From info at ournativecircle.org Thu Oct 1 09:38:37 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 07:38:37 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] Rural America At a Glance, 2009 Message-ID: <001f01ca429c$7add1100$70973300$@org> Sharing this link in case it is of interest. The report states that the highest child poverty rates are found in counties in the Mississippi Delta, in counties containing Native American reservations and in counties along the US-Mexican border. Rural America At A Glance, 2009 This resource is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service and is an update of the annual series on rural America. Researchers provide the state of rural areas with a focus on the effect of the recession on rural families. For rural areas, even before the recession, unemployment was increasing in manufacturing other major employment sectors, and the poverty rate in rural areas has continued to be higher than the national average since 2001. The nonmetro population has continued to increase, but from a rise in births and not migration from metro into nonmetro areas. For more information, please see: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB59/#2009-9-4 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091001/fa3f5d29/attachment.html From info at ournativecircle.org Thu Oct 1 11:11:58 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:11:58 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] OFN Conference - CDFIs and loan funds - Improve Your Risk Management Skills! Message-ID: <002401ca42a9$852d1170$8f873450$@org> Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Register Now! The 2009 Opportunity Finance Network Conference, October 27 - 30 Improve Your Risk Management Skills! Strong risk management policies, procedures, and practices are essential to every CDFIs' success. The 2009 OFN Conference offers 10 training sessions on risk management issues. Taught by CDFI practitioners, CARS? analysts, and other experts, these courses teach critical skills and allow for peer learning on many topics. Get an overview of organization-wide risk management in Stabilization Essentials: Comprehensive Risk Management in Light of the Financial Crisis. Find out why your CDFI needs a very special type of PAC in Managing Problem Assets: Forming and Using a Problem Asset Committee. Learn or get a needed refresher on portfolio management basics in Portfolio Management in The New Normal. Get help with portfolio problems in three sessions on Managing Delinquency in Affordable Housing, Microenterprise and Small Business, and Commercial and Facilities portfolios. Finally, for those more difficult portfolio challenges, learn strategies for dealing with Workouts in three sessions on the topic. You're sure to leave the Conference with more and better tools for keeping your portfolio healthy. Register today at www.opportunityfinance.net/conference. Who Are the Future CDFI Industry Leaders? Thank you to everyone that has submitted a suggestion. We'll accept suggestions through Friday, October 2nd. Please submit your suggestion with a one-paragraph explanation of why you think the individual has what it takes to Donna Fabiani at dfabiani at opportunityfinance.net. 2008 Opportunity Finance Network Conference PLATINUM SPONSOR Bank of America GOLD SPONSORS Capital One, Citi Foundation, Home Depot Foundation, Wachovia SILVER SPONSOR HSBC BRONZE SPONSORS Federal Home Loan Banks ? JPMorgan Chase ? Morgan Stanley COMMUNITY LEADER PNC Bank COMMUNITY SPONSORS Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ? Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing ? SunTrust Bank LOCAL CO-HOSTS Latino Community Credit Union ? Mountain BizWorks ? North Carolina Community Development Initiative ? Self-Help ? SJF Ventures REGIONAL CO-HOSTS Appalachian Community Enterprises ? Community Redevelopment Loan and Investment Fund ? The Housing Fund ? Piedmont Housing Alliance ? Richmond Economic Development Corporation ? Southeast Community Capital ? Virginia Community Capital ? Virginia Community Development Fund To unsubscribe please email jfox at opportunityfinance.net Opportunity Finance Network Public Ledger Building | 620 Chestnut Street, Suite 572 | Philadelphia, PA 19106 P 215.923.4754 | F 215.923.4755 | www.opportunityfinance.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091001/bf92aca4/attachment-0001.html From info at ournativecircle.org Mon Oct 5 13:55:32 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 11:55:32 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] FW: Financial Literacy Update - October/November 2009 Message-ID: <002901ca45e5$085adbc0$19109340$@org> Apologies for cross postings. Comptroller of the Currency, Administrator of National Banks Financial Literacy Update Community Affairs October/November 2009 The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)'s Financial Literacy Update is a bimonthly e-newsletter containing information about upcoming financial literacy events, new initiatives of the OCC and other government agencies and organizations, and other related resources. Financial Literacy Update provides brief descriptions and Web links for upcoming events in chronological order. We list new initiatives and resources (with Web links) in alphabetical order. We welcome your feedback on the Financial Literacy Update. Please e-mail us at communityaffairs at occ.treas.gov. Upcoming Events - New Initiatives - New Resources Upcoming Events Second Annual Financial Literacy Leadership Conference October 5-6, 2009 (Washington, D.C.) The Second Annual Financial Literacy Leadership Conference, presented by the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc. brings together leaders in the field of financial literacy to develop effective strategies and partnerships to address pertinent issues. 2009 Annual Conference for Economic Education October 7-10, 2009 (Washington, D.C.) The Council for Economic Education, National Association of Economic Educators, and Global Association of Teachers of Economics holds its 2009 annual conference. The conference focuses on grades K-12 economic, personal finance, and entrepreneurship education. 2009 Money Smart Week Indiana October 10-17, 2009 (Throughout the state) Money Smart Week Indiana events are designed for all ages and backgrounds and include topics on teaching children how to save as well as helping seniors manage their finances. Events are held throughout the state, and some will be offered or advertised in Spanish. 2009 Money Smart Week Wisconsin October 10-17, 2009 (Throughout the state) Community groups, government agencies, financial advisers and businesses will attend Money Smart Week Wisconsin events to answer questions on how to handle finances and to teach children about handling money. 2009 Get Smart About Credit October 15, 2009 (Local Schools) Get Smart About Credit Day is an annual event held in October when bankers visit local classrooms to share with students the "credit facts of life." October 15, 2009 is the date of this year's event, the seventh annual. The foundation hosts six free Webinars to review tips on using the Get Smart About Credit Day Resource Kit, planning an event, sharing best practices, and positioning the event for Community Reinvestment Act credit. 2009 Protect Your Identity Week October 17-24, 2009 The National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Council of Better Business Bureaus are sponsoring the second annual Protect Your Identity Week. During PYIW week, hundreds of identity theft protection events will be held in communities across the nation. At local events, consumers can take advantage of education workshops, the shredding of documents, and credit report reviews - - all free of charge and open to the public. A consumer Web site, in English and Spanish has been developed to highlight PYIW events and provide valuable identity theft awareness and prevention education. American Savings Education Council Partners Meeting October 21, 2009 (Washington, DC) The Fall 2009 American Savings Education Council Partners Meeting will feature a presentation of the Stock Market Game, showing how the game boosts achievement in math and financial education, and a presentation of the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency. 2009 Annual Conference on Financial Education October 21-23, 2009 (Philadelphia, Pa.) The Institute for Financial Literacy hosts the 2009 Annual Conference on Financial Education. The conference provides professional development opportunities for people working in the fields of financial literacy and education. Summit on Financial Education October 28, 2009 (Boston, Mass.) The Massachusetts Financial Education Collaborative is holding a summit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The summit focuses on program information, coordination and delivery of financial education for young people (K-16), adults and seniors. 2009 Reserve Cup Challenge October/November 2009 (Boston, Mass.) The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston presents the 2009 Reserve Cup Challenge to representative high schools - one from each New England state - to compete in a quiz show that tests students' knowledge of financial matters, ranging from financial literacy to economics to personal finance. Train the Trainer Financial Education Workshop November 4, 2009 (Lubbock, Texas) The Texas Department of Banking provides hands-on training on three financial education curricula: the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas's "Building Wealth," the FDIC's "Money Smart Program," and JA Worldwide's "Junior Achievement." Financial Literacy Conference November 6-8, 2009 (Washington, D.C.) The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy presents the first nationwide conference devoted entirely to personal finance education in grades K-12. New Initiatives FICO Mortgage Recovery Initiative The FICO Mortgage Recovery Initiative is a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of Main Street and Wall Street. It follows the federal government's Making Home Affordable guidelines. This program streamlines consumer loan applications and provides servicers with deep analytic solutions to help them work with their customers. First Nations Development Institute Partners with the Office of the Special Trustee to Provide Financial Training to Indian Trust Beneficiaries The Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians Field Operations, in partnership with First Nations Development Institute, conducted a train the trainer session at the National Indian Program Training Center to prepare Fiduciary Trust Officers to provide financial literacy training to trust beneficiaries throughout Indian Country. Training also has been conducted at Fort Berthold and Standing Rock. Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy The Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy (MCFL) is an initiative to meet the urgent need for more financial education. The MCFL works with educational leadership groups, parents, the financial services industry, and others to find the best program for each of Maryland's 24 public school systems as well as nonpublic high schools. The MCFL also works with partners to develop programs for adult constituencies such as employee groups, senior citizens, first-time homebuyers, and new immigrant groups. Mini Bank Native American Bank (NAB) and the Native American Community Development Corporation (NACDC) have developed a "Mini-Bank" program, which the NACDC delivers to elementary schools located on Native American reservations in Montana, Idaho, and Colorado. The program allows Native American youth to enhance their financial literacy skills by actually opening a savings account with NAB and learning, in a school setting, the value of saving, and the power of compounded interest. A combined Mini-Bank and Land Education curriculum is now offered in collaboration with Indian Land Tenure Foundation. North American Securities Administrators Association The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) announced a new investor education initiative to equip millions of union and employee association members with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from investment fraud. Through a new outreach program, "United Against Investment Fraud" (UAIF), NASAA is working with unions and employee associations to bring investor education to the workplace. The UAIF program teaches union members how to spot con artists and how to check the backgrounds of stock brokers and investment advisers. Retirement and Savings Initiative - Helping Americans Save for Retirement President Barack Obama announced new Federal resources to make it easier for American families to save for retirement. These new IRS initiatives include guidance on saving for, and choosing retirement plans, including design options; expanding opportunities for automatic enrollment; making it easier to save tax refunds; showing how employees can save payments in their retirement plans they would receive for unused vacation or other similar leave; and helping employees and employers understand their tax-favored rollover and other savings options. Senior Financial Literacy Training and Education Initiative The University of Albany's Center for Excellence in Aging Services presents the Senior Financial Literacy Training and Education Initiative. This program provides to seniors a basic understanding of financial literacy, risk factors for financial exploitation, and an understanding of social work roles focused on senior financial literacy. Small Dollar Loan Pilot Program The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) began a two-year pilot project to review affordable and responsible small dollar-loan programs in financial institutions. The pilot is a case study intended to identify effective and replicable business practices to help banks incorporate affordable small dollar loans into their other mainstream banking services. Resulting best practices from the pilot will be identified and will become a resource for other financial institutions. Your Money Bus Tour The "Your Money Bus Tour" is a consumer outreach initiative that kicks off its second year on October 1, 2009. In each city, local financial advisors volunteer their time to meet with residents and answer their financial questions-free of charge, with no strings attached. The bus tour is strictly an educational event; a way to give back to the community and help residents with financial questions. This year, the organization plans to visit 25 cities across the U.S. The tour is sponsored by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors Consumer Education Foundation (NAPFA), TD Ameritrade, Kiplingers Personal Finance Magazine and FiLife.com. New Resources Building Your Future Building Your Future developed by The Actuarial Foundation helps students easily grasp the essentials of personal finance, gives them multiple opportunities to practice core skills and showcases the real-world impact of the financial decisions they make. Each chapter is classroom ready, with a Teacher's Guide that provides handouts and answer keys, instruction and assessment suggestions, definitions and resources that align with national mathematics and personal financial education standards. Cards, Cars and Currency The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis offers Cards, Cars and Currency, a curriculum that challenges students to become involved in three specific areas of personal finance-credit cards, debit cards, and the purchasing of a car. Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship The Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware provides to teaching professionals knowledge, skills, and innovative curriculum to equip Delaware K-12 students with the economic, personal finance, and entrepreneurial foundations necessary to become informed, active participants in today's world. Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Consolidated Credit Counseling Services utilizes educational programs, professional counseling and money management instructions to establish a customized program that fits peoples needs. Consumer Action Consumer Action is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that serves consumers nationwide by advancing consumer rights; referring consumers to complaint-handling agencies through a free hotline; publishing educational materials in Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages; and comparing prices on credit cards, bank accounts, and long distance services. Doughnut Hole Calculator This summer, more than one million older Americans will be forced into the Part D "doughnut hole"-a coverage gap in Medicare's program that leaves seniors liable for all of their own costs while still paying premiums. AARP is launching a new free online resource to help these and other older Americans avoid this dreaded coverage gap. Edie the Estimator The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers EDIE the Estimator. This estimator can calculate your FDIC insurance coverage in each FDIC-insured bank where you have deposit accounts. EDIE lets you know, in a printable report for each bank, whether your deposits are within or exceed coverage limits. Financial Fitness Center American Consumer Credit Counseling's Financial Fitness Center is an online resource offering an enormous amount information on personal money management. Web seminars, podcasts, tips of the week, calculators, worksheets, resource articles, links and more are provided to help consumers better manage their money. Information is available free-of-charge. Financial Security for All Community of Practice The Financial Security for All Community of Practice (COP) is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service chat programs that consist of monthly personal finance topics. Upcoming topics of discussion are Tips for Happy Holidays without Financial Hangover (October 29, 2009) and Promoting Positive Financial Behavioral Change (November 19, 2009). FINRA Investor Education Foundation FINRA Investor Education Foundation provides support for innovative research and educational projects aimed at segments of the investing public. Through grants, researchers explore investor behavior and develop practical ways to avoid costly mistakes and ensure that reliable financial and investor education is available to all who need it. It also sponsors SaveAndInvest.org , a free service that provides financial education tools for military families and older investors (aged 55 years or older) as well as additional investor resources. Institute for Financial Literacy The Institute for Financial Literacy is a nonprofit organization that assists its clients directly with programs in financial counseling, financial education, and bankruptcy-related services. It's Your Paycheck The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis offers "It's Your Paycheck," a curriculum designed for use in high school personal finance classes. This curriculum is made up of three sections-"Know Your Dough," "KaChing!" and "All About Credit." The lessons in each section employ teaching strategies to engage students so that they can apply the concepts being taught. Maryland Council on Economic Education The Maryland Council on Economic Education provides individualized assistance to develop a curriculum that includes economic and financial instruction and to develop assessments to measure learning. It also offers free teacher workshops and courses to prepare instructors to teach the content lesson plans and other classroom materials. The curriculum includes programs and seminars are available for adults and community groups. Other programs include the Maryland-DC Stock Market GameT, a poster contest for students in grades 1 through 8 and the Maryland Economics Challenge competition for high school students. Money Savvy Generation Money Savvy Generation develops innovative products to help parents, educators, and others teach the skills of basic personal finance. Currently, this program is taught in school districts in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Payment Parliament The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has developed a new role play, "Payment Parliament," an interactive way for students to enhance their reading skills while learning about key financial concepts. This program is targeted toward students in grades 5 through 8 and covers different payment methods available to consumers. Right at Home: Financial Answers for Home Ownership The National Credit Union Foundation's "Right at Home: Financial Answers for Home Ownership," informs people on how to keep their home in tough economic times. Free and objective information, tips, and resources are provided for those who are falling behind in their mortgage payments but want to work out a plan to stay in their home or to move without foreclosure. Information focuses on finding a mortgage loan that fits your budget, protecting your credit rating, avoiding fraud, and creating a budget to manage your money. Saving Our Futures: A Financial Responsibility Program for Young People Saving Our Futures: A Financial Responsibility Program for Young People is an online curriculum that teaches young people in middle school and high school financial responsibility and methods for advocating for smarter money management in their homes, communities, and from elected officials. The curriculum is a program of the America's Promise Alliance. Smart Borrower Smart Borrower provides to people the information they need to make smart decisions about borrowing money for a home, car, college education, or other high-cost items or services. LendingTree created this online resource to make personal finance information easy to find, easy to understand, and easy to act on. The Stock Market Game The Stock Market Game is a program of the SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education received results from a rigorous evaluation study conducted by Learning Point Associates with a grant from the FINRA Foundation that show students who play The Stock Market Game outperform their peers in mathematics and financial literacy. According to the independent evaluation team, the gains are substantial at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In addition, teachers reported that the program influenced their own financial practices. There's No Business Like Bank Business The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has developed a new role play, "There's No Business Like Bank Business," an interactive way for students to enhance their reading skills while learning about key financial concepts. This program targets students in grades 3 through 5 and introduces the workings of a bank and the benefits of saving money in one. What to Do if You've Lost Your Job What to Do if You've Lost Your Job is presented by AARP. It provides people with a checklist of suggestions on immediate steps to take together with longer term ideas for dealing with this new situation. Wi$e Up Wi$eUp is a financial education program designed for Generation X and Y Women. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau in support of the Department of Labor's Strengthening the Family Initiative. Women's Institute for Financial Education The Women's Institute for Financial Education (WIFE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial education to women in their quest for financial independence. WIFE offers reviews of personal finance books and features articles on personal finance topics, online video clips, and archived WIFE e-newsletters-all designed to improve the financial expertise of women. Your Money Counts.com HSBC Bank developed Your Money Counts.com, a comprehensive online learning resource that helps people understand finances and make informed financial choices. This online guide to financial and credit education provides people with interactive calculators, information on current money issues, in-depth information on specific money topics, financial education booklets, and quizzes to test their financial knowledge. ------------------------------ HelpWithMyBank.gov - The OCC's Web site that provides answers to more than 300 commonly asked banking questions. While targeted at national bank customers, the site answers many questions common to all banking consumers and provides useful information about contacting regulators of state banks, thrifts, and other financial institutions. A link from HOPE NOW to HelpWithMyBank.gov has been established. MyMoney.gov - The U.S. government's Web site dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics of financial education. The site houses important information from 20 federal agencies on such topics as buying a home, foreclosure prevention, deposit insurance, privacy, fraud, scams, balancing a checkbook, and investing in a 401(k). Subscribe: Sign up for the OCC's "Financial Literacy Updates" by visiting http://www.occ.gov/canewslistserv.htm. Have a notable financial literacy event coming up? Rolling out a new financial literacy initiative? Developing a new tool or product? Have general feedback? E-mail us at communityaffairs at occ.treas.gov. Information in Financial Literacy Update is generated from publicly available sources. Inclusion of a non-OCC event, activity, product or hyperlink in this e-newsletter does not constitute an endorsement by the OCC. The OCC does not exercise editorial control over information you may find when linking to non-OCC Web sites and cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091005/1acc13ff/attachment-0001.html From info at ournativecircle.org Mon Oct 5 13:57:57 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 11:57:57 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] News From Oweesta Message-ID: <002e01ca45e5$5f032770$1d097650$@org> Please forward widely? apologies for cross postings? Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Oweesta Logo NEWS FROM OWEESTA Fall 2009 Special Issue: 6th Annual Native Convening In This Issue Native CDFI Convening Overview <> :: The Native Gathering <> :: Native CDFIs Track of Sessions <> :: Catawba Cultural Center Tour <> Message From the CEO Tracey Headshot Hello, Oweesta is pleased to be partnering with Opportunity Finance Network to present you with the 2009 Native CDFI Convening. This annual conference is one of the most important events and networking opportunities for emerging and established Native community development organizations. That?s why we are dedicating the fall issue of our newsletter entirely to the 2009 Native CDFI Convening. This year?s conference, held October 27th-30th in Charlotte, North Carolina, will provide you with valuable knowledge in establishing your institution, housing finance, new markets tax credits, entrepreneurship development, and more. In addition, the pre-conference Native Gathering will provide an excellent opportunity for networking with your peers in the CDFI industry. We hope to see you there! Sincerely, Tracey Fischer Tracey Fischer Chief Executive Officer, Oweesta :: REGISTER NOW! 2009 OFN Conference :: Questions About the Conference Contact Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy by email at stewart at oweesta.org. :: Oweesta is dedicated to developing Native assets and building Native communitites. To find out more about our products and services, visit our website at www.oweesta.org . Let us know what topics you'd like to see in future issues of "News From Oweesta". Send Us Your Feedback Native Convening Overview October 27-30, 2009 | Charlotte, North Carolina The Sixth Annual Native CDFI Convening, as part of the 2009 Opportunity Finance Network Conference , comes at a time when CDFIs across the spectrum are facing liquidity, portfolio, and operating challenges while trying to respond to skyrocketing demand. The conference presents a forum where participants will meet to discuss, debate, and respond to a set of external and internal challenges greater than our industry has ever experienced. The Native CDFI Gathering consists of the Native Gathering Pre-Conference Day combined with the Native Awards ceremony, the Native CDFIS training track of sessions and the Native Funders and Native CDFIs Reception, as well as a few specialized sessions recommended to Native practitioners. The Native Gathering Pre-Conference | October 27, 2009 The Gathering on the 27th will kick off a week of learning that will help individual Native CDFIs and the industry as a whole focus on policy issues. We will start the day with a broad view of community development issues and efforts in Native and non-Native areas and hear from experts working at the tribal, regional, state, and federal levels on these policy agendas. We will then focus on the new Native CDFI Network (NCN) and provide a venue for interaction, input, and a membership interest sign-up. Finally, we will end the day in celebration as we present the Circle of Honor Award and the Visionary Leader Award to this year?s winners. This is sure to be an afternoon filled with information, interaction, and inspiration. Native Gathering Agenda 2:00pm ? 2:15pm Welcome 2:15pm ? 3:00pm Policy Panel 3:00pm ? 3:15pm Break 3:15pm ? 4:00pm Native CDFI Network (NCN) Session 4:00pm ? 4:15pm Break 4:15pm ? 5:00pm Awards Circle of Honor Award for Outstanding Leadership This award recognizes a Native CDFI that is successfully increasing access to capital and financial resources in Native communities. Visionary Leader Award for Outstanding Achievement This award recognizes a person who has made a long-term contribution to the Native CDFI industry and whose local financing and asset building efforts make them an inspiration for others. Native CDFIs Track of Sessions Native CDFIs continue to grow in number, size, and sophistication. This year's Native CDFI track of sessions covers housing and business finance, financial management, and funding and capitalization. Sessions include: * Native Housing Finance: Institutions & Programs that Make it Happen Wednesday, October 28th, 2:15pm - 3:45pm * Opportunities for Business: The Strategic Link Between Entrepreneurship Systems & Good Lending Wednesday, October 28th, 2:15pm - 5:30pm * Native CDFI Funders Panel Wednesday, October 28th, 4:00pm-5:30pm * Native CDFI Finances: Audits, Budgets, and Good Management Thursday, October 29th, 9:00am-12:15pm * Native Credit Unions: Lessons Learned Thursday, October 29th, 5:30pm-6:30pm * New Markets Tax Credits in Native Communities Friday, October 30th, 7:30am-8:45am * Establishing Your Native CDFI Friday, October 30th, 9:00am-10:30am * The Other Side of Financing: Innovations in Native CDFI Development Services Friday, October 30th, 9:00am-10:30am * Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development (NEED): A New Model for Native CDFIs and their Partners Friday, October 30th, 10:45am-12:15pm In addition to the Native CDFI sessions, consider: * How You and Your CDFI Can Prosper from Private Philanthropy * Managing Delinquency (choose the session appropriate to your CDFI?s primary financing sector: Affordable Housing, Commercial Real Estate and Community Facilities, Microenterprise and Small Business) * Portfolio Management in The New Normal * Sourcing Capital Online: Prosper, Kiva and Microplace * Workouts (choose the session appropriate to your CDFI?s primary financing sector: Affordable Housing, Commercial Real Estate and Community Facilities, Microenterprise and Small Business) Catawba Cultural Center Tour Thursday, October 29, 2009 | 1:30pm ? 5:45pm Spend the afternoon at the Catawba Cultural Center. The Catawba Indians are one of the tribes indigenous to the Carolinas and the Catawba pottery tradition has survived for over 4,500 years. Learn about the Catawba language and receive a demonstration on pottery making. Preview a drumming and dancing show. There will be an opportunity to explore the trails leading to the Catawba River and the Catawba craft store. Click here for more information on the Catawba Cultural Center. You are receiving this email because you signed up for the Oweesta mailing list on our website. Thank you for your interest and support in Oweesta. If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, click on the Unsubscribe link below. Unsubscribe stewart at oweesta.org from this list. Update My Profile Forward To A Friend Subscribe to "News From Oweesta" and other email alerts. Oweesta 910 5th Street Suite 101 Rapid City, South Dakota 57701 tel 605.342.3770 Copyright (C) 2009 Oweesta. All rights reserved. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091005/33e98751/attachment-0001.html From adrianne at Oweesta.org Mon Oct 5 17:58:26 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:58:26 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] NATIVE FINANCIAL SKILLS INITIATIVE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, EL CAJON CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17-19, 2009 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE9852B1@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> NATIVE FINANCIAL SKILLS INITIATIVE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING November 17-19, 2009 l El Cajon, California Submission deadline for applications is October 19, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrianne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, with its partner Oweesta, is pleased to offer Expanding Native Opportunity: Native Financial Skills Initiative, a comprehensive financial education training and technical assistance program for Native communities. This initiative offers a three-day, state-of-the-art instructor training and certification program to help Native CDFIs, tribes and other Native organizations establish and sustain financial education programs in their communities. Participants will also have access to free, customized follow-up technical assistance to assist with program implementation and delivery. Applications are being accepted until Monday October 19, 2009 The three day training will address: * An introduction to the Building Native Communities: Financial Skills for Families curriculum; * Effective training techniques and resources; and * Financial education program development planning. Upon completion of the training, participants will be prepared to successfully pass the Building Native Communities certification exam to become certified financial education trainers. For more information, contact Jaci Ree with Oweesta at jaci at oweesta.org or 605-342-3770. The Native Financial Education Instructor Training will be held on November 17-19, 2009 in El Cajon, California at: Sycuan Resort 3001 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, CA. www.sycuanresort.com Submission deadline for applications is October 19, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrianne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. There will be a registration fee of $75 per individual to attend the training. Each applying group must agree to send at least two and up to four participants. Participants are responsible for travel and lodging costs. Applications will be reviewed and participants will be selected through a competitive process. Selected applicants will be notified by October 23, 2009. 910 5th Street, Suite 101 * Rapid City, SD 57701 tel (605) 342-3770 * www.oweesta.org Adrianne Brave Heart Financial Education & Asset Building Specialist Oweesta Corporation 910 5th St. Suite 101 Rapid City, SD 57701 adrianne at oweesta.org Phone: 605-342-3770 Fax: 605-342-3771 "Developing Native Assets ~ Building Native Communities" SAVE THE DATE! - 6th Annual NATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVENING in Charlotte, NC - October 27-30, 2009 - at the 2009 OFN Conference - DON'T MISS IT! Come enjoy all the learning, sharing and celebrating at the Native Gathering pre-conference, Native training track, and the Native Awards presentation - all part of the 2009 Native Convening. This year's Native sessions include: Native CDFI Financial Management, Business Underwriting, Funders Roundtable, Establishing Your Native CDFI, Native Housing Capitalization, Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development, Native CDFI Development Services and a special Native CDFI Policy focus during the Native Gathering pre-conference - something for everyone! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091005/c5922fd0/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2885 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091005/c5922fd0/attachment-0003.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3548 bytes Desc: image004.gif Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091005/c5922fd0/attachment-0001.gif From Heidi at Oweesta.org Tue Oct 6 13:54:40 2009 From: Heidi at Oweesta.org (Heidi Davis) Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 11:54:40 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] NAIHC Tuition Free Training: Upcoming Alaska Training Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE985393@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> November 2-6 - Pathways Home: A Native Guide to Homeownership Instructors: Cielo Gibson & Doris Winslow Course Description: Participants will learn how to deliver a comprehensive homebuyer education program designed to help educate prospective Native Homebuyers on how to become successful homeowners. Participants will also learn the most effective methods to help potential homebuyers determine what is best for them-to build a new home or to buy an existing one. Other areas covered in this curriculum include understanding the mortgage loan process, how to prepare a family budget, how to improve credit profiles, how to avoid the pitfalls of predatory lending, and how to maintain a home and finances after purchase. Who Should Attend: Occupancy/collections housing staff, resident counselors, Tribal Council members, Board of Commissioners members, and homebuyer educators. Hotel Information Westmark Hotel Anchorage-720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 NAIHC room rate $89.00/per night plus taxes. To make reservations, call 800-544-0970. Group Code - NAIHC. Pathways: Reservation Cutoff Date - Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 Registration Information To register for any NAIHC trainings, please call 888-625-7667, or visit www.naihc.net . Scholarship Information For eligibility or how to apply, please contact Carrie Cuch at 800-284-9165, or ccuch at naihc.net. National American Indian Housing Council * 50 F Street NW, Suite 3300, Washington, DC 20001 * Phone 800-284-9165 * Fax 202-789-1758 www.naihc.net * "A Tradition of Native American Housing" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091006/e9ed7dc3/attachment.html From info at ournativecircle.org Wed Oct 7 17:04:59 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 15:04:59 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] There is STILL time to plan your trip - 6th Annual Native CDFI Convening! Message-ID: <000001ca4791$d48de720$7da9b560$@org> (please forward widely) In three weeks, the 6th Annual Native CDFI Convening will be taking place as part of the Opportunity Finance Network Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC, October 27-30, 2009, featuring the Native Gathering pre-conference, the Native track of sessions and the Native funders reception. This year's Native Gathering will focus on policy, including the official launch of the Native CDFI Network (NCN) policy group, as well as the Native CDFI Awards Ceremony. There are already 32+ different Native CDFIs from 16+ different states registered for these important events and more are added every day. Don't miss your chance to learn, share and celebrate with your peers in the Native community development industry. To register go to www.opportunityfinance.net/conference or go to the Oweesta homepage and click on the conference link on the lower right. Our thanks to this year's Native Convening sponsors: Bank of America, AMERIND Risk Management and NeighborWorks America. See you in Charlotte! ---- Circle Up! Listserve of Our Native Circle (www.ournativecircle.org) The Online Native Community Development Resource Center To post to this listserve send to: circleup at lists.ournativecircle.org To subscribe to this listserve, check archives or manage your account visit: http://lists.ournativecircle.org/mailman/listinfo/circleup_lists.ournativeci rcle.org ---- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091007/c260b9ea/attachment.html From adrianne at Oweesta.org Thu Oct 8 12:38:25 2009 From: adrianne at Oweesta.org (Adrianne Brave Heart) Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2009 10:38:25 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] Assets for Independence Program is now Accepting GrantApplications Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE9856A8@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> Assets for Independence Now Accepting Grant Applications! The Assets for Independence Demonstration Project (AFI) is pleased to announce the recent award of over $4.5 million to 24 AFI project grants. These AFI projects will provide Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)-special matched savings accounts-to low-income individuals and their families across the country. Read more about this recent announcement and other AFI news on the AFI Resource Center newsletter at: http://www.graphicmail.com/new/viewnewsletter2.aspxSiteID=29541&SID=0&Ne wsletterID=474243. The AFI Program is now accepting applications for asset-building programs nationwide. The next AFI grant application deadline is Friday, January 15, 2010. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId =42135 If your organization is interested in applying for an AFI grant, please contact the AFI Resource Center at: info at idaresources.org or (877) 778-6037. We provide technical assistance to eligible applications and guide you through the application process and program design. Additional information on the AFI program, including guidance, policies, and procedures, can be found at: www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/. AFI Resource Center | Office of Community Services | www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding 1-866-778-6037 | info at idaresources.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091008/da95c693/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9153 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091008/da95c693/attachment-0001.gif -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT00056.txt Url: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091008/da95c693/attachment-0001.txt From info at ournativecircle.org Fri Oct 9 12:17:25 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2009 10:17:25 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] FW: CDFI Coalition E-news: For Potential Applicants for the 2010 Round of CDFI Financial and Technical Assistance Message-ID: <000501ca48fb$fd36d220$f7a47660$@org> Subject: CDFI Coalition E-news: For Potential Applicants for the 2010 Round of CDFI Financial and Technical Assistance CDFI Coalition search ? In This Issue: ? For Potential Applicants for the 2010 Round of CDFI Financial and Technical Assistance ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Join Our Mailing List E-Newsletter October 9, 2009 _____ For Potential Applicants for the 2010 Round of CDFI Financial and Technical Assistance - Reminder of Important Date: October 14, 2009 FAX your Certification of Material Events Form to the CDFI Fund by 5 pm EST: Per the CDFI Fund's NOFA, " The Certification below must be signed by the organization's Authorized Representative. The completed form should be addressed to the attention of the Compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and faxed to 202.622.7754." Links to the NOFA, the Material Events Form and the FAQ document are as follows: http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/2010/cdfi/2010%20FA%20TA%20NOFA.pdf http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/2010/cdfi/Certification%20of%20Material%20Event%20Form.doc http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/certification/cdfi/CDFI%20Cert%20Material%20Events%20FAQ.pdf For groups not yet certified as a Community Development Financial Institution: Per the CDFI Fund's NOFA: "a Certifiable CDFI is an entity from which the Fund has received (emphasis added) a complete CDFI Certification Application no later than October 14, 2009? evidencing that the Applicant meets the requirements to be certified as a CDFI." Click here for CDFI Certification Application materials _____ CDFI Coalition www.cdfi.org 1331 G St N.W., Tenth Floor Washington, DC 20005 email: info at cdfi.org phone: 202-393-5225 The CDFI Coalition is the unified national voice of community development financial institutions. Our mission is to encourage fair access to financial resources for America's underserved people and communities. Click here to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091009/e873770a/attachment-0001.html From info at ournativecircle.org Fri Oct 9 16:35:09 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2009 14:35:09 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] FW: National Service Agency Announces Availability of AmeriCorps Planning Grants Message-ID: <000a01ca491f$fe46d830$fad48890$@org> Please post to listservs * Indian Tribes Planning Grants are available to federally recognized Indian Tribes. Funding is contingent upon appropriations, and is estimated to be $250,000 for each competition. January, 26, 2010 is the deadline for applying for the Indian Tribes Planning Grants. * Subject to the availability of appropriations for fiscal year 2010, the Corporation announces the anticipated availability of approximately $363 million to award new, re-competing, and continuation AmeriCorps State and National grants. The grant categories are: State Commission and National Competitive including Professional Corps and Fixed-Amount Grants; State and National EAP; States and Territories without Commissions; and Indian Tribes. End Date NOFA / NOFO Title Status of Competition _____ 1/26/2010 AmeriCorps State, National, and Indian Tribes Planning Grants CLICK HERE 1/26/2010 AmeriCorps State and National Grants - FY 2010 CLICK HERE -Original Message----- From: National Service Press Office Sent: Thu 8/27/2009 5:12 PM To: _Corporation All Staff Cc: Subject: National Service Agency Announces Availability of AmeriCorps Planning Grants Please post to listservs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: AmeriCorps Grants Information August 27, 2009 202-606-7508; americorpsnational at cns.gov National Service Agency Announces Availability of AmeriCorps Planning Grants (Washington D.C.) -- The Corporation for National and Community Service announced the availability of $500,000 for planning grants to assist national organizations and Indian tribes in developing new AmeriCorps programs. The purpose of planning grants is to support the development of AmeriCorps programs so applicants are better prepared to compete for a multi-state AmeriCorps grant in the following grant cycle. Two competitions are being held. National Planning Grants are available for organizations that are interested in applying for AmeriCorps funding for a program that will operate in two or more states. Indian Tribes Planning Grants are available to federally recognized Indian Tribes. Funding is contingent upon appropriations, and is estimated to be $250,000 for each competition. "As AmeriCorps enters a period of expansion, we want to encourage more organizations to explore how AmeriCorps can help them improve lives and strengthen communities," said Lois Nembhard, Acting Director of AmeriCorps State and National. "These planning grants will help organizations develop strong AmeriCorps program models that can compete in future grant cycles." The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, signed by President Obama in April, authorized a significant expansion of AmeriCorps, setting a goal of increasing AmeriCorps from its current level of 75,000 positions a year to 250,000 positions by 2017. The first phase of this expansion will occur in fiscal year 2010, which begins on October 1. The national planning grants will be available to public or private nonprofit organizations, including labor organizations; faith-based and other community organizations; institutions of higher education; government entities within states or territories Indian Tribes; or partnerships or consortia operating in more than one state are eligible. Community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and intermediary organizations operating in more than one state are encouraged to apply for planning grants. These grants are awarded for 12 months. They may not be used to support AmeriCorps members, and applicants must not have previously received a multi-state or Indian Tribes AmeriCorps grant. Contingent upon appropriations, the grants will be awarded in late January 2010 so that successful applicants will have a full year to prepare for their competitive application which will be due in January of 2011, again contingent upon appropriations. Applications are due 5:00 ET Monday, October 19, 2009. For further information, applications instructions and FAQs, please visit the New Funding Opportunities page on the Corporation's website at http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa.asp. For a printed copy of the notice, or to ask questions about the program, call 202-606-7508, or e-mail americorpsnational at cns.gov. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit NationalService.gov . ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091009/fb464390/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 43 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091009/fb464390/attachment-0001.gif From info at ournativecircle.org Wed Oct 14 11:54:56 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:54:56 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] CDFI Fund News: CDFI Fund Launches New Financial Education Program to Educate and Assist Prospective Homebuyers Message-ID: <000001ca4ce6$ad18c070$074a4150$@org> FEC Pilot Program Launched October 13, 2009 [CDFI-2009-56] CDFI Fund Launches New Financial Education Program to Educate and Assist Prospective Homebuyers $2 Million Available Through Pilot Program Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) launched its new Financial Education and Counseling (FEC) Pilot Program with the submission of a fiscal year (FY) 2009 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to the Federal Register. The launch of this new program will strengthen the CDFI Fund's support for a range of financial education and counseling services to prospective homebuyers and address critical financial literacy needs in the wake of the crisis in the housing market. Announcing the new program, CDFI Fund Director Donna J. Gambrell stated, "I am excited to add a new program for promoting financial empowerment into the CDFI Fund's toolkit. By increasing financial knowledge and decision-making capabilities, the Financial Education and Counseling Pilot Program is geared to providing low-income and low-wealth individuals with the skills they need to make smart financial decisions. I have high hopes for the impact this program will have on both prospective homebuyers and providers of financial education." "This pilot grant program will provide resources to support effective delivery of financial education and counseling to communities where it is most needed," said Michelle Greene, Treasury's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Education and Access. "Capturing the findings from these pilots will help Treasury assess the effectiveness of various approaches to financial education, and build the knowledge of the field to continue to move ahead." Financial Education and Counseling Pilot Program Overview The Financial Education and Counseling Pilot Program was authorized pursuant to Section 1132 of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-289). In March of 2009, the CDFI Fund was appropriated $2 million for the implementation of this program. Grants awarded through the FEC Pilot Program will have the ultimate goal of identifying successful methods of financial education and counseling services that result in positive behavioral change for financial empowerment, and establishing program models for organizations to deliver effective financial education and counseling services to prospective homebuyers. To achieve these purposes, the CDFI Fund will make awards to organizations that provide a range of financial education and counseling services to prospective homebuyers, with the goals of: 1) increasing the financial knowledge and decision-making capabilities of prospective homebuyers; 2) assisting prospective homebuyers to develop monthly budgets, build personal savings, finance or plan major purchases, reduce debt, improve financial stability, and set and reach financial goals; 3) helping prospective homebuyers improve credit scores by understanding the relationship between credit histories and credit scores; and 4) educating prospective homebuyers about the options available to build savings for short- and long-term goals. Deadlines * The FEC Pilot Program application deadline is 5:00 PM Eastern Time on November 17, 2009. Application Materials Click Here for FY 2009 FEC Pilot Program Application Materials. Learn About Applying to the FEC Pilot Program On Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the CDFI Fund will conduct a conference call for organizations interested in applying to, or learning about, the FEC Pilot Program. Public participation will be limited to 150 individual phone lines. Multiple staff from the same organization are asked to call as a group from one phone line to maximize participation. To access the conference calls, participants need to call (800) 988-9565 and enter in the pin number FECPP. No prior registration is necessary. Questions? For more information on the FEC Pilot Program, please contact the CDFI Fund by e-mailing cdfihelp at cdfi.treas.gov or by calling (202) 622-6355. Background on the CDFI Fund Since its creation in 1994, the CDFI Fund has awarded almost $1.2 billion to CDFIs, community development organizations and financial institutions through CDFI Program, the Bank Enterprise Award Program, and the Native Initiatives. In addition, the CDFI Fund has allocated $21 billion in tax credit authority to Community Development Entities through the New Markets Tax Credit Program. _____ You can update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time through your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support at govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by CDFI Fund , US Department of the Treasury. GovDelivery, Inc. is sending you this communication on behalf of the CDFI Fund, US Department of the Treasury . 601 Thirteenth Street, NW, Suite 200 South . Washington DC 20005 . (800) 439-1420 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091014/2a2d15cf/attachment.html From pamelastanding at msn.com Mon Oct 19 12:13:04 2009 From: pamelastanding at msn.com (Pamela Standing) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:13:04 -0500 Subject: [CircleUp] Sign-up for the Native American New Enterprise Program - online classes begin October 21, 2009 Message-ID: www.boldthinking.com/onlineprograms/newenterpriseprogram.html - sign up - classes begin October 21, 2009 - Free to Native American citizens living in MN, ND, SD & WY Native American New Enterprise Program Bold Thinking is currently developing a web-based platform to further develop a culture of opportunity in the Midwest Native American Tribal Nations. This educational platform will serve both as a learning tool and social community to both transfer entrepreneurial competencies and increase the capacity to think and act entrepreneurially. Native American New Enterprise Program "Facilitating business success through the power of entrepreneurship" Theme The Power of Entrepreneurship: Strengthening Ourselves, Strengthening a Culture of Opportunity, Strengthening Each Other. Statement of Purpose Entrepreneurship is more than starting a small business. Entrepreneurship is a mindset and a powerful set of tools for empowering individuals to take control of the decisions they desire in creating a life of meaning. The goal of this program is to seed and develop a new culture of opportunity that uses the creation of enterprise as the outcome. Another goal of the program is to inspire and enable a whole new group of entrepreneurs to pursue life-changing goals through the practical experience of launching a new business venture of their own creation. This program is designed not as a competition with winners and losers, but as a skill set development program that empowers nascent entrepreneurs with resources and networks that can allow them to develop their entrepreneurial competency and develop a new business. Frequently Asked Questions What will I get by entering the program? Here is what you get by entering our program: v Access to a proven, experiential entrepreneurial skills development program (value $975.00) v Over 60 hours of learning content v Connection with business experts and a community of entrepreneurs who understand the realities of rural entrepreneurship v Access to new enterprise development grants up to $10,000 v Access to the private equity investment network backed by MMCDC as a funding advocate Background and Methodology Investors often remark that it is not the lack of business plans to invest in, but rather it is the lack of investable business plans to be considered as worthy investments. Our approach in the program is to utilize the nationally ranked, award-winning entrepreneurial education methods utilized by Dr. Jeffrey Stamp at the University of North Dakota to improve both the core entrepreneurial competency of the participants but also to develop a select set of business plans that can actually successfully compete for investment funding from outside the program. Successful entrepreneurs think of entrepreneurship as a process of creating value by bringing together a unique set of resources in order to pursue and opportunity. Then what profitable entrepreneurs do is set about pursing those observed opportunities without regard to the resources they currently control. This program is focused on entrepreneurship as a balance between opportunity identification and resource gathering as primary skill sets. In addition, the program has been developed using experiential educational methods, as entrepreneurship is not a sedentary scholarly pursuit but participation required empowering activity. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091019/f7da79b3/attachment-0001.html From Jaci at Oweesta.org Mon Oct 19 12:23:38 2009 From: Jaci at Oweesta.org (Jaci Ree) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:23:38 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] DEADLINE TODAY! ---NATIVE FINANCIAL SKILLS INITIATIVE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, EL CAJON CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17-19, 2009 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE9C2AF0@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> NATIVE FINANCIAL SKILLS INITIATIVE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING November 17-19, 2009 l El Cajon, California Submission deadline for applications is October 19, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrianne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, with its partner Oweesta, is pleased to offer Expanding Native Opportunity: Native Financial Skills Initiative, a comprehensive financial education training and technical assistance program for Native communities. This initiative offers a three-day, state-of-the-art instructor training and certification program to help Native CDFIs, tribes and other Native organizations establish and sustain financial education programs in their communities. Participants will also have access to free, customized follow-up technical assistance to assist with program implementation and delivery. Applications are being accepted until Monday October 19, 2009 The three day training will address: * An introduction to the Building Native Communities: Financial Skills for Families curriculum; * Effective training techniques and resources; and * Financial education program development planning. Upon completion of the training, participants will be prepared to successfully pass the Building Native Communities certification exam to become certified financial education trainers. For more information, contact Jaci Ree with Oweesta at jaci at oweesta.org or 605-342-3770. The Native Financial Education Instructor Training will be held on November 17-19, 2009 in El Cajon, California at: Sycuan Resort 3001 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, CA. www.sycuanresort.com Submission deadline for applications is October 19, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Adrianne Brave Heart by email to Adrianne at oweesta.org or by fax to 605-342-3771. There will be a registration fee of $75 per individual to attend the training. Each applying group must agree to send at least two and up to four participants. Participants are responsible for travel and lodging costs. Applications will be reviewed and participants will be selected through a competitive process. Selected applicants will be notified by October 23, 2009. 910 5th Street, Suite 101 * Rapid City, SD 57701 tel (605) 342-3770 * www.oweesta.org Jaci Ree Manager, Financial Education and Asset Building Oweesta Corporation 910 5th Street, Suite 101 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 342 -3770 phone (605) 342-3771 fax (605) 430-4606 cell jaci at oweesta.org www.oweesta.org www.nfec.info www.ournativecircle.org JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY, DON'T MISS IT! - 6th Annual NATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVENING in Charlotte, NC - October 27-30, 2009 - at the 2009 OFN Conference REGISTER NOW: WWW.OPPORTUNITYFINANCE.NET/CONFERENCE - Come enjoy all the learning, sharing and celebrating at the Native Gathering pre-conference, Native training track, and the Native Awards presentation - all part of the 2009 Native Convening MORE Native sessions have been added: Native CDFI Financial Management, Native New Markets Tax Credits, Native Credit Unions, Business Underwriting, Funders Roundtable, Establishing Your Native CDFI, Native Housing Capitalization, Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development, Native CDFI Development Services and a special Native CDFI Policy focus during the Native Gathering pre-conference - something for everyone! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 5308 bytes Desc: image003.jpg Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091019/e8df9a2b/attachment-0005.jpe From info at ournativecircle.org Wed Oct 14 14:22:24 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:22:24 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] News from NC Indian Economic Development Initiative Message-ID: <000501ca4cfb$4753b190$d5fb14b0$@org> Please circulate to your constituencies. Christina Theodorou NC Indian Economic Development Initiative 5800 Faringdon Place Raleigh, NC 27609 P. O. Box 58096 Raleigh, NC 27658 Office: 919-232-9414 Mobile: 919-745-9645 www.ncindian.com _____ NCIEDI Logo North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative 5800 Faringdon Place | Raleigh NC | 27658 Phone: 919.232.9414 | Fax: 919.232.9416 www.ncindian.com NC Indian Economic Development Initiative Native - BIZ Round Up October 14, 2009 RoundUp_Logo Greetings Native BIZ Network, Owners and Business Professionals, Despite the down turn of the national economy, NCIEDI spent the summer stepping up our efforts cultivating business and professional relationships that generated a comprehensive list of supplier's and contract opportunities for American Indian businesses in NC. As American Indian business owners and professionals, you are the most important prospect for local, state and tribal business development slated in the economic forecast. Because NCIEDI wants to continue to support and ensure your viability in demanding markets, while addressing economic development needs of tribal communities statewide, we have begun our Native Round Table Tony_2009BOC Discussion Series devoted to topics in economic development. Please review our calendar of events for when we will be in your community. We look forward to your participation in helping shape the tribal perspective of the economic recovery in NC. Sincerely, W. A. Tony Hayes CEO NC Indian Economic Development Initiative Bid Announcements NC State Energy Office Funding Opportunities Small towns, nonprofits eligible for energy efficiency grants The N.C. State Energy Office is accepting proposals for two prongs of its energy program, which is designed to promote energy conservation and build a sustainable energy economy in North Carolina. The deadline is Oct. 23 for nonprofit organizations and Nov. 18 for small towns participating in the Main Street program through the N.C. Department of Commerce. The energy office allocated $2 million for the nonprofit program and $2.5 million for the Main Street program. Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped the office boost its investments in energy efficiency. For more information, visit the N.C. Energy Office at http://www.energync.net . US Value Added Farming Grant The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. This program provides support to the agriculture community to develop strategies to create marketing opportunities and business plans for viable marketing opportunities. Ventures must be limited to emerging markets and new markets for value-added products. This may include, but is not limited to: Alternative uses of agricultural products, processing of agricultural commodities to produce bio-materials, green chemicals, on-farm renewable energy, and biofuels. $1.84 million expected to be available, up to 130 awards anticipated. Responses due 11/30/09. For more info, contact Tracey Kennedy at CPGrants at wdc.usda.gov or go to: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm. Refer to Sol# RDBCP-09-VAPG. (Grants.gov 9/1/09) Town of Spring Lake Water Tank Mixing System Stimulus Project Project No.: A10168.00 Sealed proposals for the Water Tank Mixing System will be received by the Town of Spring Lake, at 300 Ruth St. Spring Lake, NC 28390 until 1:00 PM, on October 20, 2009 at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Contract Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Town Hall, 300 Ruth St., Spring Lake, NC 28390 and at MacConnell & Associates, P.C. at 1903 N Harrison Avenue, Suite 102, Cary, NC 27513, during normal business. A complete bidding package may be obtained from MacConnell & Associates, P.C., telephone number (919) 467-1239. Bid package cost is $100.00 and is nonrefundable. The Town of Spring Lake reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all proposals. Rhonda Webb, Town Clerk Raleigh-Durham International Airport A request for artist qualifications has been issued for a public art project at the baggage claim area of International Terminal 2 at RDU International Airport. This project is open to artists residing in the 13 counties that make up the Triangle region of N.C. (Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake and Warren) and who are at least 18 years of age. Artist teams are eligible to apply, including artists from multiple disciplines. Deadline: October 21 For more information: Visit www.caryvisualart.org/programs/public-art-projects/tasc-rdu-airport-art-proj ect or contact Ms. Ronnie Lily, project manager, at lillyr9 at gmail.com or (919) 489-7869. SWUCTraining Session The NC HUB Office is pleased to announce a Webinar Training being conducted for the new Statewide Uniform Certification Program. This Webinar training is for HUB/MWBE firms (Vendors & Contractors). It is scheduled on Oct. 21st from 10an - 2pm. HUB and M/WBE firms to attend this SWUC Webinar Training. Registration for the Webinar is free. Interested persons may contact the Office of Historically Underutilized Businesse at huboffice.doa at doa.nc.gov or 919-807-2335. Bridget Wall-Lennon, Director Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses N.C. Department of Administration 1336 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1336 919-807-2330 ph / 919-807-2335 fax website: www.doa.nc.gov/hub News Lori Winfree, Lumbee Application Sales Manager, Oracle First American Corporate Leadership Award The First American Corporate Leadership Award was presented to NC Native Business Professional Lori Winfree, Lumbee, and OracleSoftware Corp, for their technology solutions provided to American Indian businesses leading to successful commerce. Winfree is the Application Sales Manager that handles Native Tribes & Casinos, and accepted the award on behalf Oracle. "As a Native American employee of Oracle, I am proud of the solutions that Oracle delivers in Indian Country and the commitment we have to be a part of the Native American Community. I am honored by NCAIED's recognition of that commitment" quoted from Winfree.NCIEDI Program Manager Christina Theodorou, Lumbee was also honored in NCAIED's 40 Under 40 Award Category. - National Center American Indian Enterprise Development Community Colleges Boost Weatherization Training The state community college system has chosen Central Carolina Community College as the site for a weatherization faculty training program, which is open to community college faculty throughout the state. The program was made possible with $34,000 in Workforce Investment Act funds. Thirty-six instructors will take part in two six-day programs to be held this fall at the college's Chatham County campus in Pittsboro. The program will help them train workers for new jobs created with $8 billion in funding from the federal stimulus plan for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements. - NC Community College System Eight Highway, Bridge Projects Awarded $16.5 million Eight highway and bridge projects throughout the state received a total of $16.5 million in August through the federal stimulus program. The funding was part of $50.8 million awarded to 21 projects in North Carolina through the state transportation department. The stimulus projects are located in Davidson, Franklin, Guilford, Hertford, Jackson, Nash, Surry, Transylvania and Wayne counties. Work will begin on most of the projects in late September or early October. -NC Rural Center N.C. Arts Groups Get $7.7 million In Grants Arts groups and projects throughout the state received $7.7 million in grants to promote the economic and cultural vitality of local communities, the state Department of Cultural Resources announced Sept. 9. Recipients include the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, Pocosin Arts in Columbia, the Stecoah Valley Arts, Crafts & Educational Center in Robbinsville, and arts councils in Caldwell, Chatham, Johnston, Lenoir and Yancey counties. - NC Arts Council ABOUT NCIEDI NCIEDI's Mission is to foster, enhance and promote economic development in North Carolina's urban and tribal Indian communities through the creation and preservation of good jobs, the creation of social and capital assets, and increased capacity for individual tribal member's self-development in the local, state, national, and global economic sphere. Events UMCNC Monthly Meeting October 17, 2009 10:00am UNC Greensboro Bryan Building, Rm 128 Greensboro, NC Native CDFI Convening October 27-30, 2009 | Charlotte, North Carolina The Sixth Annual Native CDFI Convening will be part of the 2009 Opportunity Finance Network Conference. Currently there are two native CDFI's in NC wtih the Eastern Band Cherokee and LRDA. The Native CDFI Gathering consists of the Native Gathering Pre-Conference Day combined with the Native Awards ceremony, the Native CDFIS training track of sessions and the Native Funders and Native CDFIs Reception, as well as a few specialized sessions recommended to Native practitioners. For more information go to www.oweesta.org . NC Archaeology Day October 17, 2009 UNC- Chapel and AIC-UNC For more information on this free family event visit rla.unc.edu. Visit www.ncindian.com for more events and news NCIEDI Logo Jobs PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR OBSN is accepting applications for a Promotions Coordinator to assist in the marketing and promotion of the Tribal Heritage Tourism Project. Promotions Coordinator will be responsible for creating and implementing an effective marketing plan to improve the economic status of the Tribal Community, including; Internet research, maintaining databases, coordination of resources, ability to write grants for future funding, and ability to create partnerships with other community agencies that promote Heritage Tourism. The most successful candidates will have marketing management experience, solid organizational skills, strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills, computer skills, ability to meet deadlines, and implement creative ideas. Must have a Marketing/Business Economics Degree and at least three years of proven work experience in marketing management fields. References will be required. Salary $37,000. Please mail or deliver Resume and references to OBSN, 103 E. Center Street, Mebane, NC, 27302. 919-304-3723 Closing date is November 6, 2009 Native Americans To Join Future Ranks of Unionized Welders August 20, 2008 By Steven W. Setzer With shortages of skilled workers in pipe trades among the highest anticipated for construction crafts, at least one supplier is reaching into new territory for recruits-Native American reservations. This month, the plumbers' and pipefitters' union and the U.S. Interior Dept.'s Bureau of Indian Affairs launched a new program to fast-track apprenticeship for Native Americans in welding and pipefitting trades. About 20 trainees, from tribes in eight states, began instruction at a Mokena, Ill., training facility run by Local 597, the union's Chicago-area local that also is its largest. But with response great, future programs are anticipated elsewhere. "This will be an ongoing program," says Michael Arndt, national training director of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the U.S. and Canada, based in Washington DC. (UA). "The applicants seem to be very good." In fact, the union received more than 90 applications in just one day for its Hybrid Welding program that runs for 16 weeks, with students training eight hours per day. Upon completion, they will be rated as two-year apprentices, at a minimum, and possibly higher depending on skills, says Arndt. Journeymen pipe fitters typically earn $30 to $40 an hour in wages, depending on location and other factors. The UA has scheduled another 16-week training session at a Phoenix facility run by Local 469 at month's end and is planning two others later this fall. Join Our Mailing List Staff Tony Hayes CEO Christina TheodorouProgram Manager Nicole Taylor Small Business Coordinator Brenda Pollard Finance Officer Forward email Safe Unsubscribe This email was sent to tony.hayes at nciedi.org by christina.theodorou at nciedi.org. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe T | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NC Indian Economic Development Initiative | 5800 Faringdon Place | PO Box 58096 | Raleigh | NC | 27658 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.15/2434 - Release Date: 10/14/09 06:33:00 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.16/2435 - Release Date: 10/14/09 06:33:00 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091014/9aa6bcd4/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2827 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091014/9aa6bcd4/attachment-0001.jpe From Nancyblue37 at aol.com Fri Oct 16 14:25:24 2009 From: Nancyblue37 at aol.com (Nancyblue37 at aol.com) Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:25:24 EDT Subject: [CircleUp] Fwd: IICOT Owassa, Okla 10-25-09 Message-ID: FYI ____________________________________ From: iicotbingo at yahoo.com Sent: 10/15/2009 8:24:26 A.M. Central Daylight Time Subj: IICOT The Intertribal Indian club of Tulsa will be hosting a pow wow at the Home Depot Store in Owasso, Oklahoma on Sunday, October 25, 2009 Gourd Dance 10:00 - 12:00 Grand Entry 12::-NOON Intertribal and Contest 12:30 - 4:30 CONTESTS JUNIOR AND TINY TOT DIVISIONS ONLY PLEASE HELP ME GET THE INFORMATION TO PEOPLE Margaret is in Claremore Indian Hospital her appendix ruptured and had emergency surgery on Wednesday afternoon. She will be in the hospital until Sunday. I am on my way to see the doctor in Chicago, IL and will NOT be back until Thursday of next week at the week. My cell number is 918-845-7587...texting is GREAT; however, I will have a hearing person with me that can speak on the telephone and relay information to me. Dolletta Larie Blalock -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091016/fbab938e/attachment.html From pamelastanding at msn.com Thu Oct 15 13:43:19 2009 From: pamelastanding at msn.com (Pamela Standing) Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:43:19 -0500 Subject: [CircleUp] College Horizons 2010 - Student Applications Available; Deadline to Apply February 2010 Message-ID: Announcement: College Horizons 2010 - Student Applications Available for Download! Dear High School Students, Parents, and Counselors, College Horizons is excited to kick-off our fall recruitment season and invite current 10th and 11th grade American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students to apply to our CH 2010 summer programs! As you may know, College Horizons is a pre-college program where 90 students work with 60 college admissions officers, college counselors, essay specialists, and other educators in a five day "crash course" on the college application process. This summer, College Horizons will offer 3 programs and we are proud to partner and be hosted by the: .. University of Hawai'i Hilo (Hilo, HI) - June 12-16, .. Lawrence University (Appleton, WI) - June 26-30, .. University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA) - June 26-30. The eligibility information and application materials are available on-line for download and our website also has short films of our recent summer programs: www.collegehorizons.org. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2010 (1st round), Feb. 26 (2nd round), and applications might be accepted until May 1 if space is available. Finally, as a reminder, we have significant financial aid available (for tuition and airfare) to students who qualify. We welcome your application and hope you become one of our accomplished alumni - every year, 99% of participants go on to college; 95% typically to four-year institutions and a third to very selective institutions; moreover, 85% of our alumni graduate college within five years! Please help us get the word out on the CH 2010 programs and forward this email on. A flyer is attached and pasted below is a brief description of the program. Information on our Graduate Horizons 2010 program for Native college students/graduates to be hosted by Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ on July 17-20 will be sent out shortly. Please contact us if you have any questions! Thank You, Carmen Lopez, Executive Director, EdM (Navajo) Whitney Laughlin, Assistant Director & Founder, EdD Christine Suina, Program Coordinator (Cochiti Puebelo) College Horizons & Graduate Horizons PO Box 1262 Pena Blanca, NM 87041 Main Office: 505-401-3854 Email: info at collegehorizons.org Web: www.collegehorizons.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091015/0ab239cc/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CH Poster 2010 (v.10-05).pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 124578 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091015/0ab239cc/attachment-0002.pdf -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: GH Flyer 2010 (v.9-15).pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 636956 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091015/0ab239cc/attachment-0003.pdf From pamelastanding at msn.com Mon Oct 19 12:07:30 2009 From: pamelastanding at msn.com (Pamela Standing) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:07:30 -0500 Subject: [CircleUp] Native American Business & Education Expo November 14-14, 2009 Sioux Falls, SD Message-ID: Welcome! Celebrate Native American Heritage Month! Please come to our 2009 Native American Business & Education Expo! November 13 & 14th, 2009 It is exciting to see us come together for this event empowering our leaders, our business people, and our youth. Your help is needed to create an atmosphere of good will and support for this occasion. By allowing us to come together & taking part as a whole community, we can inspire thought provoking discussion as professionals and leaders. Our youth will be able to see examples of success that can foster change. Attached are the event poster and the brochure for attending the Expo. You can also register online at www.nativeamericanservices.net with a credit card or PayPal. Booths are available for your products, merchandise, and services. Day Two of the event is for young adults, children, and open to the public for an admission cost for adults to view the booths. If you have any questions or want to contact us for additional information, please feel free to call 605-271-9674. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: Poster 8 5 x14.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 1427810 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091019/af20b0ef/attachment-0003.pdf From info at ournativecircle.org Mon Oct 19 14:32:45 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:32:45 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] FW: NEWS: CRYP Executive Director Wins Spirit of Dakota Award - Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Member, Julie Garreau Message-ID: <000001ca50ea$8d66e2e0$a834a8a0$@org> Photography: CRYP Executive Director Julie Garreau, assisted by CRYP Board President Betsy Mitchell, receiving a blessing from Lakota elder Harry Charger on the Cheyenne River Youth Project's 20th Anniversary. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cheyenne River Youth Project Contact: Alexandra Meador East Lincoln Street (605) 964-8200 P.O. Box 410 alex at lakotayouth.org Eagle Butte, SD 57625 CHEYENNE RIVER YOUTH PROJECTR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WINS SPIRIT OF DAKOTA AWARD EAGLE BUTTE, SD (October 19, 2009) - The Cheyenne River Youth ProjectR in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, has announced that Executive Director Julie Garreau is the 21st winner of the Spirit of Dakota Award, an honor bestowed each fall by the Spirit of Dakota Award Society. Selected over nine other nominees, Garreau accepted this year's award at the Crossroads Hotel & Huron Event Center on Saturday, October 3. Established in 1987, the award recognizes a South Dakota woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities, has become successful in her community and state, has deep Dakota roots, has shown courage and strength of character and has represented social, cultural and educational advancement for others. It recognizes, according to the society, "those outstanding women who have been the symbols of all that we are proud of in our prairie women." To Alexandra Meador, CRYP's youth programs director, Garreau was an ideal candidate. Meador nominated her for the award. "For more than 20 years, Julie has fought for a better future for Cheyenne River's children," Meador explained. "And along the way, she has inspired hundreds of volunteers to serve others. She has never given up on this youth project, which has struggled for resources since its 1988 inception, and because of that, the children here have something they can count on. They have something that gives them hope for the future." Garreau has been CRYP's executive director since its founding, when it was a tiny, one-room youth center in a former Main Street bar. After volunteering in the position for 12 years, she began working for the organization full-time in 2000; today it comprises the Cokata Wiconi Teen Center, The Main Youth Center, the 2.5-acre Winyan Toka Win naturally grown garden, the Family Services Program and a renowned Volunteer Service Program, which attracts volunteers of all ages from around the world. "Julie is a dedicated youth advocate, and she works hard to make CRYP a model for other communities to follow as they develop effective, sustainable, grassroots youth programming," Meador said. A graduate of South Dakota's Huron University, Garreau was the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's education services specialist for 15 years, and during that time she served for five years on the CRST Police Commission - three as chairperson. She also has served as a field coordinator for Running Strong for American Indian YouthR, a national not-for-profit organization that is an important CRYP partner. In her 21 years with CRYP, Garreau has received the South Dakota Volunteer of the Year Award (1992); the Presidential Points of Light Award (1992), presented by President George H.W. Bush; the North American Indian Women's Association Fellowship "Among All Peoples" Award (1999); and the Garden Supply Company's First Place "Garden Crusader" Award (2005). In 2002, the South Dakota Coalition for Children named CRYP a "Champion for Children," and Garreau was named to an honor roll that recognized its 16 members' outstanding dedication to South Dakota's children. Her name also appears on the Honor Wall at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. She has extended her commitment to the Cheyenne River reservation, located in two of the five poorest U.S. counties, to the national level in recent years. In 2005, she spoke in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs about positive youth initiatives and youth suicide prevention on Cheyenne River. In June 2008, she was elected to be the Dewey County Democratic Party Chairperson, coordinating local efforts for the Barack Obama presidential campaign. "Julie's Indian name is Wicahpi Eyutan Win, which means 'Touches the Stars Woman' in Lakota," Meador said. "This name reflects her people's recognition of her dedication, vision and commitment. "As a Lakota woman, Julie's roots in Dakota can't go any deeper," she continued. "And to keep a grassroots youth project running - and growing - for two decades requires resourcefulness, persistence, tenacity and, yes, absolutely, courage and strength of character. She's faced every challenge and fought for what she believes in, which in turn inspires her staff and volunteers. That's why the Cheyenne River Youth project still exists today, while so many other grassroots efforts fail." At the October 3 presentation, Garreau accepted the prestigious Spirit of South Dakota Award plaque, hand-crafted by renowned sculptor Dale Claude Lamphere. Lamphere based the plaque artwork on his nine-foot bronze sculpture of a pioneer woman, titled "Spirit of Dakota," which stands at the entrance of the event center in Huron. The plaque depicts the same strong pioneer woman on its facade. To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit CRYP's recently redesigned Web site at www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, visit the youth project's Facebook group and cause pages. All group and cause members will receive regular updates through Facebook. The Cheyenne River Youth Project, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091019/3a322321/attachment.html From Heidi at Oweesta.org Tue Oct 20 12:37:47 2009 From: Heidi at Oweesta.org (Heidi Davis) Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:37:47 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] Oweesta and OFN to Host 6th Annual Native Convening in Charlotte, North Carolina Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE9C2C9B@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> MEDIA ADVISORY "The New Normal" - Oweesta and Opportunity Finance Network to host 6th Annual Native Convening at 2009 OFN Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina WHAT: On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, First Nations Oweesta Corporation (Oweesta) and Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) will kick off the 6th Annual Native Convening at the 2009 OFN Conference. This week-long event, devoted to community development practitioners, will offer several sessions and discussion panels to address the unique challenges and opportunities Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) face in today's market. The theme of the 2009 OFN Conference is "The New Normal." "This annual conference is one of the most important events and networking opportunities for emerging and established Native community development organizations," said CEO and President of Oweesta, Tracey Fischer. "Native CDFIs across the country are facing greater challenges and higher demand than ever before. The Native Convening offers a platform for professionals to discuss, debate, and respond to this new set of challenges our industry faces." WHEN: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - Friday, October 30, 2009 WHERE: Westin Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina CONVENING HIGHLIGHTS: * Policy Panel: The pre-conference Native Gathering on Tuesday, October 27th, will begin with a broad view of community development issues and efforts in Native and non-Native areas and feature a panel of experts working at the tribal, regional, state, and federal levels on policy agendas. * Native Awards Ceremony: The Circle of Honor Award and the Visionary Leader Award will be presented at 4:15 p.m. on October 27th. The Native Awards Ceremony will be open to the public. * Catawba Cultural Center Tour: The Catawba Indian Nation is a federally recognized tribe indigenous to the Carolinas. The Catawba, or "People of the River", are known for their pottery tradition. The tour, held on Thursday, October 29th, will offer an educational experience on the Catawba language, pottery, dancing, and drumming. * Native CDFI Track of Sessions: Throughout the conference, nine sessions designed for Native CDFI professionals will be offered to address housing and business finance, financial management, funding and capitalization, and entrepreneurship development. Contacts: Heidi Davis (Oweesta), 605-342-3770 Heidi at oweesta.org About Oweesta: Oweesta provides opportunities for Native people to develop assets and create wealth by assisting in the establishment of strong, permanent institutions and programs, leading to economic independence and strengthening sovereignty for all Native communities. Based on Oweesta's Integrated Asset Building Model, its programs and services help build local capacity and provide powerful tools for Native community development. More information is available at: www.oweesta.org. About Opportunity Finance Network: Opportunity Finance Network is the leading network of private financial intermediaries identifying and investing in opportunities to benefit low-income and low-wealth people in the U.S. Our financing delivers both sound financial returns and real changes for people and communities. Opportunity Finance Network originated more $19.8 billion in financing in non-conforming urban, rural, and Native communities through 2007. This has generated or maintained 191,381 jobs; 43,050 businesses; 577,736 housing units; and 9,552 community facility projects. With cumulative net charge-off rates of less than 1.1%, we have demonstrated our ability to lend prudently and productively in unconventional markets often overlooked by conventional financial institutions. More information is available at: www.opportunityfinance.net . Native convening sponsors include: Bank of America as the Flowering Dogwood Sponsor, NeighborWorks as the Sassafras Sponsor, and Amerind Risk Management as the Butternut Sponsor. ### Heidi Davis Communications Manager Oweesta 910 5th Street, Suite 101 Rapid City, SD 57701 {t} 605.342.3770 {f} 605.342.3771 Developing Native Assets :: Building Native Communities. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091020/6195e7ad/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 27084 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091020/6195e7ad/attachment-0004.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 4085 bytes Desc: image004.jpg Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091020/6195e7ad/attachment-0007.jpe From info at ournativecircle.org Wed Oct 21 16:19:26 2009 From: info at ournativecircle.org (Info) Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:19:26 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] CDFI Fund News: Statement from Director Gambrell on White House Announcement Related to Lower Cost Capital for CDFIs Message-ID: <000001ca528b$c91d8fd0$5b58af70$@org> Small Business Lending Initiative October 21, 2009 [CDFI-2009-58] "Small Businesses have always formed the backbone of the American economy. These entrepreneurial pioneers embody the spirit of possibility, the tireless work ethic, and the simple hope for something better that lies at the heart of the American ideal. The problem is, our small businesses have been some of the hardest hit by this recession. There's no question that the steps we've taken have improved the overall climate for small businesses across the country, but there is more we need to do. And that's why today, we're announcing new steps to support more lending to America's small businesses-steps that will lead to more jobs, more growth, and a stronger economic recovery." President Barack Obama Statement from CDFI Fund Director Gambrell on White House Announcement Related to Lower Cost Capital for CDFIs October 21, 2009 Washington, DC - Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund Director Donna J. Gambrell issued the following statement on the Small Business lending Initiative announced today. "The initiatives announced today by President Obama will help depository institutions in our nationwide network of Community Development Financial Institutions to increase small business lending within low-income communities. I am encouraged that the plan includes community development banks, thrifts and credit unions and provides them with preferential terms to increase their lending to the hardest-hit rural and urban communities; and that Treasury will continue to actively explore ways in which CDFI loan funds might receive assistance in increasing liquidity to free up additional small business and economic development lending." "These new initiatives, coupled with the President's fiscal year 2010 budget request, and resources provided through the Recovery Act, set a new trajectory for CDFI lending that will fuel the economic growth of entrepreneurs and small businesses." The White House press release and fact sheet on the President's Small Business Lending Initiative can be viewed here: Press release: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-New-Sma ll-Business-Lending-Initiatives/ Fact sheet: http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/small_business_final.pdf _____ You can update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time through your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support at govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by CDFI Fund , US Department of the Treasury. GovDelivery, Inc. is sending you this communication on behalf of the CDFI Fund, US Department of the Treasury . 601 Thirteenth Street, NW, Suite 200 South . Washington DC 20005 . (800) 439-1420 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091021/d378faa8/attachment.html From pamelastanding at msn.com Thu Oct 22 15:18:31 2009 From: pamelastanding at msn.com (Pamela Standing) Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:18:31 -0500 Subject: [CircleUp] Independent Lens . "POWER PATHS" | PBS - Tribes and Energy Projects Message-ID: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/power-paths "Power Paths" follows the efforts of American Indian Tribes as they explore ways to bring renewable energy projects to their communities. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091022/7936e1b5/attachment.html From Heidi at Oweesta.org Thu Oct 29 09:50:18 2009 From: Heidi at Oweesta.org (Heidi Davis) Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:50:18 -0600 Subject: [CircleUp] Two Native Community Development Financial Institutions Honored for Achievements in Helping Build Native Economies Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE9C32F5@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> PRESS RELEASE Contacts: Heidi Davis (Oweesta), 605-342-3770 Heidi at oweesta.org J CoCo Chang (for OFN), 212-245-0510 jcoco at pro-mediacommunications.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2009 Two Native Community Development Financial Institutions Honored for Achievements in Helping Build Native Economies Charlotte, N.C. // Two Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) were honored yesterday for their commitment to community development and asset building in Native communities at the 2009 Native Awards Ceremony, part of the 6th Annual Native CDFI Convening hosted by Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) and First Nations Oweesta Corporation (Oweesta). The Circle of Honor Award recognizes a Native CDFI that strives to increase capital and access to financial resources in Native communities by developing innovative loan products, technical assistance services, and overcoming challenges. This year's winner of the Circle of Honor Award was Cook Inlet Lending Center (CILC), a housing CDFI located in Anchorage, Alaska. CILC's mission is to promote community and economic development throughout south central Alaska by the provision of lending services and products; and increased access to credit markets, particularly for low and moderate income families, individuals, and minorities. Its primary services include second mortgages, down payment assistance and financial counseling. CILC serves all residents of the Cook Inlet Region, but 80% of their clients are Alaska Natives or Native Americans. Selected from a highly competitive group of Native CDFI nominees, CILC received the Circle of Honor award for demonstrating strong financial performance, developing strong partnerships, maintaining a diversification of funding sources, and significantly impacting their market. CILC is led by Carol Gore. Cindy Mittlestadt, Senior Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The Visionary Leader Award recognizes a person who embodies a long-term contribution to the Native CDFI industry, and whose local asset building efforts make them an inspiration for others as the Native CDFI industry grows and matures. Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation (CPCDC)'s Executive Director Kristi Coker was selected to receive the Visionary Leader Award for Outstanding Achievement. She is the founding director of CPCDC which declares itself as the most active Native CDFI business in the nation. Kristi is a highly visible leader in the Native CDFI industry, and has helped transition CPCDC from a local Native CDFI to an institution that competes in the mainstream CDFI industry. What distinguishes Ms. Coker as a leader is not just her ability to lead her organization, but also her willingness to provide her time and expertise as a mentor and to share her organizational information to assist other Native and non-Native CDFIs. As a Native CDFI visionary leader she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Native CDFI industry. CPCDC is a Native CDFI located in Shawnee, Oklahoma that offers training, technical assistance, loans and financial education and is a former Circle of Honor awardee. "Cook Inlet Lending Center and Kristi Coker are two examples of perseverance, determination, and success in the Native CDFI industry," said Tracey Fischer, President and CEO of Oweesta. "They serve as inspiration to their peers as many other Native organizations across the country are following in their path to empower their communities and develop self-sufficient thriving economies." "Native CDFIs are doing remarkable work under incredibly challenging circumstances. Cook Inlet Lending Center and Kristi Coker represent the best of the best in these challenging times," said Opportunity Finance Network President and CEO Mark Pinsky. "Lending and development opportunities in Indian Country are still limited and we applaud the vital work of Native CDFIs in offering access to capital." The awards ceremony capped off the pre-conference Native Gathering, an opening event to the week-long 25th Annual OFN Conference where Native economic development practitioners and tribal representatives from across the country joined hundreds of other opportunity finance experts to share and learn about new ideas, strategies for change, and innovations from the field. For more information on the awardees, please visit their websites at www.cookinlethousing.org and www.potawatomi.org . ### About Oweesta Oweesta provides opportunities for Native people to develop assets and create wealth by assisting in the establishment of strong, permanent institutions and programs, leading to economic independence and strengthening sovereignty for all Native communities. Based on Oweesta's Integrated Asset Building Model, its programs and services help build local capacity and provide powerful tools for Native community development. More information is available at: www.oweesta.org . About Opportunity Finance Network Opportunity Finance Network is the leading network of private financial intermediaries identifying and investing in opportunities to benefit low-income and low-wealth people in the U.S. Our financing delivers both sound financial returns and real changes for people and communities. Opportunity Finance Network originated more $19.8 billion in financing in non-conforming urban, rural, and Native communities through 2007. This has generated or maintained 191,381 jobs; 43,050 businesses; 577,736 housing units; and 9,552 community facility projects. With cumulative net charge-off rates of less than 1.1%, we have demonstrated our ability to lend prudently and productively in unconventional markets often overlooked by conventional financial institutions. More information is available at: www.opportunityfinance.net . -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20091029/72dab430/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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