Fall 2014 Community Writing Workshops

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Fiction Master Class offered by Lydia Davis and Memoir Workshop offered by Jo Page

The New York State Writers Institute will offer two creative writing workshops during the fall 2014 semester. Lydia Davis, New York State Writers Institute Fellow and winner of the 2013 Man Booker International Prize will conduct a fiction master class workshop, and Jo Page, New York State Writers Institute Writer-in-Residence will conduct a workshop on crafting memoir. The Fiction Master Class Workshop will focus on detailed discussion of students’ work, but there may also be assigned exercises and/or readings from published novels or short stories to broaden the discussion of topics such as character, plot, style, and form. The workshop is intended for advanced writers – writers who have significant publications in literary journals. The fiction workshop will be held on five Tuesday evenings from October 7 through November 4 at the University at Albany’s uptown campus.

The Memoir Workshop is intended for writers interested in crafting longer or shorter works or memoir, using readings and participants’ individual work to explore and develop the subtleties that make a memoir a compelling story as well as a re-collection of actual events. The workshop will be held on seven Wednesday evenings from October 8 through November 19 at the University at Albany’s uptown campus.

Both workshops are offered free of charge for no credit. Admission to either workshop is based on the submission of writing samples. Complete information on the workshops and submission guidelines may be obtained by calling the Institute at 518-442-5620 or by visiting the Institute’s website.

Fellowship and Internship Opportunities

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Arthur V. Savage 2014-2015 Internship Program

Arthur V. Savage (1926-2012) was a distinguished lawyer-conservationist, with a particular devotion to the preservation of open spaces and public parks in New York State. During the last half of the 20th century, Art co- founded or led a large number of nonprofit organizations that shape environmental laws, protect natural resources, and educate the public about conservation values. A 20-year member of the Parks & Trails New York Board of Directors, Arthur received our George W. Perkins Award in 2003 for his outstanding parks and conservation leadership. To honor the life and legacy of one of New York State’s most influential environmentalists, Parks & Trails New York is proud to offer the Arthur V. Savage Internship Program.

The Arthur V. Savage Internship Program offers an opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to work in Albany with the Parks & Trails New York staff to shape environmentally intelligent policies, organize grassroots constituents and provide stewardship for parks, trails, and other outdoor recreational facilities. The program provides interns with valuable insight and first-hand experience in the environmental field.
Specific Responsibilities: Assist with a variety of program, communications, and outreach tasks related to protecting, promoting and enhancing New York’s parks and trails. Projects include: Events – assist in organizing and promoting the statewide I Love My Park Day, Canal Clean Sweep, and Park and Trail Advocacy Days; Communications – assist with print and e-publications, website content and production, and other outreach; Advocacy – assist with PTNY’s advocacy efforts for state parks funding, funding for bike and pedestrian projects, and other park- and trail-related issues.

Skills: Well organized, excellent oral and written communications skills, multi-tasker, strategic thinker, experience with Microsoft Office and web-based tools

Hours: Part-time, 15-20 hours/week. Hours are flexible in terms of days and times. Position starts in September and runs ideally through May, but requires at least a 15-week commitment.

Work Environment: Friendly and hard-working staff. Casual atmosphere. Compensation: $10 – $12 per hour. May be used for college internship requirements.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and references (including a former employer or supervisor of volunteer work) by August 31, 2014 by E-mail with the subject line “ASI Internship.”

PTNY is the leading statewide organization working to promote, enhance and protect a network of parks, trails and greenways across the state. We work with lawmakers to advance policy issues, assist local communities realize their visions for trails, lead bike tours along the Erie Canalway Trail and through the Hudson Valley, and work with grassroots groups to build their capacity to steward parks and trails.

Fellowship On Women & Public Policy

The Women”S Leadership Academy At The Center For Women In Government & Civil Society

Are you a graduate student or a mid-level professional seeking to strengthen your leadership skills and broaden your public policy knowledge?

Are you committed to positive social change and to furthering the well-being of women and their families?

The Center for Women in Government & Civil Society invites you to apply for its 2015 Fellowship on Women & Public Policy. The Fellowship on Women & Public Policy is a unique opportunity at the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, Rockefeller Collegef Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany.

Since 1983, the program has prepared public policy leaders by instilling the knowledge and cultivating the skills needed to become effective advocates and public policy leaders.

Through a balanced and comprehensive approach that combines academic instruction, field placement in a New York State-based public policy position, and personal and professional development activities, the program supports fellows to: Understand the public policy world with both theoretical and practical instruction from leaders in the policy arena; Research, analyze, and advocate for issues of concern to women, children, families and communities in New York State; Strengthen skills in writing, public policy analysis and creative and critical thinking, and sharpen interpersonal and critical skills needed to become effective leaders; Explore ways to overcome personal and professional barriers to leadership, and Develop a professional network of mentors and become part of an expanding community of alumna Fellows.

Based in Albany, New York, this six month program runs from the beginning of January through the end of June each year. Fellows are full-time graduate students in the Spring semester, and work thirty hours a week in their placement offices. A $10,000 stipend plus tuition assistance is available to Fellows.

The Fellowship invites qualified graduate students and professionals who have completed at least 12 credits of graduate coursework and possess a minimum of three years of internship/work experience to apply. The Fellowship is an interdisciplinary program that invites applications from all fields of study. Fellows are selected on a competitive basis, and must be in good academic standing at their college or university. The Fellowship is primarily for graduate students, but we also consider mid-level professionals who demonstrate commitment to the vision of the Fellowship.

Deadline for Submitting Applications for the second round is Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Applications can be found at the Center’s website. For further information about the Fellowship on Women & Public Policy, please contact Bilge Avci by E-mail, and 518. 591-8762, or Dina Refki by E-mail, and 518.442.5127.

The Center for Women in Government & Civil Society advances excellence in public service by facilitating balanced leadership; and promotes gender-responsive public policy that is shaped by women’s perspectives. The Center utilizes research, teaching, training and public education to accomplish its mission.

Soros Justice Fellowships

The Soros Justice Fellowship Program, an initiative of the Criminal Justice Fund of the Open Society Foundations, supports individuals who will further its mission of reducing the nation’s over-reliance on policies of punishment and incarceration, and restoring discretion and fairness to the U.S. criminal justice system.

All projects must, at a minimum, relate to one or more of the Justice Fund’s broad U.S. criminal justice reform goals: reducing mass incarceration, challenging extreme punishment, and promoting justice system accountability.

The Fellowships fund outstanding individuals, including lawyers, advocates, grassroots organizers, activist academics, journalists, and filmmakers, to implement innovative projects that address the Criminal Justice Fund priorities.

The Soros Justice Fellowships support individuals through two programs:

Advocacy Fellowships

These fellowships seek to identify and nurture emerging and seasoned leaders at either the local, state, or national level. Projects may range from litigation to public education to coalition-building to grassroots mobilization to action research, and must identify a clear policy goal. Advocacy Fellowships, which have two tracks, may be implemented in conjunction with nonprofit organizations. Track I supports new and emerging advocates with at least two years of advocacy experience. Track II supports individuals with a demonstrated record of achievement and expertise in their fields, including a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in their fields.

Media Fellowships

These fellowships support writers, print and broadcast journalists, filmmakers, bloggers, and other individuals with distinctive voices proposing to complete media projects that engage and inform, spur debate and conversation, and catalyze change on important U.S. criminal justice issues. The program intends to mitigate the time, space, and market constraints that often discourage individuals from pursuing important but marginalized, controversial, or unpopular issues in a comprehensive manner.

Special considerations is given to projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the intersection of criminal justice issues with the particular needs of low-income communities, communities of color, immigrants, LGBTQ people, women and children, and those otherwise disproportionately affected by harsh criminal justice policies; as well as applications for projects that cut across various criminal justice fields and related sectors, such as education, health and mental health, housing, and employment.

Applications are welcome from individuals directly affected by, or with significant direct personal experience with, the policies, practices, and systems their projects seek to address (e.g. applicants who have themselves been incarcerated, applicants who have a family member or loved one who has been incarcerated and whose fellowship project emerges from that experience).

Application Procedures:

Fellowship application materials must be submitted online through the Open Society Foundation’s website.

Grant Details: Stipends ranging from $58,700 to $110,250 are provided.

Eligibility Requirements: Individuals

Application Deadlines: October 22, 2014.

New Job Announcements as of August 24, 2014

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Capital District YMCA Human Resources (HR) Coordinator

Under the direction of the Vice President of HR, the HR Coordinator is responsible for various administrative functions to support the Human Resources functions and the Administration office of the YMCA.

Requirements:

AAS in Business, Human Resources or related field preferred. High School degree required. Prior HR or administrative experience helpful; Demonstrated computer knowledge of Microsoft Office software; Mathematical aptitude and attention to detail required; Must place a high priority on confidentiality, attention to detail communication and
professional demeanor; Must be able to work cooperatively with management, staff and volunteers at all levels
of the Association; Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build
strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.

Pay Range: $12.50 – 14.50 per hour Application deadline: September 5, 2014 Please forward all resumes and applications to:

John J. Hayden, Vice President of Human Resources Capital District YMCA
465 New Karner Road
Albany, NY 12205
Telephone: 518-640-1940
Fax: 518-640-1998
E-mail

Executive Director – YMCA Troy Family branch

The Capital District YMCA, one of the 35 largest YMCAs in the US is seeking to fill the position of Executive Director at its Troy Family branch. This position administers the business operations and programs of the Troy Family branch of the Capital District YMCA. We are looking for an Executive Director who can create a culture of excellence within the YMCA, guide us into the future, help us support our membership and strengthen our position as the largest membership-based, community service organization in the area. The Troy Family branch has a budget of $1.5 million, a dedicated full-time staff of 18 and part-time staff of 85.

We seek an enthusiastic, well-organized, self-motivated individual capable of developing and providing visionary leadership and mobilizing community resources. Highly motivated volunteers want a dynamic leader capable of assuming a high-visibility role in the community and moving the Branch to the next level. Position requires demonstrated success with operations and fiscal management, membership and program planning and development, annual campaign, staff development, board and volunteer relations, and the development of strong community relationships.

Flexibility and the ability to think analytically and critically, multi-task, work independently, and problem solve are imperative. Relationship building and fundraising skills are critical along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

This position requires a minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership position, a 4-year degree is preferred, and YMCA Senior Director, Multi-team or Branch Leader Certification. Experience with growing and retaining membership, background in program development and proven record of building community support through fundraising is necessary.
The Troy Family branch is focused on Membership, Wellness, Aquatics, School Age Child Care, Youth and Teen programs & sports, and summer day camp. The branch currently has 4,250 members.

If you have a desire to serve; proven experience in operations management and have what it takes to develop a willing and eager staff, create a compelling vision for the future while maintaining a fiscally sound management approach, this position may be right for you. A strong commitment to the YMCA mission and values is a must.

Salary: $Mid 60’s to low 70’s.

To apply, mail resume and cover letter to:

John J. Hayden, Director of Human Resources
Capital District YMCA
465 New Karner Road
Albany, NY 12205
Apply By Email

Resumes accepted until September 8, 2014.

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) – Assistant in Educational Services

Department: Research and Educational Services
Category: PSA Category B
Salary: To be determined, commensurate with experience

The NYSUT Research and Educational Services Department is seeking an individual with extensive experience in the education of English language learners (ELL).

Job Responsibilities: Assist with reviewing and analyzing policy, laws, and regulations regarding current educational issues including those related to English language learners, special education, and early childhood education; Provide technical assistance to NYSUT members on issues related to English language learners and early childhood education; Assist NYSUT’s English Language Learners and Early Childhood Committees: prepare committee reports, including recommendations, and prepare materials for committee meetings; Prepare briefing papers, reports, and correspondence on educational issues; Assist in developing and conducting professional development related to ELLs and early childhood education.

Job Qualifications: At least five years experience in the area of programs and services for English language learners; (Preference will be given to candidates with dual language/bilingual program experiences); Experience with statewide organizations related to the education of ELLs and early childhood education; Detailed knowledge of ESEA assessment and accountability systems involving ELLs; Detailed knowledge of New York State’s learning standards especially in the areas of reading and language arts and their application to ELLs; Solid understanding of early childhood education; Strong skills in written and oral communication; Ability to work collaboratively as a team member; Ability to exercise professional judgment in coordinating multiple assignments with varying deadlines in a fast-paced environment; and Solid understanding of union organizations and activities.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by September 2, 2014 to NYSUT Human Resources via electronic submission.

The Schenectady County Working Group on Girls – Part-time Administrator

The Schenectady County Working Group on Girls (Working Group on Girls of Schenectady) is seeking a part-time administrator to work with a group of dedicated volunteers who provide programs to middle and high school girls in the Schenectady City Schools. The programs are designed to support girls and encourage them to develop healthy relationships, create future visions for their lives and complete school.

The administrator will work with volunteers on the implementation of Girls’ Day Out, Girls’ Circles, Celebration Dinner program, and other events to support girls in the Schenectady City School system. The administrator will work approximately 20 hours per week (more in late summer, fall/early winter, and less in winter/spring/summer). We are seeking someone who is inclusive and friendly, flexible and a team player; understands and supports our mission; has data base management experience, good writing and speaking skills, strong organizational ability, budget experience; and is timely, responsible and attentive to detail. Additional details about the duties of this position are available at WGG’s website.

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references by E-mail no later than August 29, 2014.

The WGGS mission: “Working together to put the spotlight on girls, facilitate programs on their behalf and educate the community about their needs, challenges, opportunities and successes.”

Schenectady County Civil Service Opportunities

Exam Title: Employment And Training Counselor
Exam Number: 61-651
Salary Range: $45,455 – $53,740 (2014)
Last Date For Filing: September 8, 2014
Date Of Examination: October 25, 2014

Exam Title: Support Investigator
Exam Number: 61-654
Salary Range: $32,692 – $38,417 (2014)
Last Date For Filing: September 8, 2014
Date Of Examination: October 25, 2014

City of Schenectady Police Officer Exam

Filing Deadline: September 29, 2014
Exam Date: November 15, 2014
$15.00 Examination Fee

The City of Schenectady Police Department will be holding a Police Officer Exam in November. The results of the examination will be used to establish an eligible list to fill vacancies for the City of Schenectady Police Department as needed.

TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted from September 2nd to September 29th

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION: Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalency and have completed 30 College credit hours (transcript must be included when applying).

EXAMINATION SUBJECTS: The test is divided into four sections. The specific skills tested are applying written information in police situations, memory for facts and information, reading, understanding and interpreting written information and preparing written materials in a police setting.

Please read the announcement poster thoroughly for more information. Download the attached forms to apply.

August 2014 Issue of God’s Field

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The latest issue of God’s Field is now available online. This edition features reports on summer’s youth events with tons of pictures of our parish youth who participated in Kurs and CONVO. Our music scholarship winners are also prominently noted. Congratulations Christina and Victoria. Check updates and information about the Church’s upcoming Holy Synod.

Articles for the September issue are being accepted now through September 1, 2014. You may E-mail items and photos or send them to:

God’s Field
Polish National Catholic Church
1006 Pittston Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505

Reflection for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

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A life full of
riches.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! … For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

God’s judgments testify to His righteousness, as well as to His wisdom. God knows how to catch those who oppose him in their own snares by allowing them to fall, not by His doing, but by their own free will and choices that oppose Him. In contrast with His judgments, His ways are the way of grace that lead to eternal life for those who chose Him. How wonderful and wise are His judgments and ways! They make us rich.

Looking back at history and even our lives we can truly marvel at His wisdom. Consider how He: Has mercy on the disobedient; Gathers us out of the many peoples, Jews and Gentiles, into a people who are His own; Uses us to convert others; and Preserves the world despite malice and evil until we have built His kingdom through the grace He gives us.

His wisdom is entirely immeasurable and unfathomable; His judgments and ways are inscrutable and incomprehensible. So lies the emphasis: This powerful and incomprehensible God joins Himself to humanity and sacrificed Himself all so we might be drawn up to be like Him; so that we may enter into glory after glory. So that by the freedom He allows we may chose for Him and bring others to Him.

God wants the salvation of all people, has revealed Himself to us, has shown us the way we should go, has called upon us to proclaim Him and invite others to know Him, and has left us the tremendous promise of eternal life and glory even though we lack His perfection and fall at times.

Paul confirms that the judgments and ways of God are inscrutable and untraceable with three questions, which he borrows from Isaiah and Job: For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid?

Paul reminds us that everything that is and will be has its beginning in God, is carried out by God, and serves God’s purposes. God needs nothing and we can offer Him nothing – excepting this: our faith, like Peter, our declaration that He is our God.

God asks us to come into relationship with Him and each other. He shows us the way and gives us the words that can make all our lives rich and complete.

To him be glory forever! Paul makes this great exclamation, calling on us to give glory to God for His judgments and His ways; for the riches He gives to all who by faith in Him build His kingdom and join together in His life.

Reflection for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

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All people?
Really?

The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, ministering to him, loving the name of the LORD, and becoming his servants—all who keep the Sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

This beautiful text recounts very powerful words to people who believed themselves to be exclusive. This sense of separateness built up in Israel over time – but this was not God’s way or instruction to Israel.

When Israel was constituted as a nation, a concern for resident aliens and foreigners was built into its legal system. The alien peoples received special protection under the law and were to be loved as native Israelites.

They came to or dwelt in Israel for various reasons including for the specific purpose of knowing God. All foreigners sojourning in Israel were counted as its people under the care and protection of God. Those who were joined to Israel through circumcision could join in the Passover. All were expected to honor and follow the laws of the Lord including the Sabbath rest. No foreigner was to be vexed or oppressed. They were to be loved, helped in distress, and have justice in all disputes.

Of all nations only Israel’s law, given by God, contained legislation for the resident alien. When Israel received the Promised Land she was required to purge it of its foreign population. But, foreigners in this context represented those hostile to her – it did not mean complete exclusion. Israel’s entire existence was bound up with being a blessing to all nations.

Various scriptures including Solomon’s prayer at the inauguration of the temple implied that God’s house was a house of prayer for all peoples. Israelite and foreigner could both pray to the Lord. Today’s words from Isaiah re-speak those words as instructed by God.

By the time of Jesus’ coming Israel had become extremely exclusive, and forgot God’s words – to be a blessing and mission to the nations. Jesus’s life is replete with His reaching out to foreigners – they were present at His birth, during His ministry where He interacted, preached to, and healed them. Paul clearly states that in Christ all are called and there is no negative racial, linguistic, or ethnic difference. We are gifts to each other.

Jesus’ call is never to separateness, to dissolution, or hopelessness – but to hope for all people in all circumstances. May God be praised for choosing and loving all!

Pray for Christians in Iraq

They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. — Luke 21:11-19

Let us pray for the Christians of and in Iraq. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ, members of the body of Christ, our family.

Lord God, Father Almighty, grant by Your strong arm that Your Church in Iraq may be saved and preserved from every evil. Grant also that it may remain steadfast and persevere in faith before the evils of the enemy. If called to martyrdom, may Your Church show forth strong witness; for You preserve our lives even if we lose them in the eyes of the world. May we too be strengthened to serve you in imitation of the courage of the Holy Martyrs of Iraq. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

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O God, Who rules the world from everlasting to everlasting; speak to our hearts when courage fails, and we faint for fear. Keep us resolute and steadfast in the things that cannot be shaken, abounding in hope and knowing that our labor is not in vain in Thee. Restore our faith in Thine eternal purpose: renew in us that love which never fails; and make us lift up our eyes to behold, beyond the things which are seen and temporal, the things which are unseen and eternal. We ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.