L. Bowen Foundation work/study program. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents of the United States, and speak and write English fluently to be considered. Your grade transcript, at least two (2) educational references from teachers and/or advisors, and a 500-to-1,000-word essay must accompany the application form.

Apply Today: link

Science Exhibition @ CASH, Thu, 1/27

On January 27th, the Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH) will be holding its annual Science Exhibition. This is an opportunity for our students to showcase their knowledge, and hard work through a science project.

We cordially invite you or a member of your organization to view the projects but also to be a guest judge. This is an opportunity to see our students in a different lens than you may traditionally see them but to also meet new students. We will provide all materials to provide feedback on the projects.

The exhibition will take place at CASH from 12:05 -2:00pm. The school's address is 655 Metropolitan Avenue, Hyde Park, MA 02136.

If you are able to participate please contact Joel Connor by Wednesday January 19th.

Joel Connor, Director of Science and Health Engagement Partnerships
Community Academy of Science and Health
phone: (617) 635-8955
email: jconnor (AT) boston.k12.ma.us

Northeastern's Master of Urban & Regional Policy, Open House, 1/13

Northeastern University School of Public Policy & Urban Affairs

Interested in enhancing your professional skills and career prospects?

Want to gain skills and knowledge to make a bigger and more effective impact through policy change?

You are cordially invited to join us at our next Open House

Thursday, January 13, 2011
5:00 to 6:00 pm
Curry Student Center, Room 348

If you would like to attend, please RSVP - http://www.policyschool.neu.edu/education/masters_urban/rsvp

Enroll in Northeastern University's Master of Urban and Regional Policy program.

If you currently live outside Greater Boston or otherwise are unable to attend the information session, we would be happy to schedule a time when you can speak directly with us about the programs. Email l.dopkins (AT) neu.edu or call (617) 373-8900.

Master of Urban and Regional Policy (MURP): The Master of Urban and Regional Policy is designed to prepare the next generation of key leaders in urban and regional policymaking, strategic problem-solvers with the ability to analyze global economic, technological and social trends, develop effective policy responses, and move those policies toward implementation. Students will gain sophisticated analytical skills combined with a thorough understanding of how cities and regions work. Graduates are prepared to occupy key research and policy-making positions in an array of urban-focused public, non-profit and private sector institutions.

Visit http://www.policyschool.neu.edu/education/masters_urban for more information about the curriculum, tuition, financial aid and admissions.

Classes are scheduled in the evenings in order to accommodate those who work full-time during the day. Most students take two to three courses per semester

Application Deadlines:
February 1, 2011: Fall Semester 2011 (for priority financial aid consideration)
August 1, 2011: Fall Semester 2011

Scholarships:

Graduate Dean's Scholarship - The Dean's Scholarships are awarded to the incoming professional masters students based upon academic achievement. To be eligible for consideration, a student must be in the top one third of their program's incoming class. No separate application is required beyond the admissions application materials.

Graduate Student Scholarships - Graduate Student Scholarships provide a partial tuition waiver (a scholarship) of a predetermined amount. There is no work requirement.

Double-Husky Program - Tuition Discount for Recent NU Grads Seniors graduating in 2011 and members of the class of 2005 or later who are admitted into any of more than 100 full-time master's degree and certificate programs will receive a 25% tuition reduction. And we will waive the application fee for you! Go to http://www.neu.edu/doublehusky to learn more!

Veterans Programs - In addition to standard VA benefits, have veterans may be eligible for additional financial aid through Northeastern. Veterans who have 100% eligibility under the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) are eligible for additional aid through the Yellow Ribbon Program which makes up the difference between the NU tuition and the Chapter 33 benefit. Northeastern has invested $2 million for the Yellow Ribbon Program which is also matched by the VA. For more information visit the Yellow Ribbon Program and veteran enrollment page - http://www.northeastern.edu/veterans/.

Interise is Hiring

Interise is looking for talented individuals to join our team! If you know someone who is passionate about small business please forward this email along.

We are currently looking to fill the following positions:

Director of Finance and Administration
Working directly with the CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Team, the Director of Finance & Administration will develop and implement the financial and administrative operating plans, while managing the day-today financial and operational systems necessary to support Interise's strategic goals. Learn more about the job responsibilities and how to apply here (link)

Program Manager (Partnerships)
The Program Manager (Partnerships) will lead Interise's efforts to ensure that our partners have the resources needed to consistently achieve our program standards. She/he will manage the relationships, systems, and services needed to ensure quality program execution, participant retention and partnership renewal. The Program Manager will report to the Director (Partnerships), and work closely with the Evaluation Manager and Senior Manager (Training & Learning). Learn more about the job responsibilites and how to apply here (link).

About Interise
Interise takes an innovative approach to economic development in lower-income communities by helping existing small business owners plan, achieve, and manage the long-term growth of their business. Interise's award-winning business development curriculum, StreetWise Steps to Small Business Growth™, is currently offered in 26 communities nationally through various programs including Interise's Massachusetts 'StreetWise MBA'™, the Small Business Administration's Emerging 200 (e200) Initiative, and New York City's Strategic Steps for Growth. Since 2004, more than 700 entrepreneurs across the country have completed the StreetWise Steps™ curriculum. Our Annual Report Card details our impact.

Interise leverages trusted relationships and new know-how to grow your business. Find out how to apply online today or nominate a small business for the 2011 'StreetWise MBA'™ programs.

College Classes Seek Nonprofits Needing PR Help

For the Spring 2011 semester (starts January 19), I will be teaching two Public Relations/Marketing Communications (marcom) classes at Emerson (downtown Boston) and one at Bentley University (Waltham, MA).

As a Service Learning/final project in each class, small teams of students will be developing a PR plan and materials for lesser-known nonprofit organizations. I'm looking for nonprofits in downtown Boston (or an easy T ride away) and a few in/around Waltham.

You can see media coverage about the project at http://observer.bentley.edu/issue/fall-2010/departments-and-features/promoting-skills

This is not an internship. The students serve as external consultants to the nonprofit. They're not regular volunteers for the organization - this is not "free help" or even a "street team."

Is Your Organization A Good Fit For This Project? Here are a few guidelines and qualifications:

• Legal U.S. nonprofit registration/ designation is a requirement (501C3 is preferred).
• Benefits delivered/felt on a local level are a big plus, but not an absolute requirement. Students seem to favor helping out close to home.
• Grass roots/small organizations are preferred. One that has already "been discovered" by the media, received much coverage, or is already working with an ad agency or PR firm is not a great fit.
• No religious/faith- based or political affiliation.
• The organization should be located near Emerson or Bentley, ideally with an actual office. Most students don't have their own cars (won't go near buses), and work part-time. Travel/commute time is a concern - being on the Green line, Red line, or Orange line is strongly preferred for Emerson. Being no more than a 20-minute drive from Waltham is preferred for Bentley.
• The organization must already have a Web site up and running.
• A primary contact from the organization - preferably an officer - must be able to be part of a 90-minute nonprofit panel on February 2(noon or 2 PM for Emerson, 5 PM for Bentley) as part of the selection process. This should be the same contact the students would work with during the semester if your nonprofit is selected by the students.
• The contact must be available to communicate with students a few times during the semester, and willing to attend one formal presentation at the end of the semester (early May at Emerson, May 5 at 2 PM for Bentley).
• The nonprofit must also be willing to make a commitment to fast response time to student/team e-mails (within 36 hours including weekends and holidays). Please understand that students often don't keep the same hours as people who have full-time jobs. A typical student's day tends to start much later, with schoolwork often done very late at night or on weekends.

If interested, please E-mail me at your earliest convenience and I will e-mail you details about the project.

Jon Boroshok
jb (AT) TechMarcom.com

Call For High School Science Fair Judges for the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers - Monday, 1/31/2011

Are you interested in health, science and youth development?

Would you be willing to spend a morning supporting emerging high school scientists and researchers as they compete in their annual science fair?

If so, we invite you to join us as a judge for the annual Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers school-wide science fair at The Fenway Center on the campus of Northeastern University. Judges are asked to commit to two hours between 8:30 and 11:30am on Monday, January 31, 2011.

Orientation will be provided before you evaluate the science fair presentations. The involvement of external judges helps to assure a high standard of excellence among our science fair winners, and gives you a chance to interact with our aspiring health professionals right here on campus.

Join us! Our work to prepare the health professionals of tomorrow depends on your involvement today.

Contact: Angela Hedley, EKA Assistant Headmaster, 617-373-8468, ahedley (AT) boston.k12.ma.us