Join the Communicator!

If you're curious as to the sorts of events and issues that journalists for The Communicator are asked to cover, feel free to sit in on the Journalism Class taught by Professor Andrew Rowan of the English Department each semester. He also serves as the Faculty Advisor for the college newspaper and can be contacted by e-mail, telephone, or in-person. You may visit him in his office in Colston Hall, Room 612 during his office hours. If you’re unable to do so, by all means feel free to email him at Andrew "dot" Rowan "at" bcc "dot" cuny "dot" edu or call his office at (718) 289-5314. 

Through the Communicator you will have the opportunity to learn advertising and marketing, journalism, writing, and periodical publishing. Paid work-study positions are always available for those who qualify. And please remember, you choose your level of involvement with the newspaper. Without you the newspaper couldn't have survived for as long as it has to serve Bronx Community College.

Editor-in-Chief, The Communicator

The Communicator
Bronx Community College, C.U.N.Y.
2155 University Avenue
Colston Hall, Room 605
Bronx, New York 10453
communicator "at" bcc "dot" cuny "dot" edu

Call for submissions for the next issue of crossBRONX!

Call for submissions for the next issue of crossBRONX

Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Photography from or about the Bronx

For the summer issue, the online literary journal Cross Bronx (crossbronx.org) is seeking short stories, creative non-fiction, poetry, and photography on the theme of HOME. What does home mean to you? What is it like to have a love/hate relationship with your home? What if home is a friend's couch, or a shelter, or a park? Is is a color, a sound, a sudden sharp sense memory? Home is a complicated concept, and for this issue we want new and challenging views of what "home" means. We want to meet fictional characters who wrestle with the diverse emotional, physical, and spiritual landscape of "home." We want poetry that illuminates different aspects of "home" - safety, warmth, family, confinement, repression, fear, love, food, sex, etc. We want photographs that show us something we've never seen before. Submissions are welcome from Bronx-based writers, as well as from writers of work that place in the Bronx. The deadline for summer submissions has been extended to July 15, 2009(right around the corner.) The summer edition is scheduled for publication in late July (online only.) A PubParty and reading will be held on Wed, Oct 7th, as part of the Bronx Culture Trolley night. Support the community of writers in the Bronx and promote yourself by submitting work! For Fiction & Creative Non-Fiction Submissions can be no more than 6,500 words or approximately 20 double-spaced pages. Very short works welcome. Send prose submissions/proposals to: prosesubmit@bronxarts.org. For Poetry Submissions of up to three (3) poems per author. Send poetry submissions to: poetrysubmit@bronxarts.org. For Original Digital Art/Photography Up to three (3) submissions per artist, with a maximum file size of 100 megabytes. Send digital art/photography submissions or a link to a website to:artphotosubmit@bronxarts.org. Submissions will be accepted by e-mail only. Include full name, mailing address, and e-mail address in the body of your e-mail. All text pages must be titled and numbered with one-inch margins, double-spaced and typed in 12-point font. Also if you have any questions or suggestions about The Bronx Writers' Center, please contact Maria Romano, maria@bronxarts.org. Deadline for submissions to the summer edition is July 15, 2009

AmeriCorps Alums Names Shawn Rubin 2009 Eli J. Segal Award Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg Heinrich

July 2, 2009 AmeriCorps Alums

404.979.2931

AmeriCorps Alums is proud to announce Shawn Rubin as the 2009 AmeriCorps Alums Eli J. Segal Entrepreneurship Award winner. He received the Eli Segal Award at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco. The award was presented in front of more than 4,000 people who attended this year’s National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco on June 22, 2009, the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors. The Eli J. Segal Award, named after the first CEO of the Corporation for National Service, is the highest and most prestigious honor awarded by AmeriCorps Alums.

Rubin, a teacher at Highlander Charter School, also received a $5,000 prize to assist with Longitude, the non-profit organization he founded in 2005. Rubin is an AmeriCorps alumnus who founded Longitude, a non-profit organization that aims to build grassroots initiatives for education and human rights in developing countries. He plans to use the $5,000 to develop Longitude’s volunteer network further through the creation of an interactive website where volunteers can track the work that needs doing, create their own fund raisers for Longitude’s partner projects, and access the marketing materials they will need to spread the word of Longitude. “AmeriCorps Alums is excited to announce Shawn as this year’s winner. His dedication and passion for service and volunteering, combined with his social entrepreneurial and impressive leadership talents, make him a choice that we feel best reflects the ideals and characteristics of the late Eli Segal,” said Amity Tripp, Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums.

Rubin beat out more than 60 candidates for his work helping to launch the Highlander Charter School in 2000 while he was still an AmeriCorps member, and for founding Longitude, which grew out of an extended honeymoon where he and his wife volunteered at various non-profits in five countries. Longitude primarily assists two causes: a secretarial school in Ghana, and another organization that helped tsunami victims in India. It does so by connecting volunteers with citizen leaders in both Ghanaand India.

“This award is really about the volunteers, donors, and most importantly, the leaders who are creating change in their own countries,” said Rubin. “The recognition and award will help us continue to support individuals who have the vision and perseverance to lift up people in their own community.”

Since its inception, Longitude has sent more than 150 volunteers overseas. These volunteers have raised more than $100,000 for Longitude’s partner projects while Longitude has spent less than $2,000 on overhead expenses during its four years of existence. Last year, Longitude and the PROFESA secretarial school in Ghana were the subjects of a documentary entitled “Big World, Small World.”

About AmeriCorps Alums - AmeriCorps Alums is a leadership organization that connects, supports and mobilizes the vibrant network of 550,000 individuals who spent a year or more in service to our country through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps Alums believes that the lifetime engagement of alumni is a transformational force for change in America’s communities. The mission is to fully realize the potential of national service alumni as leaders in communities by fostering the identity and pride in AmeriCorps service to country, engaging them locally as leaders in direct action and recognizing and empowering them as nation’s most prestigious civic leaders, such as through the Eli J Segal Award. For more information visit www.americorpsalums.org

About Longitude- Longitude is a Rhode Island based 501 (c)3 non-profit organization working with visionary leaders of grassroots educational and human rights initiatives in resource-poor countries. Currently Longitude aids a community secretarial school in Ghana, and a human rights organization inIndia that helps members of India’s lowest caste. To learn more about Longitude, visitwww.golongitude.org.

CHC Prepares for Next Steps on Immigration Reform

For Immediate Release	Contact: Miguel Ayala
June 25, 2009	miguel.ayala@mail.house.gov

(Washington DC) -Today, President Barack Obama hosted a bipartisan, bicameral group of Members of Congress in an effort to open the discussion on a concrete and achievable plan to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) that took part in the meeting believe the President strongly articulated his commitment to moving immigration reform and look forward to working with Secretary Janet Napolitano and leaders in Congress to get a reform bill passed this year. "For the first time since I've been a Member of Congress, I'm seeing a genuine effort to bring together the diverging views on immigration and move past the rhetoric, so that we can have an honest and open conversation with the end goal being true comprehensive immigration reform. I am excited that the President has named Secretary Janet Napolitano to be the point person of his Administration on this reform, and I believe that selection speaks volumes to the level of commitment the White House has to resolving this crisis," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez, the Chairwoman of CHC. "The American people want meaningful reform and, after today's meeting, I believe that we have a group of legislators who are ready to make that happen. Complex and sensitive issues, such as immigration, require the leadership of the President and on behalf of the CHC, I want to thank him for bringing us together." "From a national security perspective, we need comprehensive immigration reform to bring the estimated 9 to 12 million people out of the shadows so we can focus our efforts on the select few who may pose a security risk," Congressman Silvestre Reyes, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, said. "The President reiterated his commitment to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform legislation and sought a commitment from both Republicans and Democrats to seek common ground on vital issue." "President Obama understands the importance of the issue and has put the weight of the White House behind our efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform," said Congressman Xavier Becerra, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. "I believe the American public has the will to support a comprehensive reform of our immigration laws. They are tired of the broken immigration system and want to see something done. We will continue working with the President and in a bipartisan manner to finally come forth with a bipartisan solution." "Today, a lot of cynicism and a lot of doubt were left behind," said Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, Chair of the CHC Immigration Task Force. "President Obama said he wants to get this done this year. The President convened a meeting, he brought together a group of lawmakers who are serious and committed to comprehensive immigration reform, and he led. He was the President of the United States, and he led today."

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION & WELLNESS - Summer Recreation Hours

Department of Health, Physical Education & Wellness Students, Faculty, Staff Summer Recreation Hours Monday – Wednesday 3-6:00 pm Tuesday – Thursday 11-1:00 pm (Cardio Center, Weight Room, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium) Starts: Monday, June 29, 2009 Ends: Thursday, July 30, 2009

NY Int'l Children's Film Festival: US Premiere! "Secret of Kells"

***US PREMIERE***

THE SECRET OF KELLS

NYICFF is honored to present the US Premiere of The Secret of Kells, the highly anticipated new animated masterpiece from the producers of Kirikou and the Sorceress and Triplets of Belleville. Hailed by international critics as one of the most beautiful films of the year and winner of the audience award at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival. The film blends fantasy and mythology, folding traditionally Celtic influences into a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes. Do not miss this wonderful film!

Sat & Sun, July 18 & 19, 11:00am - IFC Center, 323 West Sixth Ave (at West Third)

In English - Recommended ages 6 to adult.

To purchase advance tickets click here.

THE SECRET OF KELLS

Animation, Tomm Moore, Ireland/France/Belgium, 2009, 95 min

In English - Recommended ages 6 to adult

Sat & Sun, July 18 & 19, 11:00am at IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue at West Third

Young Brendan lives in the Abbey of Kells, a remote medieval outpost, where he labors with the other monks to fortify the abbey walls against Viking raids. But a new life of adventure beckons when one day a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands, carrying a ancient--but unfinished--book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him for the first time beyond the abbey's walls and into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf/girl, who helps him along the way. But with the Viking hordes closing in, will Brendan's artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against barbarians?

"A visual universe of true splendor that holds the spectator from beginning to end

in a continuous state of awakening. - Le Monde

"Luscious to behold" - Variety

"Stunning! A cascade of light, color and wonder burst from the screen!" - The Irish Times

"A gorgeously realized fable about the power of imagination and art to thrive

even in the most hostile times. Immediately establishes Moore as an absolute master of

his craft - a story teller and visual artist who deserves to be mentioned in the same breath

as masters such as Michel Ocelot and Sylvain Chomet." - Twitch

Comment: Dark scenes of mythical beasts and raiding warriors may be too intense for youngest audiences.

To purchase tickets click here.

TriCaucus Encouraged by Health Reform Draft Unveiled Today

For Immediate Release	CONTACTS:
June 19, 2009	CAPAC - Gloria Chan - 202-302-8606
	CBC - Jioni Palmer - 202-226-9776
	CHC - Miguel Ayala - 202-225-2410

TriCaucus Encouraged by Health Reform Draft Unveiled Today Many TriCaucus Priorities Included (Washington DC) - Reps. Barbara Lee, Nydia Velazquez and Mike Honda - Chairs of the Congressional TriCaucus - comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - issued the following joint statement today: "We applaud this important first step toward comprehensive health care reform, of which the cornerstone must be a robust public health option and the elimination of all health disparities. "While this initial proposal in not inclusive of the all of the TriCaucus healthcare reform priorities, we are encouraged that many of our main concerns are addressed and we will work to strengthen the proposal by including others. "We look forward to working with President Obama, House and Senate leaders and the committees of jurisdiction to ensure that the final package addresses the concerns of minority and underserved communities."

Liberty Partnership Program - Summer Youth Employment Program

The Liberty Partnership Program will be hosting a Summer Youth Employment Program in conjunction with the Wild Cat Program at PULSE High School. Thirty students will be assigned to us with Bronx Community College as their work site. Most of you know how instrumental SYEP can be in the formation of good work habits. I know I really appreciated the opportunity to have that experience when I was a teenager and I am sure many of you felt the same way. The program runs from July 2, 2009 until August 14, 2009. The participants work schedule is Monday thru Thursday from 9:30 am - 3:00pm. They are not restricted as to the kind of duties they can perform; they are here to work and learn about the world of work. The participants will be closely monitored by this office to insure that their presence on campus is a positive experience for everyone.

We ask the campus community to assist us with these young men and women by accepting them into your offices and work environments. Please help us make this summer a productive one for the participants. You can contact us by calling extension 5206 or emailing Lesleigh Hogg at lesleigh.hogg@bcc.cuny.edu .We thank you in advance for your consideration and concern for our youth.

Respectfully,

Lesleigh Hogg

Project Director

Liberty Partnership Program

HUMAN RESOURCES - CAMPUS PEACE OFFICER, Exam # 2020

CAMPUS PEACE OFFICER EXAM

Civil Service Examination Announcement

The Civil Service Exam Unit will be accepting applications for CAMPUS PEACE OFFICER, Exam # 2020, beginning on Monday,

June 22, 2009 and closing Friday, July 24, 2009. Applications must be received (not postmarked) by 5 PM (EST).

The filing fee is $30. The exam is open competitive.

Applications are NOT ACCEPTED at any college HR office, nor at the University’s 80th Street location.

Applicants are encouraged to apply via Exams Xpress.

Exams Xpress is accessible via https://cuny.cps.ca.gov. Follow on screen instructions. Locate Exam #2020.

Applicants not wishing to complete an online application should download the forms from https://cuny.cps.ca.gov.

Follow on screen information. Locate Exam #2020, and follow instructions for downloading and printing application.

Completed paper applications, the filing fee, and supporting documents must be mailed to:

CPS Human Resources Services

Attn: CUNY CPO Examination

241 Lathrop Way

Sacramento, CA 95815

Please remember, applications must be received (not postmarked) by 5 PM (EST) Friday, July 24, 2009.

Department of Human Resources

Barney Frank Introduces Sweeping Reform of Federal Marijuana Laws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 18, 2009

Barney Frank Introduces Sweeping Reform of Federal Marijuana Laws
Measure Comes as Growing Chorus Calls for End to Prohibition

CONTACT: Bruce Mirken, MPP director of communications ............... 415-585-6404 or 202-215-4205

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With criticism of marijuana prohibition rising, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) has introduced legislation to end federal criminal penalties for possession or not-for-profit transfer of small amounts of marijuana.

"Congressman Frank's bill represents a major step toward sanity in federal marijuana policy," said MPP director of government relations Aaron Houston. "Calls for rethinking our marijuana policies are coming from all quarters, and for good reason. Our decades-long war on marijuana has given us the worst of all possible worlds -- a drug that's widely used and universally available but produced and sold entirely by unregulated criminals who obey no rules and pay no taxes."

Frank's bill would remove federal criminal penalties for possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana and the not-for-profit transfer of up to 1 ounce (28.3 grams) of marijuana. It would not change marijuana's status as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and would not change federal laws prohibiting the cultivation of marijuana, sale of marijuana for profit, or import or export of marijuana. It also would not affect any state or local marijuana laws or regulations.

As recently as 2005, no national opinion survey had ever found a level of support for making marijuana a legal, regulated product above 36 percent. This year, a succession of major surveys have found levels of support for "legalization" ranging from 40 percent (Rasmussen) to 46 percent (ABC News/Washington Post) and even as high as 52 percent (Zogby). A June 12 report from CQ Researcher noted that opposition to legally regulated marijuana "appears to be weakening."

With more than 27,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.

Call for Entries: The Original Art

June 27: C4 BBQ at Car-Free Crotona Park

This Saturday, the Co-op City Cycling Club (C4) will be having a BBQ at Crotona Park.

C4 and TA members are invited. Other cyclist will also be welcome. Volunteers are needed to help organize, setup, or cook. We also need someone to lead a bike ride from Co-op City (and other parts of the BX). Donations will be encouraged. PLEASE RSVP.

Location: Crotona Park, near Crotona Ave, opposite tennis courts.

June 27th: Block Party @ Car-Free Crotona Park (12-5pm)

A half mile of Crotona Ave will be closed in Crotona Park for kids and adults to come out and play, dance, sing, skate or bike!

Events will include a DJ, Zumba fitness, and a Learn to Ride event for kids. We have also invited the Emperors Stickball League to play & teach the game, the Sea Cadetsband and drill team to perfrom, and I personally will have my family there barbequing in the park, and expect to have a poet and a latin drum musician performing.

Please encourage your family and friends to come and make it their own. Consider it your block party in the park. If you'd like to table or lead an activity, you can contactinfo@transalt.org or myself.

Co-op City Cycling Club will be organizing a feeder ride from Co-op City, starting at 11am from Bartow Mall. Please RSVP if you'd like to bike there.

--
Sincerely,
Mel Rodriguez
Safe Streets & Cycling
www.SafeStreetsInCoop.org
917.592.7595

Speaking With One Voice Congressional TriCaucus Declares:

(Washington DC) - Members of the Congressional TriCaucus - comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - held a news conference today to introduce The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 which outlines their priorities for healthcare reform--particularly the need to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that exist under the current healthcare system.

The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009, is designed to reduce racial and ethnic disparities and address a number of other issues important to communities of color while improving our national healthcare system for all Americans.

"Today over 47 million people lack health insurance in America and although racial and ethnic minorities account for about one third of U.S. population, they account for more than half of the uninsured," said Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Barbara Lee (CA-09). "The Congressional TriCaucus stands together and speaks with one voice to demand health care reform NOW, and to demand an end to the factors that perpetuate racial and ethnic health disparities in this country."

The TriCaucus is committed to healthcare reform that ensures that expands coverage to all Americans while also reducing the serious health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities.

"Healthcare is a right and not a privilege. Every man, woman and child deserves a dignified and healthy life. As ours is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and increasingly diverse nation, legislation must fully recognize and address health disparities," said Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), Chair of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). "Asians and Pacific Islanders have much at stake as approximately one-third of our communities live in linguistic isolation, and have higher rates of certain preventable diseases, such as hepatitis B and tuberculosis. I am confident that President Obama and congressional leadership will seriously consider healthcare disparities as part of this vital debate. CAPAC, as a member of the Tri-Caucus and the voice of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Congress, is committed to working toward health reform for all."

"In order to move this nation forward, we must make sure that any reform to our health care system takes into account the health care disparities that exist," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-12), Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). "Twenty-seven percent of Hispanics are likely to lack a usual health care provider, which is a key indicator to overall access of quality care and prevention. As the Latino community continues to grow, we need to address the challenges that we, and all minority communities face, to ensure that we improve our nation's health overall." Among the other elements of healthcare reform members of the TriCaucus have identified as priorities are:

• A public health insurance option that is universal and includes mental and dental health services.
• Elevating the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health and strengthening the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Addressing cultural and linguistic concerns such as credentialing for medical translators and ensuring adequate reimbursement for language and translation services.
• Healthcare provisions regarding clinical trials must also - whenever possible - include racial and ethnic diversity to find out effects on a broad range of groups.

"While I support all of the provisions in the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009, I firmly believe that any effort to eliminate health disparities must begin with a public health approach that integrates prevention and wellness across all health care services," said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34), who is chair of the CHC Health Care Task Force. "Prevention works by saving lives and improving health outcomes, while saving money and leaving our families and communities stronger and more resilient."

"While eliminating uninsurance is critically important, we know that insurance status does not explain all of the health inequities that millions of Americans experience each year," noted Congresswoman Donna Christensen (VI-At large), Co-Chair of the CBC Health and Wellness Task Force. "The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 addresses the root causes of health disparities, applies a sound public health approach to tackle a pressing public health challenge, and therefore must be a part of the health care reform bill."

"The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 is a significant step in addressing the needs of our communities," said Congresswoman Bordallo (GU-At Large), who serves as Chair of the Health Task Force of CAPAC. "This legislation will help in bringing equality in health care to Americans in the territories."

A distinguishing issue that this Health Disparities Bill puts forth is the integration of community-centric health efforts into health reform.

"Access to culturally competent quality health care should be one of the most basic of all entitlements," said Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), who serves as co-chair of the CBC Health and Wellness Taskforce. "Expansion of community, migrant, family and rural health centers will help make this concept a reality."

MAYOR BLOOMBERG APPOINTS DIAHANN BILLINGS-BURFORD AS NATION'S FIRST-EVER

Will Lead NYC Service Initiative to Channel Volunteers to Address Impacts ofCurrent Economic Downturn and Make NYC Easiest City in the Country toVolunteer

Calls on New Yorkers to Volunteer to be Middle School Mentors

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today named Diahann Billings-Burford as the nation's first-ever municipal Chief Service Officer and charged her with leading NYC Service, the City's initiative to promote a new era of service and volunteerism in New York City. With more than a decade of experience working in the non-profit sector, Billings-Burford will oversee implementation of the near 40 initiatives included in NYC Service. No other major city has such a position, although two states, California and NewYork, have cabinet level posts dedicated to promoting service. The Mayor announced the appointment at the High School for Public Service: Heroes of Tomorrow in Brooklyn, where he was joined by First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris and Sway Calloway of MTV News to honor school students who have givenback to their communities. The Mayor and Billings-Buford called on New Yorkers to volunteer for the Middle School Mentors program, a key initiative of NYC Service that aims to connect mentors to at-risk students in the City's highest-need middle schools.

"The goal of NYC Service is to let loose an army of volunteers who will help tackle our biggest challenges, which have only become more pressing during this national recession," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The NYC Service program is the first of its kind in the nation, and our Chief Service Officer is the first job of its kind in any city in the nation. We believe we've found the perfect person for this unique job, Diahann Billings-Burford, and I look forward to working with her to achieve our goals."

"We set lofty goals for the NYC Service program, pledging that New York City would lead the nation in meeting the President's call for a new era of service in America," said First Deputy Mayor Harris. "We are thrilled that the program has begun to take off and capture the attention of New Yorkers that want to give back. I have every confidence that Diahann Billings-Burford is the right person to ensure NYC Service meets itsambitious objectives."

"I'm deeply honored to accept this appointment," said Chief Service Officer Diahann Billings-Burford. "New York City is the first city to strategically harness the power of its volunteers to solve its most pressing challenges, and I am excited to lead the charge. Having been a middle school teacher myself, I couldn't agree more that encouraging New Yorkers to give back by mentoring at-risk students at that critical time in their development will invariably change the lives of those students for the better."

NYC Service meets the Mayor's State of the City pledge for New York City to lead the way in answering President Obama's nationwide call to service. The NYC Service program has three main goals: channel the power of volunteers toaddress the impacts of the current economic downturn, make New York City the easiest city in America in which to serve, and ensure every young person inNew York City is taught about civic engagement and has an opportunity to serve. NYC Service aims to set a new standard for how cities can tap the power of their citizens to tackle their most pressing challenges. NYC Service builds on the Bloomberg Administration's record of promoting volunteerism and public-private partnerships. In 2002, the Mayor's Volunteer Center was reinvigorated under the leadership of Nazli Parvizi, now Commissioner of the Community Affairs Unit. The Chief Service Officer willbuild upon these successes and implement the ambitious agenda set forth inthe NYC Service Report.

At the announcement, the Mayor and Billings-Burford asked New Yorkers to volunteer for Middle School Mentors, an NYC Service initiative that establishes a mentoring program for at-risk students in the City's highest-need middle schools. The middle school years are a critical time for youth, and mentors are a proven intervention to help students remain connected to the classroom. The Department of Education has formed partnerships with a broad range of mentorship organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, Mentoring USA, America's Promise, iMentor and the "I Have A Dream" Foundation to train volunteers and connect them to students in need. Those interested in learning more about becoming a Middle School Mentor can visit www.nyc.gov or call 311 for more information.

Middle School Mentors is the first in a series of NYC Service initiativesthat will be highlighted to spur public participation. NYC Service isseeking 2,000 new mentors to work in 51 of the City's highest-need middle schools. Schools participating in Middle School Mentors will employee one of three models for the program:

• Connecting mentors to Sixth Grade Students to provide one-on-one supportas students transition into Middle School.
• Providing mentors to students whose academic performance has placed themat the bottom third of their schools to address chronic absenteeism, lowacademic performance and socio-behavioral issues.
• Creating mentor advisory groups where mentors will meet with clusters ofstudents at their schools to discuss and address issues specificallypertaining to adolescent development.

Prior to her appointment, Diahann Billings-Burford served as DeputyExecutive Director of External Affairs for City Year New York. City Year is a leading volunteer service organization that has worked to engage young people in service, creating and implementing innovative solutions for the most pressing issues facing New York City's public school children. Prior to joining City Year, she served as the Director of External Affairs (NY) for Achievement First, a charter school management organization. Billings-Burford spent most of her career with Prep for Prep, a New York based leadership development organization where she served in various capacities, including Director of College Guidance and Director of Leadership Development Opportunities. She has also worked as a middle school history teacher, curriculum developer, and a corporate attorney. A graduate of Yale University, Billings-Burford also holds a Juris Doctorate from Columbia University School of Law. She was born and raised in Brooklyn and currently lives there with her husband and her two children. Without generous donations from the following individuals or organizations, the full scope of NYC Service would not be possible: David Rockefeller, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, and The Lizzie and Jonathan M. Tisch Foundation.

Bicycle Access Bill Hearing @ City Hall

The Monday after next, the New York City Council's Consumer Affairs and Transportation Committees will hold a joint hearing on the Bicycle Access Bill (Intro. 871) (PDF), as well as a bill introduced by Councilmember Oliver Koppell, which would mandate that public garages of more than 50 spaces provide bicycle parking (Intro. 780). 

Both bills are a boon to cyclists, and they both need your support. 

If you have an exceptional tale of bike parking (be it good or bad) and can make it to next Monday's meeting to testify, please contact peter@transalt.org. A large public presence at City Council meetings lets legislators know that their votes are being watched and their opinions remembered. 

Bicycle Access Bill Hearing
Monday, June 15th 
110 am 
City Hall
Manhattan

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT - The Valerie Capers Trio

Opening Night at Roth's!

 

The Valerie Capers Trio

with John Robinson (bass) & Rudy Lawless (drums)

 

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

6 - 10 PM

 

Roth's Westside Steakhouse

680 Columbus Avenue (at West 93rd Street)

212.280.4103 / Reservations are recommended

No cover / No minimum

 

Please consult valeriecapers.com for other upcoming dates at Roth's!

 

_______________________

 

Save the Date

Sunday, June 28th / 3 - 5 PM

  Live Jazz Performance and Award Presentation by

 

The Pen and Brush

to 

Valerie Capers

 

 

With John Robinson (bass) & Rudy Lawless (drums)

 

The Pen and Brush

16 East 10th Street (between 5th Avenue & University Place)

Tickets $15.00

Visit www.penandbrush.org to purchase tickets in advance

Annual BCC Picnic

LIBRARY & LEARNING RESOURCES CENTER - Summer Hours for the Library & Gerald S. Lieblich Learning Resources Center

Revised Library & Gerald S. Lieblich Learning

Resource Center Summer Hours

May 27^th – June 19^th, 2009

Monday – Friday

9:00am – 5:00pm

June 22^nd, 2009 – August 7^th, 2009 (4-Day Week)

Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 5:30pm

Fridays: Closed

NOTE: THE WEEK OF JUNE 29^TH TO JULY 3^RD, 2009

IS a Regular 9am TO 5pm Week.

August 10^th- August 28^th, 2009 (5-Day Week Resumes)

Monday – Friday

9:00am – 5:00pm

Call for Entries: The Original Art

Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Debate

Transportation Alternatives and the Criminal Justice Society of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law are please to announce a round table debate featuring the three currently announced candidates for Manhattan District Attorney. The candidates will discuss their views on vehicular crimes and the role of the District Attorney’s office in protecting New Yorkers from reckless and dangerous drivers.

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
Moot Court Room
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
55 Fifth Avenue (at 12th street)
8:30-9:30am
Free

Introductory Remarks:
Aaron Naparstek, Editor-in-Chief of Streetsblog

Moderated by:
Jonathan Oberman, Clinical Professor of Law
Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law