Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The World's Refugees, IDPs, And Their Right of Return -- Wednesday, February 7

Washington College of Law
American University
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Room 603
Washington , DC

Introduction and Overview of Refugee Issues 10:00 - 10:40
Muneer Ahmad, Associate Professor of Law. Washington College of Law;
Clovis Maksoud, Professor and Director of the Center for the Global South, American University

Darfur Panel 10:40 - noon
Roberta Cohen, Brookings-University of Burn Project on Internal Displacement;
Representative, Darfur Rehabilitation Project


Lunch noon - 12:20

Palestine Panel 12:20 - 1:40
John Quigley, Professor of Law, Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University;
Naseer Aruri, ChancellorProfessor (Emeritus) of Political Science, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and Member of the Board of Directors, International Institute for Criminal Investigations (The Hague)


Bosnia Panel and Wrap up 1:40 - 3:00
Khalid Koser, Fellow of Foreign Policy Studies and Deputy-Director of the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, Brookings Institute;
Molly Inman, Program Manager for Central and Eastern Europe, CEELI

Sponsored by the Society for Justice in Palestine/Israel, Students Taking Action Now: Darfur, and the Immigrants Rights Coalition and cosponsored by the South Asian Law Students Association, the Arab Law Students Association, and the Black Law Students Association.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Barack at Mason!

On Friday February 2, Senator Barack Obama will speak at "Yes We Can!,"
a rally organized by the George Mason University College Democrats in partnership with Students for Barack Obama.

The event will be held in Johnson Hall at George Mason University. Doors will open at 11:30. Senator Obama will speak at 1:00.

www.studentsforbarackobama.com

Thursday, January 25, 2007

AAI Lunch on The Hill

The Arab American Institute invites you to a lunch reception on Wednesday, February 7th to honor new Members of Congress as well as Members of Congress who have large Arab American constituencies in their districts. The reception will be held on the Hill from noon to 2:00.

This is a chance for you to interact with Members of Congress and for the Members to interact with Arab Americans from their districts.

To attend, please RSVP to Maram Abdelhamid at mabdelhamid@aaiusa.org or 202.429.9210 X 13

Monthly AAI Round Table Discussions -- You're Invited

The Arab American Institute is hosting a series of round table discussions on Middle East policy on the last Thursday of every month. It is a chance for AAI staff to hear your views on Iraq, Palestine, Darfur, Lebanon and other issues.

The first round table discussion was held on January 25th. We have a diverse group of people with a variety of interest in Middle East affairs.

These round table discussions are being conducted at the AAI conference room from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Snacks are provided.

The AAI is located at 1600 K street NW Suite 601

Please RSVP to Maram Abdelhamid at mabdelhamid@aaiusa.org or 202.429.9210 X 13

Anti-War Rally in Washington on Saturday

The anti-war movement will hit the streets again on Saturday, January 27th in a national demonstration in Washington called by United for Peace and Justice.

MIDDLE EAST CONTINGENT AND FEEDER MARCH: Gather at 11:00 AM at 9th and O Streets, NW. BRING SIGNS, FLAGS, AND KEFFIYEH'S! March at 11:30 AM (1.4 miles) to our gathering point at the main rally at 4th St. and Constitution, NW. You can also join us there. March will kick off at 1pm.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Meet the Candidates

The Dranesville Democratic Women's Club (703.448.0944) is providing opportunities to meet the Democratic candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates for the 34th District.

Meet Margi Vanderhye from 2:00 to 3:30 on Sunday, February 11 and meet Rip Sullivan from 12:30 to 2:00 on Sunday February 25. Both meetings will be at the Dolly Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean, VA.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Call for Nominations to the ADC Board of Directors

The ADC National Board of Directors is seeking nominations from chapters and members for the upcoming election for two Board positions.

The ADC is looking to strengthen the voice of the grassroots, expand the organization, broaden membership base, assist in raising funds, and have chapter representation at the decision making level.

Candidates who fit a variety of criteria listed below will help the ADC reach these goals. Please be aware that the Board’s Nominating Committee and the National Board of Directors will review all nominations.

Nomination Criteria Required
1. Member of the ADC with updated dues
2. Must adhere to the mission, objectives, and goals of the ADC

Strongly recommended:
1. Involvement in local ADC chapter where one exists
2. Endorsement by local ADC chapter where one exists
3. Involvement in Arab American Civic organizations
4. Involvement and experience with civil right issues
5. Experience and knowledge with fund raising and non-profit management

Helpful But Not Required
1. Experience in community organizing
2. Experience in human rights and/or immigration rights
3. Experience in youth organizing
4. Experience in interfaith organizing

To participate in the nominating process, please send the following
- Your name, address and telephone number;
- The name, address and telephone number of the person you are nominating;
- The names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least two other ADC members in good standing who endorse the nominee;
- A one page description or less of why you feel the nominee is a good candidate;
- A one page signed statement by the nominee indicating he/she is willing to serve if elected and outlining his/her vision for ADC.

All nominations must be mailed by February 15, 2007 to the following address:
ADC Nominating Committee
1732 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20007

The Nominating Committee is tasked with ensuring that all candidates are well-respected members of the Arab-American community, are ADC members in good standing, and are committed to furthering the mission of ADC. ADC is an organization that needs to grow and expand its base of support. Finally as with all NGO's, it falls to the members of the Board of Directors to secure the budget they earmark for the organization. Candidates for the Board election must be capable of seriously contributing to this effort.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

AAI Takes Action on Glenn Beck Hiring

Normally, I post just information of events where we can be seen. Now, it's time to be heard.

The AAI Bulletin article (below) is of concern. I have been checking the records of hits to my blog and I am happy that we have had visitors from most ot the states in the US and from most continents. People from many countries have been to see what we're doing. Now is the time for viewers to let ABC have it. Send them a letter. Feel free to comment here's, too. Let others know you sent a letter by posting a comment to this article. Here's what the AAI had to say:

AAI Takes Action on Glenn Beck Hiring
As you read earlier this week in Countdown, ABC's "Good Morning America" has recently announced that it is hiring anti-Arab rhetoric propagator Glenn Beck as a regular commentator on its program. During his tenure at CNN and as a talk-radio host, Beck has consistently fueled his commentary with vitriol and falsehoods aimed at stirring resentment towards Arabs and Muslims. AAI, along with the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), has sent a forceful letter to ABC News and Good Morning America requesting that they reconsider Beck's hiring. You can read the letter on AAI's website. ABC News has initially responded to our letter, which is promising, but we need your help in order to encourage positive action on the part of ABC regarding this matter.
We are asking supporters to call and email ABC News and voice their concerns about Good Morning America's decision to hire Glenn Beck. Check out AAI's Action Alert, which provides instructions on who you can call or email at ABC to personally voice your concerns.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Thanks, AAI!

AAI - Thanks for the nice mention in last week's AAI Bulletin. I checked my records and the hits to this site exploded after you wrote this. I had hits from the UAE, Lebanon, the UK, Australia, Italy, Japan and so many other places.

Check it our below. This from the AAI Buletin:

Yalla Dems in Virginia
AAI member Fred Shwaery recently started a weblog called Yalla Dems for Arab American Democrats in Virginia. Shwaery’s blog aims to keep Arab American Democrats informed about events of importance for both Virginia Democrats and Arab Americans. The site currently has announcements regarding a Democratic Party volunteer training conference, kickoff ceremonies for candidates for the Virginia Legislature and links to both local and national Arab American and Democratic organizations. You can visit the site and post to it at http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/zzfxpdiun9u/h3PjmA.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Washington Book Signing

The Arab American Institute (AAI) invites you to join Richard North Patterson on Wednedsay, January 17 at Busboys and Poets in Washington for a discussion of his latest novel, Exile, centered on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

AAI President Dr. James Zogby, who Patterson consulted in his research on the conflict and to whom the book is dedicated, will give a brief introduction. Patterson will discuss his travels through the Middle East and how his research for the novel impacted his view of the crisis. AAI is co-hosting the eventwith Americans for Peace Now (APN).

WHAT: AAI and APN host bestselling author Richard North Patterson to discuss his latest novel, Exile. The author will be available afterwards to autograph copies of his new book. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

WHERE: Busboys and Poets (Langston Room) 2021 14th St., NW Washington, DC 20009

WHEN:Wenesday., January 17 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

COST: FREE

MORE INFO: Contact Andy Sabino at asabino@aaiusa.org or 202-429-9210, ext. 26.

Summer Experiential Learning Program for Palestinian, Jewish, and Israeli Students June 27 to July 23, 2007

Application Deadline: February 1, 2007

The Vision Program is receiving applications from Jewish, Palestinian, and Israeli undergraduate college students (irrespective of citizenship) who are attending schools in the United States for a four-week experiential learning trip to the former Yugoslavia.

This program is committed to equal participation of Jewish and Palestinian staff and students. It combines both academic and personal engagement with conflict-related issues such as nationalism, violence/nonviolence, and power dynamics.

Traveling together in Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, students will engage in an intensive comparative conflict analysis program that educates them about the Balkan wars of the 1990s, explores analytical connections with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and allows students to reflect on their own relationship to both conflicts as well as to one another.
The program is partially funded but opportunities for full funding are available. If admitted, no student will be denied participation based on financial limitations.For more information, please contact one of the Vision Program Co-Directors Ziad Abu-Rish (ziad@abrahamsvision.org) and Orli Fridman (orli@abrahamsvision.org).

Arab Americans Are On The Watch List

Check out Comedy Central’s The Watch List,

The comedy show starring American comedians of Middle Eastern heritage will be available for download on Jan. 15 on Motherload, Comedy Central’s internet channel. Top Arab-American and Iranian-American comics will tackle issues such as “flying while Muslim” and the efforts of Arab-Americans to prove that they are “real Americans.” I've seen these comics when their Axis of Evil tour came to Washington and I can assure you that there is no funnier group.

The show, centered around stand up performances and short sketches based on the comedians’ acts, aims to challenge misconceptions through comedy. The Watch List was created and produced by Arab-American comedian Dean Obeidallah. It is the first show ever produced by a major American entertainment company starring all comedians of Middle Eastern American heritage.

New episodes will be available for free download each week after January 15 on the Comedy Central website. I checked the records for this blog and I have visitors from around the globe (including the UK, Australia, UAE, Lebanon to name a few.) You can get this programming via download so you don't need to get Comedy Central via cable television to tune in.

Saturday, January 6, 2007

Immigration Discussion in Clifton This Sunday

The Democratic Women of Clifton provides a friendly, social atmosphere where women can gather to discuss and educate themselves on important issues, learn about the political process, increase awareness in our communities, and help to elect great Democrats to local, state, and national offices.

Please join them on Sunday, January 7 from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Clifton Community Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton, Virginia.

The discussion topic is Immigration with guest speakers Barry Schneiderman and Richard Stana. Mr. Schneiderman is an attorney in Fairfax, Virginia practicing immigration law and litigation. Mr. Stana is the Director for Homeland Security and Justice Issues at the GAO. He has directed the GAO’s work relating to immigration and border security issues. Please join in on this interesting and timely discussion on immigration.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

DPVA Volunteer Training

A Democratic Party of Virginia training conference will be held on January 12 and 13 at the Holiday Inn – Central in Richmond. The training will begin with a social welcome on the evening of January 12, while seminars will take place all day Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The training will feature two tracks, one for local Democratic committee leadership teams (local party officers) and one for 2007 potential candidates up and down the ballot. The Party Leadership track will feature topics covering fundraising, outreach, precinct organizing, and more. The candidate track will include such topics as formulating the campaign plan, political outreach, and communications.

There is no cost to attend.

The Holiday Inn – Central is conveniently located off I-95 & I-64 in the heart of Richmond. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn for participants who will be staying overnight in Richmond for the evening of Friday, January 12.

Hotel Rate: $79/night plus tax

Holiday Inn – Central 3207 North Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230

To make reservations, please call (804) 359-9441.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

The 2007 Election Season is Off and Running!

We have a busy weekend!

RIP SULLIVAN'S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Rip is running for the Virginia House of Delegates from the 34th District. He's having a campaign kickoff on Thursday, January 4, at 6:30 at his home at 6305 Chesterbrook Road in McLean. Please RSVP to 703.442.8685 or brcrj@aol.com


Northern Virginia Democratic Business Council
Please try to attend the monthly Northern Virginia Democratic Business Council (NVDBC) breakfasts on the first Friday of the month. These programs are conducted at the Fairview Park Marriott Hotel, 3111 Fairview Park Drive Falls Church, VA 22042703.849.9500. From 7:30 to 8:00 is networking followed by the breakfast and program speaker from 8:00 to 9:00.

This Friday, Governor Mark Warner will be the speaker.

Is there any hope for any new transportation funding or is the House Finance Committee hopelessly deadlocked? Will any of Gov. Kaine's proposal receive favorable treatment or will the General Assembly bury it partisan warfare? How will the current session set up the environment for the November 2007 elections and what are our chances? What are his predictions for the 2008 Presidential cycle, Sen. John Warner's plans, and …oh yeah, what exactly are your plans, Governor?

Please RSVP by e-mail to info@nvdembiz.org

Cost:
$30 for Members, in advance/$35 at Door$40 for Non-Members in advance/$45 at Door
The NVDBC will contribute $5 of every breakfast fee towards the NVDBC's PAC unless you note otherwise in your reservation

Parking: Garage (Free)

Directions: Take Exit 50B/Arlington Boulevard off the Beltway. Follow the signs to Fairview Park. Take Fairview Park Drive South, go 1/4 mile and the hotel is on the left.


MORRIS MEYER’S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Morris is running for the Virginia House of Delegates from the 40th District. He’s having a campaign kickoff on Saturday, January 6 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the home of Seth and Sharon Stark, 10106 Community Lane, Fairfax Station. Please RSVP to rsvp@morrismeyer.com or 703.543.6339.


CHAP PETERSEN’S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Chap is running for the Virginia Senate from the 34th District. He’s having a campaign kickoff on Sunday, January 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Old Town Hall in downtown Fairfax City. Arrive early for the music and free buffet dinner. Please RSVP to events@fairfaxsenator.com
or 703.349.3361.