[Cal Dems] March 2 Digest:Meeting at the Berkeley Public Library this week!

[Molly Green]

Hi y'all.  So the semester is chugging along, same 'ol, same 'ol.  Well,
about some change people!  That's right, this week the Cal Dems are changing
it up.  We're pairing up with the East Bay Young Democrats for "Speed
Candidating."  It's rather like speed-dating, just not as awkward and you
probably won't be getting any numbers afterwards, not to mention you'll get
to hear the candidates for California State Senate and Assembly from our
district.  It should be a really interesting change of pace for all of us so
come on down to the Berkeley Public Library.

Happy Birthday to Claire Viall, Joon Woo, Alex Hirsch, and Esteban Gil.
Have a great day!
**********************************************
CAL DEMS ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-General Meeting, Thursday *6:00 pm, meet at Bancroft and Telegraph*
We will actually be attending the East Bay Young Democrat's "Speed
Candidating" at the Berkeley Public Library on Shattuck Ave.  It starts at
6:30 and we will all meet at 6:00 to walk down there and make sure we all
get there on time.  You'll get to here speeches from local candidates
running for election.  It should be really interesting and it's a change of
venue, so come give it a try.

-Welcome new board member Andrea Olson
Andrea has joined the board in the position of Coordinator of
Resources. She will compile a data base with information from alumni
and friends of the club on internships and job opportunities. Email
her at andrea at caldems.com with any questions.

-Smart Ass
There will be a new issue this week!  Stop by the table or keep an eye out
around campus to claim your issue!

-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:
"Diplomacy might be boring, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper than war."
Clint Borgen
******************************
PROGRESSIVE EVENTS:
-Campus Camp Wellstone, March 8&9, UC Berkeley campus
Cost: FREE
Lunch will be provided on Saturday.
PLEASE RSVP as soon as possible: by responding to this event on facebook and
also sending an email to Christine Smith at christinesmith at berkeley.edu
Campus Camp Wellstone is a 1.5 day training program held on college and
university campuses around the country. Our program is non-partisan, and
welcomes both seasoned activists and those who are completely new to
progressive activism.
*We focus on very concrete skills, like the nitty-gritty of campaign
planning, coalition building, and message development. We also teach
students how to successfully recruit and retain volunteers and develop new
leadership.
*Campus Camp Wellstone is both serious and exciting—serious because you'll
walk away with skills and tools for real-world campaigns, and exciting
because it's participatory, vibrant, and led by young trainers. Trainers are
leaders in community organizing, labor, and non-profit organizations
If you would like to attend Campus Camp Wellstone, please email Christine
Smith by Feb. 25th at christinesmith at berkeley.edu. IF YOU CAN HOUSE VISITING
STUDENTS from other college campus around the state, PLEASE call Christine
ASAP at (916) 743-9878.


-Movie Screening: "A Breath of Air"*, *Monday, March 3rd*, *6 - 7 p.m.,
Barrows Hall 166* *

"A Breath of Air" is a short movie about diesel pollution's relationship
with asthma, produced by the California Air Resources Board.
Port pollution in California contributes to global warming and causes
thousands of premature deaths each year in addition to a host of other
health problems. West Oakland is heavily impacted by pollution from freight
transportation. The American Lung Association has determined that one in
five children there have asthma and that it has the highest hospitalization
rates in California.

Come watch the film, hear about solutions from a representative of the
Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports, and find out what CALPIRG is doing to
support a more equitable and sustainable future for freight transport.

-The American Immigration Debate: Comparing moral and practical views
Wednesday, March 5th, 145 Dwinelle, 6-8pm

Come observe the debate between Dr. Yaron Brook, the President of the Ayn
Rand Institute, and Mr. Michael Erickson, Chairman of Republicans for the
National Interest, on immigration. They will debate on such questions as
what value does open immigration pose to a country, versus having
restrictive policies or a closed border? And do immigrants have the right
to come to America? These controversial questions predict an exciting
night of arguments and rebuttals. For more info, you can contact
kbrakora at berkeley.edu. You can also
visit the facebook site for the event
<http://berkeley.facebook.com/event.php?eid=24488850547&ref=mf>.

-  CBAY Candidates Forum - March 9 @ UC Berkeley
WHAT:  2nd Annual CBAY Candidates Forum - Please join the CBAY Region at a
forum for all candidates interested in CYD/CCD Elected Office.  These
individuals will be elected at the State Convention in San Jose March
28th-30th.WHEN: Sunday, March 9th, 2008 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. WHERE:
California University at Berkeley - University Ave., Berkeley - Room 20,
Barrows. WHO: Representatives from the clubs throughout the CBAY Region
(which stretches from Monterey to Sonoma) will come together to hear from
all CYD and CCD candidates interested in sharing the reasons why they should
be elected to lead our organization in the coming year.



-People's Park Forum, Thursday March 13, 5pm
The ASUC City Affairs Lobby would like to invite you to participate in the
People's Park Open Forum to be held on Thursday, March 13 at 5 PM, location
TBD. Our goal is to provide a space where UC students, community members,
and elected community officials can come together and discuss the recent
events affecting People's Park and the next steps to be taken. Because so
many of the residents that live, work, and study in the area surrounding the
Park are Cal students, the Forum's emphasis will be on receiving your input
on both the present and future of the Park. We hope that you will be able to
attend and look forward to hearing your opinions on the 13th! For more
information or to communicate your ideas by email, please contact
cityaffairs at gmail.com.

-California Democratic Party Convention, March 28, 29, 30, San Jose
Every year, the California Democratic Party hosts a convention for Democrats
and Democratic clubs (e.g. Cal Dems) from all over the state. The
convention is made up of speakers, workshops, and networking. It's a really
valuable experience for everyone; you get to meet a ton of Dems from around
the state, hear great speakers, and learn tons from workshops. It's during
the last weekend of our Spring Break, but it's worth it to come back a
little early. We'll be traveling to the convention as a club and staying in
the hotel together.  Some of your costs will be covered.  Just start
thinking about if you're interested in going with Cal Dems and ask anyone
on the board for more information.



- 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:
-Summer Jobs for the Environment
The Campaign to Save the Environment is on campus at UC Berkeley to
hire students to work in our 50 field offices all over the country
this summer.
We're a national non-profit organization that runs grassroots
campaigns for the nation's top environmental groups: like the Sierra
Club, Environment America, and Environmental Action.
Our staff work on issues like fighting global warming pollution,
increasing renewable and clean energy production, and preserving
wilderness.
>>> We'll be on campus this spring holding information sessions and
interviews.
To apply or learn more, call 1-800-75-EARTH or go to
www.JobsForTheEnvironment.org <http://www.jobsfortheenvironment.org/>.

If you want to make a real impact on pressing issues, learn and
develop leadership and organizing skills, or learn more about the
environment and political process, than this job is for you!


-Executive Assistant at Fundraising Firm/Investment Firm
Executive Assistant needed to assist two principles in their Washington, DC
office. Learn the ropes and work closely with top professionals in the
financial community, while also working on behalf of Democratic
organizations, non-profits and clients in the film industry. The position
will provide communications and program information to a variety of clients.
Responsibilities will include administrative support, client relations, and
database management.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in politics, fundraising,
and/or the financial industry. Applicant should be flexible, have excellent
oral and written communication skills, outstanding attention to detail, be
able to manage numerous tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and
have a creative self-starting approach. Must be good with computers and have
a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Please send your resume and statement of interest to Noah Doyle (
noah.doyle at gmail.com).


-Internships available for Spring and Summer Semesters with Congresswoman
Barbra Lee
The Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee is currently accepting applications
for students interested interning in the Oakland District Office this
academic year.
Learn the inner workings of a fast-paced congressional office
Study innovative national policies and their impact on local programs
Assist constituents and community organizations of the 9th Congressional
District.
*Minimum Commitment: 8 hours per week for at least 3 months
*Qualifications: Excellent written and oral communication skills and a
professional manner
*Duties: Administrative support, legislative outreach, research, and
casework.
*Application Process:
Send a cover letter and resume to the Oakland District Office. The cover
letter is used as a writing sample, and should include the dates of your
availability, and an explanation of your interest in interning for Rep.
Barbara Lee. In addition, be prepared to submit references.
Direct application materials to:
Ms. Marie Howard
1301 Clay Street, Suite 1000-N
Oakland, CA 94612leahf at berkeley.edu
Phone: (510) 763-0370
Fax: (510) 763-6538
For questions or concerns:
Ms. Maha Ibrahim
Phone: (510) 763-0370 ext. 14

-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.



-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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