What's Going On

"Bench Warrant Amnesty 2009"

shipman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:37:53 GMT

"Bench Warrant Amnesty 2009" Domestic Relations Court is holding a press conference at 34 South 11th St. for their "Bench Warrant Amnesty 2009" next Thursday, November 12th at 10:00 a.m. and asked for the support and attendance of fatherhood practitioners at the press conference. There will be a sign on a side door identifying the location of the press conference. It is also being asked that practitioners escort fathers who owe arrears to the court house to have their cases expedited. The judges have been asked and the judges agreed to not arrest anyone. Please pass through your respective networks and yes, this is real, Sulaiman A. Wood, MSS, MLSP Project Manager Focus on Fathers Resources for Children's Health 260 South Broad Street, 18th Floor Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 267-765-2324 swood@phmc.org

Death of another Philadelphia Grassroots organization

shipman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:49:25 GMT

WPCCN Annoucement Dear WPCCN Members, Colleagues, and Friends: For the past 12 years, the West Philadelphia Child Care Network has diligently worked to strengthen early education and childcare in West and Southwest Philadelphia through professional development, resource development, and advocacy activities. Over the years, our mission resonated with many childcare providers and families in our service area. We are proud of our accomplishments in providing quality professional development to over a thousand childcare providers per year, graduating and empowering over four hundred childcare providers to improve their professionalism through the Child Development Associate Credential and creating innovative programming for young fathers and immigrant communities. We are also proud of our exceptional Executive Director, dedicated staff, and our community partnerships with Philadelphia Early Childhood Collaborative, Neighborhood Interfaith Movement, The Preschool Project, and other childcare advocacy agencies across the region. WPCCN has cautiously kept expenses low and vigorously tried to raise funds; however, given the current economy compounded with the uncertainty of future public and private funding, the Board of Directors of WPCCN has decided to cease operations and to close our office located at 4117 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia, on December 31, 2009. The Board of Directors made this decision with a heavy heart, but knowing it was the prudent approach in these difficult economic times. We thank you, our members, supporters, donors, friends, and families for your support. If you have any questions, please contact Howard W. Tucker, Executive Director at (267) 531-5245, ext. 103. Best regards, Donna Johnson Bullock Board President Howard W. Tucker Executive Director West Philadelphia Child Care Network 4117 Lancaster Avenue Philadelphia, PA. 19104 (ph) 267-531-5245 ext. 103 (fx) 267-531-5249 "It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men(women)." - Fredrick Douglass

Blackhawks Athletic Club Family sorrowfully regret

shipman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Blackhawks Athletic Club Family sorrowfully regret to inform you of the passing of their Founder and Director MR. REGINALD MTUMISHI Mr. Mtumishi suffered illnesses in silent while he continued to diligently serve the youth and community of North Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia. He was discovered to have succumb to these illnesses on Monday, October 25,2009. At this time services to honor this Matriarch that gave over 40 years of service and devoted his life to leadership and mentoring of children are still pending. However, in an effort to begin to honor his legacy, the Blackhawks family would like invite any and everyone who knew, loved and enjoyed this very special man to join us at a candlelight service that will be held: DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009 TIME: 7:00P.M. PLACE: BLACKHAWKS ATHLETIC CLUB, 11TH AND CECIL B. MOORE AVENUE IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ADDITIONAL YOU MAY CONTACT TONI ELLIS – 267-586-1563 WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF A GREAT AND HONORABLE MAN

Black men participated in the Million Man March

shipman — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:27:48 GMT

On October 16, 1995, I and millions of other Black men participated in the Million Man March. It was an historic day. A great day. It was without question the largest gathering of Black men to ever assemble in the US and probably the world. Those of us in attendance took a pledge to “love our brother as we love ourself.” Today some would have us believe we’re living in a “post-racial society.” We have a Black president. We have Black billionaires, millionaires. We have black cards and black cars. But have we changed our condition as a people from where we were on the eve of the Civil War? Economically the answer is no. Blacks today, own even less than we collectively owned in 1864. Health disparities? We lead the nation in health challenges and have the largest percentage of “uninsured.” Social justice? We’re still sentenced disproportionately and receive longer sentences for the same crimes. And psychologically? Have we learned to “love our brother (sister) as we love ourselves?” P.S. Did you see any 14th anniversary coverage of the MMM in the mainstream media?

Did You or Someone in Your Family Just Get Out of Prison?

shipman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:08:07 GMT

Did You or Someone in Your Family Just Get Out of Prison? What Kinds of Problems Are You Having? This is a Day for You! We welcome parents, spouses, children, grandparents, block captains, recovery leaders, advocates and all faith communities to our first… West Philly Neighborhood Speak Out: Exploring Ways to Support Our Community Members who are Coming Home from Prison and Their Families Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:30am-2:00pm Frances Myers Recreation Center 5803 Kingsessing Ave **PROGRAM ATTACHED** RSVP! Free Registration! Call 215-985-4448 x136 Breakfast and Lunch Provided Our city's prison/reentry crisis is a community problem. When someone goes to prison, the whole family is affected. We need to hear the hardships you are facing, so we can work together to support each other and get the services our communities need. For more information, contact 215-985-4448 x136 or SCPA@fight.org Sponsored by the Support Center for Prison Advocacy Organized by (list in formation): Community Legal Services DBH/MRS Faith-Based Initiative Education Not Incarceration EXIT-US, Inc Hearts on a Wire Hosanna Christian Life Center Institute for Community Justice, Research and Advocacy Institute for the Study of Civic Values Joshua Achievement Center Kingdom Care Reentry Network MOMobile, Maternity Care Coalition Office of Addiction Services Pennsylvania Prison Society Philadelphia FIGHT Philadelphia Prison System Philadelphia Region Positive Women’s Network Philadelphia Recovery Community Center Reaching Out: A Support Group with Action Reconstruction, Inc. The Time is Now To Make A Change Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project The Support Center for Prison Advocacy is grateful for support from the Bread and Roses Community Fund. - Laura McTighe Co-Director Institute for Community Justice, Research and Advocacy 1233 Locust Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 O: 215.985.4448 x109 F: 215.985.4952 C: 215.380.5556 E: lmctighe@community-justice.org www.community-justice.org -- Bob Shipman The site community activist must check daily http://phillyneighborhoods.org/

$1000 needed

shipman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:51:35 GMT

Winter Coats for children

shipman — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:22:21 GMT

Winter Coats for children Good morning everyone. Please read this message. It could save you, or someone you know, hundreds of dollars. Fathers Are In The House (FAITH) has partnered with Cradles To Crayons to provide children ages 0-12 with books, clothes, art supplies and toys.. We can now have access to their inventory and are urging everyone to take full advantage of this opportunity. All products are high-quality used or new goods. For a registration fee of $20, you will have access to their entire inventory for 6 months. Cradles has informed me that they are now accepting orders for their winter coat drive. All coats are brand new. If you have a child or know someone with children ages 0-12, then this will be a great benefit to them. Please do not delay. Cradles To Crayons will be receiving 5000 coats, but they service over 10,000 children. So get your orders in quickly. Please pass this message along to your friends and family. We want to help as many children and families as possible. Attached you will find the order form and flyer. Thanks Greg C. Porter 267-804-3852 Is this a worker able program??

Should blacks continue to Look at Our history

shipman — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:39:13 GMT

an excellent as well as an important production by Gwen Ragsdale. it left me sad, mad, hurt and inspired to keep fighting for our freedom because we still ain't free. I purchased the DVD and showed it to my family because we need to know all of our story and we can never forget. check it out if you can. Kemah. Lest We Forget Slavery Museum Presents “My Slave Sister Myself” FREE film screenings of My Slave Sister Myself: Ø Wed. 9/30 @ 6:30 PM - Church of the Advocate 1801 W. Diamond St. (215) 236-5848 OVERVIEW: My Slave Sister Myself exposes the effects of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade on enslaved African women and correlates them with feelings deeply embedded in the souls of today’s African American women. The comparisons are compelling! The film also reveals how slavery impacted African American manhood and shaped perceptions about the Black Man's sexual prowess. This unique, thought-provoking documentary film addresses a myriad of issues that were born in slavery, yet continue to plague African Americans today. This informative 55 minute DVD sheds light on a dark and tragic period in American history (includes 10 min. music video). Come see this thought-provoking film and join in the stimulating discussion that follows. View Movie Trailer-Click on Products: www.lestweforgetmuseumofslavery.com FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! DVD COST: $25.O0 – Website: $29.00 Limited Quantity, Purchase A Copy Today! For More Information Call: (888) 886-LEST PLEASE FORWARD...... -- "If I cry tonight, understand that my cries are those of our children dying in the streets." Father Paul M. Washington Diamond Street from 16th through 19th is now known as "Father P. Washington Ave" please visit our website at, fatherpaulwashington.com and please sign our guest book."

Friends of Sacks Rec And World Champion Philadelphia Phillies Partnership 2009

shipman — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:48:55 GMT

Friends of Sacks Rec And World Champion Philadelphia Phillies Partnership 2009, during the BTF/MLB Equipment Day. This is the response that the World Champions of Baseball has for the efforts in the community. on July 21, 2009, the Phillies organization on behalf of super star Chase Utley awarded $2500 to the organization that represents the inner city fans. Receiving the award on behalf of the Community group is Doug Nesmith, The Friends of Sacks recreation center located at 400 Washington avenue. The Phillies and every major league team has been focusing on enhancing and recruiting the African American baseball players, they realize that there are diamonds and major leaguers that are waiting to be found, in places like The Sacks center, walking distance from the stadium. The funds went into the melting pot of donations that are used for the betterment of the physical area of Sacks and the programing efforts of the group. The basketball leagues, drill team, drum corp and tee ball and the older Phillies rookie players. Against all odds, especially financial, the parents and volunteers are beginning to garner support for their efforts to provide safe forms of recreation and education to the south Philadelphia community. We have found youth and parents that live outside of the Sacks boundaries return to use the center because they fell safe and respect the experience of the volunteers operating the programs. Hat's off to the Sacks family for the well deserved award. The expanding programs at the recreation center and the surrounding community would appreciate any and all donations especially your time, say one hour a week to supervise a activity, the rewards are priceless.

Personal donations needed(rmship / paypal)

shipman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:00:32 GMT

My Dear Friends on PhillyBlocks, Philly Parent Partner...Now is the Time to Come to the Aid of the Party Help us to help you...I too work for ISCV, we put in long days and nights. For the past year the days are longer and so are the nights...especially when you are on unemployment and thinking of applying for food stamps...paypal id rmship But like the rest of our team at ISCV, we continue to work as nothing is happening personally, we it is on fire like eveyone else. My budget is shot, bills coming in no cash however. Let's follow Ed 's suggestion and appeal. Please donate what you can to keep our lights on at ISCV.... Can we raise $250,000 to support PhillyBlocks? and Philly Parent Partner listserv group Yes we can. The answer starts here and now. Go to http://www.phillyneighborhoods.org, check out the web site, and make a contribution. Support one another. Ed Schwartz Ed Schwartz, Institute for the Study of Civic Values, 1218 Chestnut St., Rm. 702, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107 215-238-1434 edcivic@libertynet.org ISCV web site: http://www.iscv.org Also Check out "Neighborhoods Online" at http://www.neighborhoodsonline.net. Or in Philadelphia: http://www.phillyneighborhoods.org "Citizenship is the American ideal. There may be an army of actualities opposed to that ideal, but there is no ideal opposed to that ideal." --G.K. Chesterton ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ed Schwartz <edcivic@libertynet.org> Date: Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 3:50 PM Subject: [NorthPhillyBlocks] Neighborhoods Online Updated--Sharpened--and an unabashed appeal for support To: phillyblocks@yahoogroups.com, nwphillyblocks@yahoogroups.com, nolphiladelphia@yahoogroups.com, phillyneighborhoods@yahoogroups.com, northphillyblocks@yahoogroups.com, phillyschools@yahoogroups.com, youthsupportnet@phillyblocks.com, phillyfan@yahoogroups.com My Dear Friends on PhillyBlocks...Now is the Time to Come to the Aid of the Party I have just completed a long overdue updating/upgrading of PhillyNeighborhoods .org. The home page links are more relevant and practical and links on the various subsidiary pages are fixed. Finally..at the top of the home page you'll see an appeal--"Help PhillyBlocks Help You. Donate Now." We've never undertaken an aggressive fund-raising drive before--you know, where people and groups are asked to make contributions. Well...if anyone thinks the Institute for the Study of Civic Values that sponsors PhillyBlocks is flush with cash, rest assured that we are not. Far from it. Nothing stable replaced the City contract that was terminated one year ago. I alerted PhillyBlocks and the press to what happened because I saw it as the precursor of much worse. Much worse has been upon us for some time. And now..thanks to the Pennsylvania budget crisis, the other programs ISCV runs are all without payments as well. When you read about groups where the staff is going on unemployment..count us in. We're there with the rest of the non-profit community that is struggling for survival. When I post information about the budget crisis, it's not just for you--in this case, it's for us too. We're in this together. Earlier this year Philadelphia Forward shut down. Ed Goppelt terminated Hallwatch without warning in January. One day it was online. Then it wasn't. Are we next? Not without a fight. Since I've made political contributions over the years, I'm on a number of lists that candidates buy to seek out potential donors. So they call. Mid-Day. Themselves. They tell me they're running for this that or the other. They want $500--or $250--$100 if that's all we can afford. In better days, I'd often respond. This is what they have to do day after day if they hope to get elected. And it often works. One candidate running in a suburban district has already raised $600,000 for his campaign since he declared last spring. That's what people are willing to give to politicians running for office. And more. For nine years, ISCV has run this program without asking for anything from the people who use it. We have no problem with that. We were able to get support from the Mayor's Office of Information Services and the Office of Housing and Community Development in the previous administration. That's *your* money. You shouldn't have to contribute twice. That's gone and it's not coming back. I'm not inviting--and will not post--anything about what happened last year. It's history. We've got to turn elsewhere. And the turning elsewhere starts with you--the people who log on here every day for information and discussion on how to make neighborhoods clean, safe, economically viable, and a decent place to raise their children. Candidates raise thousands of dollars to support their campaigns. None of that is tax-deductible. But people give. Can we raise $250,000 to support PhillyBlocks? Yes we can. The answer starts here and now. Go to http://www.phillyneighborhoods.org, check out the web site, and make a contribution. Support one another. Ed Schwartz Ed Schwartz, Institute for the Study of Civic Values, 1218 Chestnut St., Rm. 702, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107 215-238-1434 edcivic@libertynet.org ISCV web site: http://www.iscv.org Also Check out "Neighborhoods Online" at http://www.neighborhoodsonline.net. Or in Philadelphia: http://www.phillyneighborhoods.org "Citizenship is the American ideal. There may be an army of actualities opposed to that ideal, but there is no ideal opposed to that ideal." --G.K. Chesterton

Department of Behavioral Health/Mental Retardation Services

shipman — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:33:25 GMT

City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health/Mental Retardation Services For Family Members (and Supporters) of children and/or adults who have received MH and/or D&A Services Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 (Daytime Training) Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM - (Doors close at 9:00 AM) Future Dates: *Tuesday, October 20 (Daytime Training – 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM – Location TBD) *Tuesday, October 20 (Evening Training) – 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Location TBD) Tuesday, November 17 (Daytime Training) – 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM – Pro-Act Location Tuesday, December 15 (Daytime Training) – 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM – Pro-Act Location PRO-ACT – 3rd Street Training Center *(unless otherwise noted) Pennsylvania Recovery Organization – Achieving Community Together 444 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 / (215) 923-1661 (Tall Building on 3rd Street – Between Spring Garden and Callowhill Streets) Floor: 3rd Floor – Suite 307 Septa/Parking: The EL Train Stops at “Spring Garden” – Walk 2 Blocks over to 3rd Street Public Transportation is Encouraged – Street Parking is Limited RSVP: Contact Jazmin Banks at: (215) 685-4989 or E-Mail: Jazmin.Banks@phila.gov Notes: A Light Snack will be provided. Feel free to bring snacks and/or food with you. We regret that Child Care is not Provided. Bad Weather: Delays and Cancellations, please contact the Receptionist at: (215) 685-5400 Family Member Story Telling Training (FM-STT) is a wellness and recovery-oriented training which recognizes that the stories of Family Members are a critical tool in moving Systems Transformation forward. Therefore, the Department of Behavioral Health/Mental Retardation Services, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Compact, is sponsoring (free) trainings especially designed for family members of children and/or adults who have received mental health (MH) and/or substance abuse (D&A) services in the City of Philadelphia. Family Member Story Telling Training (FM-STT) offers many helpful tools for sharing personal and challenging experiences and encourages networking and resource sharing. FM-STT is also a gateway for other opportunities for those who are interested in: participating as a Panelist (paid Story Teller/Speaker) during the DBH/MRS Recovery Foundations Training (RFT) and during other speaking engagements; joining the Philadelphia Compact and partnering with other Family Advocates and Recovery-Oriented Change Agents throughout the behavioral health system in Philly. Please note that space is limited and registration is required. (Please register early!) Sponsored by:

New Business > Stepping out on Faith

shipman — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:22:04 GMT

Great News !!! One of our members have launched a business Message List Reply | Forward | Delete Message #3120 of 3120 < Prev | Next > After months of planning, or just plan O talk in about it, the family business is ready to go public. My son Ronald Shipman is the driving force in this venture that we are committed to make successful. The enterprise is offing a few services, housing, employment, career development and identification, and life and health insurances. We also do insurance education, meaning we review your policy and explain in lay person terms what type of plan you have. We are eager to meet with you and your agent and recommend a better plan with the same agent and insurance company, it is called a conversion. It a person has a condition that is hard to get coverage for they may need to keep it or convert. We will help families and individuals obtain and review credit reports, identify items that are negative and explain how to get those items removed. Most of us lose jobs or cannot get them because of our credit score or a minor blemish on the record report. We have contact with agencies and organizations that are assisting formerly convicted folks. People whom are no longer on probation and or parole, folks that are seeking Clemency and a second chance at employment opportunities. They learn about the Pardon process and will be instructed to begin the paperwork to have items expunged. Another feature offered by the SFS is the background application, criminal, child abuse and the newly requested FBI reports. There is a $100 dollar package for all three. we have been getting repeated request about finding a fiscal agent with a 501c3, this has been a great produce for us. Where else can you get a 501c3 umbrella organization that will be up and running in 30 days or lest. What i love about it is they do all of the paperwork and also deals with the IRS for the non profit program. we have insurance plans that cover final rites funds, from birth to age 99, had to insure plans like HIV, Cancer etc. For more information, sign a note to shipmanfs at gmail.com our relay number is 215-253-4918 or toll free 866-485-1514 Please pass the word

Losing one's voice is a terrible thing as with any disability....notes like this one keeps me going

shipman — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:42:54 GMT

Losing one's voice is a terrible thing as with any disability....notes like this one keeps me going ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Mel Dubovick <meldubovick@embarqmail.com> Date: Sat, Aug 15, 2009 at 11:21 AM Subject: Message from your NSDA Regional Rep To: One of the advantages of being at the regional level within the NSDA is, I have the opportunity to share information with others around the US. What follows is an email from Patricia Hill of the Glendale California Support Group.It is a summary of a meeting with guest speaker Kathy McCoy, PhD in psychology. " Dr. McCoy has gone on national talking tours, written over a dozen books and articles, and appeared on TV, including Oprah among other accomplishments. She has had patients dealing with toxic exposure, severe pain, and a myriad of psychological issues brought on by trauma. Dr. McCoy spoke about her own struggles with vocal problems brought on by histoplasmosis (fungal infection of the lung). She experienced coughing, voice loss, and swallowing difficulties. After losing her lung, she experienced vocal chord damage during the surgery. Although she does not have SD, she can empathize with us. She has also been able to observe the affects of SD on her friend for the past 60 years. Summary: 1. Voice loss can bring about a gauntlet of questions and it is only NORMAL to wonder if it is anxiety or if it is "all in your head." 2. Your voice is a huge part of who you are. Your identity is tied to it so it can be a great loss, whether it comes on suddenly or over time. 3. In dealing with the loss, you can use wit, humor and timed remarks but you have to work that into your personality because humor can be touchy when coming from someone who doesn't usually relate that way. 4. You will meet people who are rude and assume that you are not doing what you should to correct your voice. You need to categorize these people such that they will fall into a group that you consider uninformed. Educate them if they are open to it, but move on and give them little credence if not. You need to be assertive about your voice disorder because you know more about it than the public. Don't let them tell you what you "should do". Take control. 5. In close relationships, birth family, married family, and friends might tell you to just relax or get over it (your voice disorder). Again you need to empower yourself and take control by telling them that you have a neurological disorder and you don't just get over it. 6. With a voice disorder, it is an emotional journey as you grow in inner strength. Recognize your limitations, but go with your strengths. KNOW THAT YOU ARE GOOD. 7. With a voice disorder, you look healthy so people tend to be insensitive. Take this into consideration to understand where they are coming from. 8. When you first meet someone, use the words "I need" because in general people like to help. So if you say "I need" you to listen carefully because I have a voice disorder, you will get a better response. Do not go into any explanation other than that, because people have other things to occupy their lives. If they ask questions, that is fine to tell them more. 9. Never apologize for your voice disorder. Some people will be responsive and others will not. 10. People will make assumptions about you because of your voice disorder. "Don't let yourself off the hook." You need to put yourself out there a little bit at a time. Don't opt out of things, like conversations, because of fears and insecurities. 11. Self confidence becomes eroded but YOU are the one that needs to take positive steps to get that confidence back. Surround yourself with positive people and assert yourself in a supportive environment. 12. Once you've built your "treasure chest of positiveness", you will be easier on yourself and "be good enough" to face the world. Positive self talk is very important when stress is coming on. 13. You will have tribulations and triumphs. Just remember that "this too will pass" and carry on. 14. If there are breaks in family communications, just say NO to their attitudes toward you and free yourself. Take responsibility for yourself as it is very empowering. Clarify your feelings, your needs, and deliver the facts about SD. 15. In the face of adversity, rely on your strengths. Get outside of yourself and reach out to someone who is in need, i.e., Big Brothers, feeding the homeless, church activities, etc. 16. Stop being your own worse enemy. Don't blame or criticize yourself. Use your body language to carry you through the rough times. 17. Continue to participate and email with each other as you will learn more from each other than any other group. 18. There is not always a solution or a fix. We can't be perfect. In winding up, I'd like to share a paraphrased quote from an old movie "Bicentennial Man" with Robin Williams. He is an android who is made into a humanoid. The scientist who helps to transform him says, "What makes a human perfect are the imperfections that make him an individual."" Sincerely, Mel Dubovick NSDA Regional Representative, Eastern Region The Villages, FL -- Bob Shipman http://philly1.com/ Subscribe: parentpartner-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Description A group for Philadelphia parents who have found employment or are now seeking employment through a welfare-to-work program in Philadelphia and want additional information related to helping their kids in school and in the community. Welfare-to-work helps parents get jobs. The Philadelphia Parent Partner list helps parents support their children. Both are needed to insure success in the workplace and the community. Subscribe: parentpartner-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Somewhere

shipman — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:35:03 GMT

We are all longing to go home to some place we have never been — a place half-remembered and half-envisioned we can only catch glimpses of from time to time. Community. Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without having the words catch in our throats. Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us, eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate with us whenever we come into our own power. Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of healing. A circle of friends. Someplace where we can be free. Starhawk

Join Parent Partner group to stay ahead of the games

shipman — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:41:30 GMT

Join Parent Partner group to stay ahead of the games, your family well being is on the line. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/parentpartner/ According to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, at least 21 states have made cuts to public health programs, 22 states have cut programs for the elderly and disabled, 24 states have cut aid to K-12 education, and 32 states have cut assistance to public colleges and universities. The devastation is in the details: In California, around 500,000 children face being denied health coverage due to cuts in a welfare-to-work program. Minnesota has eliminated a program that provides health care to 29,500 low-income 21 to 64 year olds. Rhode Island has eliminated health insurance for home-based childcare providers. Maine has cut funding for homeless shelters. Maryland has cut funding for a school breakfast program. In Tennessee, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 seriously ill people are expected to lose hospitalization and other needed medical services. In Washington, between 7,000 and 17,000 residents will no longer qualify for a public health care plan for people living just above the poverty line. Utah has cut Medicaid funding for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and hearing services for adults. Michigan, Nevada, California and Utah have dropped coverage of dental and/or vision services for Medicaid recipients. Alabama has canceled services that allow 1,100 seniors to stay in their own homes and avoid being sent to nursing homes. Georgia has cut back on programs that offer the elderly Alzheimer services, drug assistance, and elder support, and made a $112 million cut in an initiative designed to help close the gap in funding between wealthy and poor school districts. Arizona has cut cash assistance grants for 38,500 low-income families. Louisiana has made cuts that could keep mentally ill individuals from receiving the medication they need to manage their conditions. Nevada will make it harder for low-income families to receive cash assistance and health insurance. Virginia has decreased payments for people with mental retardation, mental health issues, and problems with substance abuse. Illinois has cut funding for child welfare and youth services programs. Connecticut has cut programs that help prevent child abuse and provide legal services for foster children. Massachusetts has ordered cuts in geriatric mental health services, and prescription drug assistance, and made cuts in Head Start, universal pre-K programs, and services to help get special-needs children ready for school. Keep in mind, all these services are being cut at a time when more and more people are finding themselves in need of them. It's a perfect storm of suffering. Time for us to refocus and get serious about our opportunities here at ArborEarn center. Join us at Philly Parent Partner Yahoo group to stay in touch and updated http://groups.yahoo.com/group/parentpartner/

National Health Care is NOW, The FED MUST GO !.

shipman — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:40:24 GMT

UNCLEJOE I'm a Fan of UNCLEJOE The Health Plan in Congress obviously is a ploy to take National Health Care off the Table. There are no compromises to make; either America enters the modern age like Germany, England, Canada and all the Communist countries and accepts NATIONAL HEALTH CARE or we will continue to have millions of Middle Class worker get thrown into poverty because of one major illness in the family, and we will continue to be out-priced in the international market because our industries have the heavy added expense of paying for medical care for their employes. The time for National Health Carre is NOW. We lost the bailout trillions down the Wall Street deep pockets, we are are once again in an Afghan Vietnam morass up to our ass; Obama has two strikes and we are only in the first inning. We lose our chance for the same health care our hired servants, our Congressmen get and we have to face the reality that our country belongs to that foreign company called the FEDERAL RESERVE BANK. Figure it out, they and their people always win and 99.5 %of Americans always lose. You don't need Master's Degree in Economics to have Common Sense. Our leaders are lost, out of control or corrupt. either way we have to take a lesson from the courageous Iranian or lose it all to a foreign consortium, THE FEDERA RESERVE BANK. The FED MUST GO !.

Movie documenting one of the worst race riots, the terror and destruction of Black Wall Street

shipman — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:55:02 GMT

Public Service Announcement For Immediate Release July 9, 2009 CONTACT: Rev. Renee McKenzie, PhD, Pastor Calvary Episcopal Church 215-222-2070 Minister Ari S. Merretazon, M.S.CED, Regional Representative N’COBRA 215-850-1699 Movie documenting one of the worst race riots, the terror and destruction of Black Wall Street Recently, the Northeast Working Group of N’COBRA (National Coalitionof Blacks for Reparations in America ), and Calvary Episcopal Church agreed to host reparations education for Blacks in America . This monthly event is a called Reparations Education and Organizational Spotlight (REOS). On Friday, July 17, 2009 from 6:30PM-9:30PM, at Calvary Episcopal Church 814 N. 41st Street, Philadelphia , PA, in Thomas Logan Hall, the documentary “B lack Wall Street” will be shown. It is absolutely free to the public, but an R.S.V.P. is required. Call 215-222-2070 today to reserve your seat for the documentary “ Black Wall Street .” The documentary “Black Wall Street” examines the historical racial terror that occurred on May 31, 1921, the successful Black Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma was completely destroyed by one of the worse race riots in U.S. history. “With a defenseless Black community before them, a White mob advanced to the Greenwood district where they first looted and then burned all Black businesses, homes, and churches. Any Black resisters were shot and thrown into the fires.” Tulsa Tribune Ample parking is available on the Church’s parking lot at the intersection of 41st and Parrish Streets. The public is urged to call 215-222-2070 today to reserve your seat for the documentary “ Black Wall Street .” Mzee Ari S. Merretazon,M.S.CED N'COBRA Board Member Northeast Regional Representative Co-Chair, Financial Divestment Committee Member, Philadelphia Chapter www.ncobraphiladelphia.org America, never forget, 1) reparations is/are the cross-road solution to our human capital infrastructure," and 2) reparations are ways and means; the really real reality of human capital infrastructure development comes with The Reparations Accord for Blacks in America, which will coordinate the many ways and means of repairing the damage as a matter of public policy." Merretazon, 2008

300 Cities Have Signed Up for the Million Father March 2009. Do Not Let Your City and Men Be Left Out!

shipman — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:46:22 GMT

*300 Cities Have Signed Up for the Million Father March 2009. Do Not Let Your City and Men Be Left Out!* This event will help men become great fathers and help them to participate in their children's educational lives. It will also help schools improve attendance, academics and student behavior. *550 cities and 800,000 men expected to participate. Please call 773.285.9600 to register your city now. * *Men from San Bernardino, California lead the Million Father March in Southern California* *Dear Prospective Million Father March Organizer:* In 2009, men across America will lead their children, their families, their communities and their country back to school. Will you step up as a *Million Father March* organizer for 2009? Education in America has become an issue of national security. When American schools do not do well, the American economy does not do well. The whole country must recommit itself to educating all our children. We are asking all Americans to make the first day a school a national holiday. Fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, grandparents, other relatives and friends of all ethnicities and faith backgrounds should be at a school on the first day to encourage children to get a good education. *Fathers and families escorted children to school for the Million Father March on the first day in Portland, Oregon.* Additionally, education in the Black community has become more important than a matter of national security. It is a matter of our survival as a viable people. Black Americans should make the first day of school this year a day of absence from jobs, social, recreational and other events that are not directly related to educating children, developing families and rebuilding our communities. All Black Americans should be at an elementary, high school, pre-school or college on the first day encouraging Black children, and other children, to do well in school. Last year approximately 600,000 men in 475 cities participated in the *Million Father March* 2008. This year we expect close to 800,000 men in 550 cities to participate. Will you consider coordinating the *Million Father March* 2009 in your city? We will supply you with everything you need for a successful March. *Fathers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania take their children to school and support the Million Father March on the first day.* Please call 773.285.9600 or email blackstar1...@ameritech.net to let us know that you will help us manage the *Million Father March* in your city. Please provide your name, email address and city for our national directory. We will share your contact information and your leadership role with people in your area who might wish to support or participate in the Million Father March 2009. We look forward to working with you on behalf of fathers, their children and families in America! Please join the *Million Father March* 2009 and pass this email to others across the country who might be interested. *Men from New York City, New York take their children to school for the Million Father March on the first day.* Community organizations, churches, faith-based organizations, social service agencies, not-for-profits, municipalities, government departments, businesses and schools can take the lead on managing the *Million Father March* in their city. Sincerely, *Phillip Jackson, Executive Director, The Black Star Project* *James Parker, National General Manager, Million Father March* *Bruce Walker, Program Manager, Million Father March * *Call 773.285.9600 or email blackstar1...@ameritech.net * * Chicago and American public schools need solutions to teacher turnover In high schools, student behavior -- bad behavior, is the strongest predictor of teacher turnover. In elementary schools, it's student behavior as well, but also weak parental involvement. * * CPS needs solutions to teacher turnover Editorial - June 29, 2009 In a perfect world, all schools would have hired all their teachers by now, allowing for a smooth and seamless start for the next school year. Unfortunately that's not the world Chicagoans live in. Instead, scores of Chicago Public School principals scramble each summer to fill vacancies. About 100 Chicago public schools are the hardest hit. They lose one-third of their teachers each year, according to a report released today by the University of Chicago's Consortium on Chicago School Research. And it just gets worse as time goes on. Every three years, 100 Chicago schools, largely the same ones with those high annual turnover rates, lose more than half their teachers, the researchers found. Teacher turnover is a problem citywide -- within five years, the typical Chicago school loses half its staff -- but it's most acute in schools that need the stability the most: schools with mostly low-achieving, extremely poor and largely African-American students. This forces these schools onto a vicious, seemingly unstoppable treadmill. Each year, they frantically search for teachers and then train them, only to start again less than 12 months later. It also creates a crushing paradox. Schools get beat up year after year for low scores, as they should, but it's the low scores and associated stigma that drive away staff. And without stable staffing, it's tough to set up quality programs, train staff and build a school culture that allows for change. So how do you get off the treadmill? The U. of C. researchers first identified the markers that predict high teacher turnover -- low test scores, race and poverty. But they also carefully described the actual day-to-day conditions that drive teachers away. In high schools, for example, student behavior -- bad behavior, that is -- is the strongest predictor of teacher turnover. In elementary schools, it's student behavior as well, but also weak parental involvement. "More than half your day sometimes can be spent trying to maintain order in the classroom," said Clarissa Williams, a special education teacher at Altgeld, a low-income elementary school in Englewood. "If you get to teach something that day, you feel lucky a lot of times." But Williams is sticking it out. She just finished her third year at Altgeld, putting her in the minority among teachers in all-black, low-income schools. A key factor, she said, was the intensive mentoring she got her first two years through the Chicago New Teachers Center, which works with teachers in high-need Chicago public schools. Because of successes like that, Ron Huberman, Chicago schools CEO, plans to extend that mentoring to all new teachers, as many as 700, this fall. Now, just 350 teachers get intensive coaching. He's also piloting an effort that will bring new teachers into schools in clusters of three to seven, hoping that will provide instant, built-in support. And, he told us, he's exploring paying top teachers extra to come -- and stay -- in high-need schools. These ideas sounds promising, particularly the incentive pay. We worry, though, about keeping up the quality of the mentoring program, given its expansion in just a few months. Other mentoring programs have started with great fanfare but have produced little. Huberman admits these initiatives don't get directly at the core problems identified in the U. of C. report: bad student behavior, dysfunctional school cultures, social problems kids bring to school. He tells us a "bold safety and security" plan due in August will take on some of those issues. This page -- along with the dozens of principals who scramble each year to find teachers -- is waiting with keen interest to hear what he has in mind. * * When the Blood of Black and Latino Children Is Running in the Streets of America, Where Are the Men? * Now is the time for men to take to the streets of America as Community Peace Patrollers to help protect our children, to bring "Peace to the Hood" and to bring hope back to the people of America! With 41 Chicago children killed in the past 10 months, where are the men who are willing to simply walk up and down a street? Policing, by itself, as the major crime-prevention strategy in American cities, does not work!!! The Obama White House response to the violence in Chicago as told to the Wall Street Journal by senior advisor Valerie Jarrett was, "The government will provide an unprecedented level of support for law enforcement...." "An unprecedented level of support for law enforcement" will not and cannot stop the violence that is destroying America from within. A report from the justice Policy Intitute says, " Large-scale arrest-and-imprison initiatives often show short-term gains but make gang problems worse." The issue of Black and Latino children dying in the streets is not only a Chicago issue, it is an American issue! Every city and many small towns have this same problem: children dying in the streets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6000 children and youth are murdered every year, but the blood of Black and Latino youth that runs in American streets has received little response from the White House. Until President Obama provides national leadership and federal attention on this issue--not just "support for law enforcement"--this carnage will continue. In the old west, when the law could not or would not protect the people, the people organized to protect themselves. *Now is the time for men to take to the streets as Community Peace Patrollers to help protect our children, to bring "Peace to the Hood" and to bring hope back to the people of America! * We are not the police. We will not pretend to be the police. And we will not act as police. We are men from the community who will work to bring peace to the community by: - walking American streets in squads of six - delivering life-improving information to young people in desperate situations - talking to and mentoring youth - becoming a model of hope for struggling communities - bringing a sense of peace and security back to violence-ridden and war-torn communities - encouraging men in churches, fraternities, veteran's organizations, Masonic orders, athletic teams, community organizations and other natural-assembling bodies to stand up and be men of service, hope and action to our children, to our communities and to our America [image: Black Star Logo] Men walking the streets in Community Peace Patrols can help stop the violence and give hope to desperate communities. Just as every city has a police department, every city must have a Community Peace Patrol. Please ask President Obama to send help that we can use-jobs, job training, educational programs, community development, family-building assistance and social support programs--during the worst U.S. economy in 80 years. We need a trickle-up stimulus plan, not simply more police. We are willing to work for America, and we desperately need the White House to work for us because we, too, are America. Please join the Community Peace Patrol by calling 773.285.9600. Women may volunteer to support this effort with administration and contributions. Phillip Jackson The Black Star Project 773.285.9600 * Surprising number of U.S. teens believe they will die young, study finds * Surprising number of U.S. teens believe they will die young, study finds A surprising number of teenagers - nearly 15 percent - think they're going to die young, leading many to drug use, suicide attempts and other unsafe behavior, new research suggests. By: *Lindsey Tanner, Associated Press * Published *June 28 2009* * CHICAGO* - A surprising number of teenagers - nearly 15 percent - think they're going to die young, leading many to drug use, suicide attempts and other unsafe behavior, new research suggests. The study, based on a survey of more than 20,000 kids, challenges conventional wisdom that says teens engage in risky behavior because they think they're invulnerable to harm. Instead, a sizable number of teens may take chances "because they feel hopeless and figure that not much is at stake," said study author Dr. Iris Borowsky, a researcher at the University of Minnesota. That behavior threatens to turn their fatalism into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Over seven years, kids who thought they would die early were seven time more likely than optimistic kids to be subsequently diagnosed with AIDS. They also were more likely to attempt suicide and get in fights resulting in serious injuries. Borowsky said the magnitude of kids with a negative outlook was eye-opening. * 'Great opportunity'* Adolescence is "a time of great opportunity, and for such a large minority of youth to feel like they don't have a long life ahead of them was surprising," she said. The study suggests a new way doctors could detect kids likely to engage in unsafe behavior and potentially help prevent it, said Dr. Jonathan Klein, a University of Rochester adolescent health expert who was not involved in the research. "Asking about this sense of fatalism is probably a pretty important component of one of the ways we can figure out who those kids at greater risk are," he said. The study appears in the July issue of Pediatrics, released Monday. Scientists once widely believed that teenagers take risks because they underestimate bad consequences and figure "it can't happen to me," the study authors say. The new research bolsters evidence refuting that thinking. Cornell University professor Valerie Reyna said the new study presents "an even stronger case against the invulnerability idea." "It's extremely important to talk about how perception of risk influences risk-taking behavior," said Reyna, who has done similar research. Fatalistic kids weren't more likely than others to die during the seven-year study; there were relatively few deaths, 94 out of more than 20,000 teens. * National survey* The researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative survey of kids in grades 7 to 12 who were interviewed three times between 1995 and 2002. Of 20,594 teens interviewed in the first round, 14.7 percent said they thought they had a good chance of dying before age 35. Subsequent interviews found these fatalistic kids engaged in more risky behavior than more optimistic kids. The study suggests some kids overestimate their risks for harm; however, it also provides evidence that some kids may have good reason for being fatalistic. Native Americans, blacks and low-income teens - kids who are disproportionately exposed to violence and hardship - were much more likely than whites to believe they'd die young.

HIV prevention advocates protest what they say are inadequacies in Obama's budget.

shipman — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:32:30 GMT

SYRINGE SONG: HIV prevention advocates protest what they say are inadequacies in Obama's budget. [ things obama can do better ] A week ago, Jeffrey Crowley, director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, spoke to a group of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment advocates at the 10th annual HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit, hosted by Philadelphia FIGHT, a local HIV/AIDS service organization. It was the first time a White House representative had ever attended the event, and after years of AIDS policies sometimes influenced by conservative religious notions rather than data, many in the AIDS prevention community have looked at President Barack Obama's election as a moment of great opportunity. Crowley was indeed received warmly. But he might have had a better reception still if he'd shown up a few weeks earlier, before Obama revealed his budget. Following Crowley's speech, a member of the audience asked the director why the president did not ask Congress to lift a decades-old ban on the use of federal funds for syringe exchange programs — a ban which, during his campaign, Obama had said he would end. "The president has a belief that we should lift the federal ban. ... Some people, I know, were disappointed that in the context of our budget we didn't do that," Crowley acknowledged. "In a number of areas," he continued, "not just around syringe exchange, but choice, stem cell research — he's said we will advance our policy goals separately from the budget." For some in the audience, the subtext was familiar and frustrating: Syringe exchange, Crowley seemed to be acknowledging, is a touchy subject — too touchy right now. "I was furious," says Sam Sitrin, who works for Prevention Point, the nonprofit that runs Philly's only city-sanctioned needle exchange. "To say that it's too controversial to help people get services that will save their lives, it's unacceptable." The controversy around needle exchange is endlessly frustrating for advocates, because the data is so uncontroversial. An abundance of studies have shown that needle exchange programs prevent HIV and Hepatitis C infection among needle drug users; plenty of data also shows the programs don't encourage drug use. This much has been recognized before by the White House, under President Clinton's administration, which nonetheless failed to lift the ban. Jane Shull, executive director of Philadelphia FIGHT, acknowledges the frustration, but thinks the administration may have reason to proceed carefully. "The Clinton administration ... tried to lift the ban on LGBTs in the military and we ended up with 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' which was a disaster," Shull says. She thinks Crowley's message was that the administration just needs a little more time. "'Give us a chance to do what we need to do to lift [the ban],' — that's not what he said, but that's how I interpreted it," Shull says of Crowley's remarks. http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/07/02/needle-in-a-haystack At a rally this Tuesday, about 100 activists called on the government to lift the ban, and right two additional perceived wrongs. They want more money for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). Some 600 people in the region receive aid for housing through the program, says Paul Chrystie, director of communications for the city's Office of Housing and Community Development. The rental-assistance waiting list, however, currently hovers at about 150 people, and Obama flat-funded the program this year. "Obviously if there were more funding, we'd be able to get people off the waiting list," Chrystie says. Activists also want the U.S. to deliver on a promise made last year for $50 billion over five years to fight AIDS, as well as tuberculosis and malaria, around the world. Obama's budget offers only about $5.6 billion of the roughly $10 billion it would take to meet that goal. "We've come up with $9 trillion for banks, just like that," points out Kaytee Riek, rally organizer and volunteer for ACT UP. But perhaps what's so maddening to the HIV/AIDS prevention community when it comes to syringe access is that the ban isn't about more money. Prevention Point Executive Director José Benitez feels the impact on his organization's needle exchange program, which serves 3,700 people annually and has results to show: According to the city AIDS Activities Coordinating Office, the number of cases of HIV/AIDS likely resulting from drug use has declined significantly in Philadelphia — the only cause of infection for which this is true. Federal funding, Benitez says, could allow programs like his to reach more people. "It just doesn't make sense to have a policy that doesn't let us expand," he argues. "While politics are going on, there is an urgency out here to save people from new infections." (isaiah.thompson@citypaper.net) http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/07/02/needle-in-a-haystack

Wm Penn High School > A Community Victory

shipman — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:17:13 GMT

This old war horse has lived to see the next generation stand and take control, my thanks to each and everyone one of you for coming into my life and allowing me to take a step back or two so that the new brilliant minds can carry the load, and lead us to victory. I would like to thank my two partners that helped me and Ruth picket the school district headquarters , Ronald Shipman Scott (wm penn comprehensive daycare alumni class of 2002) and (Bobby Shipman IV) both did what they could to get the staff and visitors at the District to take notice. It is their future and their victory as well! On Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 9:17 AM, Bunmi Samuel <friendsdirector@gmail.com> wrote: Good Morning Good People: I concur with Allison that yesterday was a momentous occasion in our community. It felt so good to stand with community residents like Dorris Berris who have lived around William Penn for over 40 years and attended Penn in the 50's, and 17 children did so as well. Or to stand side by side with young people from Richard Allen boldly holding signs for the duration of the hearing, even after Chairman Bob Archie continually asked "whether we wanted to sit and whether we were tired". Or listening to the powerful and riveting testimonies of all of you- like a beautiful orchestra playing a symphony; everything came together- the historic overview of Miriam Evans, the policy and detailed perspective of W. Curtis Thomas, the focused words of Mr. Heard (which raised silence among the SRC Members and Financial Officer Mr. Masch), the alumni clarity of Shauntie Agnew, Nicole Airs, and Ronald Shipman, the piercing impact of Ms. Ruth Birchett, and so many other students, parents, and community members. Many thanks to the Friends Neighborhood Guild for continually supporting the hard issues. The State Rep.'s office for being a central force and taking a stand when other officials did not show up. And of course Allison for your selfless service and energy. Thank you to all those who canvassed/Rallied (Monica, Angella, Michelle, Keith, Ronald, Tamara, Allison, Ms. Ruth, Ms. Dyson) in the rain or shine, while talking to people who may of had doubts. To the 1,000's who signed the petitions on and offline. Thank you to all those who attended Tuesday meetings, made phone calls, spoke about the issue at the water cooler, at work, in church or in the neighborhood. The issue was on everyone's lips. Reverend Johnson for your wise words and consistency. All the people we don't see, but support by writing blogs and communicating on Facebook. Thanks to the media leaders Micah Simms, Elisha B. Morris, Gabriel Bryant, Maisha Sullivan, other sources. Our online push (Thank you Antoinette, Rashad, Aashir, Bob Shipman, Moses Mayes) power has grown to a community of 1,000 over one month, database of 1500 over two months, and pride within the community that is immeasureable. I was at a restaurant last night and the waitresses were talking about William Penn, relating the William Penn School staying open to opportunities to keep working. Surrounding small businesses that may of otherwise closed when anti-community development arrived have a stake at the public school staying open. William Penn's Revitalization means an opportunity to discuss economic equity and redevelopment in our communities as well. More Thank You's: We have captured some great footage and a treatment for the Save William Penn Documentary (thanks to Johnathan Centeno, Aisha Winfield), and proposal/articles (thanks to Akilah Green, Weldon Mc Williams, so many others). Also, United Impact for bringing to the Coalition's attention the inconsistencies in the facility issues and assessments. Thank you to the Philly Student Union-Erika Almiron and her students for taking interest and recommending great ways to engage young people. Thank you Tamara Ali for fundraising and establishing an event presence. Thank you Ockimay for producing the parent list that was difficult otherwise to come by. I look forward to meeting on Tuesday to begin the planning process. I want to request everyone who testified to forward a copy of your document , so we can keep it on file. It is extremely important to document the process-happenings. It happened so fast, and keeping the pulse of how it happened is key. In addition, we need to continue to canvass, build our online community, grow our alumni, parent, student, and community support-and keep a steady management of the issue as it develops. THE SCHOOL REMAINS OPEN, BUT WE ARE JUST BEGINNING! I apologized if I missed anyone. I'm working on 4 hrs. of sleep. All in All, please tell everyone you know about what you experienced and when you have a chance journal, so you capture the event while its still new. Later today a press release will be distributed from the Coalition to the news and television media. Please stand by for a copy. Humbly, Bunmi Samuel Coalition for the Revitalization of William Penn William Penn EPIC Stakeholders Friends Neighborhood Guild 215-989-9809 friendsdirector@gmail.com -- Bob Shipman http://twitterlistbuilder.com/rmship Subscribe: parentpartner-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Description A group for Philadelphia parents who have found employment or are now seeking employment through a welfare-to-work program in Philadelphia and want additional information related to helping their kids in school and in the community. Welfare-to-work helps parents get jobs. The Philadelphia Parent Partner list helps parents support their children. Both are needed to insure success in the workplace and the community. Subscribe: parentpartner-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Green Jobs Philly News #12

shipman — Fri, 29 May 2009 01:44:53 GMT

Green Jobs Philly News #12 Paul is our leader with this awesome site, please place a ad with this group...TRIBE.NET Family http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news/ This newsletter is broadcast MONTHLY to 5,024 Philadelphia officials, businesses, environmentalists, organizers, jobseekers. SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE: paul5glover@yahoo.com Divine Green Lorraine, by Aaron Birk ©2009 Green Jobs Philly HISTORIC PRESERVATION INCENTIVE ACT (House 42) would provide grants to $15,000 for external restoration or rehab of historic homes, and tax credits up to $500,000 for rehab of historic businesses. —Pennsylvania Works says that “restoring historical assets would create “local jobs in restoration, construction and other crafts and trades. —”Studies show that rehabilitating existing buildings creates more jobs for the same dollar of investment in new construction because rehabilitation is more labor-intensive.” Pennsylvania is one of four states east of the Mississippi River that still lacks a tax credit for rehabilitating historic commercial buildings. GREEN JOB TRAINING SOLAR STATES connects public school students with the green collar economy through training and jobs, partnering with Philadelphia high schools to create solar energy courses. Micah Gold-Markel GREENFIELD RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM and Mural Arts Program “reconnect young people to their community… by creating murals and engaging in community revitalization through workshops with youth from St. Gabriel’s Hall, E3 Centers, VisionQuest, and men at the State Correctional Institution at Graterford. Robyn Buseman 215.685.0756 robyn.buseman@muralarts.org http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news/ MAXWELL EDUCATION GROUP TEACHES SOLAR INSTALLATION 215 840-1259 JOIN (Job Opportunity Investment Network) will “identify, recruit and evaluate 500 new and marginally-employed [Philadelphia] workers and pair them with green job opportunities. JOIN will use community organizations to recruit potential trainees, assess their current skills, and provide pre-training and work preparation skills…” ____________ GREENWORKS PHILADELPHIA is the City’s smart and detailed guide to government and corporate leadership that will make Philadelphia “America’s Greenest.” This new 67-page report by the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability proposes 15 targets and dozens of specific actions for 2015. All but trash-to-energy are environmentally-friendly . Some of these recommendations are quite bold, yet they’re offered as “only the first step in a long-term effort to rebuild Philadelphia…” —REFRESHINGLY, 40 YEARS AFTER the collapse of heavy industry, Philadelphia is shaking off rust to think big. Our mayor now flexes policy muscle for urban agriculture, more transit and bikes, fewer cars; endorses more trees, weatherization, solar, wind, recycling; less trash. This is an excellent document. —YET IT SHOULD BE NOTED that the greenest of America’s cities are not sustainable, because they are dependent on imported oil, natural gas, uranium and food. For Philadelphia to thrive fifty years hence, every neighborhood will rebuild, to the last nut and bolt, with new dwellings and tools which feed, fuel, water and house comfortably without centralized fuels. We will make this city unrecognizably superior. —Greenworks exists because the public demands change and the good work that change brings. —SEVERAL SACRED COWS stand across the green path. Health insurance is dead weight on Philadelphia’s green future, diverting taxes from schools, swimming pools, libraries, clinics, and retrofit. Absentee landlords, including City Hall, squat on empty land that could be feeding people. Committing vast acreage to agriculture permanently redefines profit and urban life. Automobiles (even small ones) poison water, air, budgets and foreign policy. Streets least used can be gradually reclaimed for trolleys, bikes, emergency vehicles, gardens and play. Sewerage sends poop and pills into our rivers, basements, fisheries and bodies. There are clean alternatives. Consumers have been trained to demand lifestyles that will ruin our grandchildren. Schools should be teaching creativity more than obedience. Media need to respect the future. Population increase is less urgent than equity. —May we lead the changes that next generations will enjoy. ______________http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news/ OUR EDIBLE CITY GREENING GROCERY The Green Supermarket/Grocery Initiative intends “to bring more fresh food into communities by leveraging the energy-saving power of environmentally sustainable building practices to make carrying fresh food economically feasible.” PHILADELPHIA LOCAL FOOD GUIDE 2009 is insert in City Paper 5/14. Lists all places to get locally grown and produced food, including restaurants, stores, co-ops, farmers’ markets, CSAs, institutions, etc. FARM PHILLY proposes AQUAPONICS FARMERS’ MARKETS DELAWARE RIVER WATERFRONT CORPORATION (formerly Penn’s Landing) Caryn Hunt “A great opportunity for anyone interested in food retail and/or urban agriculture.” EMERALD STREET URBAN FARM SLOW FOOD PHILADELPHIA LOCAL FOOD PHILLY FAIR FOOD PHILLY by Fair Food Farmstand in Terminal Market EDIBLE LANDSCAPES AT SCHUYLKILL CENTER SEEK VOLUNTEERS to help 6 artist teams create an art garden: “vegetables native to the Americas, a water-runoff collected and irrigation project, a medicinal herb garden, apple orchard, and raised bed garden with a tiny art studio in the middle!” Help dig, plant, weed, harvest. zcohen@schuylkillcenter.org PHILADELPHIA ORCHARD PROJECT WISH LIST: tax-deductible donations of orchard plant materials: figs, kiwi vines, raspberries, comfrey, strawberries, wheelbarrows, shovels, garden rakes, trowels, pruning tools, hoses, soaker hoses, gator bags, Mushroom compost delivery, Grape trellis construction, Rainwater harvest installation. http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news/ THE CITY THAT ENDED HUNGER GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNERS: ($10 from Earth Bread Brewery, Infusion Coffee & Tea, High Point Cafe: LAZAR, AIMEE, LAURAWEIS, reply with mailing address to claim. ________ GREEN MEDIA GRID MAGAZINE #4 CBS3 GREEN SCENE THE METROPOLITAN MOMENT: special Daily News green Philadelphia section with Plan Philly EARTH-TO-PHILLY GREEN IN CHESTNUT HILL (GRINCH) ____________ GREEN MONEY PA FOUNDATIONS ONLINE searches 2,140 statewide grantors by keyword and/or address. Current specific information on funding is available for a few dollars monthly. Also available free, at Free Library on the Parkway. Don Nye 215-592-4035 GREEN BANKERS: Philadelphia’s new e3bank launches its $30,000,000 private equity offering. Minimum investment $5,000. Weekly Webinars for potential investors Wednesdays, 3:30pm. invest@e3bank.com. FEDERAL RECOVERY ACT FUNDING for local governments and non-profits with shovel-ready projects that will save or conserve a minimum of 25% energy. Scheduled for mid-June. PENNSYLVANIA SOLAR ENERGY PROGRAM reimbursements and loans for alternative energy. Administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Environmental Protection. PENNSYLVANIA SUNSHINE SOLAR PROGRAM provides $100 million grants for solar electric (PV) and solar hot water for homeowners and small businesses. PENNSYLVANIA ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PEDA) GRANTS for alternative energy. Most types of business are eligible, including most non-profits, municipalities, colleges and universities. Deadline 5/29. PENNSYLVANIA POTENTIAL FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SOLAR ENERGY http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news/ GREEN WAREHOUSE 380,000 ft2 (9th at Girard, a.k.a Quaker Warehouse or John Wanamaker) being organized by Community Land Trust Corporation as green incubator plus intergenerational housing. Weatherization & Insulation Enterprises, Energy Efficiency , Solar, Geo-thermal, Green House, Green Roof, Community Gourmet Test Kitchen, Cafeteria & Food Service Enterprises, 24 hour Daycare & Laundry, Community Environmental Education, Industrial Warehouse. Eloise Edmonds ____________________ GREEN GOING NEW BIKE RACKS in University City. Over 100 new racks were installed throughout University City and West Phila in April by the City and University City District. PHILADELPHIA 4th MOST WALKABLE CITY IN THE U.S. says WalkScore Enter your address on the website to get your neighborhood’s “walk score” as well as a list of all grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc. within walking distance. CAMAC STREET, LAST WOOD STREET IN U.S., IS NEWLY REPAIRED south of Walnut. Preserved in 1980s by neighbor advocates. Wood was once popular because quieter when horses passed. SEE PHILADELPHIA’S PAVED AREAS. Replacing paving with gardens, orchards and playgrounds will dramatically revive this city. SEPTA JOBS & SEPTA CONTRACTS __________ ETCETERAE GREENFEST PHILLY SEEKS VENDORS for 9/13, 11am-6pm. Register. Theme of this year’s event is sustainable food, but all green goods/services welcome. COMMERCIAL RECYCLING ENFORCED by RecycleNOW Philadelphia. All businesses, schools, and apartment buildings of more than six units must provide recycling for employees and/or tenants. COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE SPORT certifies marathons and other races. Boston on list; Philadelphia not yet. ARTISTS’ RESOURCE GUIDE GREEN JOBS PHILLY NEWS WISH LIST (all donations tax-deductible and matched) * reformat News and job search pages * web hosting * outreach at festivals, markets, meetings * display creation and materials * cash for display materials, web hosting, editorial, phone, mailing, literature * your display ads: $50/month for all 20 pages. —paul5glover@yahoo.com 215 805-8330 ____________ EVENTS 5/16 FAIRMONT PARK DAY 5/17 CHESTNUT HILL HOME & GARDEN FESTIVAL, Germantown Ave. 5/18 URBAN FARM ACADEMY organizational meeting, Thomas Jefferson University, 5:30-7:30pm, Jefferson Alumni Hall (JAH) conference room (Locust between 10th and 11th), mezzanine. Christiaan Morssink, Kenneth D. Smith 609-273-4525 5/21 GROWING SUSTAINABLE PHILLY NEIGHBORHOODS: How can we feed Philadelphia? Urban agriculture: exploring ways that growers, markets, and consumers can strengthen and improve Philadelphia’s access to healthy, safe and affordable food.” 6-8:30pm, Academy of Natural Sciences. RSVP 5/22 GROWING THE GRANGE 8:30am, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, workshops for the regional farming community. Expert practitioners will lead the sessions: Seed saving, hoop house construction, small space farming, business planning, more. Register Fee: $10 partial day or $15 full day. Lunch included! (scholarships available) 5/25 SUPA EVENT delete, from prior issue. 5/26 NEW VOICE OF BUSINESS: Philadelphia Chapter Kick Off Meeting, Academy of Natural Sciences, 6:00-7:30pm. “An introduction to a coalition of business organizations across the U.S. working for economically-sound, environmentally-sane solutions…” 5/27 JOBS WITH JUSTICE Celebrates 10 Years of Solidarity. Because You Only Turn Ten Once. 5:30-7pm, The William Way Center, Mark Segal Ballroom, 2nd Fl., 1315 Spruce St. RSVP Fabricio Rodriguez 215 670-5855. Cocktail Reception will celebrate Ten Leaders for Ten Years of Jobs with Justice. Keynote Speaker Arlene Hotl-Baker re: Employee Free Choice Act. Tickets $50from Fabricio 215-670-5855. Music by Lee G. Design by Soul Purl 77. 5/28 FAIR FOOD FARMSTAND FUNDRAISING PARTY celebrates doubling size, moving to 12th St side. Reading Terminal Mkt, 6:30-9pm, $15 minimum; $10 advance at Farmstand or 5/30 GREENFEST MIX-N-MINGLES for sponsors and exhibitors. AxD Gallery at 10th & Spruce. Sustainable Art Show. $10 suggested donation. FREE with GreenFest Registration & rsvp. Not open to public. 6/2 PHILADELPHIA MATERIAL PROJECT: Redeveloping Local Manufacturing Infrastructure, 8:00am - 12:00pm, Center for Architecture; 1218 Arch. Cost: $20. What will it take to redevelop vibrant, sustainable, local manufacturing infrastructure in the Philadelphia region? This half day event will begin to answer this question by bringing together professionals from different fields across the supply chain: design, materials, manufacturing, distribution and financing with knowledge specific to Philadelphia. Through case studies, facilitated discussions and brainstorming sessions, we will identify the current gaps in infrastructure and determine our common goals for local manufacturing. Presented by the Sustainable Business Network and Green Village Philadelphia 6/3, LA RECAUDACION DE FONDOS FILANTROPICOS: Un curso introductorio BIBLIOTECA CENTRAL, 1901 VINE ST 9:30am–4:30pm SKYLINE ROOM piso 4 6/5 PHILADELPHIA ECO-HOME NETWORK meet-and-greet to trade home ecology ideas, encouragement, resources. First meeting at 719 E. Passyunk Ave, 7pm, home of GreenSteps 267 519 3564 or info@greenstepsonline.us. Each meeting at new home. 6/7-12 PV AMERICA: PHOTOVOLTAIC SPECIALISTS CONFERENCE Philadelphia Mariott Hotel. 6/10 COMMERCIAL RECYCLING ADVOCACY WORKSHOP, Academy of Natural Sciences, 6:30-8pm, 6/14 ART FOR THE CASH POOR art sale & party, 120+ artists, everything under $200. http://www.inliquid.com 1400 N. American St, 1-6pm. 6/18 PHILADELPHIA GREENWORKS, 6:30-8:30pm Featuring: Dr. Mark Alan Hughes: Director of Sustainability. “an in-depth look at the first sustainability framework released by the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. 6/24 COLOR OF MONEY: Professional Development Conference for Fundraising Professionals of Color, 8am-5pm, Howard Gittis Student Center, Temple University . “Empowering today’s fundraising professionals of color. Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to secure funding for your nonprofit organizations or charitable cause.” Register: $95; $125 after 5/28 Presented by Philadelphia Foundation. ___________ http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news/ YOUR LETTERS “I am not much of a grassroots, blog writing, community activist; but I want to be. To my knowledge, there is not much of a collaborative movement for Green “stuff” in West Chester. Can you give me some tips on how to start getting people more active? I read about the council meeting that Philly is having regarding the use of plastic bags and possibly imposing a tax on each. I also read about the initiative to ban styrofoam (WHICH I AM A HUGE ADVOCATE OF!). How does one get started with these types of things in their own towns? Can you point me somewhere that I can get, for lack of a better term, “Step-by-Step” instructions on this type of thing?” –Kerry —[REPLY] There are lots of problems to fix, and lots of ways to fix them. You’ve taken the first step by listing some issues important to you. Next, research how other communities have solved the problem/s. Then imagine solutions specifically for West Chester: legislation, education, incentives, alternatives. Then find a few who agree with you (letter to editor, tabling in public places, flyers on bulletin boards, etc). Then hold your first core group meeting and gather more ideas. Start a group: give it a name easy to remember, like POP, PIF, Chesters Opposing Waste (COW). Then announce your first public meeting. Keep pushing: Yes is the only right answer. See also: wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_organizing —— “I talked to you at one of the NN meetings about putting in a rooftop garden and need to find a structural engineer. I need to find out how much weight my garage can tolerate. So if you know of anyone would you send me their name and telephone number.” –Katherine Hayden —[REPLY] The most reliable green roof firm in Philadelphia is Roofscapes. They specialize in roof garden load calculation and installation. —— “My background is in business development, sales and account management in the IT and Engineering realms, but a recent layoff has given me time to re-think my direction. With the resources and government funding now committed, the clean energy / green industry is certainly one area I’m now exploring for career options as it looks poised for a great future - particularly solar energy. Feel free to pass my attached resume along to anyone in your network that you know is looking for a solid professional.” –Scott Shaffner —[REPLY] Good luck with search. You can upload your resume at greenjobsphilly.org and there also see what your fellow jobseekers are offering. Attend relevant meetings to connect. —— “During the great depression, FDR put thousands of people back to work in the first 100 days. I genuinely like President Obama (massively better than Bush), but I believe his states-based approach and internal federal agency spending “alone” was a deployment mistake, or the best our dysfunctional system of hyped-up special interests could provide now; we’ll see what happens. I have more hope for the Van Jones-Obama efforts. At a recent press conference, I was disappointed when Obama side-stepped a tough question from a reporter about the African-American male unemployment rate in NYC now being 50%, and when could folks start “seeing” results and jobs. He talked about how the stimulus would eventually lift us all up…hmmm…that answer sounded like Bush and those ridiculous $600 checks that were part of “go shopping” after 9/11/01.” –Ed Pickett —— “Like you, I spend much of my time telling anyone who will listen about green jobs and their potential! I run a global green jobsite, RenewableEnergyJobs.com, one of the most popular in the renewables space, I wasn’t sure if you would have come across it yet as we only launched this year. —”We provide guidance, information and news on the green careers markets as well as having more than 600+ green energy jobs posted in more than 20 countries worldwide giving us as broad reach as any other site. Our Linkedin group has 5,000 members too. If you haven’t already done so I recommend you take a look. Keep up the great work!” –Sam ——- “I read about the unpaid internship in the current issue of Green Jobs Philly news. I am very interested in participating. Let me tell you a bit about myself. I am 33 years old, currently unemployed. I spent 12 years in the military, and was discharged after being injured in Iraq. I am a disabled veteran, but it is minor and does not effect my ability to work. —”I am fully computer literate with Mac and Windows, and I have been teaching myself HTML. I have no problem working outdoors, and no issues with public speaking. Anything else that may be needed I guarantee I can learn it, quickly. —”If you would like to speak with me, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.” –Mike Ulmer —[REPLY] Thanks for offering to volunteer to promote green jobs in Philadelphia. Since Green Jobs Philly doesn’t have an office– published from my room– our office is the community– meetings, festivals, farmers’ markets, events. Most of my work is collecting emails from people who’d like to receive the News, learning from them what they’re doing, helping people connect to resources. —You’ve looked at the intern page greenjobsphilly.org/static_interns.php. Please tell me which of the tasks there most suit your interests. You mentioned public speaking, and that’s a great contribution. What else catches your interest? What’s the scene in your part of town, and how do you see green jobs meeting needs there? —— “I enjoy receiving your newsletters. Keep up the great work.” –Glynis Tart —— I didn’t get to read through this whole beautiful thing yet, but CONGRATULATIONS! IT LOOKS LOVELY! Your vision is coming through STRONG. Thanks for my morning’s dosage of INSPIRATION!!” –Steph —— “Wow. Thank you for sending me the link to your newsletter; it is like an abundant garden itself. You really organized a lot of information in an easy to comprehend and navigate way. Really good format for central clearinghouse. Really nice to see this.” –Krista Bard —— “I was very encouraged and moved by the fruit tree planting efforts. I am a horticulture student at Temple University Ambler with a background in medicinal plant and healing arts studies. Since last summer, I have been working on a small medicinal plant/ vegetable community garden in Northern Liberties. I am contacting you because I’d love to be more engaged in Philly’s green movement.” –Teresa Trego —[REPLY] I hadn’t heard of the NoLibs herb garden. Good work. How’s that coming? —There are only two edible landscapers in Philadelphia. This is a huge niche for green business development . Yards should be edible as well as pretty. —As you know, volunteering often leads to employment. The several food organizations listed in Green Jobs Philly News, current and past issues, are a good place to start. Also the organizations linked from http://www.gpen.org Otherwise, link your resume from Green Jobs Philly —— “The new layout of the site is nice. Great to see how far this has come, with the beautiful pictures and graphics. Hopeful in itself!” –Steve —— —”Humans are an urban people, and our civilizations throughout history have been rooted in our cities. Therefore, the health of our civilizations is the health of our cities, and local gardening, and the reclamation of alienated spaces, to my mind, is an important component in fostering equality and mutuality in our urban communities. —“My overriding hope is that… we can reclaim urban spaces, on an appropriate scale, to produce food locally. The problem is that I have had trouble finding resources and examples of just how and where this type of work is being done. This morning, over an energizing cup of tea, I stumbled upon a seeming goldmine of resources. Green Jobs Philly is a networking site, complete with news and resources about urban agriculture and other green initiatives in Philadelphia. –Zachary Bullock —— “Thanks so much for sending your web publication—what a monumental task and wonderful community effort this is.” –Pat —— “I will make sure that the word gets out about greenjobsphilly.com up here in the Lehigh Valley.” –Matthew Tuerk, Assistant Director, Allentown Economic Development Corporation __________ GOT NEWS? paul5glover@yahoo.com http://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news/

Black Radio and the "Performance Rights" Toll Booth

shipman — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:44:36 GMT

Black Radio and the "Performance Rights" Toll Booth Submitted by Bruce A. Dixon on Wed, 05/20/2009 - http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/black-radio-and-performance-rights-toll-booth The cynically misnamed "Performance Rights" legislation will not benefit performers. It will extract a premium from radio broadcasters, killing some, and transforming others for the worse. It will create another piece of "intellectual property" which the recording industry is poised to benefit from at the expense of artists, radio broadcasters and the public, and legaiize payola. And once the performance rights toll booth is established in broadcast radio, it can and will be deployed elsewhere. HR 848 is bad news for broadcasters, bad news for artists, and bad news for almost everybody. Black Radio and the "Performance Rights" Toll Booth by BAR Managing Editor Bruce Dixon Will Saving Black Radio Save Local News And Public Service? A few weeks ago Radio One founder Cathy Hughes, echoed by Tom Joyner and dozens of other radio personalities, sounded the alarm. HR 848 they cried, a bill to make stations pay a “performance rights” fee for every song played, was a mortal threat to black radio. In a widely circulated blog post which was echo-blasted to everybody on any Radio One email list, Hughes cited black radio's stellar contributions of news, diversity and local content as reasons why African American communities should rally to protect it. She even claimed black talk and gospel were “money losing formats” as if these were public services and tithes offered out of Radio One's bottomless reservoir of corporate good will. The laughter was pretty hard to suppress. Commentators like Paul Scott and Mark Anthony Neal ran columns titled “Should We Save Black Radio?” and “Should Black Radio Die?” to which they answered “probably not” and “maybe.” The widely known fact, as BAR's Glen Ford pointed out six years ago in “Who Killed Black Radio News” is that Radio One led the industry in purging news, public service and local content of all kinds from its airwaves in favor of cheap, syndicated, uninformed talk, mostly about celebrities and relationships. Radio One's payola-influenced playlists are indistinguishable from its white-owned black radio competitors. Perhaps to protect their audiences from too many confusing facts, Tom Joyner, Cathy Hughes and the rest of the "save black radio" posse never mention that white broadcasters, the National Association of Broadcasters in fact, are just as opposed to HR 848 as they are, for most of the same reasons. So the truth is surely more complicated than Cathy Hughes and her posse would have us believe. http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/black-radio-and-performance-rights-toll-booth

Black Contracts find > Keystone HELP Contractor Training

shipman — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:12:58 GMT

PA HOME PERFORMANCE 101 - The House as a System Pennsylvania’s new energy conservation and energy efficiency legislation will provide plenty of opportunities for home performance businesses and contractors. PA Home Performance 101 will provide a one-day introduction to home performance concepts and related programs / incentives for current and prospective Keystone HELP contractors and remodelers. ATTENTION KEYSTONE HELP APPROVED CONTRACTORS: Unless you are BPI or RESNET certified this training is required for all Keystone HELP Approved Contractors who wish to attain the status of "Trained Contractor" and be able to perform work under the Keystone HELP Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Whole House Improvement Loan Program. By attending this session, participants will: Learn the “house as a system” approach to energy conservation and energy efficiency Understand the market forces affecting homeowners (consumer demand, utility rate caps, energy cost volatility, national security, climate change policy, etc. New Low Loan Rates and Rebates through Keystone HELP State Incentives (DEP, PHFA, AEPS, Act 129, etc.) PA Home Energy and HOME PERFORMANCE with ENERGY STARFederal incentives How to integrate the “house as a system” approach into their business model This is a new training called Home Performance 101 that will allow contractors to participate in the new Keystone HELP loan/rebate program. They will need to become an approved contractor through AFC First Financial as well as attend this one-day training and pass an open book test at the end. Once all that is completed they will be designated a “trained contractor” by the state and will be searchable in a database that Keystone HELP keeps for eligible contractors across the state. They cannot participate in the majority of the work under the State’s new loan program without this training. We want to get the word out to as many Philadelphia area contractors as possible and we are hoping you will send this to your lists. Attached is the invitation to the trainings, with information about how to register and find a training near you. There is also a contractor kit to aid them in starting the process of becoming “approved” with AFC First. Keystone HELP Contractor Training PA HOME PERFO RMANCE 101 - The House as a System Pennsylvania’s new energy conservation and energy efficiency legislation will provide plenty of opportunities for home performance businesses and contractors. PA Home Performance 101 will provide a one-day introduction to home performance concepts and related programs / incentives for current and prospective Keystone HELP contractors and remodelers. ATTENTION KEYSTONE HELP APPROVED CONTRACTORS: Unless you are BPI or RESNET certified this training is required for all Keystone HELP Approved Contractors who wish to attain the status of "Trained Contractor" and be able to perform work under the Keystone HELP Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Whole House Improvement Loan Program. By attending this session, participants will: Learn the “house as a system” approach to energy conservation and energy efficiency Understand the market forces affecting homeowners (consumer demand, utility rate caps, energy cost volatility, national security, climate change policy, etc. New Low Loan Rates and Rebates through Keystone HELP State Incentives (DEP, PHFA, AEPS, Act 129, etc.) PA Home Energy and HOME PERFORMANCE with ENERGY STARFederal incentives How to integrate the “house as a system” approach into their business model To register online is $65.00 http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=727759

MEETING OF THE MINDZ", The Great Nation State Debate, and The Information for Liberation Series

shipman — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:19:47 GMT

The MWM Optimum Health and Healing Consortium, RACE1st.TV, and Black August (Philly) 2009 presents the continuation of the original "MEETING OF THE MINDZ", The Great Nation State Debate, and The Information for Liberation Series presents Dr. Delbert Blair, coming in August 2009 Dr. Delbert Blair's Lectures Dr. Delbert Blair is a Historian, Engineer, Minister, Educator & world renown Lecturer who has been seeking and disseminating wisdom for over 40 years. Some consider him controversial, while most consider him a beam of light in a vortex of darkness. Either way, His lectures and view points are always eye opening and enlightening. His areas of expertise are ancient History (Khemetic, Murish, Incallian), Comparative Religion, Wholistic Health, Safety Engineering, Herbestry, Monatomic and Nano Research, Metaphysics, Hypnosis, Electronic Diseases, Magnets and Diodes, Mind Investigative Technologies, Conspiracies and UFO Research! As a lecturer and presenter Dr. Blair draws upon 45 years of extensive research and experience. His seminars lectures and workshops have gained a reputation for being practical, dynamic, educational, multi disciplined and cultural, thoroughly satisfying and sprinkled with humor! Other invited speakesr/lecturers/presenters For August 2009 and other future sessions include: Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary Dr. Deadria Farmer-Paellman Dr. George Love Bro. Sarasuten Seti Dr. James Smalls Kwesi Ra Nehem Ptah Akhan Chanupa Kunamani (Lakotah Nation) Bro. Max Rameau (to name a few) The "Meeting of the MINDZ" forums, lectures, and Study sessions are designed to provide, share, and critique a broad spectrum of information relevant to the upliftment, enlightenment, and Liberation of African People throughout the Diaspora. The sessions cover all realms of knowledge disciplines and wisdom teachings embraced by original Peoples and Divine Universal Beings. Our Position: No one has all the answers or is the holder of all the wisdom and knowledge. It is our intent to provide insight and the motivation and inspiration for critical thinking, further research, and appropriate ACTIONS Additional "Meeting of The Mindz" Sessions and Black August (Philly) activities will include: (to name a few) Practical Self-Defense for Melanin People Pan(Global) African/Community/Village Unity and Accountability The History and Continuation of COINTELPRO in the Black/African Community What/Who You Are and What/Who You Are Not International Views, Concepts, and Applications of and for African Reparations/Restitution/Atrocities Retribution Global African/Black Liberation Movement, Nation Building, and Self-Determination Understanding and Utilizing Our Ancient Wisdom and Knowledge for True Freedom and Divine Evolution Spirituality Vs Religion Why Are There Black Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War Still Incarcerated The Sell-Out: Our Leadership, Our Culture, Our Minds, and Souls (How Do We Stop It) Watch for more information and updates about the "Meet of The MINDZ", Black August (Philly) and more coming soon at Race1st.tv and also by staying in tune each Sat. night 10:30 PM-12midnight EST to "NU Day Resurrection and Liberation" LIVE on line at: www.blogtalkradio.com/emoresschi.com or via podcast at: 646-652-2232 Remember all "NU Day" shows can be accessesd at anytime by going to the archives at the "Nu Day" website A Good way to evaluate information and stuff you believe to be true: "If you can't use it for REAL Liberation, then what good is it ?" The original and official MWM is "ON THE MOVE" and bringing forward the Million Woman Movement, A Million Black Women Rising, and the NU MAATI Society

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shipman — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:59:18 GMT

http://philly1.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/parentpartner/