Debt-ridden students, parents, recent grads get national platform on costly tuition
NEA, Huffington Post launch first-ever “Got Tuition?” video contest
WASHINGTON – Millions of students and families facing skyrocketing tuition costs in a sour economy will soon be able to tell policymakers how to fix the problem. The National Education Association (NEA) and top news blog The Huffington Post launched a first-ever, “Got Tuition?” national video contest to provide a high-visibility platform to push for solutions to high tuition costs.
The producer of the winning two-minute video will get the opportunity to blog on the front page of Huffington Post about college affordability and $1,000 in prize money. Videos will be judged by a panel that will include Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington and other Huffington Post contributors, who will select five finalists on which the public can vote.
“Every year NEA members see talented students whose potential is not realized because they can’t afford to go to college, and our elected officials are not recognizing just how serious an issue this is for families,” said Shilpa Reddy, a spokeswoman for the NEA. “With almost 200 small lenders suspending their student loan programs this year, this has become a serious national economic issue. We’re providing a platform to the people who are bearing the brunt of this problem.”
Recent polling shows that families are increasingly concerned with rising college tuition costs in difficult economic times. Over 75 percent of people say it is more difficult to pay for college now than it was 10 years ago, and over half of families with students in high school report cutting back on spending in order to afford college. The faltering economy is most frequently named as the reason people cannot keep up with tuition costs. To add insult to injury, credit agencies actually penalize families who shop around for the best rate on student loans by tarnishing their credit ratings.
The campaign will be promoted through innovative ads on the increasingly popular site, Facebook.com, in order to reach students, who are among those most affected by tuition costs.
Contestants should send their videos to gottuition08@gmail.com and must include their name, address, daytime phone number and email address. Videos must be no longer than two minutes and should tell the contestant’s story about tuition costs, resulting student debt and what policymakers should do to solve the problem. Judges will be looking for creativity, how well the message is conveyed and relevance to the theme of college affordability.
Videos that advocate for the election or defeat of a candidate for any federal, state, or local elected office are ineligible. For more information visit www.gottuition.org.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Peace Journalism: Lessons from Georgia and Kenya
Peace Journalism: Lessons from Georgia and Kenya
McCoy Meetin’ House, Park University Campus
Tuesday, August 26—3:00-4:30 pm
In this 90-minute forum, participants from the Republic of Georgia, from the breakaway region of Abkhazia, from Kenya, and from Park University will discuss issues of peace and war, and how the actions of journalists have (or haven’t) contributed to an atmosphere where peace is possible. These issues are especially salient in Georgia, which is currently involved in a conflict, and in Kenya, where violence marred the aftermath of a recent election.
Participants:
Ms. Manana Gogokhia
Coordinator of Project “Bridge,” on Peace Journalism
Ms. Tea Sharia
Journalist, non-governmental organization “Alert,”
Gali, Abkhazia
Mrs. Teona Shonia
News Editor
Radio “Atinati”
Zugdidi, West Georgia
Ms. Tea Tsulaia
Journalism Trainer
“Zone Without War” program
“Apsni” Center
Mr. Peter Makori
Alfred Friendly Press Fellow-Kansas City Star
Chief, Western Kenya bureau, Weekly Citizen
Kisii, Kenya
Mr. Steven Youngblood--Moderator
Assoc. Professor of Communication Arts, Park University
Instructor: Peace Journalism, Zugdidi, Georgia (2007), Tbilisi, Georgia (2008)
Two-time J. William Fulbright Scholar
McCoy Meetin’ House, Park University Campus
Tuesday, August 26—3:00-4:30 pm
In this 90-minute forum, participants from the Republic of Georgia, from the breakaway region of Abkhazia, from Kenya, and from Park University will discuss issues of peace and war, and how the actions of journalists have (or haven’t) contributed to an atmosphere where peace is possible. These issues are especially salient in Georgia, which is currently involved in a conflict, and in Kenya, where violence marred the aftermath of a recent election.
Participants:
Ms. Manana Gogokhia
Coordinator of Project “Bridge,” on Peace Journalism
Ms. Tea Sharia
Journalist, non-governmental organization “Alert,”
Gali, Abkhazia
Mrs. Teona Shonia
News Editor
Radio “Atinati”
Zugdidi, West Georgia
Ms. Tea Tsulaia
Journalism Trainer
“Zone Without War” program
“Apsni” Center
Mr. Peter Makori
Alfred Friendly Press Fellow-Kansas City Star
Chief, Western Kenya bureau, Weekly Citizen
Kisii, Kenya
Mr. Steven Youngblood--Moderator
Assoc. Professor of Communication Arts, Park University
Instructor: Peace Journalism, Zugdidi, Georgia (2007), Tbilisi, Georgia (2008)
Two-time J. William Fulbright Scholar
Thursday, August 21, 2008
INTERNSHIP Whitworth Ballou
Whitworth Ballou, LLC (WXB) is a three-year old marketing and business development firm led by 30-year marketing veteran Douglas Ballou and human resource authority Nancy Whitworth whose careers include Top 100 advertising agencies, Fortune 200 corporation management, and consulting.
Their clients include a national brand and business performance consulting group, marketing services companies, government and quasi-government entities, professional services, and eco-tourism.
Growth of the business, and short-term client demands, create the opportunity for interested under-graduate or graduate level students to assist with a variety of duties and responsibilities related to the business and service to clients.
It is anticipated that the intern will work 15-20 hours per week including some weekend assignments related to client activities. Some work will be performed on-site at the firm’s home-based offices near Parkville, MO. Other duties may be performed off-site; and travel to civic activities in Johnson County, Kansas is anticipated.
The firm will provide a stipend for the duration of the internship based on the estimated number of hours committed.
Incumbent will work in tandem with the principals, and independently on certain assignments.
Duties will include:
Appearances at civic events, community festivals, area campuses, and organized group events related to a government sponsored, non-partisan outreach campaign focused on voters in the November general election.
Organizing and coordinating the activities of volunteers involved with the civic initiative and maintain the event calendar; track volunteer time and appearances; and be responsible for logistics and maintenance of a mobile unit that is a centerpiece of the campaign.
Research and report key contacts of identified civic groups being solicited for involvement in the campaign.
Help develop and distribute press-releases and initiate contact with key news writers, broadcasters, and editors in the metro.
Develop online communications including e-mail, social network pages, and webpage development.
Help prepare mailings to top 200 Kansas City and Johnson County employers; and to clients’ prospects.
Track expenses related to client campaigns and prospecting activities.
Update and maintain contact databases of business development targets, client’s prospects, and media.
Research and make travel arrangements for the principals.
When working onsite, answer phones on behalf of principals during their absence or meetings.
Contact and meet with vendors and sub-contractors of the firm in the execution of campaigns and administration of the business.
Other duties as required. Inversely, duties and responsibilities can be shaped to fulfill academic requirements.
The incumbent may work from a remote location if preferred, or on-site at WXB home-based offices. Hours are flexible with the exception of evening appearances on behalf of client(s).
The opportunity is well-suited to students interested in mass communications, political science, marketing, public relations, journalism, agribusiness, financial services, and/or civic affairs.
Proficiency in Word®, Excel®, Office Outlook® required; Bluetooth, 1-and-1 webpage management, and social networking expertise helpful.
Required travel in and around the metro-area; valid drivers license, proof of insurance, and social security card required; good driving safety record. Gas and/or mileage and reasonable meal expenses will be provided while involved in off-site campaign coordination.
Client vehicle provided for civic appearances.
Contact:
Douglas D. Ballou
Managing Partner
Whitworth Ballou, LLC
913.568.9032 (cell)
816.741.7394 (o)
doug@whitworthballou.com
Attachments:
Douglas Ballou Bio
WhitworthXBallou Capabilities
Their clients include a national brand and business performance consulting group, marketing services companies, government and quasi-government entities, professional services, and eco-tourism.
Growth of the business, and short-term client demands, create the opportunity for interested under-graduate or graduate level students to assist with a variety of duties and responsibilities related to the business and service to clients.
It is anticipated that the intern will work 15-20 hours per week including some weekend assignments related to client activities. Some work will be performed on-site at the firm’s home-based offices near Parkville, MO. Other duties may be performed off-site; and travel to civic activities in Johnson County, Kansas is anticipated.
The firm will provide a stipend for the duration of the internship based on the estimated number of hours committed.
Incumbent will work in tandem with the principals, and independently on certain assignments.
Duties will include:
Appearances at civic events, community festivals, area campuses, and organized group events related to a government sponsored, non-partisan outreach campaign focused on voters in the November general election.
Organizing and coordinating the activities of volunteers involved with the civic initiative and maintain the event calendar; track volunteer time and appearances; and be responsible for logistics and maintenance of a mobile unit that is a centerpiece of the campaign.
Research and report key contacts of identified civic groups being solicited for involvement in the campaign.
Help develop and distribute press-releases and initiate contact with key news writers, broadcasters, and editors in the metro.
Develop online communications including e-mail, social network pages, and webpage development.
Help prepare mailings to top 200 Kansas City and Johnson County employers; and to clients’ prospects.
Track expenses related to client campaigns and prospecting activities.
Update and maintain contact databases of business development targets, client’s prospects, and media.
Research and make travel arrangements for the principals.
When working onsite, answer phones on behalf of principals during their absence or meetings.
Contact and meet with vendors and sub-contractors of the firm in the execution of campaigns and administration of the business.
Other duties as required. Inversely, duties and responsibilities can be shaped to fulfill academic requirements.
The incumbent may work from a remote location if preferred, or on-site at WXB home-based offices. Hours are flexible with the exception of evening appearances on behalf of client(s).
The opportunity is well-suited to students interested in mass communications, political science, marketing, public relations, journalism, agribusiness, financial services, and/or civic affairs.
Proficiency in Word®, Excel®, Office Outlook® required; Bluetooth, 1-and-1 webpage management, and social networking expertise helpful.
Required travel in and around the metro-area; valid drivers license, proof of insurance, and social security card required; good driving safety record. Gas and/or mileage and reasonable meal expenses will be provided while involved in off-site campaign coordination.
Client vehicle provided for civic appearances.
Contact:
Douglas D. Ballou
Managing Partner
Whitworth Ballou, LLC
913.568.9032 (cell)
816.741.7394 (o)
doug@whitworthballou.com
Attachments:
Douglas Ballou Bio
WhitworthXBallou Capabilities
Monday, August 11, 2008
IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR EXPERIENCED REPORTER/EDITOR
| Company: | |
| Position: | REPORTER/EDITOR |
| Location: | |
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| Job ID: | |
| Website: | http://www.smithvilleherald.com |
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Description:
Experienced Reporter/Editor:
The Smithville Herald has an immediate opening for its Smithville Editor. The Smithville Herald is an award-winning weekly paper in suburban Kansas City, Mo. It is a part of Sun News, a growing group of highly regarded community newspapers published in greater Kansas City.
Responsibilities include writing fair, accurate and well-balanced news, features and business stories, producing Web updates, keeping touch with the pulse of the community, helping determine news coverage and placement in the newspaper and supervising a part-time reporter. In addition to assigned beats, this writer also will be responsible for generating story ideas outside of his or her beats and assisting other reporters with story ideas. This position requires a highly motivated, energetic, detail-oriented team player with excellent news judgment. This person must have strong interpersonal skills and be willing to work closely with other reporters, photographers and editors in a collaborative newsroom environment. The ability to generate interesting and timely stories and the ability to work well under deadline pressure are keys to this individual’s success. Candidates must have experience writing news, features and business content for a daily or weekly newspaper or Web site, and must be familiar with AP style. A bachelor’s degree in journalism, English or a related field is preferred. Experience using a digital camera is a plus.
The Herald works intimately with Sun News’ Northland division in Gladstone, Mo., which operates six weekly community newspapers with a combined circulation of more than 75,000 newspapers. All of these publications are intensely community-focused in their content. The goal of Sun News is to be the primary source of local news within the individual communities its publications serve. Nearly all content is locally generated, and wire services are used at a minimum. Sun News’ Northland newspapers won 78 Missouri Press Association awards in 2007 as well as 11 national awards from Suburban Newspapers of America.
Sun News publishes more than a dozen weekly community newspapers in the Kansas City area with combined circulations of more than 150,000, as well as numerous specialty publications. Sun News is a division of NPG Newspapers Inc., a family-owned company based in St. Joseph, Mo.
To apply, please send resume, cover letter and examples of work to mdaugherty@npgco.com or mail to:
Matt Daugherty
Publisher
The Smithville Herald
1001 S. Commercial Ave.
Smithville, MO 64089
EOE
Public Relations Associate
Company: Beyond Marketing, LLC
Beyond Marketing, LLC, a financial services marketing firm in Lenexa, KS, is seeking an outgoing, positive, professional, organized, and efficient Public Relations Associate to join our team.
- This is a full-time position with competitive salary, vacations/holidays and benefits.
Job Description: - Research, prepare, coordinate and distribute press releases to media outlets (trade magazines, newspapers, television and radio, etc.).
- Write articles, bulletins, newsletters, sales letters, speeches and other related informative marketing and promotional material.
- Draft and issue news releases and media advisories for shows, special events and announcements.
- Assist with the creation of all internal and external written communications and special event planning.
- Represent our clients at press conferences and trade shows.
- Track industry trends and identify opportunities to receive media coverage for our customers.
- Prepare weekly and monthly status reports.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key financial industry contacts and reporters
- Attend various client meetings, serve as on-duty staff member at selected events.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Some evening and weekend hours required. Limited travel.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in English, advertising, public relations, communications, journalism or related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in public relations/copywriting required.
- Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within media and public relations, both on-line and off-line.
- Proven writing skills with ability to develop a wide range of communications, such as press releases, news articles and briefing pieces.
- Experience working in a public relations agency and/or financial services industry preferred.
- Strong relationship building/networking skills.
- Good verbal and written communication skills are an ABSOLUTE MUST!
- Candidate MUST have proven organization skills.
- Computer proficiency required (including internet, MS Word, MS Excel).
- Candidate must be willing to undergo a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.
Proposal Writer
Park University has a new position available for a Proposal Writer in the University Advancement department at the Parkville campus.
The Proposal Writer is responsible for all the proposal writings and general advancement writing efforts to raise and report private, major gifts from corporations, foundations and other major gift individuals and communication skills, personnel management experience and a sincere interest in furthering the image of Park University with existing and new constituents.
Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing or similar field. At least three years experience in case development and/or proposal writing, with emphasis on writing for educational institutions preferred. Must have demonstrated experience in manipulating, analyzing and interpreting data to build a case. Must have excellent organizational and proofreading skills. This position requires high competency MS Word, Outlook, Excel required. Exceptional organizational and proofreading skills.
Director of Marketing and Communications
Company: Mid-America Arts Alliance
Description
The Director of Marketing and Communications (DMC) is a member of the senior management team and provides overall leadership for the Marketing and Communications staff and contractors. The DMC:
•Plans, implements, and evaluates the internal and external marketing and communications strategy
•Develops and monitors the marketing and communications plan
•Serves as the primary caretaker of the Mid-America brand
•Frontline contact for all media relations
•Manages Marketing and Communications staff and contractors
•Plans, implements, and evaluates the internal and external marketing and communications strategy
•Develops and monitors the marketing and communications plan
•Serves as the primary caretaker of the Mid-America brand
•Frontline contact for all media relations
•Manages Marketing and Communications staff and contractors
Requirements
Desired Qualifications:
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•Comprehensive understanding of interactive media, including social networking, website development, blogging, podcasting, instant messaging, etc.
•Three-plus years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications
•Two-plus years experience of managing creative staff
•Demonstrated experience in:
obudgeting and resource management for $100,000+ annual budget
ounderstanding of marketing and communications media to achieve maximum impact
omanaging media relations as the organizational spokesperson
omanaging multiple projects and contracts on time and within budget
odevelopment and implementation of a marketing and communications plan for regional constituents
•Proficiency with:
oChicago Style editing/proofreading
oAdobe Creative Suite, Dream Weaver and Microsoft Office
•A passion for and participation in the arts
•A commitment to providing arts and culture programming to underserved communities
•Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism or closely related field
Desired Qualities:
•Trustworthy, discreet, strong work ethic, and ability to maintain confidentiality in a closely knit work environment
•Pro-active manager with naturally collaborative leadership style
•Strong communicator/collaborator with a passion to share information and excite an audience
•Poised and charismatic, yet accessible demeanor
•Changes priorities, adds projects, and works overtime as appropriate for success
•Socially gracious and informed about business and not-for-profit etiquette
•High self-esteem
•Sophisticated and professional appearance
•Able to think and speak well extemporaneously—a fast processor
•High energy and able to maneuver nimbly in a fast-paced environment—energized by changing gears
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•Comprehensive understanding of interactive media, including social networking, website development, blogging, podcasting, instant messaging, etc.
•Three-plus years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications
•Two-plus years experience of managing creative staff
•Demonstrated experience in:
obudgeting and resource management for $100,000+ annual budget
ounderstanding of marketing and communications media to achieve maximum impact
omanaging media relations as the organizational spokesperson
omanaging multiple projects and contracts on time and within budget
odevelopment and implementation of a marketing and communications plan for regional constituents
•Proficiency with:
oChicago Style editing/proofreading
oAdobe Creative Suite, Dream Weaver and Microsoft Office
•A passion for and participation in the arts
•A commitment to providing arts and culture programming to underserved communities
•Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism or closely related field
Desired Qualities:
•Trustworthy, discreet, strong work ethic, and ability to maintain confidentiality in a closely knit work environment
•Pro-active manager with naturally collaborative leadership style
•Strong communicator/collaborator with a passion to share information and excite an audience
•Poised and charismatic, yet accessible demeanor
•Changes priorities, adds projects, and works overtime as appropriate for success
•Socially gracious and informed about business and not-for-profit etiquette
•High self-esteem
•Sophisticated and professional appearance
•Able to think and speak well extemporaneously—a fast processor
•High energy and able to maneuver nimbly in a fast-paced environment—energized by changing gears
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Congratulations Chris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jason Dannelly - Thu, Jul 17, 2008 - [Baseball] - Viewed 136 times
Hope everyone had a good summer. Now it's back to work, activities, and studies. . .
KC Jubilee Film Festival & FilmFestKC have joined forces to bring you a NEW film extravaganza in 2009: Kansas City FilmFest
The new festival will be presented by the Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee. All filmmakers, anywhere, are invited to submit your short or feature film - drama, comedy, documentary, animation, or experimental work. It must have been completed since January 1, 2007.
If you are a filmmaker, know a filmmaker, have a relative who is a filmmaker - PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE.
EARLY DEADLINE DATE: August 15, 2008 (Other deadlines: 10/1/2008, 11/15/2008. and 12/01/2008)
ENTRY FEES:
- Heartland Division (any filmmaker in Missouri or Kansas): Open:$10 / Student: $5 (short or feature)
- US/International & CinemaJAZZ Divisions: Shorts: $15 / Features: $25
Go to our website - www.kcjubilee.org - for complete details, entry form, and pay fee online.
Check out our special CinemaJAZZ division if you have made a work (short or feature) inspired by JAZZ
Send your screener (DVD-region 1), check, entry form to: KC Jubilee, 4826 W. 77th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208-4321
If you have any questions - call 913-649-0244 or email: kcjub@kcjubilee.org
