Rotary Group Study Exchange

Time for a Vacation (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 8 July 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

It's summer time and thoughts turn to vacation. Where in the world are you going? Where have you been? Where would you like to go? Come have a beer and share your stories or give travel tips for those seeking to travel abroad.

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Day of the African Child

YP DISCUSSION: THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION, PART 2

The Iranian Revolution, Part 2 (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

This week we will discuss the dramatic events following the elections in Iran. What role do the clerics, the military, the politicians, and the people play in the power struggle? We'll examine how technology has shaped the protests and what we know of them. We probably know much more than we would have without the Internet and services like Facebook and Twitter, but are we getting the full story? And finally, what will be the final outcome for the people of Iran and the region?

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
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Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

vigil in support of Iranian people this Friday at 7 p.m.

We are a group of Iranian Americans from the Portland Metropolitan area and from Vancouver, WA. We are heartbroken by the violence inflicted upon the Iranian people. We are also tremendously proud of our fellow Iranians for their perseverance and non-violent presence in streets demanding change and justice. We invite you to join us for a silent vigil in solidarity with our courageous sisters and brothers who have been protesting ever since the election results were announced and their will was disregarded.

 

                                                                                                    Friday, June 19 at 7 PM

            in front of the Portland State University Library

                   at Hall and SW Park Blocks

 

We request to not display flags, political party affiliations or offensive slogans in order to focus on our message of unity with the people of Iran and our commitment to non-violence and free and fair elections. Please bring candles in containers and flowers.

Portland Pride 2009 6/13-14

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Portland Pride Festival this year on June 13th and 14th. As always we will have non-stop entertainment and lots of fun planned for our lovely and diverse community.   More Info: www.pridenw.org

Nicholas Kristof on traveling abroad safely

Interesting article by Nicholas Kristof in last weekend's NYT on traveling abroad and staying safe.  Although the purpose of the column was to inspire students to take a gap year and "live a little", his advice is good for any traveler, young or old, regardless of destination.  My favorite advice of his: "No. 14. If terrorists finger you, break out singing "O Canada"!"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/31kristof.html?_r=2&em

AsiaFest 2009

Visit the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday, May 30th to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Portland's AsiaFest offers the opportunity to see a show, listen to music, and experience the craftsmanship and creativity of a variety of Asian cultures. The event will also feature cuisine from local Asian restaurants, a silent auction, and more. Admission is $5.00.  For more information, visit www.ARFoundation.net. 

 

WHEN:

Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

 

WHERE:

Oregon Convention Center

Exhibit Hall A

777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd.

Portland, OR

 

YP DISCUSSION: IT'S A SMALL WORLD WIDE WEB

It's a Small World Wide Web (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 27 May 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

The Internet, World Wide Web, and other telecommunications technologies promise to bring the world together. Allowing people from all over the world to communicate and share information will promote understanding, right? But is that really happening? There are now nearly as many Chinese websites as English. Do you read any of them? And even in the English speaking web, what sites do you choose to read? Those that post articles that conform to your own world view? (Perhaps your search engine is helping you do so without your knowledge.) How is and will the Internet affect our relationship with the world? Will it help connect us or fragment us into our own little worlds? Start the discussion on our blog.

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
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Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Fireworks tonight- Free

Presented by: Rose Festival Association About: Portland's downtown waterfront illuminates during the Fireworks Spectacular, the Portland Rose Festival's kick-off event. More Info: Billed as one of Oregon's largest fireworks displays, this thunderous pyrotechnics show soars over the Waterfront Village beginning at nightfall. Visitors can expect some special features this year -- this year's show will be choreographed to music to add excitement and 'punch' (as our fireworks experts say). HOURS: Approximately 9:45 p.m. PHONE: 503.227.2681 ADMISSION/TICKETS: Free outside of the Waterfront Village gates or $5 gate admission. Tickets may be purchased on-site.   LOCATION: Tom McCall Waterfront Park S.W. Naito Parkway and Columbia Street Portland, OR

Thanks to all who came to YP Trivia at Lucky Lab NW tonight!

YP DISCUSSION: RESURGENT TALIBAN

Resurgent Taliban (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group:

Wednesday, 13 May 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

As the U.S. shifts its focus from Iraq to Afghanistan in the war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, militants are reshaping the war by taking over new areas in Pakistan. What does this mean for the U.S. strategy? Is the Pakistani government strong enough to retake control? Is Pakistan's nuclear arsenal vulnerable? Will their military use the developments as a pretext to stage another coup? And what does the new fighting mean for the people forced to flee? Is there any hope for good government and peace in the region? Start the discussion on our blog.

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
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Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Trivia Night: 5/11 @ 6:30pm Luckylab NW

Join the World Affairs Council, Young Professionals on Monday, May 11th @ 6:30pm - Lucky Labrador NW for Trivia Night Do you know which European city has the largest Muslim population?   Or what is the longest river in Oceania?  Which famous German politician changed his name from Herbert Ernst Frahm?  Or the name of Lebanon's most famous salad?   Bring your friends, or come alone (we will place you on a team). Trivia Night is a fun opportunity to acquaint and socialize with fellow Portlanders who share your zest for all things international! Spaces are limited so please RSVP!    Event Information: Monday, May 11 6:30 pm to 8:30 p.m. Location: Lucky Labrador Beer Hall 1945 NW Quimby Portland, OR 97209

MercyCorps Special Invite: Visit Africa From Your Home

Greetings!

I want to personally invite you to an exciting opportunity to hear from our Board Chair Linda Mason, who recently visited our programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jenny Vaughan, Head of Office in Central African Republic.

This special Mercy Corps conference call and online presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 13 (details below). Our speakers will be discussing some of Mercy Corps' recent work to fight poverty in Africa through investing in women. We're helping women to not only feed their families now - but to change their communities for the long term, despite lack of access to clean water, persistent health problems, and ongoing conflict such as the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session.

I hope that you are able to join us!

Best,

Minda Seibert, Mercy Corps Community Relations Officer
-------------------

Fight Poverty. Empower Women.
The Way Forward in Africa
A Special Mercy Corps Conference Call

Wednesday, May 13
5:30 p.m. PST / 8:30 p.m. EST
Call toll-free 1-800-761-5415 to join the call.

Join Board Chair Linda Mason, recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jenny Vaughan, Head of Office, Central African Republic, to hear stories of the extraordinary women and communities you are helping in Africa, through your support of Mercy Corps.

Please click here to register for this event. It's easy and you'll also receive instructions for accessing the visual presentation online.

If you have any questions, or if you are unable to join the call, but would like to access a recording of the call, please contact Minda Seibert at mseibert@mercycorps.org or reply to this email.

___________________________________________

Minda Seibert
Mercy Corps
Community Relations Officer
3015 SW First Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 595-8005
800-292-3355 ext.405
mseibert@mercycorps.org

Mercy Corps helps people in the world's toughest places turn the crises of natural disaster, poverty, and conflict into opportunities for progress. Driven by local needs and market conditions, our programs provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team of 3,700 professionals is improving the lives of 14.5 million people in 37 countries. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org.

If you are interested in attending a Mercy Corps event or fundraiser, check out www.mercycorps.org/events to see if there is an event in your area. If you are organizing an event, let me know so it can be posted.

Check out how a benefit concert that brought together four bands made up of teenagers from Portland area high schools, and hundreds of local youth raised over $6,000 for Mercy Corps' worldwide children's programs.

This email was delivered to you by Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps. You can take your email address off Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps' email list, or update your preferences and/or send comments to Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps. If you request to be taken off Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps' email list, Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps will honor your request. Postal address: 3015 SW First Ave., Portland, OR 97201

The Dark Side of Dubai

After an excellent presentation on Dubai by a fellow YP'er Michelle Diamond, I came across a very interesting and compelling article that appeared in early April in The Independent on the current state of affairs in Dubai.  Here is a link. For those who are interested in the daily lives of ex-pats, there is a link to a blog maintained by an Independent-affiliated writer.