On February 8th, help Teach For America start a national discussion. Post to your Facebook wall: Current research suggests that only 8% of children growing up in poverty will graduate from college by the age of 24. You have the power to change this. Apply by this FRIDAY at www.teachforamerica.org!

There are many organizations dedicated to service, but Teach For America is specifically dedicated to the service of closing the achievement gap. I decided to join the movement and hope that others will be encouraged to join as well.

Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@temple.edu.

SOURCE: http://postsecondary.org/

International dance and fashion show participants are needed for Temple’s Celebration of Globalization on March 30, a biannual event that showcases Temple University and Philadelphia’s dedication to globalization.

Participants have the chance to win a grand prize of $1,000! Below are details for the international dance performance and fashion show. Interested participants are encouraged to submit proposals by February 6. The Celebration of Globalization form can found here.

INTERNATIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCE: Individuals dancers and dance groups are invited to perform a five minute routine and compete for a chance to win a monetary prize of $1,000!  Auditions will be held in mid-February.   If selected to perform, a panel of judges will determine the winner at the event. Second and third place prizes of $500 and $250 will also be offered.

PARTICIPANTS FOR THE FASHION SHOW:  Students are invited to participate by wearing a traditional international outfit that represents a particular country or culture.  A photograph of the traditional apparel will need to be submitted with the attached proposal form and participants will then be selected by the steering committee.  All fashion show participants will be entered into a drawing to win CASH PRIZES!

Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@temple.edu.

On Sept. 5, 2011 The Temple News featured an article about a sustainable apparel company (see article here), United By Blue, founded by Brian Linton, Temple alumnus. UBB seeks to free our nation’s waterways of pollution and for every product sold a pound of waste is removed from waterways.

Now UBB is reaching out to Temple students to fill positions in their internship program. If you are a student who wants to pair an environmentally friendly mission with the opportunity to learn what it’s like to grow a sustainable business and pursue real projects, you are encouraged to apply. There are several positions available ranging from marketing to graphic design, film and photography to cleanup planning.

On Tuesday, Nov. 1 mayoral independent candidate Wali “Diop” Rahman visited Temple’s campus giving a speech in a political communications class. Rahman spoke to the audience about his plans if elected as mayor, which include to replace the $1 billion budget of police containment with:

• Jobs and businesses for working, poor people and the youth;
• Establish city policy to prevent discrimination in employment against ex-felons;
• Community controlled police with subpoena power and power to fire dirty cops; and
• Fully funded, community controlled education and with power to hire and fire faculty, staff and administration.

Rahman noted that he never referred to himself as a politician, but rather a “freedom fighter.” His campaign slogan hails, “Run hard! It’s our city and we want it back now! He hopes to get the support of as many voters as possible for the upcoming election Nov. 8.

Also included on this year’s ballot for Philadelphia mayor is Democrat Micheal Nutter and Republican Karen Brown.

For information on Wali “Diop” Rahman refer to diop2011.com.

Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@temple.edu.

Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@gmail.com.

If you are looking for fresh, local home grown foods be sure to stop at Headhouse, at 2nd and Lombard Streets, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will feature products samples and offer a chance for community members to mix and mingle.

Hosted by Pumpkin Restaurant and Market, the market will include numerous vendors like Beechwood Orchards, Market Day Canele and Mountain View Poultry, which feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, tarts, sweet cakes, organic poultry, sausages, brothers, chili and eggs.

Pumpkin Market prides themselves on supporting local food and farmers.

For more information visit pumpkinphilly.com.

Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@temple.edu.

Monday, Oct. 17 Teach For America will host an information session at Tuttleman, Room 300AB at 5:00 p.m.

For those of you who may be interested in teaching upon graduation, Teach For America is an organization worth looking into. You don’t have to be an education major to join their initiative. However, what you do need, is a passion to close the achievement gap in education. TFA enlists promising leaders to teach in a low income areas throughout the U.S. for a commitment of two years.

At the information session, hear from current corps members, Kijafa Davis and Ashley Clark (2010 Temple graduates), about their experiences in the classroom and how they are working to change the life trajectory of kids who need it the most.

Check out the application here. Submit your resume + 500-word essay + basic info.

For more information, please contact Deirdre.McShea@teachforamerica.org or visit their website at teachforamerica.org.

Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@temple.edu.