Young Professionals Holiday Social - This Friday in NW Portland!

Dear YPs,

The Young Professionals' Fourth Annual Holiday Social & Toy Drive!
The YP Steering Committee formally invites you to our year-ending holiday celebration!

This year’s holiday social will be held in NW Portland at a private venue called The Screening Room.
It is a proper 1930’s screening room, completely rebuilt with all new equipment!

When:
Friday, December 7th, 2007
Time:
8:pm – 11:pm
Location/Address:
925 NW 19th Ave ( MAP)
Atmosphere:
A casual social event intended to allow YPs to mingle and get to know each other. We'll provide music, visual entertainment, and a crowd of internationally-minded Portlanders!

Admission:
$10 Council Members/$15 Non-Members
Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped gift for the “Hands on Portland” Toy Drive.
Refreshments:
Wine, Beer, and Appetizers Included
Reservations:
Required by December 7, 2007 (Limited to 60 people). Click here to Reserve online, or call the World Affairs Council at 503-274-7488.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday!

Sincerely,



The Young Professionals Steering Committee
YP - PDX( OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
Young Professionals on MYSPACE.COM!
World Affairs Council of Oregon’s Young Professionals
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YP DISCUSSION: DECLINE OF THE UNITED STATES DOLLAR

Is it a temporary slump or real indicator that American economic might is beginning to falter? YP economists encouraged to attend and explain!

DATE:
November 21, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
GOOGLE NEWS: US Dollar

YP DISCUSSION: MARTIAL LAW IN PAKISTAN AND GROWING TENSION IN TURKISH/IRAQI KURDISTAN

One of America’s closest allies in the so-called war on terror has a new military dictator, and the other is threatening to end their logistical support of the war in Iraq. How did this happen, and what can we do now?

DATE:
November 7, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Pakistan
WIKIPEDIA: Turkey
GOOGLE NEWS: Kurdistan

YP DISCUSSION: LOCAL BALLOT ISSUES!

AMENDING THE OREGON CONSTITUTION TO TAX A CONSUMER PRODUCT & FUND A CITIZEN ENTITLEMENT, TO SUBDIVIDE OR NOT, AND FIREFIGHTING RETIREMENT: This week the internationally-minded YPs will bring the topic close to home and debate the upcoming local ballot issues!

DISCUSSION DATE:
October 24th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

YP DISCUSSION: INDEPENDENCE FOR SCOTLAND, OR OTHERS...

A pipe-dream, or real possibility? Can an established component of any modern nation-state have any hope of independence?

This discussion is intended to correspond to the "Scotland's Road to Independence" event to be held on Wednesday, October 10, with parliament member Brian Adam, at Portland State University. Click here for more details on this event.

DISCUSSION DATE:
October 10th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Scotland
WIKIPEDIA: Scottish Independence
WIKIPEDIA: Great Britain
GOOGLE NEWS: Scottish Independence

YP DISCUSSION: PORTLAND’S UNSPOKEN CLASS-SYSTEM AND AN INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY IGNORED

Do we largely ignore the rich cultures and fascinating histories of immigrant peoples who live and work beside us on daily basis – if so, why? Come share your opinion with the group!

DATE:
September 26th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Social Class

YP EVENT: International Carbon Trading

RECOMMENDED VIDEO & AUDIO:
BBC.COM - Various Media: Carbon Trading
BBC.COM - Radio Program: Carbon Off-Setting Industry

The Young Professional’s are collaborating with PSU’s Master of International Management (MIM) program for “International Carbon Trading Challenges, Opportunities, and the Future,” an upcoming YP event (please visit the link for more information & registration).

We’re starting the conversation early to get people motivated and provide an opportunity for Portland YPs to get involved in this very promising effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions!

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Carbon Credit
WIKIPEDIA: Kyoto Protocol
GOOGLE NEWS: Carbon Credits

YP DISCUSSION: INTERNATIONAL CARBON TRADING

Oregon’s Growing Role in the Global Drive to Reduce Greenhouse Gases by Making it Profitable to do so!

The Young Professional’s are collaborating with PSU’s Master of International Management (MIM) program for “International Carbon Trading Challenges, Opportunities, and the Future,” an upcoming YP event. The event is six weeks away (October 30), but we’re starting the conversation early to get people motivated and provide an opportunity for Portland YPs to get involved in this very promising effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions!

DATE:
September 12th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Carbon Credit
WIKIPEDIA: Kyoto Protocol
GOOGLE NEWS: Carbon Credits

A Young Professional is Traveling the World for 12 Months!

Mr. Brad Pierce, a Young Professionals Steering Committee member since our group's inception, has done what so many of us would love to do: he’s taken a year-long sabbatical to travel the world and collect the stories of people he meets!

Brad left Portland a few months ago to begin his trip across the United States, and he intends to circumnavigate the planet without flying – using only ground transportation: trucks, buses, trains, and boats! A few weeks ago he boarded a container ship bound for Belgium! He's in Europe now, and actively chronicling his trip at "People in Passing," a blog he regularly updates with thoughtful, humorous, and at times moving descriptions of true humanity.

Brad’s writing has a sincere, intelligent humility that any travel writer would do well to emulate. The Young Professionals wish Brad safe yet exciting travels – keep writing, we’ll be reading!

YP DISCUSSION: Diplomacy vs. Global Gaming

Can Soccer, the Olympics, Second Life, or any other Game Bridge International Divides more Effectively than Traditional Diplomacy?

DATE:
August 29th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Soccer (Football)
WIKIPEDIA: The Olympics
WIKIPEDIA: Second Life

Young Professionals Event Monday, August 27th

YP Filmmaker: Into the Light, Tanzania and HIV/AIDS

In order to reserve your spot at our event with Peter Glenn, YP from Portland and documentary filmmaker, please post a comment including the following...

• Your full name, first and last
• Your World Affairs Council affiliation - Member or Non-Member
• Your telephone number or email address so that we may contact you should any details pertaining to the program change

Admission will be based on completion of all of the above information for RSVP, and a CASH-ONLY door charge of $7 for Council Members and $10 for Non-Members.

YP DISCUSSION: Lebanon - One Year After War

DATE:
August 15th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Lebanon
GOOGLE NEWS: Lebanon

YP DISCUSSION: THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY PART I

What is the effect of American Presidential Politics on the rest of the World? What do they think of our candidates? In a global context, who is best equipped to lead the United States?

This topic is conceptualized as the first in an ongoing series of YP Discussion groups which will focus on the 2008 American presidential campaign.

DATE:
August 1st, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Federal Government of the United States
WIKIPEDIA: 2008 Presidential Candidates
GOOGLE NEWS: 2008 Presidential Campaign

YP DISCUSSION: No One Wants to Talk About It – The War in Iraq: Politics Vs. Reality

DATE:
July 18th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
GOOGLE NEWS: IRAQ

The Passing of Michael Carnahan

As many of you might already know, World Affairs Council program director Michael Carnahan died suddenly last week. Since our inception more than 3 years ago, Michael was an invaluable advisor and friend to the World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals group. The success and rapid growth of our group is in large part due to the guidance and wisdom he brought to our committee meetings and program events.

Michael's seemingly endless energy, motivation, and passion for international affairs inspired everyone around him. Our global community has lost one of its finest citizens, and words fail to describe how dearly he will be missed by his co-workers and colleagues.



-Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors


Memorial Service:
1 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the chapel at Reed College

Memorial Educational Fund:
Michael Carnahan Memorial Education Fund
World Affairs Council of Oregon
620 S.W. Main St., Suite 333
Portland, OR 97205

YP DISCUSSION: Canceled for Independence Day!

DATE:
The discussion group for July 4th, 2007 - 7:pm is canceled. Please join us on July 18th at the usual time & location!

YP DISCUSSION: Clash of Civilizations Continues - or Does it?" Exploring Rushdie's Fatwa

DATE:
June 20th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:
WIKIPEDIA: Salman Rushdie
GOOGLE NEWS: Salman Rushdie
WIKIPEDIA: Clash of Civilizations

YP DISCUSSION - Alternative Event - Professor Hamid Dabashi Speaking at Portland State University

Professor Hamid Dabashi from Columbia University
"At Home in the World: Iranian Cosmopolitan Culture"

Professor Dabashi's talk will be based on his latest book "Iran: A People Interrupted," a political and cultural history of Iran (2006).

This event is FREE and open to the public - no organized discussion group will be held this evening, instead, join us at Portland State University for this amazing opportunity to hear Professor Dabashi speak!

DATE:
June 6th, 2007 - 7:30pm

LOCATION:
Portland State University's Smith Student Union Center (map), Smith Student Union 338 (Vanport Room), (free parking in PSU structure after 7 PM)

MORE INFORMATION:
Other well-known examples for Dr. Dabashi's 14 books include Authority in Islam; Theology of Discontent; Truth and Narrative; Close Up: Iranian Cinema, Past, Present, Future; Staging a Revolution: The Art of Persuasion in the Islamic Republic of Iran; Masters and Masterpieces of Iranian Cinema; and an edited volume, Dreams of a Nation: On Palestinian Cinema. An internationally renowned cultural critic and award-winning author, his books and articles have been translated into numerous languages. A selection of articles and interviews is available at http://www.hamiddabashi.com .

Born in1951 into a working class family in the south-western city of Ahvaz in Iran, Hamid Dabashi received his early education in his hometown and his college education in Tehran, before he moved to the United States, where he received a dual Ph.D. in Sociology of Culture and Islamic Studies from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. He wrote his dissertation on Max Weber's theory of charismatic authority with Philip Rieff (1922-2006), the most distinguished Freudian cultural critic of his time.

He is the Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York, the oldest and most prestigious Chair in Iranian Studies. He has also taught and delivered lectures in many North American, European, Arab and Iranian universities. In the context of his commitment to advancing trans-national art and independent world cinema, Professor Dabashi is the founder of Dreams of a Nation, a Palestinian Film Project, dedicated to preserving and safeguarding Palestinian Cinema.

A committed teacher for nearly three decades, Professor Dabashi is a public speaker around the globe, a current affair essayist, a staunch anti-war activist. He has two grown-up children, Kaveh and Pardis, who are both Columbia University graduates, and he lives in New York with his wife and colleague, the Iranian-Swedish feminist, Golbarg Bashi and their daughter Chelgis, who will join him for his Portland visit.

YP DISCUSSION: Working and Living Abroad: What options are out there? What do you gain? What do you lose?

This topic was suggested by one of you. Many of you have probably already had this life experience – YPs who have taken this step in life are encouraged to come share their experiences with the group!

DATE:
May 23rd, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

SUGGESTED LINKS:
GOOGLE NEWS: WORKING ABROAD

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT: Doctors Without Borders, May 14th

Doctors Without Borders
Médecins Sans Frontières










::WHO::
Suniti Kumar, MD
David Huntley

::WHEN::
Monday, May 14, 2007 6:30pm to 8:30pm

::TICKETS::
member: $ 15.00
non-member: $ 20.00

::RSVP Info::
Price includes wine and appetizers. Paid Pre-Registration Required. Register online or by calling The World Affairs Council at 503 274 7488.

::Location::
Souk, 322 NW 6th Avenue, Suite 200

Join the Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Oregon as we share in the experiences of two professionals who have served overseas with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. Suniti Kumar completed college and medical school in Massachusetts before being trained by MSF to serve in Myanmar. She spent the whole of 2001 there and three years later served in Niger at a pediatric malnutrition project.

After a stint with the Air Force and 30 years as an engineer, David Huntley was trained by MSF in logistics and immediately dispatched to central Java Indonesia after a massive earthquake in May of 2006. David helped implement a new method of using inflatable hospitals for an emergency orthapedic mission. Both Suniti and David live in the Portland area and will be presenting a MSF slide show interspersed with personal pictures and anecdotes of their experiences. Anybody interested in MSF or getting involved is sure to enjoy this presentation, along with conversation over wine and appetizers at Souk on 6th and NW Flanders.

YP DISCUSSION: "SARKOZY WINS FRANCE, AND EUROPE SWINGS RIGHT…”

Is this the beginning of Europe’s 21st century abandonment of leftist democracies?

DATE:
May 9th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

SUGGESTED LINKS:
WIKIPEDIA: Nicolas Sarkozy
GOOGLE NEWS: French Government

The CIA and You - YP PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENT

The YPs welcome Lance, an officer of the Central Intelligence Agency dispatched to Portland from CIA's West Coast Recruiting Office

Lance is a Senior Operations Officer in the Clandestine Service with over 19 years of service. An experienced manager and instructor, Lance has spent much of his career overseas in Africa and the Middle East, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Prior to the CIA his life experiences included smoke jumping, long shoring and Anthropology in the Antarctic. Lance obtained a B.S. in Geology and M.A. in Anthropology. Lance has also been trained in both the French & Swahili languages.

Lance will discuss his career path and personal experiences and provide a survey of opportunities available to Portland’s Young Professionals in the field of international intelligence work. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A between presenter & attendees.

WHEN: Thursday, April 26th, 2007 - 6:30pm - 8:pm
WHERE: Black Helterline Law Offices, 805 SW Broadway, Suite 1900 (MAP)
REGISTER ONLINE: www.worldoregon.org
COST: $5-members, $7-non-members

MORE INFORMATION:
WIKIPEDIA: The CIA
CIA OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.cia.gov
GOOGLE NEWS: Central Intelligence Agency

YP DISCUSSION: American Intelligence Services – A Primer for Thursday’s Professional Networking Event - “CIA & You”

Are they Capitalism’s Invisible Army, or the very backbone of global stability and successful market economies?

DATE:
April 25th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.


SUGGESTED LINKS:
WIKIPEDIA: Intelligence Services
WIKIPEDIA: Central Intelligence Agency
CIA WEBSITE: cia.gov

YP DISCUSSION: "SPACE: The Final (tourism) Frontier!”

Our Generation of Young Professionals Could Conceivably Witness the Advent of Frequent Off-Planet Travel. Should we be going? Why? Don’t we have enough problems on Earth?

DATE:
April 11th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.


SUGGESTED LINKS:
WIKIPEDIA: Space Travel

USA TODAY: Space Tourist Arrives at International Space Station

YP DISCUSSION - "MOBILE TECHNOLOGY: How Ubiquitous Mobile Service is Altering & Shaping Global Society"

DATE:
March 28th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.


SUGGESTED LINKS:
WIKIPEDIA: The Cell Phone
ENGADGET: Mobile Phone Industry Blog

TEXTUALLY.ORG: Mobile communication is revolutionizing economic and social development in rural India

YP DISCUSSION - Making the Young Professionals What Young Professionals Want

DATE:
February 28th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

-What can we do better? Should the YPs have MySpace? FaceBook? Prettier Emails? More social events? More Ambassadors? Come on Wednesday evening and tell us what we could better to serve Portland's Young Professionals!

Special Event: HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR HAMID AL-BAYATI

The Young Professionals are honored to present an evening with his Excellency Ambassador Hamid Al-Bayati, Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. His Excellency the Ambassador is speaking at the Council’s Monthly Headline Forum in the afternoon, and in the evening will be hosted by the Young Professionals at one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest art galleries.

Join us for this unique opportunity to spend a few hours up-close and personal with an important global diplomat.

This event will be held on February 22nd at 7:pm in the Pearl District's Lawrence Gallery.

Further details TBA.

YP DISCUSSION: International Love: the Challenges of Cross-Cultural & International Relationships

DATE:
February 14th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PRESENT: Iran Through the Eyes of a New Generation

World Affairs Council of Oregon

Young Professionals

present

Iran Through the Eyes of a New Generation

Mr. Sage Koshroo

Iranian Journalist, Attorney

Thursday, February 15 , 2007, 6:00 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 147 NW 19^th

$5 Members, $7 Non-Members

Roughly 70% of the Iranian population is under 30 years old. What do the future leaders and citizens of Iran think about nuclear weapons, democratic elections, relations with the United States, and the role of Islam in their society? Join us for the opportunity to interact with an accomplished representative of this young generation in an honest Q&A organized by local professionals and local Iranians.

Mr. Sage Khoshroo is an Iranian attorney, journalist and author on leave from his work pursuing an LLM degree at Harvard Law School. A member of the Iranian Bar Association, Mr. Khoshroo has served as a Personal Assistant and Interpreter to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. He has also worked on human rights issues as a researcher for the UNESCO Chair of Human Rights, and various Women’s Rights NGOs. As a journalist, Mr. Khoshroo has written on a wide range of topics, including energy, economy, globalization and culture, as well as religion and politics in Iran.

Reservations required. Reserve online at www.worldoregon.org or call 503-274-7488

This event co-sponsored by Andisheh and Trinity Episcopal Church Global Action Committee

Young Professionals Present: Surviving Civil War & Tsunami in Sri Lanka

Sadna Samaranayake
- Director, Sri Lanka Foundation
Carsten Henningsen
- President, Community Friends


TICKETS:
member w/ meal: $ 10.00
non-member w/ meal: $ 15.00

REGISTER HERE

We hope to see you there!

YP DISCUSSION - Why is Africa Poor, and Why Don't We Care?

DATE:
January 17th, 2007 - 7:pm

LOCATION:
Laurelwood NW Public House (map), upstairs - back room.

SUGGESTED LINKS:
WIKIPEDIA: Africa
GOOGLE NEWS: Africa
UNITED NATIONS: Economic Committee for Africa
ZNET: Africa Watch
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE: Africa