LANSING –Today, Michigan’s immigrant community and supporters launched a national push for comprehensive immigration reform at a news conference on the Capitol steps. Similar events were held in Detroit and Kalamazoo, and began two weeks of press events across the country sounding the starting bell for the 2013 campaign for immigration reform.

At the event, community leaders demanded swift action by Congress and the President.

“It is unacceptable that whole populations live in the shadows of society, constantly threatened with possible separation from their families and communities,” said Father Fred Thelen, pastor of Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Lansing. “But today marks a milestone in the struggle. Today we are standing up and demanding that our law makers make the purposeful, moral choice to keep our families together.”

Advocates released principles for reform, including a provision that would allow deported family members to be reunited with their loved ones in the US. They also called for a strong, accessible path to citizenship for the undocumented.

Mariana C. is a 14-year old U.S. citizen and member of the Cristo Rey parish. “All the people in my church want to be with their mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and cousins. People like to be with their family. But I’ve seen families really sad. I’ve seen them separated. They’re never the same, after someone leaves,” she said. “It’s time for the President and our congress to change these rules that hurt people and hurt their families.”

“We need lawmakers to follow the lead of the people,” said Professor Ruben Martinez, director of Julian Samora Research Institute, Michigan State University. “The last election made it clear that now is the time for our nation to truly acknowledge the human dignity of immigrant families and realize the human and social costs of the broken immigration system.”

The coalition, which included labor, faith, social service and civil rights organizations from across the region, pledged that they would conduct call-in campaigns, marches, and community action to strengthen the call for reform. They pointed out that subsequent to the surge of Latino voters in 2012 President Obama has repeatedly said that immigration reform will be a top priority in 2013. Even many Congressional Republicans like Speaker John Boehner have pointed to the need for reform.

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Hi readers,

Our advertiser, Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) released the following posting. The “apply by” date on the bottom says October 5, but this posting was JUST forwarded to us, so assume that deadline has been extended.

Early Childhood Advocacy Coordinators

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation is currently seeking qualified candidates to educate and recruit members of the general public in the Upper Peninsula, Northern, Central, Southwest and Southeast regions of Michigan, in order to advocate for early childhood programs and services.  The Investment Corporation is a national leader in its non-partisan grassroots effort to increase public will and education regarding the critical importance of early learning and development prior to kindergarten entry and is committed to building a more diverse staff as it responds to the changing population and educational needs of Michigan’s children.

This position joins a dynamic and innovative team that is focused on educating parents, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, service providers and legislators about the importance of investing in early childhood programs and services, and specifically the significant impact that high quality opportunities and supports make on the outcomes of children living in high risk circumstances.

This contract position requires excellent interpersonal skills, strong organizational capacity, interest in and experience working with diverse communities, the ability to work independently and as a team member, and demonstrated public speaking experiences: all of which are needed to develop a grassroots network willing to advocate for early childhood issues.  A strong candidate for the position will have at least an Associate’s degree, (Bachelor’s degree preferred) strong knowledge of the Michigan budget and legislative process, the interpersonal skills to engage people across the designated region, and 1 to 3 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities and Duties:

This list is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Actively recruit members for the Michigan Sandbox Party, to create a broad membership that reflects the racial, socioeconomic and political diversity of the region.
• Build relationships with regional legislative offices, Great Start Parent Coalitions, Collaboratives, Resource Center Directors and other early childhood groups in an effort to understand and work collaboratively to increase the level of support and knowledge that each Legislator and community has about early childhood issues.
• Coordinate legislative meetings, forums and other events quarterly (as directed by the Director of Community Engagement) that provide opportunities for citizens to engage in advocating for early childhood funding and services.
• Represent the Sandbox Party and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation at Great Start Parent Coalition and other community group meetings within the region, by regularly attending meetings, forums and public events.
• Provide monthly updates regarding legislative policy and budget issues related to early childhood to identified groups, as provided by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
• Provide detailed monthly reports to the Director of Community Engagement regarding legislative interactions and progress toward recruitment goals.
• Work collaboratively with other Early Childhood Advocacy Coordinators to ensure common messaging, and that best practices of engagement are utilized.
• Assist with the recruitment of attendees and planning of an annual statewide advocacy event in Lansing as directed.
• Participate in orientation, trainings, monthly staff meetings in Lansing and weekly phone meetings as directed by the Director of Community Engagement.

This position 30-35 hour per week contractual position that requires frequent travel within the region including evening meetings, and monthly meetings in Lansing, with highly competitive compensation for deliverables as specified in the contract.  A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is needed.   Specific territories will be determined by the pool of applicants.

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer which is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation, and seeks to recruit, hire and retain a diverse workforce with employees whose knowledge, skills and abilities support the ECIC’s standards of excellence.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s Human Resource Department at:  hr@ecic4kids.org by Friday, October 5th.

LSSM Employment Opportunities

Refugee Foster Care Supervisor – Full-time

• Qualifications: Master’s Degree in social work, or a related area.  Foster care and/or child welfare experience preferred.  Bi-lingual applicants preferred, not required.
• Responsibilities: Provide supervision and oversight for 5 foster care program staff.  Work in a team with other management staff to guide and ensure quality service provision.  Must be able to multi-task, provide court testimony, advocate for clients, etc. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Therapist – Full-time and/or part-time

• Qualifications: Master’s Degree in social work, counseling or related area.  Experience providing clinical therapeutic services preferred.  Bi-lingual skills in English and Spanish preferred.
• Responsibilities: Provide direct clinical therapeutic services to youth and families in the foster care system.  Must be able to multi-task, provide court testimony, advocate for clients, etc. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Case Manager – Full-time

• Qualifications: Bachelor or Master Degree in social work, or a related area.  Foster care and/or child welfare experience preferred.  Bi-lingual skills required in Spanish/English.
• Responsibilities: Provide direct services youth placed in foster care.  Provide case management on all assigned cases.  Must be able to multi-task, provide court testimony, advocate for clients, etc.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Interpreter/Case Assistant – Full-time

• Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required.  Prior interpreter experience preferred. Bi-lingual skills required in Spanish/English.
• Responsibilities: Provide interpretation services to clients and staff.  This includes court and medical interpretation services and document translation.

LSSM has recently expanded services to immigrant and refugee youth placed in foster care.  The majority of the youth served by this expanded program are originally from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico.  Bi-lingual skills are highly preferred for all applicants.  Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to the attention of Diane Baird at dbair@lssm.org or fax: 517-321-8247.