[Cal Dems] February 10 Digest: Knocked up and Knocked Down, SmartAss deadline, and Sex Trivia this week!

[Molly Green]

Hey there Cal Dems!  Well, the craziness of Super Tuesday has passed and now
we can get back to our real lives...or something.  So as you may or may not
know, this Thursday is Valentine's Day and I can't think of a better date
than attending a Cal Dems meeting.  In case you don't feel the same, we're
having an awesome meeting this week during which we will be playing...Sex
Trivia, Jeopardy-style.  Bring your knowledge of sex, love, and marriage and
how they relate to Democratic politics.

Happy Birthday to Hannah Cole and Mansi Saha from the Cal Dems.  Have a
great one guys!
*****************************
CAL DEMS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-General Meeting, Thursday 7 pm, 56 Barrows
Bring your Valentine and get ready for a great game of Sex Trivia with a Cal
Dems twist.  You will be rewarded for your active participation!

-Smart Ass
The deadline for articles is tomorrow, so get writing and get your stuff
into Marshall asap (marshall at caldems.com)

-PVC, Wednesday 7pm, 115 Barrows
As always, Morgan will have great things to discuss.  Come check out the
Policy, Values, and Communication Committee if you're interested in becoming
more involved in Cal Dems or can't make our meetings on Thursdays.

-Dues
Get them into Sarah Stoller asap!  Dues for the semester are $10.
*****************************
PROGRESSIVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Politics is not about power. Politics is not about money. Politics is not
about winning for the sake of winning. Politics is about the improvement of
people's lives. It's about advancing the cause of peace and justice in our
country and the world. Politics is about doing well for the people." -Sen.
Paul Wellstone

******************************
PROGRESSIVE EVENTS:

-Knocked up and Knocked Down, Mon Feb 8, 6:30-8:30, Goldberry Meeting Rm
Boalt Hall (second floor)

 Think it's your body and your choice? Come hear why the 2008 elections
are vital from the people on the front lines in protecting reproductive
choice. Panelists will include:

* Rena Rickles (moderator): co-chair, Political Action Committee of the
National Women's Political Caucus - Alameda County
* Loni Hancock: 14th District Assembly member
* Destiny Lopez: Executive Director of ACCESS/Women's Health Rights
Coalition
* Amy Moy: Assoc. Vice President of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood
* Charis Denison: Health education and social activist for 20 years

Co-sponsors of the panel include: Cal Dems, Boalt Hall Students for
Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood, East Bay Young Democrats,
American Association of University Women, and Alameda County Democratic
Lawyers


-Russia's Capitalist Revolution: Why Market Reform Succeeded and Democracy
Failed"
Anders Aslund, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
4 p.m., Geballe Room, Stephens Hall
Sponsored by the Institute of International Studies and the Institute of
Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies
Books will be sold and signed after the event.

The central paradox of Russia today is why capitalism has taken root but
democracy has not. Anders Åslund's new book, Russia's Capitalist Revolution:
Why Market Reform Succeeded and Democracy Failed, examines the political
economies of Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, as well as the broader
implications of economic transition. Åslund has served as an economic
adviser to the governments of Russia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan. He is the
author of Building Capitalism: The Transformation of the Former Soviet Bloc
(Cambridge University Press, 2001), Europe after Enlargement (Cambridge
University Press, 2007) and Revolution in Orange (Carnegie Endowment, 2006).
He earned his doctorate from Oxford University.

-"The Matador's Cape: America's Reckless Response to Terror"
Professor Stephen Holmes, NYU
Thursday, February 14, 2008
4 p.m., Toll Room, Alumni House
Sponsored by the Institute of International Studies

In The Matador's Cape, Stephen Holmes delves into the causes of the
catastrophic turn in American policy at home and abroad since 9/11. Holmes
discusses Washington's inability to bring 'the enemy' into focus, detailing
the ideological, bureaucratic, electoral and (not least) emotional forces
that severely distorted the American understanding of, and response to, the
terrorist threat. Holmes' breadth of knowledge about the War on Terror leads
to conclusions about present-day America that are at once sobering in their
depth of reference and inspiring in their global perspective.


-"Is the U.S. Provoking an Arms Race in Space" forum, Feb 12, Independent
Institute Conference Center, Oakland
Mike Moore(author of our new book, TWILIGHT WAR: The Folly of U.S. Space
Dominance), who will discuss the book's findings in a presentation,
"Is the U.S. Provoking an Arms Race in Space?"
http://www.independent.org/events/detail.asp?eventID=133

Mr. Moore will make his case at this upcoming Independent Policy
Forum, "Is the U.S. Provoking an Arms Race is Space?", which will be
held the evening of Tuesday, February 12, at the Independent
Institute Conference Center in Oakland, California. Please see below
for more details.

Please make your reservations as soon as possible by contacting me or
the Institute's Events Coordinator, Ms. Nichelle Beardsley, at
510-632-1366 x118 (NBeardsley at independent.org).
http://www.independent.org/events/detail.asp?eventID=133


-Inside Iran: Bitter Friend, Bosom Enemies, February 12, 6pm, 595 Market
St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco

The event features the author of the upcoming book with the same name. It
also features the following speakers and will be followed by a wine and
cheese reception:

 BARBARA SLAVIN, Diplomatic Reporter, USA Today; Author, Bitter Friends,
Bosom Enemies
ABBAS MILANI, Director of Iranian Studies, Hoover Institution, Stanford
University
JAMAL DAJANI, Director and Producer of Middle Eastern Programming, Link
Tv- Moderator

The heat is rising and it's time to take a fresh look at our frenemy,
Iran.   Is Iran the new Iraq in U.S. foreign policy?  Are the people of
Iran anti-U.S., or is only the current regime?  Is there an effective
difference?  An American journalist, an Iranian journalist and a professor
of Iranian culture, politics and history will help demystify Iran and lead
us to a new understanding of the future of our relationship with our
neighbors in the Middle East.

6:00 p.m., Program | 7:30 p.m., Book signing and Wine and Cheese Reception
| Club office, 595 Market St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco | $12 for Members,
$20 for Non-Members |
Directions<http://www.commonwealthclub.org/directions.html> to The Club.


- Choosing the President Issue Panels, Spring Semester 2008

Wednesday, March 5 – The Economy and the Federal Budget
Co-sponsored with the Haas School of Business
7 p.m., Andersen Auditorium, Haas School of Business

Thursday, March 13 – Education
Co-sponsored with the Graduate School of Education
4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall

Wednesday, April 2 – Immigration
4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall

Saturday, April 12 – Covering the Digital Campaign
Co-sponsored with the Graduate School of Journalism
North Gate Hall, time TBA

Thursday, April 17 – Healthcare
Co-sponsored with the School of Public Health
4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall


******************************
PROGRESSIVE OPPORTUNITIES:

-Internship with Joe Alioto's State Senate Campaign
We have acouple of internship positions open especially for students with
a technological background. This is a chance for anyone interested in web
design and formatting to get some hands-on experience in an exciting and
promising political campaign. Please inform your members of this
opportunity, and for those who are interested, please send a resume to
mike at joeforcalifornia.com. Feel free to write me back if you have any
questions!


-A new Berkeley-created Debate Forum
www.peopledebate.com

UC Berkeley is perhaps most famous for its pot-smoking hippies and its
liberal ideals, but UC Berkeley is also famous for the free speech
movement, which made sure that students and activists alike could no
longer be silenced on campus.  But what good is free speech, when the
best ideas are drowned out by the masses?  We are hoping to change
that by created a new debate forum, which allows users voice their
opinions and highlight the most important ideas on each side of any
debate.  Admittedly, we do have a "liberal bias" at the moment,
especially on the Republican side - you'll see what I mean at
peopledebate.com - but who said that liberal bias was a bad thing
anyway?  We continue to work on new features everyday, and you'll see
our site grow over time.  Check us out at www.peopledebate.com and
post your thoughts.  (We'd also welcome comments/suggestions, look me
up on facebook, or e-mail me at HenryLin at eecs.berkeley.edu).  Thanks
everyone!


-Study on election systems in the Bay Area
The Survey Research Center is conducting a large study about election
systems in the Bay Area and needs your help!  150 students are needed
to help collect data in polling places during the February 5th
primary.  This data will ultimately be used to assess how lines form
at polling places and the effectiveness of various voting machines
and technologies.  Participants will need to commit to work half of
the day during the Feb. 5th primary day and attend one training the
weekend before.  For your help, you will receive, breakfast, lunch,
and a substantive gift card at the end of the day.

For more information, contact Zach at electionstudy at gmail.com or
attend one of 2 information sessions on Wednesday, January 23rd &
30th at 3pm in the Survey Research Center conference room (located on
the southwest corner of Channing Way and Bowditch St).  This is a
great opportunity to directly observe how our elections work up close
while contributing to a study that is attempts to ameliorate the
problems inherent in our electoral system.  The California Primary
will be one of the hardest fought and exciting contests happening in
the country this season and this is your opportunity to see the
action up close and personal.



-INTERNSHIP AT THE MERRILL STRATEGY GROUP
The Merrill Strategy Group is a strategic consulting firm committed to
winning campaigns and developing successful communication strategies.
We are looking for highly motivated interns to learn and sharpen
skills in strategic research, campaign development, grassroots
outreach, organizational development and more.


*Qualifications and Skills Required
Interns should have excellent writing, research and communication
skills.  Computer literacy is a must.  Campaign or government
experience is a plus.


*Flexible Hours
Scheduling can be worked out on an individual basis.  A minimum of 10
hours per week is required.  Specific dates are arranged on an
individual basis.

*Contact

Please email or fax a detailed letter of interest, resume and writing
sample to:

The Merrill Strategy Group
1936 University Ave. Suite 191
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.883.9780 phone
510.883.9783 fax
info at merrillstrategygroup.com
www.merrillstrategygroup.com



- Capital Fellowship, Applications due by February 27, 2008.

The Capital Fellows Programs consist of four individual fellowships:

   * California Senate Fellows (www.csus.edu/calst/senate)
   * Executive Fellowship Program (www.csus.edu/calst/executive)
   * Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program
(www.csus.edu/calst/assembly)
   * Judicial Administration Fellowship Program
(www.csus.edu/calst/judicial)

These nationally recognized fellowships, sponsored by the Center for
California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, are an
outstanding opportunity for college graduates to engage in public service
and prepare for a future career.  Fellows work 10-11 months as full-time
staff members in the California State Assembly, Senate, Executive Branch
or within the California Court System.  They gain first-hand experience in
governing the most diverse state in the nation and a sense of personal
involvement in the leadership of California society.

 The only prerequisite for the programs is a four-year college or
university degree and a demonstrated interest in state government and
public service.  Fellows come from all cultural, political, economic,
career and educational backgrounds, and no previous legislative or
political experience is required.

 For further information please see our website
www.csus.edu/calst/programs or contact the Center for California Studies
at calstudies at csus.edu or 916/278-6906.



-City Hall Fellowship, due February 29

City Hall Fellows spend the year after college in a prestigious, paid,
full-time position within city government and also participate in our
proprietary Civic Leadership Development Program.  In 2008-2009, Fellows
will be placed in Houston, Texas and San Francisco, California.  The
program was designed with the full support of Houston Mayor Bill White and
the office of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

City Hall Fellows' goal is to connect you -- the next generation of civic
leaders -- with the opportunity to make significant change at the
grassroots, local level of government right out of college

 In addition, preference will be given to applicants who have a
demonstrated connection to either Houston or San Francisco.  More
information and application materials and instructions are available on
our website: www.cityhallfellows.org.  Applications are due February 29,
2008.



-Paid Political Internship with the San Francisco Democratic Party

Are you a college student? Interested in politics? Want to get some
hands-on experience with the San Francisco Democratic Party? Apply for our
paid internship program!

As an intern you will assist the Field Organizer in implementing an
ambitious voter registration program and help Democrats win in 2008.
Duties include outreach to various neighborhoods and organizations,
coordinating volunteers, registering voters, and some administrative
duties. This internship is ideal for anyone who is seeking experience in
the local political world and wants to have fun doing it!

Requirements:
· Commitment to the values of the Democratic Party
· Excellent written and oral communication skills
· Works well independently and with a group
· Strong leadership skills
· Paid internships for students only
· Able to work some weekends and evenings
· 15-20 hrs/week to qualify for the stipend ($500/month)
· Must be a college student

We also have unpaid internships available and can work with you to get
class credit in accordance with your school's policies.

Email for application information to info at sfdemocrats.org or
please contact us at (415) 626-1161.


-Blackrock Associates: Spring Internship
As an intern on the Blackrock online strategy team, you will be playing a
critical support role on our team as we manage client websites, draft and
blast campaign emails, and explore new ways to use technology to engage
current and potential supporters.

Responsibilities will include:
Participating in client messaging strategy discussions
Managing and updating client websites
Managing and updating client email databases
Managing candidate profiles on popular social networking sites such as
Facebook and MySpace
Drafting copy for use on client websites or in blast emails
Setting up client email blasts and managing correspondence that comes back
in response
Brainstorming online marketing plans for list building and fundraising
Developing testing plans, analyzing results, and reporting back to clients
Exploring and implementing new Web 2.0 technologies
Creating web graphics and coding simple web pages (no previous experience
with Photoshop or HTML required)

Ideal candidates will be college students who are considering a career in
electoral politics and/or campaigning, in particular those who are
interested in the rapidly growing field of online politics. Candidates
should be familiar with online Democratic politics and committed to making
a difference for our clients -- as we are. Strong quantitative and
communications skills are required. While not a pre-requisite, applicants
with experience in graphic design and/or web programming will be looked on
favorably.

If desired, interns will be considered for either temporary (i.e. summer)
or permanent positions with Blackrock at the conclusion of the semester.

To apply: please send a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample (4
page maximum) to Mike Disharoon at mike at blackrockonline.com.
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