In the Community March 31, 2014

FROM THE ALLIANCE FOR CULTURAL AND ETHNIC HARMONY (ACEH)

 

TONIGHT, Mon, Mar 31, 6 pm:  Workshop: "Understanding Unconscious Bias," presented by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and sponsored by Holland Human Relations Commission.  Facilitated dialogue re the identification of bias and the impact of thinking styles; explores ways to meet the needs of a more diverse workforce, client base, and community.  Free; reservations at (616) 355-1328 or email hrc@cityofholland.com  At City Council chambers, 270 South River, Holland.

 

TONIGHT, Mon, Mar 31, 6 pm: "Is China Opening Up or Closing Down?"  by James Fallows, national correspondent, The Atlantic.  Sponsored by World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. $10 non-members.  At Performing Arts Center, Aquinas College, 1703 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids.

 

TONIGHT, Mon, Mar 31, 7 pm:  César Chávez Lecture: "From the Margins to the Center--the Legacy of César Chávez,"  by Dr. Pedro Noguera, award-winning educator, author, and activist; professor at Steinhardt School of Education, New York University; director of the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education; and co-director of the Institute for the Study of Globalization and Education in Metropolitan Settings.  Admission is free.  Presented by Hope College Dean of International and Multicultural Education, Office of Multicultural Education an, Latino Student Organization.  At Maas Auditorium, Columbia Ave at 11^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, April 1, 7 pm: Panel presentation on immigration. Holland-area residents share their stories of life before and after immigrating and becoming U.S. citizens; attorney Liz Balck of Justice for Our Neighbors-West Michigan (JFON West Michigan) presents information about current immigration laws and process.  (616) 355-3728.  At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

Thurs, April 3, 6 pm: Theater workshop information meeting for parents of African American youth ages 6 -17.  The Power 2 Be program is offering the youth 10 weekly workshops at the Holland Civic Theatre, focusing on acting, directing, stage construction, stage performance, lighting, hair/makeup, and costumes.  $10 for whole program.  Contact Theenda Ms Cookie Yarbrough at (616) 546-9448 or on Facebook.  Parents' meeting at Maple Ave Church, 427 Maple, Holland.

 

Thurs, April 3, 7 pm:  "Houses of Worship" tour and discussion at Sikh Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship.  Hosted by Kaufman Interfaith Institute of Grand Rapids  to learn about the practices, traditions, and rituals of this global religion.  Free; public is welcome.  (616) 331-5702.  Sikhism (Sikhi in Punjabi) is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent.  At 8845 Cascade Rd, SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, April 3 – Sun, April 6: 5^th annual Grand Rapids LA:FF, Latin American Film Festival. Fourteen films from Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, and Argentina, with appearances by select directors.  Free; all films have English subtitles.  Presented by GVSU, Aquinas, Calvin, Ferris State, and Davenport.  Go to www.grlaff.org for schedule.  At Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE (west of intersection of Wealthy and Fuller), Grand Rapids.

 

Sat, April 5, 5 pm – 9 pm (doors open at 4 pm): CRC Cambodian Fellowship's Celebration of Easter and Cambodian New Year.  Includes traditional and folk dance, music, adult skits, Cambodian traditional fashion show, foods, soft drinks.  At The Commons of Evergreen, 480 State St (State and Michigan), Holland.

 

Thurs, April 10, 5:30 pm – 7 pm, and Fri, April 11, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm: 5^th Annual Local History Roundtable: "Immigration and Civil Rights in Western Michigan."  April 10: Reception and keynote by Bing Goei of the Michigan Office for New Americans; April 11: Roundtable, panel discussions, networking sessions on oral history, grant writing, fundraising, more.  $45 for both days, plus membership in Kutsche Office of Local History; $25 for both days, but no membership; $10, Thursday only.  Register at www.gvsu.edu/kutsche Sponsored by Holland Museum, Herrick District Library, GVSU, and LAUP.  At Holland Armory, 16 West 9^th St, Holland.

 

Thurs, April 10, 7 pm: "Houses of Worship" tour and discussion at Muslim Mosque.  Hosted by Kaufman Interfaith Institute of Grand Rapids to learn about the practices, traditions, and rituals of this global religion.  Free; public is welcome.  (616) 331-5702.  At 3357 East Paris Ave, Kentwood.

 

Fri, April 11, 7 pm:  General meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH), with presenter Alan Headbloom, cross-cultural communication consultant and producer of the Grand Rapids TV show, "Feel Like You Belong."  Everyone is welcome.  396-2201.  At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers needed.  This program of Pathways Mi in Holland provides trained volunteers who are appointed by the Ottawa County Family Court "to advocate, in a timely manner, for safe, permanent homes for children involved in neglect and abuse court proceedings."  Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, attend 30 hours of training, and commit to visiting the child or children twice a month, and write quarterly reports to the court.  Applications are being accepted until April 15 for training in June/July.  For more information or an application, contact Sheryl Brink, CASA Coordinator, at sbrink@pathwaysmi.org

 

JOBS and JOB FAIRS

NOVO 1 Job Fair, Wed, April 2, 11 am – 2 pm:  Customer service representatives for NOVO 1's Holland-based call center that helps customers of insurance companies and automotive assistance services.  Salary and benefits package; paid classroom and on-the-job training; flexible work schedules; premium pay rates for bilingual Spanish/English employees.  At NOVO 1's Holland Contact Center, 1361 South Waverly Rd, Holland.

 

Pepsico Career Day, Wed, April 9, 8 am – 3 pm:  Part-time merchandisers and warehouse loaders (seasonal); full-time relief drivers.  Apply online (if possible) at www.pepsijobs.com and enter "Grand Rapids" for the search city.  Must be at least 18, authorized to work in U.S., valid driver's license, pass drug test and background check, be available for flexible hours.  At Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Dr, Comstock Park (Pepsi Stadium Club).  Contact Brittany Snyder at (616) 285-8210 or Brittany.Snyder@pepsico.com

 

City of Holland Firefighter/EMT:  Full-time, $46,155 - $59,550, including competitive pension and benefit package; 24-hour shift schedule including weekends and holidays.  The city is developing a pool of qualified candidates for vacancies that may occur in the next year.  Qualifications: extensive firefighter training, above-average driving skills, physical agility; associates degree in fire science; various certifications and licenses.  Will be involved in fire prevention activities, safety education, inspections.  Send resume with cover letter only to City of Holland, 270 South River, Holland, 49423, re: Firefighter/EMT.  Electronic submissions will be refused.  Deadline is Friday, April 25.

 

 

 

 

 

In the Community from ACEH March 24, 2014

IN THE COMMUNITY FROM THE ALLIANCE FOR CULTURAL AND ETHNIC HARMONY, March 24, 2014 

 

TONIGHT, Mon, Mar 24, 7 pm: Award-winning Latina author Reyna Grande speaks about her memoir, "The Distance Between Us," which tells about the impact of poverty and immigration on a family and about her childhood moving between Mexico and the U.S.  Presentation in English, with Q&A in Spanish and English.  Part of GVSU Community Reading Project in partnership with Herrick District Library. (616) 355-3100.  At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

Thurs, Mar 27, and Fri, Mar 28, 8 am to 4:30 pm each day:  Two-day Racial Equity Institute.  Facilitated discussion, exercises.  $130 includes materials, morning refreshments and lunch each day. Presented by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. Call (616) 846-9074 or register at www.ethnicdiversity.org.  At Diversity Alliance offices, 665 136^th Ave, Holland.

 

Fri, Mar 28, 7 pm:  West Michigan premiere of film, "Cesar Chavez," and Scholarship Fundraiser.  Presented by the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez and Celebration Cinema.  Rated PG-13; 98 minutes. Tickets $20 (includes movie ticket, unlimited popcorn, pop, and door prizes).  Buy tickets online at https://celebrationcinema.com/location/RiverTown/3-28-2014  A portion of each ticket will be donated to the Cesar E. Chavez Scholarship Fund to assist Hispanic students pursuing a college education.   At Celebration Cinema Rivertown, in Rivertown Mall, Grandville.

 

Sat, Mar 29, 9 am–4:30 pm: Civilian First Responder (CFR) Training: "Seeing the Unseen."

Will give people in the community (bus drivers, hotel managers, gas station operators, maintenance workers, teachers, neighbors, friends, etc.) information on how to recognize and respond to human trafficking; what should be done and not done. $30 includes lunch and materials.  Register at www.warinternational.org (click on CFR button) or call (616) 855-0796.  Organized by Women at Risk International.  At Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Dr, #100, Holland.

 

Mon, Mar 31, 6 pm:  Workshop (rescheduled): "Understanding Unconscious Bias," presented by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and sponsored by Holland Human Relations Commission.  Facilitated dialogue re the identification of bias and the impact of thinking styles; explores ways to meet the needs of a more diverse workforce, client base, and community.  Free; reservations at (616) 355-1328 or email hrc@cityofholland.com  At City Council chambers, 270 South River, Holland.

 

Mon, Mar 31, 6 pm: "Is China Opening Up or Closing Down?"  by James Fallows, national correspondent, The Atlantic magazine.  Sponsored by World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.

$10 non-members.  At Performing Arts Center, Aquinas College, 1703 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon, Mar 31, 7 pm:  César Chavez Lecture.  Presented by Hope College Office of Multicultural Education and other campus offices.  At Maas Auditorium, Columbia Ave at 11^th St, Holland. 

 

Tues, April 1, 7 pm: Immigration panel. Holland-area residents share their stories of life before and after immigrating and becoming U.S. citizens; plus attorney Liz Balck of Justice for Our Neighbors-West Michigan presents information about current immigration laws and process.  At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

Thurs, Apr 3, 7 pm:  "Houses of Worship" tour and discussion at Sikh Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship.  Hosted by Kaufman Interfaith Institute of Grand Rapids as an opportunity to learn about the practices, traditions, and rituals of this global religion.  Free; public is welcome.  (616) 331-5702.  Sikhism (Sikhi in Punjabi) is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent.  At 8845 Cascade Rd, SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Apr 10, 7 pm: "Houses of Worship" tour and discussion at Muslim Mosque.  Hosted by Kaufman Interfaith Institute of Grand Rapids as an opportunity learn about the practices, traditions, and rituals of this global religion.  Free; public is welcome.  (616) 331-5702.  At 3357 East Paris Ave, Kentwood.

 

Fri, Apr 11, 7 pm:  General meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH), with presenter Alan Headbloom, cross-cultural communication consultant and producer of the Grand Rapids TV show, "Feel Like You Belong."  Everyone is welcome.  396-2201.  At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers needed.  This program of PathwaysMi in Holland provides trained volunteers who are appointed by the Ottawa County Family Court "to advocate, in a timely manner, for safe, permanent homes for children involved in neglect and abuse court proceedings."  Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, attend 30 hours of training, and commit to visiting the child or children twice a month, and write quarterly reports to the court.  Applications are being accepted until April 15 for training in June/July.  For more information or an application, contact Sheryl Brink, CASA Coordinator, at sbrink@pathwaysmi.org

 

Summit on Race and Inclusion: "Dismantling Unintentional Bias."  Wed, May 21, 8 am – 4:30 pm at Hope College, presented by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.  $45 includes refreshments and lunch; register at www.ethnicdiversity.org or at eventbrite; no on-site registration.

-- Morning keynote: "Transforming Our Concepts of Self and Others to Form an Inclusive Society" by john a. powell;

--Afternoon keynote: "The Economic Benefits of Inclusion," by Dr. Manual Pastor;

--Morning panel: "The Individual, Community, and Nationwide Impacts of Implicit Bias and Best Practices";

--Afternoon panel: "The Role of White Partners in the Racial Equity Movement";

--Sector-specific breakouts (business, community, education, faith, health, and law enforcement and public policy) on "Root Causes, Disparities, and Solutions to Advance Racial Equity with a Focus on the Role of Implicit Bias."

 

JOBS

Virtual Career Fair, through Wed, Mar 26:  Online at www.hollandsentinel.com

 

Pepsico Career Day, April 9, 8 am – 3 pm:  Part-time merchandisers and warehouse loaders (seasonal); full-time relief drivers.  Apply online (if possible) at www.pepsijobs.com and enter "Grand Rapids" for the search city.  Must be at least 18, authorized to work in U.S., valid driver's license, pass drug test and background check, be available for flexible hours.  At Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Dr, Comstock Park (Pepsi Stadium Club).  Contact Brittany Snyder at (616) 285-8210 or Brittany.Snyder@pepsico.com

 

City of Holland Firefighter/EMT:  Full-time, $46,155 - $59,550, including competitive pension and benefit package; 24-hour shift schedule including weekends and holidays.  The city is developing a pool of qualified candidates for vacancies that may occur in the next year.  Qualifications: extensive firefighter training, above-average driving skills, physical agility; associates degree in fire science; various certifications and licenses.  Will be involved in fire prevention activities, safety education, inspections.  www.cityofholland.com   Send resume with cover letter only to City of Holland, 270 South River, Holland, 49423, re: Firefighter/EMT.  Electronic submissions will be refused.  Deadline is Friday, April 25.

 

 

  

 

 

In the Community from ACEH March 17, 2014

Tues, Mar 18, 5:30 pm: Debate: "Affirmative Action in Higher Education," with John J. Bursch, former Michigan solicitor general, and Mark Fancher, ACLU of Michigan Racial Justice Project attorney. Hosted by American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan-Western Branch and The Federalist Society.  Free.  Info at www.aclu.org/secure/western-branch-race-conscious-admissions-discussion.  At Room 406, Cooley Law School, 111 Commerce Ave, Grand Rapids.

 

Wed, Mar 19, 9 am–2 pm:  Career and Education Expo, and Virtual Career Fair (Mar 20-26).  See information under Jobs, below.

 

Wed, Mar 19, noon:  Workshop: "Culture and Trauma: The Impacts, The Elements, and the Interplay," presented by George Tyndall, LMSW, regional director of operations, Bethany Christian Services.  Sponsored by Partners for a Racism-Free Community.  $30, includes lunch.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org or through eventbrite.com.  At Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 East Fulton, Grand Rapids (parking and entrance off Lakeside).

 

Wed, Mar 19, 5:30 pm: Diversity Visionary Award Celebration of Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.  $60 per person or $750 for corporate table of 10.  RSVP (616) 771-0303.  Info at www.grandrapids.org/visionaryaward  At Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Mar 20, various times: César E. Chavez Social Justice Events.  Honoring retired Grand Rapids police chief Kevin R. Belk.  11 am: Social Justice March, at Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Cesar E. Chavez Elementary, Hall St SW and Grandville Ave SW; 11:30 am: Community Gathering, at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church, 811 Chicago Dr, SW, Wyoming, followed by Unity Luncheon at same location ($10 donation).

 

Mon, Mar 24, 5:30 pm: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet celebrating accomplishments of Hispanic entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders.  Keynote speaker Dr. Robert Rodriguez of DRR Advisors, LLC.  $60 per person.  RSVP through

eventbrite.com.  Information: (616) 458-9360.  At Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Dr, Hudsonville.

 

Mon, Mar 24, 7 pm: Award-winning Latina author Reyna Grande speaks about her memoir, "The Distance Between Us," which tells about the impact of poverty and immigration on a family and about her childhood moving between Mexico and the U.S.  Presentation in English, with Q&A in Spanish and English.  Part of GVSU Community Reading Project in partnership with Herrick District Library. (616) 355-3100.  At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

Thurs, Mar 27, and Fri, Mar 28, 8 am to 4:30 pm each day:  Two-day Racial Equity Institute.  Facilitated discussion, exercises.  $130 includes materials, morning refreshments and lunch each day. Presented by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. Call (616) 846-9074 or register at www.ethnicdiversity.org.  At Diversity Alliance offices, 665 136^th Ave, Holland.

 

Fri, Mar 28, 7 pm:  West Michigan premiere of film, "Cesar Chavez," and Scholarship Fundraiser.  Presented by the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez and Celebration Cinema.  Rated PG-13; 98 minutes. Tickets $20 (includes movie ticket, unlimited popcorn, pop, and door prizes).  Buy tickets online at https://celebrationcinema.com/location/RiverTown/3-28-2014  A portion of each ticket will be donated to the Cesar E. Chavez Scholarship Fund to assist Hispanic students pursuing a college education.   At Celebration Cinema Rivertown, in Rivertown Mall, Grandville.

 

Sat, Mar 29, 9 am–4:30 pm: Civilian First Responder (CFR) Training: "Seeing the Unseen."

Will give people in the community (bus drivers, hotel managers, gas station operators, maintenance workers, teachers, neighbors, friends, etc.) information on how to recognize and respond to human trafficking; what should be done and not done. $30 includes lunch and materials.  Register at www.warinternational.org (click on CFR button) or call (616) 855-0796.  Organized by Women at Risk International.  At Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Dr, #100, Holland.

 

Mon, Mar 31, 6 pm:  Workshop (rescheduled): "Understanding Unconscious Bias," presented by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and sponsored by Holland Human Relations Commission.  Facilitated dialogue re the identification of bias and the impact of thinking styles; explores ways to meet the needs of a more diverse workforce, client base, and community.  Free; reservations at (616) 355-1328 or email hrc@cityofholland.com  At City Council chambers, 270 South River, Holland.

 

Mon, Mar 31, 7 pm:  César Chavez Lecture.  Presented by Hope College Office of Multicultural Education and other campus offices.  At Maas Auditorium, Columbia Ave at 11^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, April 1, 7 pm: Immigration panel. Holland-area residents share their stories of life before and after immigrating and becoming U.S. citizens; plus attorney Liz Balck of Justice for Our Neighbors-West Michigan presents information about current immigration laws and process.  At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is seeking new member applications from 9^th and 10^th grade students who want "to give back and grow as a leader."  10 openings available. Application deadline is April 1.  Go to http://cfhz.org and scroll to bottom of page. For more information, email ekidd@cfhz.org

 

Migrant Mentoring Program:  Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance is seeking community volunteers to match with a child from a migrant family to meet weekly during the family's seasonal residence in this area, "improving academic achievement, developing cross-cultural connections, and reducing the isolation of the migrant community."  www.ethnicdiversity.org/whatwedo/migrantprograms.

 

JOBS

Career & Education Expo, Wed, March 19, 9 am – 2 pm:  Area companies and colleges on site.  Sponsored by Holland Sentinel  and Monster.  At Holland Civic Center, 150 East 8th St, Holland.

--Thurs, Mar 20-Wed, Mar 26:  Virtual Career Fair Online at www.hollandsentinel.com

 

Hope College CASA (Children's After-School Achievement) Program:  Part-time, summer positions for  Summer Teacher ($18 per hour) and  Summer Teaching Assistant ($9 per hour).  Teacher must have valid State of Michigan teacher certification; both positions need valid driver's license held for at least two years and ability to communicate in Spanish.  Responsibilities, requirements, and applications at www.hope.edu/employment  Click on Staff positions.  Deadline to apply is Friday, March 21.

 

City of Holland Parks, Cemetery, and Recreation Division:   Seasonal pesticide applicator position, April - November.  $11-$12 per hour, 40-hour week; no benefits.  Must have a commercial applicators license in Core, 3A, 3B, and 6.  Job applications at www.cityofholland.com or from City of Holland Human Resources Dept, 270 South River, Holland.  Return by email to hr@cityofholland.com or to City Hall at address above.  Applications accepted until Friday, March 21.

 

City of Holland Sustainability Committee:  Three-month internship for qualified social media/clerical support person.  Flexible 5-10 hours per week, $9 to $12 per hour; no benefits.  Take meeting minutes, assist in developing/posting/monitoring information on the Sustainability portion of the city's website.  Job description and qualifications can be viewed at www.cityofholland.com

Send resume and cover letter to City of Holland Human Resources Dept./Sustainability Intern, 270 South River Ave, Holland 49423 or hr@cityofholland.com  Applications due by Friday, March 21.