Tuesday, November 22, 2004: Volume #2, Issue #55
The VERB Weekly Email Digest
Edited by Sophy Pich, VERB Project Associate

Note: Documents on this page or in this section may be in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. In order to read them, you require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is downloadable free from Adobe.

In This Week's Issue

1. Announcements
• ePhilanthropy Training Tour
• FDIC
• Foundation Center
• YouthBuild Academy for Transformation Institute
• Community Network for Youth Development
• Refugee Reports
2. Promising Practices
• Why Boards don't Govern, Part 2
3. News
• Life Flows in Laos
• Education Pays Off for Hmong Woman
• New Us Ambassador Reaches Out to Rural Vietnamese
• You Are Not Alone
• St. Paul Expands Help for Hmong
• Different Cultures, Same Prize: Hmong Join in Pursuit of Trophies
• Asian Americans & 2004 Election
• Ethnic Media's Clout Grows
• Hmong Friends
• New World Awaiting Hmong in California
• Journalism Pioneers Celebrate with Asian American Journalists ...
• Hmong Are Not Alone
• Working to Register Voters Among California's Least-Registered ...
• Americans Support Compensation for Agent Orange Victims: Poll
• Kauai Woman Gets 18-Month Sentence in Cambodian Adoptions Case
• Congress OKs Hike in Laos Trade Ties
• Event to Celebrate Hmong New Year
• Vietnamese Refugee Killed in Iraq Warfare
• Hmong Protest Ethnic Cleansing
• Ex-Refugee Lives to Help Children Find Their Way
4. Funding Opportunities
• Adobe
• The Abbott Laboratories Fund
• Federal Justice Department
• New Voices
• TechSoup
• Department of Human Health Services
5. Resources
• Grassroots.org

I. Announcements

Seminars to Help Nonprofits Use the Internet

ePhilanthropy Training Tour

The ePhilanthropy Foundation's Global ePhilanthropy Training Tour offers half-day seminars designed to help nonprofit organizations learn how to effectively use the Internet to build community and attract philanthropic support online. With training provided by ePhilanthropy Master Trainers, each seminar includes case studies, best practices, tips for success, and information on the importance of the ePhilanthropy Code of Ethical Online Philanthropic Practices. Upcoming seminars in the U.S. will be held in Washington, DC; Anchorage, AK; and Naples/Ft. Myers, FL.

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The FDIC is interested in spreading the word about how our Money Smart financial education course can be used with great success in teaching college, high school and middle school students about money management. For that reason, we are contacting you about the following.

1. The FDIC wants to hear from anyone who has used Money Smart in presentations to college, high school or middle school students: We_re interested in your success stories, anecdotes, suggested do_s and don_ts, and other tips and information that other educators would find helpful. The best contributions may appear in the next issue of our quarterly online newsletter Money Smart News, which will be published in January. Please submit your information by November 30 to MoneySmartNews@fdic.gov.

2. A reminder about the new, interactive, computer-based Money Smart: This new version of Money Smart, which was unveiled in September, can be an exciting new resource in classes that use computers as teaching tools. It is available free of charge, in English and Spanish, both as a stand-alone CD-ROM and on the FDIC's Web site. To learn more about Money Smart computer-based instruction (CBI), see the Fall 2004 issue of Money Smart News. To order the CD-ROM or to access the Web version of Money Smart CBI, go to the FDIC web site.

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The Foundation Center's full-day training programs are designed to help grantseekers succeed!

We offer courses at all levels to meet the needs of proposal development specialists, beginning fundraisers, and researchers. Our expert trainers will provide you with the tools you need to successfully develop proposals, mobilize boards, create fundraising plans, or find funding prospects.

For details, cities, and dates, visit: http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/

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April 11-13, 2005, Los Angeles, CA
YouthBuild Academy for Transformation Institute
Features seven-ten exciting, interactive, and practical workshops for youth workers!

Fee: TBA. Contact: mquinn-davidson@youthbuild.org, (617) 741-1256, www.youthbuild.org/academy

October 24-26, 2005, Washington, DC
YouthBuild Academy for Transformation Institute
Features seven-ten exciting, interactive, and practical workshops for youth workers!

Fee: TBA. Contact: mquinn-davidson@youthbuild.org, (617) 741-1256, www.youthbuild.org

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Community Network for Youth Development invites you to attend our last speakers forum for 2004

Youth Voices: What We Learn from Listening to Youth with Milbrey Mclaughlin

Friday, December 10, 2004
10:00am - 12:00pm
San Francisco Downtown Center
425 Market Street, Room 301 (3rd Floor)

Only $10.00 per person
Breakfast provided!

JOIN A PANEL OF YOUTH AND MILBREY MCLAUGHLIN as she shares her finding of her Youth Voices on Learning After School research, a two year study of youth who attended the San Francisco Beacon Centers.

Come find out what was learned about: what attracted youth to participate in the after school centers what was important in their decisions to continue their participation how their experiences in the Beacon Centers compare to their experiences in school and in their neighborhoods.

There will be a panel of youth from around the Bay Area who have participated in after school programs to react to what the report is saying and share their own experiences. We will also explore as a group what the implications are for organizations that serve older youth and those that fund youth organizations.

Youth Voices on Learning After School full report and executive summary is available for download on http://www.cnyd.org!

register at CNYD's website at http://www.cnyd.org or

Email the following information to herna@cnyd.org with "Youth Voices" on the subject heading:

First Name
Last Name
Title
Organization
Phone
Email (all confirmations will be sent by email unless otherwise noted)

Community Network for Youth Development (CNYD) offers support, training and capacity building resources to youth-serving organizations and programs. We strive to strengthen programs and services for youth by providing workers and organizations with a practical link to research being done in the field.

Community Network for Youth Development
657 Mission Street, Suite 410
San Francisco, CA 94105
415.495.0622
info@cnyd.org
http://www.cnyd.org

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REFUGEE REPORTS Requests Articles/Submissions on Education

For 25 years, Refugee Reports has been a valuable and unique source of information on policies, news, statistics, and events related to the US Refugee Resettlement Program. A future issue of Refugee Reports will focus on education issues as they relate to refugees, and we welcome submissions from refugee service providers, those in the education field and/or program directors, advocates, and policy makers.

Article ideas for the EDUCATION issue (please feel free to propose other topics):

1. Bilingual education
2. Getting a GED
3. Re-certification and retraining programs
4. Financial literacy programs
5. Early childhood programs
6. Employment trainings

Refugee Voices pieces telling the story on these or other education-related topics from the refugee's perspective are also welcome.

Although we cannot pay writers, we will provide a by-line for individuals and (if requested) the organization they work for if the submission is published. We will provide writers with ten complimentary copies of the issue containing their article upon request.

The Writers Guidelines are available on-line.

The deadline for submission is November 30, 2004.

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II. Promising Practices

Why Boards Don'T Govern, Part 2

by Jan Masaoka and Mike Allison

In the last issue of the Board Cafe, we looked at the material reasons-such as lack of time, unfamiliarity with the field, lack of independent information, and aversion to conflict-that act against effective board governance. In this second part of Why Boards Don't Govern, we go beyond the idea that "boards need to be trained" and instead propose some practical ways to strengthen governance.

1. Make sure that, as a board member, you have information about the financial and program performance of the organization that comes from independent sources. Too often boards get all their information from the executive director, and may not realize that the organization is having financial difficulties until too late, or that the organization's programs are keeping up with changes in the world. To obtain independent financial information, make sure that the board (or its Audit/Finance Committee) selects the external auditor, hears the auditor's report, and has at least one meeting per year with the auditor and without staff present. Periodically the board should similarly work with independent program evaluators and outside experts who make their reports directly to the board and the staff.

2. Use independent management evaluators. In addition to auditors and program evaluators, boards need unbiased sources of information about management as well. One of he most difficult tasks for boards is the evaluation of the CEO. On one hand a board can't interview staff about their opinions, but on the other hand, problems are created when a board obtains all its information from the person being evaluated. An independent evaluator might interview staff, and, for example, if there were several allegations of sexual harassment, would report to the board that such charges exist.

3. Make governance an explicit part of meetings. Boards should affirm their responsibilities in both support and governance. Board agendas should be clearly marked "Governance Items," and "Supporting Items." Among the qualities we should seek and reward in board members are critical thought, discernment, questioning attitude. When someone raises an objection or concern, or votes against the majority, the board president should make a point of going up to that person and expressing appreciation for the seriousness and courage to make the point.

Read on: http://www.boardcafe.org

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III. News

Life Flows in Laos
Kentucky.com
November 14, 2004

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Education Pays Off for Hmong Woman
Stevens Point Journal
November 15, 2004

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New Us Ambassador Reaches Out to Rural Vietnamese
Kansas City Star
November 15, 2004

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You Are Not Alone
California Educator
November 16, 2004

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St. Paul Expands Help for Hmong
Minneapolis Star Tribune
November 16, 2004

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Different Cultures, Same Prize: Hmong Join in Pursuit of Trophies
San Jose Mercury News
November 17, 2004

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Asian Americans & 2004 Election
Pacific News Service
November 17, 2004

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Ethnic Media's Clout Grows
Sacramento Bee
November 17, 2004

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Hmong Friends
The Eureka Reporter
November 18, 2004

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New World Awaiting Hmong in California
Modesto Bee
November 18, 2004

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Journalism Pioneers Celebrate with Asian American Journalists ...
PR Newswire
November 18, 2004

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Hmong Are Not Alone
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
November 19, 2004

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Working to Register Voters Among California's Least-Registered ...
North Gate News
November 19, 2004

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Americans Support Compensations for Agent Orange Victims: Poll
Viet Nam News Agency
November 19, 2004
7528

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Kauai Woman Gets 18-Month Sentence in Cambodian Adoptions Case
KPUA
November 20, 2004

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Congress OKs Hike in Laos Trade Ties
Sacramento Bee
November 20, 2004

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Event to Celebrate Hmong New Year
Wausau Daily Herald
November 20, 2004

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Vietnamese Refugee Killed in Iraq Warfare
San Jose Mercury News
November 20, 2004

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Hmong Protest Ethnic Cleansing
Appleton Post Crescent
November 21, 2004

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Ex-Refugee Lives to Help Children Find Their Way
Los Angeles Times
November 21, 2004

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IV. Grants

1. (California and Virginia)
   The Abbott Laboratories Fund

   The Abbott Laboratories Fund primarily supports nonprofit organizations in the communities where the company has operations, including communities in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. For a list of Abbott communities visit, http://www.abbott.com/corporate/unitedstates.html

   The Fund supports health and welfare; educational institutions benefiting the health care industry and its employees; and arts, cultural and civic activities.

   Deadline: Open

2. (National)
   Federal Justice Department

   The Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime will award funds to communities conducting National Crime Victims' Week (NCVRW) Community Awareness Projects.

   The OVC is looking for "innovative and collaborative approaches to promote community-wide awareness of victims' rights and available services." Chosen communities will be eligible for a $5,000 reimbursement of expenses for conducting these awareness initiatives.

   The NCVRW takes place April 10-16, 2005.

   Deadline: December 3, 2004

3. (National)
   New Voices

   AED Announces Next Competition for 15 Grant Awards to Support Nonprofits and Promising New Leaders Committed to Social Justice.

   Sponsored fields of work include: International Human Rights, Women's Rights, Reproductive Rights, HIV/AIDS, Racial Justice, Migrant and Refugee Rights.

   Please visit the New Voices site for application instructions and eligibility criteria: http://www.aed.org/newvoices or call 202-884-8051

   Deadline: January 10, 2005

4. (National)
   TechSoup

   On Dec. 15, nonprofits can obtain free licenses to MailShell's Anti-Spam Desktop Software as part of MailShell and TechSoup.org's "Stop Spam Today!" campaign, PNN Online reported Nov. 10.

   U.S. and Canadian charitable organizations are eligible to apply, provided they register at TechSoup Stock. Once registered, nonprofits can place their order through www.stopspamtoday.org on Dec. 15.

   The free software is a highlight of the partnership's month long program to educate nonprofits on dealing with spam. In addition to software tools, this includes online forums on TechSoup.org such as a Nov. 29-Dec. 3 discussion educating nonprofits on how to prevent their outgoing mail from being classified as junk mail.

   Last year, 75,000 copies of the Anti-Spam program were given away.

5. (National)
   Department of Human Health Services Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Targeted Areas of Need WHO: Faith-based or community-based organizations, For-profit or non-profit organizations, universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories, and units of Federal, State and local governments. See program announcement for further details. WHAT: To expand and/or enhance the community's ability to provide a comprehensive, integrated, and community-based response to a targeted, well-documented substance abuse treatment capacity problem and/or improve the quality and intensity of services. AWARD AMOUNT: Approximately $16 million dollars will fund up to 33 awards. Deadline: January 13, 2005

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V. Resources

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If you wish to contribute to the VERB Weekly e-Digest, please send all materials to sophy@searac.org