Lamar Trowers
Asian American Literature Festival
Smithsonian and Library of Congress Present Asian American Literature Festival
Festival Features Performances and Workshops Honoring the Contributions of
Asian American Writing and Writers
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, the Library of Congress, the Phillips Collection and Dupont Underground will host the Asian American Literature Festival from Thursday to Saturday, July 27–29. Featuring more than 50 prominent Asian American poets, writers, literary scholars, graphic novelists, spoken-word artists and children’s literature authors, the festival will present an array of live performances, mentoring sessions and interactive workshops. The event will take place at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery July 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; at the Phillips Collection July 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; at Dupont Underground July 28 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and at the Library of Congress July 29 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“Asian American literature has always been a crucial space for writing hidden histories and building new communities,” said Lisa Sasaki, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. “This festival is a chance to honor Asian American writing and writers and grow the next generation of literary trailblazers.”
Featured Programs
· A two-day long participatory reading of Carlos Bulosan’s seminal 1946 novel America Is In the Heart
· An animated adaptation of a chapter from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s forthcoming novel The Committed (sequel to Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Sympathizer) by artist Matt Huynh
· National Book Award finalist Karen Tei Yamashita and Kimiko Hahn, president of the Poetry Society of America, will give intimate lectures on their personal journeys through Asian American literary history
· LITERAOKE, a fun combination of literary reading and karaoke, with performances by Franny Choi, Tarfia Faizullah, Ed Lin and local Washington, D.C. poet Regie Cabico
· Writer-scholar
· The Asian American Literature Donation Project, which will provide donated works of Asian American literature to local spaces of need
A complete listing of participants and programs at the festival is available at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s website.
Held in partnership with the Poetry Foundation, the Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center, Dupont Underground, the Phillips Collection, the Association for Asian American Studies, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and a host of Asian American arts organizations, this three-day event is the first national festival of its kind.
About Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Established in 1997, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is a national resource for discovering the consequence and complexity of the Asian Pacific American experience through collaboration, exhibitions, programs, and digital experiences. Follow the Center on Twitter: @SmithsonianAPA.
# # #
Your Help is Needed – How could you change someone’s Life ?
Dear Friends – Center Global is once again reaching out to our network of individuals and organizations who are supportive of LGBT asylum seekers here in the Washington, DC area to address our ongoing need for housing assistance. We recognize the difficulty that many people have in providing long-term housing to individuals, but ask you to make a special effort to reach out to your friends and networks to help us meet these needs.
At this time we have requests for the following needs:
A student from Afghanistan who has applied for asylum and living in a hostile housing environment with people from his home country. He is currently in northern Virginia and seeking a safe place to live while waiting for his asylum application to be filed and then obtain employment authorization in about six months.
A young man from India, who recently graduated from college and worked for a year, is now facing housing issues because his employment authorization has ended and he is applying for asylum. He has been couch surfing for the past two months after also being in a hostile living environment and needs to find a stable place to live for approximately the next six months.
An asylum seeker from Egypt needs housing while also waiting for approval of his employment authorization.
A male from Guatemala who is in his late 20’s who now has work authorization needs housing for several months while he finds a steady job and saves the funds to move into independent housing.
We are also aware of several other individuals whose housing situations are less than ideal and would benefit from a more stable situation. Often we have short notice of the housing needs of our program participants.
Our needs are ongoing and evolving – any assistance you can provide is most appreciated. Since Center Global has begun to assist in arranging housing for asylum seekers, we have been very fortunate that community members have opened their homes to these individuals without charge. We recognize that this is a large responsibility for individuals to take on, but ask for your consideration. For those providing hosted housing we ask four things:
commitment of at least three months, with the expectation that it may be as much as one year (a trial period can be arranged, if preferred),
a private room (we have had individuals offer couch space and other arrangements, but have found that these arrangements are not workable in the long run),
reasonable accessibility to public transportation and
internet access.
There is no expectation to provide meals (although some hosts have been kind enough to assist with this) or other social supports; we work with the asylum seekers on these needs. If you would like more information about how you can assist with this please feel free to contact me directly.
Recognizing that you may not be able to assist directly with this request, we also ask that you share this request with your various networks, faith communities and social organizations. Please circulate the following announcement:
Housing Assistance Needed for LGBT Asylum Seekers – Center Global, a program of the DC Center for the LGBT Community, is seeking housing hosts for individuals who are seeking asylum from countries that are not safe for LGBT persons to live in. Housing hosts are asked to provide a private bedroom for a minimum of three months; while these individuals (in some cases couples) are going through the asylum process. These are individuals who are unable to access other government services and lack support from family and friends from their home countries, we have several persons in need of immediate housing. For more information please contact Eric Scharf with Center Global at escharfdc@gmail.com.
As always your interest and support in this work is most appreciated.
Legal Assistant Position for Leading LGBTQ Legal Rights Organization
Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates &
Defenders (GLAD) works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of
discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Founded
in 1978, GLAD has a commitment to communication, diversity, racial and economic justice, team
work, results orientation, and collaboration, and has classified these as core values that are integral to
fulfilling our mission.
Position Description
GLAD’s Legal Assistants provide key support for GLAD’s six attorneys in advancing the mission
and goals of the organization. The Legal Assistant performs legal and social science research, drafts
research memoranda, prepares court documents and correspondence, and proofreads and checks
citations for complex legal documents. In addition, the Legal Assistant performs regular
administrative tasks such as coordinating meetings and travel, filing and maintaining records,
scanning, copying, preparing expense reports, and providing phone coverage. This position offers an
excellent opportunity to learn about the litigation process and the legal issues affecting the LGBTQ
community and people living with HIV.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional work experience; strong
written and oral communication skills; proven research abilities; and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The ideal candidate will be proactive, organized, and attentive to details. The ability to work
cooperatively in a team is essential to the Legal Assistant work setting. In addition, the ideal candidate
will be able to prioritize multiple activities in a fast-paced environment and read, analyze, interpret,
and summarize legal and social science documents, including case law and statutes. Familiarity with
the legal system is helpful but not required.
Compensation
$33,200 plus excellent benefits: three weeks of paid vacation, fully paid health and dental insurance,
and disability insurance.
To apply, please send the following materials (One combined PDF format preferred):
1) Résumé
2) Cover letter (no more than one page) addressed to Ben Klein, Senior Attorney
and AIDS Law Project Director. Please do not restate your resume.
3) Writing sample (no more than 5 pages)
Please send materials to legalassistant@glad.org. Emails should contain the subject line “Legal
Assistant Application.” Please indicate in your application specifically where you learned of the
position. Applications will be considered until July 30 on a rolling basis, or until position is
filled. No phone calls, and no video résumés please.
GLAD is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. GLAD is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally
diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications
from transgender persons, people living with HIV, people of color, and individuals with disabilities.
Exciting things are happening at the DC Center with Capital Bikeshare
Great news for our community members. The DC Center will embark on expanding its Capital Bikeshare community partners program to include community members. Previously Capital Bikeshare memberships were only given to Center Global participants due to the needs of the people Center Global served. We believe that as a center for the community, we should do everything we can for members who may need assistance. The DC Center is able to offer our clients a Capital Bikeshare annual membership for only $5. Clients with this membership will receive extended ride times, classes with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and, of course, a free Capital Bikeshare helmet.
DDOT Director Leif A. Dormsjo said in a statement, “It is critical that those with the most need are able to travel quickly and economically to and from their appointments, jobs, training and classes. By including need-based Capital Bikeshare annual memberships, we are ensuring that all District residents can use this healthy, affordable and efficient means of travel.”
Services like the Capital Bikeshare Community Partners Program go a long way in helping our clients succeed. Capital Bikeshare is a regional bike sharing system jointly owned by the District of Columbia, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria and Montgomery County and operated by Motivate International, Inc. Launched in September 2010, the system gives members access to thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations.
How does this work
To be eligible you would be required to be an active member of one of the groups that meet at the center, for example : The youth working group, HIV Working Group , PFLAG, Gay District, Poly and Bi groups.
Facilitators of The DC Center groups are able to recommend participants who may need access to this service. This is fairly new and we are working on some of the details. For now facilitators of these groups can write a letter of recommendation as to why each member should be enrolled, participants will then visit the center on a Monday or Wednesday with letter in hand to enroll,along with their $5 membership fee. Memberships are not determined based on income, membership is based on your participation in these groups.
For questions please email lamar@thedccenter.org
An Exemplary Community Volunteer
The DC Center would like to thank Sam Ritholtz for his devotion to volunteerism. Sam volunteered to help provide meals to residents at the Casa Ruby LGBT Community Center shelter , since the DC Center started it’s project to help provide meals to Casa Ruby through community members, Sam has been there since inception with his monthly meal donations. Sam the meals you provided is more than filling the bellies of those housed , you’re showing them that people do care, and gives them hope. Sometimes hope is just what people need to try and change their lives. Sam recently moved away and we would just like to say thank you and good luck and continue being the awesome super star you are for the LGBT community.
To learn how to get involved contact lamar@thedccenter.org
PFLAG Metro DC Job Opening
Parents, Families, Friends united for the LGBTQ Community
OPERATIONS Manager – Part time, non-exempt.
Metro DC PFLAG seeks a part-time staff person to manage the day-to-day functions of the
organization’s office operations and provide support to Metro DC PFLAG community
groups throughout the region.
About Us:
Metro DC PFLAG promotes the health and wellbeing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse
society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination
and to secure equal civil rights. Metro DC PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about
sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and
respectful of human diversity.
PFLAG is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and
over 400 affiliates in the United States. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced
and serviced by the PFLAG National office, located in Washington, D.C., the national
Board of Directors and 13 Regional Directors. The Metro DC PFLAG Operations
Coordinator will be responsible for Metro DC PFLAG activities with limited involvement
with the National PFLAG office.
Supervision: The incumbent will report directly to the Metro DC PFLAG Board of Directors.
Scope : The position is a 30 hour per week position, $20.00 dollars per hour with no benefits.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administrative Support
● Act as office manager by supporting logistical operations and managing technology, supplies,
telecommunications, and other tools and services that support volunteers, board members and
donors.
● Track and follow-up with volunteers, Speaker’s Bureau presenters, and support group requests
for information and supply requests; log, file, and maintain updated databases for volunteers,
donors, and community groups; and perform mail merge tasks.
● Collect and maintain organizational statistics and prepare monthly reports.
● Coordinate with the Board President, Co President and Treasurer in processing and paying the
monthly bills.
● Responsible for submitting agenda, reports (financial and other) and meeting notices to the
Board in a timely manner and attending monthly board meetings.
● Purchase office supplies as directed and within budget guidelines.
● Recruit and supervise interns and volunteers who assist in the office.
● Compile and produce the Annual Membership Report and National PFLAG annual chapter
renewal.
Financial
● Manage donation processing.
● Assist the Board Treasurer with generation of timely budget and fiscal reports.
● Maintain current development database (address changes, new records, etc.)
● Maintain copies of documentation necessary for outside accounting firm and tax forms.
● Produce responses to time sensitive requests within a 24-hour time period.
● Conduct banking for the organization as needed, usually once a week, including online PayPal
deposits.
Development
● Manage gift acknowledgements, pledge reminders and processing within one week of notice.
● Generate monthly development and accounting reports in coordination with Board Fundraising
Chair and Treasurer.
● Support Board Fundraising Chair with grant proposal writing and submission, bi-annual mail
appeals, online campaigns, and others opportunities
● Recruit, coordinate and manage special event volunteers with assistance from the Board.
● Follow up on events and maintain current records for events.
● Send thank you letters to donors and maintain communication with engagement opportunities.
Marketing / Communications
● Assist in oversight of website and electronic communications..
● Update/maintain and create Constant Contact emails, group lists, Facebook page, Twitter,
Instagram and blog accounts.
● Print brochures as needed for events, coordinate updates, and reprint brochures and flyers.
● Provides Community Support Group leaders with needed resources including volunteer binders.
● Assist with special projects assigned by members of the Board.
● Coordinate and post mailed correspondence.
● Ensure all communication systems are streamlined and up to date.
● Create and update new resources for community outreach using Adobe Creative Cloud
software.
Programming/Community Engagement
● Create opportunities for volunteers and Board of Directors to engage in check-ins, trainings,
volunteer opportunities, etc.
● Coordinate Pride tabling events at Capital Pride, Capital Trans Pride, Youth Pride, Black Pride,
Latino Pride, Northern VA Pride, and local High School Pride events..
● Attend LGBT events at local nonprofits, businesses, schools, and government agencies. Engage
them in providing Metro DC PFLAG resources and trainings.
● Establish relationships with volunteers to create and maintain successful community groups, and
support their programming for events and meetings.
● Visit community groups in order to better understand their needs and provide necessary
support.
Additional Responsibilities
● Will perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Work Product
● Ability to manage multiple projects; able to determine project urgency in a meaningful and
practical way; organizes and schedules tasks effectively and efficiently.
● Perform such tasks as collecting information, assembling information, composing
correspondence, and managing the clerical and administrative issues related to Metro DC
PFLAG.
● Ability to conduct research as necessary to prepare correspondence, analysis, studies, and reports
on a variety of subjects in support of Metro DC PFLAG’s mission.
● Manages projects that are time-sensitive and of importance to the Board of Directors and
volunteers, provides status updates regularly, and delivers quality work products.
Responsiveness to Requests for Service
● Ability to respond to requests for service in a timely and thorough manner.
● Ensures community, volunteer and Board satisfaction by prioritizing tasks, including timely
follow-ups and resolutions to requests.
● Anticipates the needs of the Board of Directors and independently sets in motion actions
necessary to meet these needs. Distributes information and materials to the entire organization
on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Attention to Detail
● Prioritizes time sensitive tasks.
● Follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in documentation and data management.
● Organizes and maintains current system of records.
● Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and schedule work in situations where numerous and
diverse demands and stakeholders are involved.
Flexibility
● Performs a wide variety of tasks and changes focus quickly as demands change.
● Manages transitions from task to task effectively.
Problem Solving
● Ability to anticipates problems and recognize how a problem and its solution will affect the
organization.
● Adapts well to changing priorities, deadlines and directions.
● Works to eliminate processes which do not add value.
● Willing to take action, even under pressure, criticism or tight deadlines.
● Notifies Board Chair and Co-Chair of any potential problems in a timely manner.
Communication
● Writes and speaks effectively, using approaches that are appropriate to each situation,
● Demonstrates openness, honesty, consideration for others, and tactfulness.
● Actively listens during meetings and provides feedback.
● Exercises a professional approach with others using appropriate tools of communication.
● Communicates in a timely manner.
Minimum Qualifications:
● Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and/or at least three years of experience in the field of office
administration
● Demonstrated background working with the LGBTQ community.
● Solid computer experience, including use of the internet, social media, and coordination of
databases.
● Spanish fluency preferred
● Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), Adobe InDesign, Constant
Contact, Content Management System, Quickbooks, fundraising software, Google Apps,
Facebook and other social media outlets.
● Some website design experience preferred (WordPress, etc.)
● Knowledgeable with google drive: able to create forms, spreadsheets, documents, etc.
● Knows and/or willing to learn how to use Quickbooks, and/or knowledgeable about
bookkeeping.
Physical Abilities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
described essential functions of this job. These physical demands are representative of the
physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions
of this job.
● The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25lbs. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the
ability to identify and distinguish colors. While performing the duties of this job, the
employee is regularly required to sit, use repetitive wrist, hand, and/or finger movement,
reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand
and walk. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
CONTACT:
Email resume and cover letter to:
Kevin Nunley
President
Metro DC PFLAG
kwn8494@gmail.com
Email Subject Line: First & Last Name – Metro DC PFLAG Operations Coordinator Position
www.pflagdc.org | 202-638-3852 | 1518 U St. NW 2nd FL, Washington, DC 20009
The Smithsonian Institution NMAAHC Internship Application
APPLICATION PROCESS
Eligibility
Students who are currently enrolled in an academic program, as well as individuals who have recently completed studies.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is generally expected (with withdrawals and incompletes explained).
Ability to work a minimum of twenty hours per week. These internships are unpaid.
Funding is available on a competitive basis from the Office of Fellowships and Internships.
Academic Credit
The Smithsonian Institution welcomes the opportunity to work cooperatively with schools seeking to grant academic credit for internships. Applicants are encouraged to initiate arrangements for credit with their college or university. The Smithsonian does not grant academic credit.
Internship Sessions
Internships occur during the summer, fall, and spring from 10 to 15 weeks, beginning June 1, September 15, and January 15. Start dates and duration are flexible and arranged in coordination with the supervisor.
Application Deadlines
Summer Internships: March 15
Fall Internships: July 15
Spring Internships: October 15
Applicants interested in combining an internship at the NMAAHC with a paid intern through the Minority Internship Program, Native American Internship Program, or James E. Webb Internship for Minority Undergraduate Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students in Business and Public Administration must submit an application by the deadline for these programs. For more information, see the Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships.
Duration
Part-time, 3-6 month intern projects will take place throughout the year. Specific start and end dates and hours will be determined by the intern supervisor and the intern. This is an unpaid internship.
Location
Internships will take place at the National Museum of African American History and Culture office at Capital Gallery, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, accessible by Metro Yellow/Green & Blue/Orange/Silver Lines.
Background Investigation
An internship appointment is conditional, subject to your successful completion of a pre-appointment background investigation for a non-critical, sensitive position.
How to Apply
Please apply using the Smithsonian online application system. Paper applications will not be considered.
Please be aware that complete applications must include the following:
Internship program application form
Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
Personal essay (use this to tell us how the internship will advance your academic/career goals)
Two letters of reference
Essential Tips for the Online Application
Do NOT submit your application until all necessary components are uploaded (i.e., transcripts, personal essay, resume). Once submitted you cannot upload or change anything within the application.
An unofficial or official transcript can be uploaded by first scanning the document and saving it as a .pdf or .jpeg. Please do not mail the transcript separately.
Make sure that you click the “Send Email” button. This triggers the system to email your references with instructions for uploading the reference letter. Please advise your references of this in advance.