Announcements

MAPJ Is Hiring

MAPJ is currently hiring to fill 2 part-time positions: Coordinator (20 hours/month) and Campus Organizer (10 hours/month). Both positions will report to the MAPJ Board of Directors and be paid a living wage. For more information, click on the job titles above to see PDF job descriptions. Send inquiries and/or resumes by e-mail to jobs@mapj.org. The search committee will begin evaluating applicants on September 20, 2010.

MAPJ Focusing Its Efforts

MAPJ has recently completed a process of self-assessment and developing a more focused approach. As a result of a 2009 workshop with Suzanne Pharr and ongoing board discussion, it was decided that we could be more effective if we directed more of our energy and resources toward a single issue or cluster of related issues.

As part of this process, MAPJ Board members (with the invaluable assistance of a few others) engaged in a phone survey of as many members as we could reach in the time allotted (about 100 responses were collected -- see results).

The survey also included questions about the organization and how our supporters make use of it. For example, we asked if people would prefer to receive our newsletter electronically, instead of on paper. If you are a MAPJ supporter and have NOT had the chance to speak with a board member or volunteer on the phone, you may still offer your input via a survey on the web (click below). The survey requires that you enter your name. The information gathered will be used only as directed by the respondent.

Access the MAPJ Supporter Survey Online

After a good deal of small group work and a couple of open meetings, MAPJ participants decided to focus on informing people about health care policy, developing new strategies for promoting peace, and pushing for better citizen oversight of the NBAF facility.

MAPJ Newsletter Online

The August 2010 MAPJ Newsletter is available online.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Many of us were encouraged by the recent elections and are looking for ways to keep the momentum for change going. MAPJ has good energy for a number of projects. Building on the recent success of our Ray McGovern lecture, we plan to bring two more good speakers to Manhattan in the spring -- one on campus and one for our annual meeting. The local GI Rights Hotline initiated by MAPJ could use more help and support. And MAPJ is a founding sponsor of the start up of a community radio station: if you are interested in radio, you could receive training to become a citizen journalist. Just look for upcoming information about classes to be taught through UFM.

We have a committee system in place but need more member involvement. If you have a little time to give to your local peace & justice organization, we could really use your help.

Here are the committees to consider joining:

• Newsletter
• Political Action
• Lecture Series
• Fundraising
• Sister City in El Salvador
• First Tuesdays

Or...would you like to put your name in for serving on the MAPJ Board next year? Send an e-mail to our coordinator (coordinator@mapj.org) to volunteer, or find out more about a committee or project. Our biggest need is to have more of Manhattan progressives play an active part of MAPJ. As a grassroots organization, we depend on the talents and energy of our members!

No NBAF in Kansas

No NBAF in Kansas is a local group of concerned citizens working to stop the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) from coming to Manhattan. See nonbaf.wordpress.com for more information.