POLICHICKS: June 2008

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

GREATEST MINDS Conference

GREATEST MINDS
A Gathering of Black Bostonians
A Two Day Gathering of Black Bostonians Who Are About Getting Things
Done
Friday, June 6, 2008 & Saturday, June 7, 2008

Sponsored by the National Black College Alliance's Next Generation
Program

Hibernian Hall
184 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
Dudley Square, Roxbury

Phone: 617.442.8045
Email: greatestminds@gmail.com

WHY GREATEST MINDS - A GATHERING of BLACK BOSTONIANS? Why not!

For years, Boston has struggled with its image as a city unfriendly to
its African-American residents. Along with the image goes the fact that
Boston has very little black representation in politics and in the ranks
of senior management, or civic life in general. Historically, black
professionals have come (or returned) to Boston to work, only to leave
within a couple of years.

NBCA's NEXT GENERATION is helping young individuals of color who want to
live in Boston, develop action steps to become more civically engaged to
get things done! GREATEST MINDS is about informing and leveraging the
experiences and thought power of professionals of color to make a
positive and sustainable change in Boston communities. GREATEST MINDS
goal is to bring together like minded people to initiate change and
remain committed to the goal until the goal is realized.

This conference is sponsored by the National Black College Alliance's
Next Generation program. It is also sponsored by a number of community
based agencies and other civic organizations.

GREATEST MINDS
A Gathering of Black Bostonians
A Two Day Gathering of Black Bostonians Who Are About Getting Things
Done
Friday, June 6, 2008 & Saturday, June 7, 2008

CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

FRIDAY
Friday, June 6th, 2008
5:00pm - 6:00pm REGISTRATION
6:00pm - 9:00pm OPENING SESSION

Hibernian Hall
184 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
Dudley Square, Roxbury

LEADERSHIP: Passing or Taking the Leadership Torch: An Intergenerational
Discussion about Black Leadership in Boston

FRIDAY
Friday, June 6th, 2008
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Robert Lewis, Jr., Vice President for Programs of the Boston Foundation,
Mel King, Executive Director of the South End Technology Center,
Tulaine Shabazz Marshall, Vice President of United Way of Massachusetts
Bay and Merrimack Valley,
Cynthia Loesch, Director of Community Organizing for FAMILY Inc.
Darnell Williams, President and CEO, Urban League of Eastern
Massachusetts

Moderators:
George "Chip" Greenidge, Jr., President of the National Black College
Alliance
Lynson Beaulieu, Director of Programs and Strategic Leadership, The
Schott Foundation for Public Education

FIRST FRIDAYS RECEPTION and NETWORKING

FRIDAY
Friday, June 6th, 2008
10:00pm - 2:00pm

Johnnie's On the Side
(formerly Anthem)
138 Portland Street
Boston, MA

Hosted by the First Fridays United, the A Group, Upper Echelon Events,
the GREATEST MINDS Planning Committee and National Black College
Alliance's NEXT GENERATION program

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 7th, 2008

Hibernian Hall
184 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
Dudley Square, Roxbury

8:00am - 9:00am REGISTRATION
9:00am - 6:30pm CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

EDUCATION (K-12): Where Will your Kids Go To School Charter, Public,
Private, Religious School or Be Home Schooled; A Discussion about
Education Options for Youth In Boston

9:00am - 11:30am
Michelle Brooks, Assistant Superintendent for Boston Public Schools for
Family and Student Engagement
Jean McGuire, Executive Director of METCO, Inc.
Dr. John Jackson, President of the Schott Foundation for Public
Education
Scott McCue, Principal, Boston Preparatory Charter School
Mweusi Willingham, Headmaster, the Engineering School at Hyde Park
Educational Complex
John Matthew Borders IV, Associate Director of Admissions, St.
Sebastian's School
Willie Rodriquez, Executive Director, Boston Campaign for Proficiency
Cedric Crowe, Teacher, Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School
Naia Wilson, Principal of New Mission Pilot School

Moderator:
Laina Cox, Assistant Principal, Harbor School and Board member of the
National Black College Alliance

NETWORKING LUNCH
SATURDAY
Saturday, June 7th, 2008
11:30pm - 12:30pm

NETWORKING LUNCH with Colette Phillips, Colette Phillips Communications.

Colette Phillips will introduce Kaleidoscope, a resource and
professional booklet connecting people of color with the vast
opportunities, resources and networks in the Greater Boston area. She
will also share networking strategies and tips on how you can break the
glass ceiling in Greater Boston on finding new mentors, new
relationships, and new business contacts.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Start Your Own Business in Boston; the Do's and Don'ts

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 7th, 2008
12:30pm - 2:00pm

Reggie Nunnally, Director, City of Boston Business Assistance Center
Andre Porter, Director of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Small
Business and Entrepreneurship
Ken Guscott, Founding Partner, Long Bay Management Company*
Kelly Chunn, Kelly Chunn and Associates
Terryl Callaway, President, Nex Graphix, Communications and Printing
DJ Saki, All-Nite Juice Bar
Edgard Arty, co-founding Partner, MOD Boston Clothing Boutique
Anthony Lewis, In the Streetz Entertainment/Hollyhood DVD
Barrington Edwards, Owner, Haven Arts Café

*still confirming

Moderators:
Mr. Richard Futrell, Professional Recruiter, Aerotek, Inc. and CEO, Ice
Reign Entertainment and alumni member of the National Black College
Alliance
Wynndell Bishop, Buyer, Raytheon Corporation, alumni member of the
Partnership Alumni Association and the National Black College Alliance

POLITICS: So you are interested in Running or Supporting a Candidate for
Office: The Nuts and Bolts of Political Campaigning and How To Do It
Successfully

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 7th, 2008
2:30pm - 4:00pm

Ron Bell, Director, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Civic
Engagement
Joyce Ferriabough, political strategist
Ego Ezedi, former city council candidate, City of Boston
Emmanuel Bellegarde, former state representative candidate for 12th
Suffolk District
Linda Dorcena Forry, state representative for 12th Suffolk District
Horace Small, Executive Director, Union of Minority Neighborhoods
Michael Curry, former member of Boston Urban Progressives

Moderator:
Sean Daughtry, alumni member of the National Black College Alliance,
President of the Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association,
and former member of Boston Urban Progressives

NIGHTLIFE & NETWORKING: Where Do Black People Go to Have A Good Time to
Meet People and Network: A Discussion about Options and Possibilities
and Challenges

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 7th, 2008
4:30pm - 6:00pm

Rusty Pendleton, Owner, Funky Fresh Records
Eddie Cue, Promoter and Touch 106.1 FM
Kareem Lyder, President, A1 Entertainment
Herby Firmin, Creative Director and Founder, TSM Events
DJ Nomadik, Soulkore Productions
Sali Rowe, 9 Alarms Productions,
Harold Austin, Upper Echelon/First Fridays United,
Izzy Pina, 360 Ultra Lounge
DJ Bruno, UtopiaBoston.com

Moderator:
Darius McCroey, Principal, Elevated Media, alumni member of the National
Black College Alliance and President of the Greater Boston Howard
University Alumni Association

6:00pm - 6:30pm Evaluation, Thoughts and Next Steps for GREATEST MINDS

GREATEST MINDS CLOSING RECEPTION & NETWORKING at Hibernian Hall

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 7th, 2008
8:30pm - 12midnight

Hibernian Hall
184 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
Dudley Square, Roxbury

Join us as we explore the evening and hear Boston's newest talent in
jazz, hip hop, poetry and performance. Bring your business cards and
network.

Hosted by:
Nuri Chandler-Smith, BlackOUT Boston
Herby Firmin, TSM Events, (The Social Mixxer Events and Marketing
Events)

And a Special Surprise Guest will also be in attendance. Guess who?

COME TO GREATEST MINDS and CREATE AN ACTION AGENDA FOR BLACK BOSTON IN
LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION, POLITICS, ENTREPRENUERSHIP and NETWORKING

Build your community and join young people, veteran community activists,
corporate leaders, college students, educators, and next generation
leaders as we share information and put action steps for Black Boston.

This gathering will bring together Boston's GREATEST MINDS who are about
making things happen for Black Boston. This two day event will bring
together different generations ( Generation X, Generation Y, Baby
Boomers, and Matures ) to listen, learn, network and collaborate on ways
you can make the resources in the city work for you individually and
collectively. We also encourage for you to bring your mothers, fathers,
sisters, brothers, and other family members to make this a truly
intergenerational conference. The GREATEST MINDS conference is open to
all races and ethnicities - so if you want to share information and help
- show up.

This conference will be for the first 200 people who register and pay a
registration fee of $25.00. Here is the online link to register and pay
for the GREATEST MINDS Conference:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/35459

TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND REGISTER FOR THE GREATEST MINDS CONFERENCE,
please go to the following link
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/35459

Tickets can also be picked up the National Black College Alliance office
- NBCA 2304 Washington Street, Suite 200, Roxbury, MA 02119 and at
Nubian Notions, 57 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 in Dudley Square.

LIMITED TICKETS and SEATING up to 200 people. Tickets are going
FAST!!!!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREATEST MINDS CONFERENCE, please call
617.442.8045 or email us at greatestminds@gmail.com or go to
www.nbcalliance.org for updates or contact:

Jobs/Opportunities

1)
MASSACHUSETTS NOW STATEWIDE MANAGER & LOBBYIST

RESPONSIBILITIES
The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Mass. NOW) has about 5,000 members and 9 local chapters throughout the state. The Mass. NOW Statewide Manager's primary responsibilities fall under Legislative Organizing, Fundraising, and Office Management.

The Statewide Manager will run Mass. NOW and Greater Boston NOW's legislative advocacy and internship programs as well as support fundraising efforts and will act as office manager of the Mass. and Boston NOW office (located in Boston). Specifically, the responsibilities include:

Legislative Organizing & Lobbying (50%)
· Insuring participation of NOW activists in the legislative program, including outreach to and retention of Legislative Committee members
· Involving Massachusetts NOW's membership base and chapters in the legislative program and related actions
· Representing NOW on issue-based legislative coalitions; being active in the progressive community; clearly and effectively articulating NOW's issues
· Monitoring the status of NOW's priority legislation; potentially writing and filing new legislation
· Educating and lobbying state legislators on the full range of NOW's priority issues and NOW-endorsed legislation
Fundraising (25%)
· Managing the Mass. NOW Foundation's solicitation strategies
· Setting and implementing a fundraising plan with chapter boards and Mass. NOW Foundation board
· Soliciting and stewarding Mass. NOW donors, as appropriate
Office Management (25%)
· Recruiting, screening and supervising interns
· Ensuring that the Mass. NOW office runs smoothly
· Database upkeep

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
· Demonstrated commitment to justice and equality for women
· At least one year of organizing experience preferred; fundraising experience a plus
· Ability to work with and motivate volunteers and interns
· Excellent writing and communication skills
· Ability to work independently
· At least eighteen month commitment
· Knowledge of Massachusetts political landscape a plus
· Fluency in language other than English a plus

This is a full-time time position offering a total comprehensive package of $34,000.00 annually. Women of color and LGBT individuals are encouraged to apply. E-mail applications are preferred; please send cover letter, resume, 3-5 page writing sample, and three references (with both email and phone contact information) to massnow@massnow.org with the subject: Statewide Manager Position. No phone calls, please.

Applications may also be submitted to:
Statewide Manager Search Committee
Massachusetts NOW/Boston NOW
1105 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 201
Boston, MA 02215
Fax: 617-254-9134

2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mass. Women’s Political Caucus, Inc., 501(c)4
Mass. Women’s Political Caucus Education Fund, 501(c)3
Headquartered in Boston, Mass.

The Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus seeks a dynamic and skilled Executive Director who will lead the organization in effectively achieving its mission and goals.

Founded in 1971, the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, a multi-partisan and non-profit membership organization and state affiliate of the National Women’s Political Caucus, has a mission to recruit, train and help elect and appoint qualified, pro-choice women to public office.

The primary function of the Executive Director is to provide professional management and fund raising for all MWPC and MWPC Education Fund operations. Operations include but are not limited to office administration, overview of annual budgets and proper fund allocations, fund raising and development, overview of all education programs and political work. Director will support Board and its committees with all of their work and programs.

Overview of the MWPC and its Programs

MWPC staff consists of a full-time Executive Director and a full-time Associate Director. The ED and AD also supervise interns throughout the school year including the paid internship of the Deborah Blumer Scholar, in the memory of the late state representative. With a budget of approximately $225,000 representing a combination of individual contributions and corporate support, MWPC provides workshops and training for those who are interested in seeking political office. MWPC also participates in a variety of initiatives that help promote women in elected office and to high positions in state government.

Administrative Responsibilities, office:
Oversee all day-to-day administration and maintenance of office
Computer literacy with Microsoft Office (access, excel, word)
Review and field phone calls, e-mail, fax, and correspondence
Data entry to keep the donor base and other files updated and maintained
Maintenance and updating the website
Word processing for the majority of all relative correspondence and documents
Overall responsibility for computer systems, equipment maintenance and acquisition
Keep all MWPC files in accessible order
Oversee all event planning, scheduling, program budgets and timelines
Oversee all mailing schedules and coordinate most of them
Interview and supervise college interns for additional office support

Fiscal Responsibilities
Work with Executive Committee to develop accurate annual Budget
Monitor expenditures; Working with the Associate Director, oversee processing of all bills and requests for reimbursement, and get them (properly identified as to organization and source of expenditure) for payment, with the exception of the PAC account which is overseen by the Treasurer.
Monitor revenues; Oversee processing of all revenues in office with both hard copies and database entries, and get all checks and cash (properly identified as to organization and source of income) to Treasurer for deposit

Fund Raising Responsibilities
Work with Steering Committee &/or Executive Committee to develop Fundraising Plan
Work with Special Events Committee (fund raising) to support the annual Good Guys Awards (February), the Tribute to Abigail Adams (June) and the quarterly breakfast series Commonwealth Commentary launched in Jan. 2008, including implementation of event timelines and budgets, invitations, mailings, follow-up. Staff fundraising events. Oversee collection of all revenues and expenditures as noted in fiscal responsibilities
Write and respond to any foundation grants (Heinz Foundation, etc.)
Oversee direct mail projects, such as annual membership drive, year-end-special-appeal,
and any others determined with Steering Committee
Cultivate donors and develop relationships with them to keep them engaged in contributing

Education Committee and Programs Responsibilities
Work with Education Committee to support planned educational events (such as Campaign Skills Training, Annual Meeting), including implementation of event timelines and budgets, invitations, mailings, follow-up.
Staff educational events.
Oversee collection of all revenues and expenditures as noted in fiscal responsibilities
With approval from Executive Committee, work with Coalition efforts to co-sponsor events, forums, open houses, debates, etc. in an effort to promote the Caucus and further engage women in the political process
Work with appropriate Coalitions to broaden the MWPC’s base and
strength in the effort to recruit and collectively/educationally support women candidates
Facilitate the Intern Program
Oversee all production of Educational and Resource material
Oversee any purchasing and marketing of “sales” items
Work with Newsletter Editor for timely production and content of quarterly newsletter
Advocate for issues pertinent to the MWPC as deemed appropriate by the Executive
Committee (such as preparing testimony about specific bills at the State House)
Keep informed of current events and political happenings as they relate to MWPC

Media and PR Responsibilities
Work with Board’s PR subcommittee to develop a media campaign to promote MWPC events and mission
Oversee appropriate calendar announcements, press releases, media advisories for all events and/or political endorsements in timely fashion
Maintain basic media database; cultivate some media contacts
Work with President to respond to media inquiries

Membership Development Responsibilities
Oversee annual membership recruitment mailing (January), follow-up phonathon, and 2nd follow-up mailing (March/early April)
Work with Membership Committee to host House Parties and help find appropriate events
(sponsored by other organizations) to staff a MWPC table with literature/membership
Support Steering Committee/Board to participate in recruitment of members
Oversee collection of all revenues and expenditures as noted in fiscal responsibilities

Organizational development
Assist Steering Committee/Board with Strategic Planning as needed

Relationship to Ad Hoc Committees
Staff and support needs of Ad Hoc Committees such as Nominating, Young Professionals Group, Web Site, By-Laws, etc.

Political Action
Note: the MWPC also has a Political Action Committee registered and in compliance with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance
Work with Political Action Committee to collect addresses of potential women candidates, oversee mailings of endorsement packets to candidates, oversee and track responses, set-up interviews w/PAC Board, oversee correspondence. Keep appropriate files.
Work w/Board on any events, fund raising efforts, mailings, etc. to support PAC work

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 – 5 years experience. It is critical that the candidate have a proven track record in fundraising and significant experience in political organizing. In addition, the candidate needs to be an effective communicator with public speaking and public relations skills. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To express interest in this position, please send resume and cover letter to the MWPC Search Committee at edsearch@mwpc.org

Bios and Contact Info

Heather Panahi (Co-Class Representative)
Case Study: Making 'Herstory'- Preparing Young Women for Leadership in the 21st Century
Internship: MassNOW and the Massachusetts Coalition on the Status of Women
Bio: Master's in Teaching, 8 years experience teaching Social Studies Education in both public and private high schools. Area of concentration/specialty: Political Science, Economics, African Studies, Public Speaking and Model UN. - Freelance writer and author of multicultural children's literature with a love of advocacy, activism and all things political. Just launched my first bid for local office...and lost! But determined to finagle my way into public office myself, or train future young women to do it for me!

Lily Lockhart (Co-Class Representative)
Case Study: 'No Child Left Behind' in Low Income Schools
Internship: Center for Law and Education
Bio: Intern for State Rep Balser, Chairwoman on Committee for Mental Health and Substance , Abuse HighSchool Teacher - Photo and Computer Graphics, Queens NY, predominantly minority and low income student body Photography - lilylockhart.com (this is a little out of date)General Knowledge-Special Education and Special Needs. Connections to a few Education advocacy organizations

Stephanie Drahan
Case Study: Improving Access to EC
Internship: Working for Rep. Alice Wolf's Office
Bio: Skidmore College-- Women's Studies and GovernmentVolunteer at PPLM, Naral

Penny Price
CaseStudy: Illegal Immigration
Internship: Intern for Rep. Liz Malia
Bio: Graduated in 2007 from University of Massachusetts-Boston. Currently work at ABCD University High School as a counselor.

Carol Nemet
Case Study: Licensure of Mental Health Care Providers
Internship: Intern for Rep. Thomas Calter Bio:Consolidated Mortgage Services, Senior Loan Officer and Marketing Director, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Professional Photographer http://www.imagerybydesign.com/. Knowledge and Skills- Non-profit work regarding Affordable Housing, DE FHA Underwriter

Gosia Tomaszewska
Case Study: Pay Equity in the Mental Health Field
Internship: MassNOW
Bio: BA in History and Psychology from Douglass College of Rutgers University; MA in European studies focusing on Central and Eastern Europe from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland; Research Interests: Eastern Europe/Women's Human Rights/Mental Health--more specifically Soviet bloc countries and their post-Communist histories, Polish-Jewish relations, Holocaust, collective identity of Polish women, Polish feminist movement, pay equity in the mental health field; Work experience mostly in the mental health field; fluent in Polish and speak some Russian; love dogs--have the cutest dog in the world named Dzem--a mix of a boxer and St. Bernard; partner is a computer genius so "I" might be of some help with technical issues:);

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

GREATEST MINDS Conference

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LOOKING FOR AN OP-ED?

Grace Ross

Feminism is Memory

Meeting Madeline Albright

Obama-Rama on the Comma!

Boston Peace Rally 10/27/07

The Goo Goo Dolls at Political Rally

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Polichicks Around Town

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Jobs/Opportunities

Bios and Contact Info