EIN Presswire: Human Rights Press Releases

Construction Writers Association Announces 2012 Annual Conference, CONNECTED

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:39:00 +0000

The Construction Writers Association's (CWA) 2012 Annual Conference, CONNECTED, featuring economic and political reports from construction industry economists writers, leaders and analysts; several professional development seminars on social media and building effective content; and a construction tour of CityCenter, will take place Oct. 22-24 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Crystal City, Va., just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.

CWA's annual conference begins with a construction tour on Oct. 22 of the Washington, D.C., CityCenter project, giving conference participants a firsthand, hard-hat view of the mixed-use development rising on the former convention center grounds.

A welcome reception at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., kicks off the first evening of the annual conference on Oct. 22. Free admission will be available to the exhibits prior to the welcome reception for registered attendees. The networking event is hosted by Turner Construction Company.

The conference sessions will begin the following morning with the Keynote Economists' Panel. Three panelists will provide their organizations' views of the economic recovery, its strength, sustainability and forecast. Panelists are Allison Black, chief economist and vice president of policy, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA); David Crowe, chief economist, National Association of Home Builders; and Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

The luncheon speaker, Ashley Halsey, The Washington Post transportation writer, will provide her perspective on what to expect in 2012 and beyond in the transportation sector of the built environment.

Dave Bauer, vice president of government relations, ARBTA, and Jeffrey Shoaf, senior executive director, AGC, will weigh in on the question, "What impact will the upcoming election have on the transportation and construction industries?" during an afternoon legislative session.

In addition, four professional development sessions throughout the day will focus on themes and issues relevant to journalists, corporate marketers, public relations professionals and writers in the construction industry.

They include:

Google 101 for Journalists: Jake Parillio, Midwest Manager, Global Communications and Public Affairs at Google

Building on a Content Foundation: How to Get More Out Your Media Material: Andrew Hanelly, Director of Digital Strategy, TMG Custom Media

Mis-Underestimating the Future of Construction: Michael Chusid, FCSI, President, Chusid Associates

The Aging Workforce and Its Impact on the Construction Industry: Don Whyte, President of National Center for Construction Education and Research and Steve Green, Vice President of National Center for Construction Education and Research

The annual conference concludes with the Grand Awards Reception and Dinner on Oct. 23 celebrating winners of CWA's Journalism Awards, Marketing Communications Awards, Photography Awards, Hall of Fame Award, and the prestigious Silver Hard Hat Award. We thank our sponsors for their support in making this an outstanding event. Platinum Sponsors are Caterpillar, John Deere, and Marketwire. The Gold sponsors are American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Award Company of America, Golden Square, Randall Reilly, and Turner Construction. The Silver Sponsors are American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Hilti. The Bronze sponsors are Bobcat and Doosan.

For more information about CWA's annual conference, visit the Events section of the CWA Web site, www.constructionwriters.org/events. To join the outstanding sponsors of this event and be recognized as a supporter of journalists, writers, and marketing communicators in the construction industry, contact Deborah Hodges, CWA executive director, for more information at info@constructionwriters.org or at 1(773) 687-8726.

Join us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=2185694,
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/78345106861/
and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/CWA_Tweets

The Construction Writers Association (CWA), founded in 1958, is a non-profit, non-partisan, international organization that provides a forum for journalism, photography, marketing, and communications professionals in all segments of the construction industry to connect with other professionals and enhance skills through education. Visit the website at www.constructionwriters.org.

For more information contact:
Deborah Hodges
Construction Writers Association
1(773) 687-8726
Email Contact

Peers Underscored As An Effective Counseling Tool

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:23:10 +0000

Peers Underscored As An Effective Counseling Tool

State Independent Living Council Draws Eye Toward Peer-to-Peer Counseling During Mental Health Awareness Month

PR Newswire

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With approximately one in four adults suffering from a diagnosable mental health disorder, coupled with restrictive funding and high case loads, the value of independent living centers (ILCs) providing peer-to-peer counseling is vital to effective mental health services. ILCs are generally thought of as resource centers solely for people with physical disabilities, but across the country, directors and staff at hundreds of centers identify themselves as people with mental health disabilities. These peers provide support for others coming to the ILCs.

"With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to highlight the union of independent living and mental health," said California State Independent Living Council Executive Director Liz Pazdral. "It's a given that people with shared experiences can relate better to one another and provide support from a place of authentic empathy. And it's often the practical advice resulting from peer support that helps a person rebuild his or her sense of community after a disconnecting experience."

Peer support started from people uniting to eliminate over-medication, coercion and human rights' violations of those living with mental illness. During the 1980s, acceptance of peer-delivered services in mental health grew, but little scientific evidence supported the trend. Beginning in 1988, the federal government funded research that produced evidence indicating peer-led services increased the social skills, decreased inpatient services and improved the self-confidence of consumers (sometimes known as survivors). By the late 1990s, the effectiveness of peer counseling was much more widely accepted.

In California, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) was passed in 2004 and mandated funds to operationalize peer-to-peer strategies "to promote consumer-operated services as well as the employment of mental health consumers in the mental health system."

But even before MHSA passed, ILCs in California were making strides forward. Communities Actively Living Independent & Free, Independent Living Center of Kern County, Independent Living Resource Center serving Central California, Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF), Silicon Valley Independent Living Center and Westside Center for Independent Living (WCIL) were building reputations for providing strong mental health peer support. ILRC-SF and WCIL were tapped nationally to train and provide education on peer counseling for people with mental health disabilities to all independent living centers.

According to Pazdral, "Peer-to-peer action is powerful within mental health services, integral to independent living and a political badge of pride for the network of statewide independent living centers."

The California State Independent Living Council is an independent state agency which, in cooperation with the California State Department of Rehabilitation, prepares and monitors the State Plan for Independent Living. SILC solicits continual public feedback on the effectiveness of independent living services and coordinates with similar agencies and councils at the state and federal levels to increase communication and help assure that services to people with disabilities are delivered effectively.

SOURCE California State Independent Living Council

Major Media Outlets, Open Government Organizations File Amicus Curiae Briefs in Support of Judicial Watch's Lawsuit to Obtain Obama White House Visitor Logs

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Bloomberg, CBS, Dow Jones, National Public Radio and the Washington Post Among Major Media That Urge Court to Reject Obama Administration Interpretation of FOIA Law

Judicial Watch, the organization that investigates and fights government corruption, announced today that major mainstream media outlets and open government organizations have joined its legal campaign against the Obama Secret Service to force the release of White House visitor logs. On August 17, Obama-appointed federal Judge Beryl Howell ruled against the Obama administration that Secret Service White House visitor logs are agency records that are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Obama administration appealed that decision and the lawsuit is now before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Secret Service (No. 11-5282)).

Among the organizations joining amicus briefs filed in Judicial Watch's litigation are: Bloomberg, L.P.; CBS Broadcast Inc.; Dow Jones & Company Inc.; Gannett, Co. Inc.; The McClatchy Company; The National Association of Broadcasters; National Freedom of Information Coalition; National Public Radio; The Newspaper Guild; The Radio Television Digital News Association; The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press; The Washington Post; Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW); Openthegovernment.org; Electronic Frontier Foundation; and the Project on Government Oversight.

According to the May 8, 2012, amicus curiae brief filed by Bloomberg, et al., the Obama administration is attempting to "evade the congressional mandate of FOIA":

The Media Amici are particularly concerned that reversal of the decision below may encourage federal agencies to seek to place millions of documents outside of FOIA's ambit based on no more than their say-so, even in the face of express statutes and judicial orders directly to the contrary. Permitting such an end-run around FOIA would significantly reduce the quantity and quality of information available to the media and, consequently, to the public at large, severely undermining the goal of an informed public that sits at the core of our democracy...

... Media Amici respectfully urge this Court to affirm the District Court's ruling... and reject the Secret Service's repeated efforts to evade the congressional mandate of FOIA. Any other decision risks inviting a degradation of the rights of the media and the public to access government information, ultimately reducing confidence in governmental institutions.

The Media Amici group also asserts that the Obama administration's position "would effect a complete end-run around FOIA."

According to the May 8, 2012, amicus curiae brief filed by CREW, et. al., the Obama administration's position on the White House visitor logs is "radical" and will render FOIA a "dead letter."

Pursuant to a lawsuit filed on December 7, 2009, Judicial Watch has asked the court to order the release of Secret Service logs of White House visitors from January 20, 2009, to August, 10, 2009.

The Obama administration has made the erroneous claim that the visitor logs "are not agency records subject to the FOIA [Freedom of Information Act]." As Judicial Watch noted in its complaint filed on December 7, 2009, this claim "has been litigated and rejected repeatedly." Despite White House misinformation to the contrary, tens of thousands of visitor logs are being withheld from disclosure by the Obama administration.

According to Judge Howell's ruling, the records should now be subject to disclosure under FOIA: "... the proper course of action by the Secret Service is duly to process [Judicial Watch's] FOIA request, disclose all segregable, nonexempt records, and then assert specific FOIA exemptions for all records it seeks to withhold." Currently, the White House releases visitor information at its own discretion, the timing and specifics of which, it insisted, was not subject to court review.

"We are grateful that so many reputable media institutions and open government organizations are joining our legal campaign against the Obama administration to uphold our nation's FOIA transparency law and force the release of White House visitor logs," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "The Obama administration has a sham policy of voluntarily releasing select White House visitor logs, while shielding hundreds of thousands visitor logs from public view. President Obama has made a mockery of his transparency promises to the American people."

Visit www.judicialwatch.org.

Contact:
Jill Farrell
202-646-5188

"The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series" Announced for High School Students Nationwide

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:13:00 +0000

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center is proud to announce The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series, which will award $35,000 in scholarship funds to outstanding high school debate students across the nation. The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series is designed to provide an avenue for high school students across the country to develop their civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions as they research, discuss, and engage in public debate. Rather than follow the traditional school year, this program is designed to align with and leverage the energy of Election 2012.

The competition will consist of three distinct rounds. First, local debates will take place on high school campuses nationwide between June and September of 2012. School champions will advance to regional championships held in September and October of 2012. Regional championships will be held at university campuses including: University of Southern California, University of Notre Dame, University of Georgia, University of Texas, Boston College, and George Mason University. Regional champions will then be flown to the National Championship at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on October 27, 2012 and compete for $35,000 in scholarship awards.

"President Reagan was known as the 'Great Communicator' and as a great debater," said John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. "It is our mission at the Reagan Foundation to help teach and promote these skills to students -- our nation's future leaders."

For the debate series, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center has partnered with the USC Trojan Debate Squad, the National Forensic League, and the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues.

"President Ronald Reagan's legacy reminds us that outstanding leadership requires effective communication," said J. Scott Wunn, executive director of the National Forensic League. "The Great Communicator Debate Series will allow our future leaders from all over the United States to showcase their abilities in formulating thoughts and opinions in a meaningful and constructive way. No single activity enhances critical thinking, argumentation, research, and communication skills more than debate."

The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series is designed to align with the final debates of the 2012 presidential election, promote civic engagement, highlight the legacy of President Reagan as both "The Great Communicator" and a legendary presidential debater, and provide a showcase for many of the nation's most promising high school communicators. The program is sponsored by The Chapman Hanson Foundation and The S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra Foundation.

For complete information on the series, links to resources, and to register your school for the series, visit www.reaganfoundation.org/debates.aspx.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to promote the legacy of Ronald Reagan by convening, educating and engaging people around the world in his core principles of freedom, economic opportunity, global democracy and national pride. The Reagan Foundation sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center and The Air Force One Pavilion. Located in Simi Valley, California the Library houses 63 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It now also serves as the final resting place of America's 40th President. www.reaganfoundation.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Giller
Email Contact

State Department Report Reveals Human Rights Progress In Equatorial Guinea

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:09:18 +0000

State Department Report Reveals Human Rights Progress In Equatorial Guinea

PR Newswire

West African nation has no political prisoners, citizens have unfettered Internet access. There were no credible reports of torture.

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- There are no political prisoners in Equatorial Guinea, according to the Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011, which was released today. The report documented several positive practices and developments in the country in a report that was more positive in tone and substance than in years past.

Although the report included critical information on the ability of political opposition to challenge the ruling party, the conduct of the courts, and official corruption, it also gave the country clear credit for areas in which it has improved, attempted to improve, or traditionally been strong.

The report indicated that uncensored news is more widely available in the country than critics claim. It also noted efforts to improve health conditions, protect women, children, the disabled and minorities, and improve the penal system.

The report appeared to cast doubt on accounts in international media last year that a French- language host of a television program was terminated from his position for mentioning Libya on a cultural show. Referring to those reports, it noted that "the events of North Africa were widely discussed on radio, television, and in the newly approved independent newspaper, El Lector."

Equatorial Guinea has been the target of severe criticism by human rights and other organizations. They cite the dominant role of the ruling party, criticize the functioning of the court system, and access of the people to information, and they accuse the government of torture. The State Department report appeared to agree with the critics on the first two points, but struck a more nuanced tone on the subject of torture. It said, "While the law prohibits such practices, security officials abused persons during the year. Police officers and military personnel occasionally used excessive force to gather information about an individual's suspected crimes. Opposition leaders and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) continued to criticize the 'government for its systematic use of torture,' but there were no reliable reports that torture occurred."

The report also shed light on how the people of Equatorial Guinea obtain information that is critical of the government. The report said, "There were no government restrictions on access to the Internet or credible reports that the government monitored e-mail or Internet chat rooms. Individuals and groups could engage in the expression of views via the Internet, including by e-mail. Most overt criticism of the government came from the country's community in exile, and the Internet replaced broadcast media as the primary way opposition views were expressed and disseminated. Exiled citizens' sites were not blocked, and some Internet-based criticism of the government and its leaders was openly sourced without negative repercussions to individuals living inside the country."

Some of the positive factors highlighted in the report are:

There are no political prisoners in the country. The government in June pardoned 22 prisoners serving long jail terms for plotting against the regime.
There were no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings.
The government recently renovated three prisons, and while conditions remain inadequate, they are improved. The largest prison has only 269 inmates.
Prisoners generally have reasonable access to visitors and were permitted religious observances. The government appointed a local judge to serve as ombudsman to hear complaints about sentencing. The nation's attorney general met with 90 percent of inmates in the largest prison to determine their dates of imprisonment, legal situation, sentencing dates, and state of health.
The government signed a headquarters agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) giving the international organization a permanent presence in the country.
A foreign contractor is training police officers and their leaders on human rights, prevention of trafficking in persons, rule of law, appropriate use of force, and code of ethics. Evidence and feedback from expatriates, citizens, and community leaders indicated improvements in performance in human rights and professional conduct, particularly among younger officers who received the training.
Although nearly all media are state controlled, foreign channels were not censored, were broadcast throughout the country, and included Radio France International, the BBC, and Radio Exterior, the international shortwave service from Spain.
The government approved the establishment of an independent newspaper that was published infrequently throughout the year.
International news reported that Juan Pedro Medene, a French language social program host, was terminated from his position on local television for mentioning Libya on a cultural show; however, the events of North Africa were widely discussed on radio, television, and in the newly approved independent newspaper, El Lector.
Unlike in the previous year, there were no reports that the government forcibly evicted families from their homes to make room for roads and luxury housing developments.
The government did not overtly limit participation of minorities in politics.
Numerous public outreach efforts were undertaken to improve public awareness of the issues associated with violence and discrimination against women and children, discrimination against ethnic minorities, and discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS.
The government conducted public awareness campaigns on women's rights and domestic violence. In accordance with a 2009 law, family courts were created to deal with cases of violence against women; however, domestic violence cases continued to be handled by district courts. On occasion, police organized workshops on family violence, and public marches against violence against women were authorized.
The government has reduced maternal mortality and the country is on track to achieve its Millennium Development Goal due in large part to a successful malaria eradication campaign and improved care in hospitals.
The government continued to partner with a foreign oil company to undertake a multimillion-dollar school renovation program and work with a foreign country to reform outdated curriculum materials.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Promotion of Women operated several programs to deter child marriage.
The government and the Catholic Church worked together to provide care for persons with mental disabilities. The country's first lady gave several highly publicized donations to help persons living with disabilities. The government worked to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including broadcasting public service announcements regarding rights of persons with disabilities.
The government vigorously enforced laws prohibiting child labor.
The government respected religious freedom in law and in practice.

About Equatorial Guinea

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, and one of the smallest nations on the continent. In the late-1990s, American companies helped discover the country's oil and natural gas resources, which only within the last five years began contributing to the global energy supply. Equatorial Guinea is now working to serve as a pillar of stability and security in its region of West Central Africa. The country hosted the 2011 Summit of the African Union. For more information, visit http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com.

SOURCE Republic of Equatorial Guinea

The Fray's Isaac Slade Stops by Local Elementary School to Deliver Donation of $40,000 Worth of Instruments for Music Program

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:05:00 +0000

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Program Supports Music Education

What:
A donation of $40,000 worth of musical instruments to Pennington Elementary School from the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and Colorado Public Radio, thanks to support from The Anschutz Foundation. There will be a presentation at the school, with the students there to receive and play the instruments for the first time.

Who:
Isaac Slade, The Fray; Steve Blatt, Colorado Public Radio; Lisa Rucker, The Anschutz Foundation; Tricia Steel, The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation; Superintendent Cindy Stevenson, Jeffco Public Schools.

When:
Tuesday, May 29, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Where:
Pennington Elementary, 4617 Independence St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Media:
Media are invited to cover the event, and speak with representatives from the organizations involved, as well as people from Pennington Elementary.

MHOF:
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates new and refurbished musical instruments to underserved schools nationwide, in an effort to give youngsters the many benefits of music education, help them to be better students and inspire creativity and expression through playing music. Since 1996, 15,000 instruments have been donated to 1,260 music programs across the country benefiting thousands of students. More information can be found at www.mhopus.org.

CPR:
Colorado Public Radio is a community-driven institution committed to promoting excellence in music education throughout Colorado. With the support of The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, Colorado Public Radio has held three annual instrument drives, collecting more than 1,500 instruments from listeners, repairing them and awarding them to deserving schools and music programs throughout the state.

Contact:
Steve Honig
The Honig Company
818-986-4300
Email Contact

US Airways Awards More Than $250,000 In College Scholarships

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

US Airways Awards More Than $250,000 In College Scholarships

Recipients include daughters and sons of mechanics, flight attendants, pilots, ramp agents, customer service agents, engineers and corporate staff

PR Newswire

TEMPE, Ariz., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, 101 students were notified that they were recipients of more than $250,000 in scholarships from the US Airways (NYSE: LCC) Education Foundation. The foundation awards college scholarships to children of US Airways employees. More than 400 students applied for the $2,500 US Airways Education Foundation scholarships and a committee comprised of educators and community leaders carefully reviewed each application. Applicants were scored on academic achievement, leadership, awards and honors, community service and volunteerism, work commitment, financial need and memberships or affiliations. The committee also reviewed applicants' essays and letters of recommendation.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120103/LA28814LOGO)

"One of the best ways we can serve our employees and our communities is to support the continuing education of tomorrow's leaders. Like their parents who work as US Airways' crewmembers, mechanics, customer service representatives and fleet representatives, to name a few of the workgroups who have dependents receiving scholarships for the upcoming school year, we, too, are extremely proud of this year's recipients," said Elise Eberwein, executive vice president of People, Communications and Public Affairs for US Airways.

Recipients of the 2012 US Airways Education Foundation scholarship will be attending universities all across the country, and include:

39 students from the Charlotte, N.C. area,
30 recipients from Phoenix,
Seven students from Philadelphia and
Four recipients from Washington, D.C.

These four cities serve as the airline's hubs and focus city, where the majority of employees live and work. Another 21 students who reside in 18 different cities across US Airways' network also received scholarships. In addition, 38 of the 2012 recipients are repeat recipients.

The students receiving college scholarships have an average cumulative G.P.A. of 3.8 and their varied accomplishments include award-winning musicians, class valedictorians, All-State athletes and community volunteers. Many non-profit organizations benefitted from the talents of these recipients. Among them were Big Brothers and Big Sisters helping mentor at-risk youth in their communities, Special Olympics assisting disabled athletes and numerous efforts to raise awareness of various cancers through fundraising for the American Cancer Society.

Since 1992, the US Airways Education Foundation has awarded nearly $3.3 million in scholarships to dependents of US Airways employees as well as grants to nonprofit organizations that support children's educational programs. The Foundation is funded entirely by fundraising events and donations.

About US Airways
US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,200 flights per day and serves more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The airline employs more than 32,000 aviation professionals worldwide, operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus aircraft and is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers more than 20,500 daily flights to 1,293 airports in 190 countries. Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Aviation Week and Overhaul & Maintenance magazine presented US Airways with the 2012 Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Year Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and innovation in the area of technical operations. US Airways was the only airline included as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the U.S. by LATINA Style magazine's 50 Report for 2010 and 2011. The airline also earned a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality index for six consecutive years. The Corporate Equality index is a leading indicator of companies' attitudes and policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and customers. For more company information visit usairways.com, follow on Twitter @USAirways or at Facebook.com/USAirways. (LCCG)

-Fly with US-

SOURCE US Airways

Chris Chelios "Assists" Megan's Dreams Golf Outing to Benefit Homeless Animals and Young Veterinarians

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:58:00 +0000

In Memory of Megan Darr-Soroka, 6th Annual Outing Takes Place at Dearborn Hills

Helping to fulfill the dreams of Megan Darr-Soroka, a popular manager at Cheli's Chili Bar in Detroit, the event contributes to an endowment fund for Michigan State University veterinary students and the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Celebrating her life and passion for animals and those who care for them, Megan's Dreams Golf Outing takes place on Friday, June 8, at Dearborn Hills Golf Course, 1300 S. Telegraph Road. As one of Michigan's best public golf courses, Dearborn Hills is perfect for all interested golfers, novice and serious alike.

"Former Detroit Red Wing great Chris Chelios serves as honorary co-chair of the event and is joining in the golf festivities with us this year to help round out the day," comments Tim Keyes, Megan's Dreams spokesperson. "We welcome all to join Chris and the rest of us to support these two great charities."

"Collaboration between two nonprofits is key to Megan's Dreams," shares Friends Development Director Kelle Sisung. "We've come together to create a truly unique outing that stands apart from the rest." Mr. Chelios provided one of the many unique auction items: a tour for four people of the Red Wings locker room and the opportunity to attend a morning skate at Joe Louis Arena. Golfers will have a chance to bid on this once-in-a-lifetime package throughout the day on the course.

$125 ticket per person includes:

12 noon: Registration
1 p.m.: Shotgun start
BBQ Wings wagon, ice cream stop, and hot dog station
Roving cigar bar sponsored by Le Cigar of Dearborn
Wine tent sponsored by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly
5 p.m.: Drinks, hors d'oeuvres; silent auction starts
6 p.m.: Dinner banquet (open to non-golfers for only $50 )

Megan's Dreams is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting the health and care of animals. Purchase tickets online at www.MegansDreams.com, or call (313) 943-2697 for more information.

The Dearborn Animal Shelter is located at 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, and is operated by the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Main phone (313) 943-2697 and online www.DearbornAnimals.org
Follow the Shelter on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DearbornAnimals) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/FFDAS).

Contact:
Elaine Greene
Executive Director
Email Contact
313-943-2697

The Green Building Initiative Successfully Completes ANSI Audit

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:49:00 +0000

Procedures Approved for the Development and Maintenance of Green Building Standards

The Green Building Initiative (GBI) recently received notification that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) had completed review and approval of the GBI's revised process for development and maintenance of consensus standards for environmentally preferable design, construction and upkeep of buildings.

The GBI is a nonprofit organization that became an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO) in 2005, breaking new ground for the industry by being the first green building organization to publish an ANSI-Accredited Standard for commercial green building.

Officially named "ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings," this standard represents one of the most scientifically advanced and robust green building rating systems for the new construction or major renovation of commercial buildings in the U.S. It takes a holistic approach to green building with seven areas of assessment: Project Management, Site, Water, Energy, Emissions, Indoor Environment and Resources.

GBI President Ward Hubbell said, "This approval of our process enables the GBI to continue its leadership role accelerating the adoption of sustainable building practices across the U.S. The use of an inclusive, consensus-based process ensures a high level of confidence in our assessment and certification programs."

The ANSI/GBI standard was developed following ANSI's consensus-based guidelines, which are among the world's most respected for the development of consensus standards. A variety of stakeholders including sustainability experts, architects, engineers, and industry groups participated in its development including committee members listed here: http://www.thegbi.org/commercial/standards/technical-committee.asp.

ANSI is a nonprofit organization that accredits the procedures of standard-setting organizations, ensuring that characteristics and performance of products and services are consistent and credible.

The Green Building Initiative is a nonprofit organization and ANSI Standards Developer dedicated to accelerating the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches. For more information visit www.thegbi.org.

Media Contact:

Sharene Rekow
VP Marketing/Sales/Membership
Green Building Initiative
Email Contact
503.546.2287

The Pershing Square Foundation Supports Global Human Rights with $10 Million Grant To Human Rights Watch

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

The Pershing Square Foundation Supports Global Human Rights with $10 Million Grant To Human Rights Watch

Grant over 5 Years Funds Global Challenge Campaign, Africa and Women's Rights

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pershing Square Foundation today announced a $10 million grant over the next five years to Human Rights Watch to support its strategic plan for expansion – its Global Challenge Campaign – and initiatives within its Africa and Women's Rights Divisions.

The grant to Human Rights Watch reflects The Pershing Square Foundation's continued support for social entrepreneurs and innovators in social justice. The gift makes The Pershing Square Foundation a top five donor globally to Human Rights Watch.

"The Pershing Square Foundation shares Human Rights Watch's commitment to defending and protecting human rights around the world," said Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management. "We are proud to support this important organization's efforts to increase its global presence and effectiveness over the coming years."

The grant will support the growth and deeper regional presence of Human Rights Watch and will maximize the organization's success in Africa and in support of the rights of women.

"Human Rights Watch has a long record of taking the initiative to prevent and end human rights abuses. The Pershing Square Foundation's support enables us to build a more effective presence around the world," said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch.

"We believe in strategic interventions to combat the roots of poverty and repression, and The Pershing Square Foundation is pleased to support the growth of an organization that shares this goal and works to end discrimination and uphold freedom in countries throughout the world," said Paul Bernstein, CEO of The Pershing Square Foundation.

The Pershing Square Foundation is committed to creating a society that respects human rights, dignity and justice both in local communities and around the world. As part of its ongoing mission to support successful, scalable and entrepreneurial organizations, the Foundation has supported Human Rights Watch's work globally since 2008.

About The Pershing Square Foundation
The Pershing Square Foundation, based in New York, was founded in December 2006 by Karen and Bill Ackman. Bill is the CEO and Portfolio Manager of Pershing Square Capital Management. The Pershing Square Foundation invests in social entrepreneurs and leaders with innovative solutions that tackle the injustice of poverty globally, and programs that support our communities. Since it was founded, the Foundation has committed over $140 million in grants and social investments, in the areas of economic development, education, healthcare, and human rights. The Pershing Square Foundation also supports innovative programs in arts and urban development, and actively promotes social entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

SOURCE The Pershing Square Foundation

Healthwise Brings Home Third Straight National ClearMark Award From the Center for Plain Language

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Online Self-Management Program on Coronary Artery Disease Wins Top Award in Its Category

Healthwise's leadership in plain language for consumer health education was recognized this week with a ClearMark Award from the Center for Plain Language. The Healthwise® Learn To Earn course on Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) won the Category Award for Website, Dynamic Media: Non-Profit. The ClearMark awards honor the best in clear communication and plain language in documents and websites from government, nonprofits, and private companies.

"We are honored to receive this award from the Center for Plain Language," said Christy Calhoun, Healthwise Director of Content Development. "Our mission at Healthwise is to help people make better health decisions and take positive health actions every day. These courses put patients at the center of care. They provide a learning experience that inspires and motivates change."

The Healthwise Learn To Earn course on CAD adds an essential learning component to self-management and health incentive programs by helping people make significant changes in their lives. It combines easy-to-understand health education and action-oriented tools to engage people in building skills in medicine adherence, healthy lifestyle choices (eating healthy, exercising, and living smoke-free), and mood management.

The CAD course includes multiple tracks tailored to specific persona types, so people can pick the track that best meets their needs. For example, the Getting Heart Smart track for a person who's had a recent coronary event focuses on lowering anxiety while increasing confidence, resilience, and trust in medications. Other personas include the person who is no longer having symptoms and believes that the danger has passed, and the person who is overwhelmed with other health issues or life issues and doesn't have time to focus on heart health. Healthwise brings together findings from consumer interviews, behavior change science, and tailored content to make sure each course and track are written for a particular persona.

"We are thrilled to be honoring Healthwise with their third ClearMark Award," said Annetta Cheek, PhD, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Plain Language. "This award continues to recognize Healthwise's understanding of the key role that clear communications play in delivering useable health care information to consumers so they can make better health care decisions."

This third ClearMark Award demonstrates Healthwise's ongoing commitment to plain language and consumer-friendly health education across all Healthwise solutions. In 2011 the Healthwise® Workbook on Arthritis received an Award of Distinction for Original Document: Non-Profit. And in 2010, the Healthwise® Ix® Conversation on Low Back Pain received the Grand Prize ClearMark Award.

About Healthwise
Healthwise is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. People have turned to Healthwise information more than a billion times to learn how to do more for themselves, ask for the care they need, and say "no" to the care they don't need. Healthwise partners with hospitals, electronic medical record (EMR) providers, health plans, disease management companies, and health websites to provide up-to-date, evidence-based information to the people they serve. www.healthwise.org, 1.800.706.9646.

About the Center for Plain Language
The Center for Plain Language is a D.C.-based nonprofit organization that wants government and business documents to be clear and understandable. We support those who use plain language, train those who should use plain language, and urge people to demand plain language in all the documents they receive, read, and use. For more information about the Center or the awards, go to www.centerforplainlanguage.org.

© 2012 Healthwise, Incorporated.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise.
9205-052412

Contact:
Tara Troutman
Healthwise
(208) 387-6763
Email Contact

Democracy, Human Rights, Refugees: Release of the 2011 Human Rights Report

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:21:15 +0000

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

May 24, 2012

Good morning. Good morning, everyone. I’m very pleased to be joined here today by Assistant Secretary Posner to release our 2011 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. These reports, which the United States Government has published for nearly four decades, make clear to governments around the world: We are watching and we are holding you accountable. And they make clear to citizens and activists everywhere: You are not alone. We are standing with you.

Mike and his team and the staff at our embassies and consulates around the world have worked tirelessly to produce these reports. And I want to thank each and every person who has contributed to them.

Now, as you know, this has been an especially tumultuous and momentous year for everyone involved in the cause of human rights. Many of the events that have dominated recent headlines from the revolutions in the Middle East to reforms in Burma began with human rights, with the clear call of men and women demanding their universal rights.

Today in Egypt, we are seeing in real time that those demands are making a difference as Egyptians are going to the polls to determine for the first time in their history who their leaders will be. Whatever the outcome of the election, the Egyptian people will keep striving to achieve their aspirations. And as they do, we will continue to support them.

We will support people everywhere who seek the same. Men and women who want to speak, worship, associate, love the way they choose – we will defend their rights; not just on the day we issue these reports, but every day.

As Secretary, I have worked with my superb team on advancing human rights in a 21^st century landscape, focusing on new frontiers even as we stand up against age-old abuses. Where women have been and continue to be marginalized, we’re helping them become full partners in their governments and economies. Where LGBT people are mistreated and discriminated against, we’re working to bring them into full participation in their societies. We’re expanding access to technology and defending internet freedom because people deserve the same rights online as off. And we know that in the 21^st century human rights are not only a question of civil and political liberties, it’s about the fundamental question of whether people everywhere have the chance to make the most of their God-given potential.

So we are supporting efforts around the world to give people a voice in their societies, a stake in their economies, and to support them as they determine for themselves the future of their own lives and the contributions they can make to the future of their countries. We think this is the way, together, we can make human rights a human reality.

Now as these reports document, there is a lot of work that remains to be done. In too many places, governments continue to stifle their own people’s aspirations. And in some places like Syria, it is not just an assault on freedom of expression or freedom of association, but an assault on the very lives of citizens. The Assad regime’s brutality against its own people must and will end, because Syrians know they deserve a better future.

These reports are more than a report card; they are a tool for lawmakers and scholars, for civil society leaders and activists. We also think they are a tool for government leaders. It’s always been bewildering to me that so many government leaders don’t want to make the most of the human potential of their own people.

And so I don’t expect this to be reading material everywhere, but I do hope somewhere in the corner of my mind that maybe a leader will pick it up and say: How do we compare with others, and what can we do today, tomorrow, and next year that will maximize the potential of more of our citizens?

This year we’ve made the reports easier to read online, easier to track trends across a region, easier to follow the progress of a particular group, easier to find out which governments are or are not living up to their commitments.

Now, every year that we issue this, we take stock of ourselves. We say: What more can we do? Where have we succeeded or are succeeding? Where are we falling short? And we know we have to recommit to the work of advancing universal rights, building the partnerships that will move us forward, helping every man, woman, and child live up to their God-given potential. And we know we have to be able to speak out and speak up for those unable to use their own voices.

But this is at the core of who we are. This is central to what we believe. And this is the work that will continue administration after administration, secretary after secretary, because of its centrality to our foreign policy and national security.

Now I’d like to turn things over to Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Right, and Labor Mike Posner, who will speak further about some of the specific findings in this year’s reports. Thank you all very much. Thanks, Mike.

PRN: 2012/830

WITNESS And Storyful Launch New Global Channel For Human Rights Video

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

WITNESS And Storyful Launch New Global Channel For Human Rights Video

PR Newswire

The channel seeks to be the preeminent source for collecting and sharing citizen video relevant to human rights.

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WITNESS and Storyful today announced they are joining forces to launch the new HumanRightsChannel on YouTube, at Google's Internet at Liberty Conference. The channel is a platform to tell breaking stories through the lenses of citizen journalists that will change the way we view, share and engage human rights video.

"The new Human Rights Channel will give people an 'on-the-ground' perspective of underexposed stories often absent from mainstream media, highlight ways to take action and develop new collaborations amongst interested citizens," says Sam Gregory, WITNESS' Program Director.

The project grew out of a dialogue between WITNESS and Google in the wake of the Arab Spring to discuss ways in which the web community could better come together around human rights advocacy. The exponential growth of portable video devices - especially in developing nations - has enabled everyday citizens to record otherwise hidden abuses and to advance human rights from the grassroots level.

Olivia Ma, YouTube News Manager, said, "From its inception, YouTube has been a platform for free expression. Activists around the world use YouTube to document causes they care about and make them known to the world, and in the case of human rights, video plays a particularly important role in illuminating abuses of power. This new channel from WITNESS and Storyful is a welcome addition to exposing human rights violations in the 21st century."

David Clinch, Storyful's Editorial Director, explained, "Our job is to verify each video to a journalistic standard, using a combination of local sources, regional experts and pioneering algorithms." WITNESS will then curate these videos into clear and powerful stories and distribute the videos to a diverse community of journalists, local activists, international organizations, regional experts, academics, and engaged citizens.

The channel will feature:

Daily updates of breaking stories, alerts and related campaign videos
Featured stories through playlists gather videos together to provide insight into an evolving situation or an under covered issue
Profiles of videographers and organizations on YouTube who have made a major impact or a significant contribution to video for change
Tools and tactics offering 20 years of WITNESS expertise in video for change

This project will offer users new avenues for action and impact on Google +, where the broader human rights community will take part in discussions, share their material, and find collaborators.

Note to Editors:

The channel can be found at the following link: http ://www .youtube .com /humanrights

And the conversation continues on Google+: https://plus.google.com/100621536540324323611/posts

About WITNESS

WITNESS is the global pioneer in the use of video to expose human rights abuses. We empower people to transform personal stories of abuse into powerful tools for justice, promoting public engagement and policy change. Founded in 1992, WITNESS has partnered with more than 300 human rights groups in over 80 countries, trained over 3,000 human rights defenders, developed widely-used training materials and tools, and increased the visibility and impact of over 100 campaigns by supporting the inclusion of video. www .witness .org .

About Storyful

Storyful's team of professional journalists separate actionable news from the noise of the real-time web, 24/7. We work with professional news clients, acting as a social media 'field producer', discovering and verifying content and contacts through a combination of good journalism and pioneering technology. It is the first tool-kit for newsrooms that want to blend social media into their newsgathering operations.

SOURCE WITNESS

US Airways Named Top Employer For Veterans In 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:58:38 +0000

US Airways Named Top Employer For Veterans In 2012

Only Airline Named in Top 40 Rankings

US Airways Flying WWII Heroes to Washington, DC for Memorial Day Weekend Visit

PR Newswire

TEMPE, Ariz., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Military Times Edge magazine has named US Airways (NYSE: LCC) among the 40 Best for Vets employers for 2012 among 1,000 major corporations surveyed. For the second year in a row, the magazine recognized US Airways for its policies and programs to recruit and retain military veterans and to accommodate and support deployments by US Airways employees who serve in the National Guard and on reserve duty.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120103/LA28814LOGO)

US Airways is the only airline named in the top 40 in the survey and the "Best for Vets" award is presented to companies who excel in three categories; Recruiting, with a budget and staff dedicated to military hiring, venues where jobs are marketed to veterans, and percentage of new hires who are military veterans; Reserve Policies, which offer pay and benefits for National Guard and Reservists to accommodate and support deployments, and Corporate Culture, where veterans are represented on the executive team.

"US Airways is honored and proud to be named a 'Best for Vets' employer in 2011 and 2012," said David Seymour, US Airways' senior vice president of technical operations. Seymour, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and a veteran Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, advises a US Airways employee group called ServeUS. ServeUS works to foster a culture at the airline to recruit, transition, develop and retain military veterans. ServeUS members represent US Airways at veteran recruitment events nationwide.

Seymour said, "US Airways believes that our outreach to military veterans advances our goals of becoming an airline our customers choose to fly and a great place to work for all employees. We are pleased that the Military Times Edge publication and the military and veteran community have recognized US Airways as an employer of choice for our nation's veterans."

US Airways partners with Hire Heroes USA, an organization that creates job opportunities for veterans, to recruit military veterans at job fairs nationwide. In addition, the airline works with Honor Flight, an organization dedicated to bringing veterans free of charge to Washington, D.C. to visit their respective war memorials dedicated in their honor. Last year, US Airways conducted its 200th Honor Flight. Video is available on US Airways' YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/usairways. On Saturday, May 26, 2012 US Airways will fly a group of World War II veterans from Hartford, CT to Washington, DC to visit the World War II memorial. More information is available at http://honorflightdca.wordpress.com/.

The airline also supports active duty military members by giving them priority boarding on all US Airways flights and discount fares when traveling on official business. Additionally, US Airways' partnership with the Fisher House Foundation allows members of the airline's frequent flyer program, Dividend Miles, to donate miles to provide complimentary travel to military men and women, and their families, who are undergoing medical treatment.

About US Airways

US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,200 flights per day and serves more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The airline employs more than 32,000 aviation professionals worldwide, operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus aircraft and is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers more than 20,500 daily flights to 1,293 airports in 190 countries. Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Aviation Week and Overhaul & Maintenance magazine presented US Airways with the 2012 Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Year Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and innovation in the area of technical operations. Military Times Edge magazine named US Airways as a Best for Vets employer in 2011 and 2012. US Airways was the only airline included as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the U.S. by LATINA Style magazine's 50 Report for 2010 and 2011. The airline also earned a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality index for six consecutive years. The Corporate Equality index is a leading indicator of companies' attitudes and policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and customers. For more company information visit usairways.com, follow on Twitter @USAirways or at Facebook.com/USAirways. (LCCG)

-Fly with US-

SOURCE US Airways

NAAMA Donates Two New Ambulances To Syrian Arab Red Crescent For Use In Hardest Hit Cities; Sends Help To Syrian Refugees In Jordan

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:37:25 +0000

NAAMA Donates Two New Ambulances To Syrian Arab Red Crescent For Use In Hardest Hit Cities; Sends Help To Syrian Refugees In Jordan

PR Newswire

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) and the NAAMA Foundation announce the purchase and delivery of two newly equipped ambulances to Damascus for further delivery to two of the Syrian cities hardest hit by the ongoing violence in that country. Outfitted in Beirut, Lebanon, the two Nissan ambulances were delivered yesterday to representatives of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) in Damascus. From there, they will be disbursed for use in two other cities.

In addition, through the NAAMA Auxiliary, donations have gone to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization for Relief and Development to provide medical care to the Syrian refugees in that country, of which there are tens of thousands.

Since the outbreak of violence in Syria over a year ago, NAAMA has been seeking effective humanitarian aid that would be allowed into the country. Under U.S. General License 11 and with SARC assurance that these ambulances would be put to their intended purpose, NAAMA has been able to act in a decisive way to help alleviate the suffering of victims of violence.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), there have been repeated incidents in which ambulances were shot at and volunteers wounded and the installation of checkpoints and harassment have prevented ambulances and medical workers from evacuating and treating the wounded, some of whom have died as a result.

Dr. Aziz Shaibani, president of NAAMA, said, "NAAMA recognizes that so much more equipment and medical supplies are needed in the areas affected by violence. These ambulances are but our first tangible outreach. We have issued repeated calls for the violence to stop, to no avail.

"This concrete gesture to send ambulances to care for the sick and dying represents the concern and heartbreak of all our members, Syrian and non-Syrian, for the welfare of the people of Syria."

As physicians and as Americans of Arab descent, NAAMA continues to express deep sympathy for the Syrian people living through senseless violence. And again, NAAMA unequivocally denounces the recent suicide bombing in Damascus that claimed the lives of another 55 people. The United Nations estimates the death of 9,000 people since the conflict in Syria began last year.

NAAMA demands that those perpetrating such violence honor the neutrality of physicians, healthcare workers and human rights organizations and stop the killings and reprisals. NAAMA has issued three prior condemnations of such brutality against the Syrian people and continues its appeal for the immediate cessation of violence.

NAAMA Foundation Chair Dr. Hareth Raddawi said, "Because it has been impossible to get medical supplies and services delivered to the affected areas by humanitarian organizations, NAAMA sought and waited for assurances that new ambulances would be allowed to serve the people in need. Our hope is that our contribution to the JHCO will also go a long way to alleviating the pain and suffering of Syrian refugees, who need medical attention."

Founded in 1975, NAAMA is a non-profit professional, educational and humanitarian organization for Arab American physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other licensed healthcare professionals. NAAMA's nearly 1,500 members across the United States in 27 chapters represent multiple medical specialties and Arab ethnicities.

CONTACT:	Renee Ahee, Executive Director,
	248-646-3661, rahee@naama.com

SOURCE National Arab American Medical Association