2010 Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) Fellowship applications open!

As a member of Cohort 10 of the Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP), I want to devote a blog post to sharing a bit about this fantastic fellowship opportunity and urge eligible students to apply by the March 15, 2010 deadline. This program is powerful because of the strength of its comprehensive programming, the amazing people who are staff and fellows, and the world-changing work it does in cultivating a more thoughtful, talented, and diverse group of U.S. professionals working in international affairs. Read on for more details and see if this might be a fit for you or someone you know!

Beginning in the undergraduate sophomore summer, IIPP programming offers students language and cultural competence training to become leaders in international affairs. The program aims to ensure that United States foreign policy representatives reflect the diversity of the American population and promotes excellence, international service, and awareness in order to enhance U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

IIPP features a sequenced six-component program, which includes:

* Sophomore Summer Policy Institute
* Junior Year Study Abroad
* Junior Summer Policy Institute
* Summer Language Institute
* Internships
* Graduate Degree in International Affairs

Eligibility requirements from undergraduate sophomores include the following:

* Are enrolled full-time at an accredited four–year baccalaureate-granting institution
* Are U.S. Citizens or legal residents (documentary support required)
* Have a minimum 3.2 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
* Possess excellent critical analysis and leadership skills
* Have a strong demonstrated interest in international affairs, public policy and language training
* Are an underrepresented minority (African American, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander)
* Plan to seek admission to a two-year master’s degree program in international affairs

Upcoming IIPP Informational Webinars

These webinars are intended to give a broad overview of the Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship Program and details about eligibility, application requirements, and information about each component of the program.

Student Informational Session Thursday, February 18, 2010, 3:00PM EST

"Minnesota is the best state in the country to watch illustrated commentary!"

My favorite book is Voltaire's Candide because, while I'm an optimist and insist that a proactive attitude can lend itself to the belief that we live in "the best of all possible worlds," I find it important to maintain a healthy sense of critical consciousness and accordingly, to regularly poke fun at myself. Since I often (and on this blog) tout Minnesota as ranking high across the board in quality-of-life indicators, David Gilette's illustrated essay, "Life According to Lists," thumbs its nose at me. And I can't resist sharing the fun. See for yourself:

Oh yes, it's caucus night. And the feeling's right.

Sure, it's Groundhog Day, but do you know what will determine the next six weeks (and beyond) politically more than whether or not that little critter sees its shadow? You, at your local caucus.

As the Star Tribune notes, the few who show up tonight get the first shot at shaping the issues and races that will define this year - and can help to narrow the governor's race that currently boasts a field of 25. Despite 2010 not being a presidential or senate election year, which helps to draw greater participation, it is still a critical time for Minnesota in determining what comes next - in policy, politics, and the Governor's Mansion.

Want to make your political move? Find out where by using the Precinct Caucus Finder, a tool developed by the Secretary of State’s office with cooperation from Minnesota's political parties, for a one-stop, easy-to-use online search tool. Read the FAQs below to learn more about caucusing or visit the Secretary of State online for more details.

Don't leave your political destiny up to the Groundhog - you can have your say in what these coming weeks and months will bring.

Caucus FAQ

Precinct caucuses are meetings organized by Minnesota’s political parties to begin the process of selecting candidates for the 2010 election and policy positions to shape the party platform. Caucuses are held in locations across Minnesota, are open to the public, and participation is encouraged.

Q: What is a precinct caucus?

A: A caucus is a meeting organized by Minnesota's political parties where citizens can engage each other in a conversation about which candidates to support in the 2010 election and what public policy positions should be adopted as part of the party's platform.

Q: Who can attend a caucus?

A: Precinct caucuses are open to the public and participation is encouraged by the political parties. In order to vote, offer resolutions or become a delegate at a precinct caucus, attendees must be eligible to vote in the 2010 general election, live in the precinct, and be in general agreement with the principles of the political party.

Q: What do caucus attendees do?

A:

• Discuss public policy issues and pass resolutions.

Caucuses provide a forum for citizens to engage their neighbors in conversation on a wide range of public policy and political issues. Attendees may also offer and vote on resolutions to shape the party's platform.

• Vote in a straw poll.

Political parties may conduct a straw poll to gauge caucus attendees' candidate preferences for state or federal elected offices.

• Elect precinct officers.

Caucus attendees elect officers who will be responsible for organizing political activities within the precinct.

• Elect delegates.

Caucus attendees elect delegates and alternates to represent their precinct at the political party's county or district convention. District convention delegates, in turn, elect delegates to the political party's congressional and state conventions. Delegates influence which candidates and policy positions their party ultimately endorses.

Source: Minnesota Secretary of State

Photo Credit: Knol

January is National Mentoring Month!

January is National Mentoring Month and I'd be remiss to not profile Kids 'n Kinship before Groundhog Day. I've served on the board of directors for the past 2 years and been greatly privileged to be a part of its critical work.

Kids 'n Kinship's mission is to provide friendships to children ages 5-16 who are in need of a positive role model.

Kids ‘n Kinship:

* Connects volunteers with children who need a positive adult role model

* Supports the volunteer and child relationship as they have fun together

* Provides for safe and successful mentoring

* Serves children in the following communities: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount.

Kids 'n Kinship is a prevention-based mentoring program focused on youth in Dakota County in need of a positive role model. The youth, ages 5-16, are matched with a volunteer role model, who spends time with them on a weekly basis building upon their resiliency. Many of the children that Kids 'n Kinship serves are coming from home situations where there are issues that get in the way of their healthy development. This may include stresses of single parenting, financial worries, alcoholism, depression, incarceration, or abuse issues.

When youth are taught skills, interests, and hobbies, and are provided positive adults with whom to interact, the community is the beneficiary. Because the youth's time is structured, they have less unsupervised time, are engaged in healthier activities, have a sense of belonging to a community, and have a better respect for life. Other benefits are that youth report a positive connection to an adult mentor, that youth matched with volunteers will experience less isolation, and that there is an absence or decrease in serious behaviors reported.

Research has shown that the distinguishing factor in children who do not become violent perpetrators is a good attachment to a caring adult. This is Kids 'n Kinship's mission: to provide friendships to children in need of positive role models.

Does this sound like something you'd like to be a part of? For more information on becoming a mentor, see a recent Star Tribune article, "Seventy children are waiting for their role models," or visit the Kids 'n Kinship website. Mentoring is a great way, any time of year, to make a difference in the life of a child.

Climbing the Ridge

one step / one step / i stop / i take
one breath / one breath / warm sun
above / white snow / below
i breathe / i take / one step / one step

-Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
"Climbing the Ridge"