Mitchell Kapor Foundation Weblog

Over the last couple of years the city of Oakland has become home to numerous blogs discussing the pressing political, community, and economic issues of the day.  These include Oakland Focus, A Better Oakland, Oakland Local, and Living in the O.  These blogs provide a much needed space for everyday people in the city to connect to each other, engage in city life, and sadly fill the space of our lacking newspaper.  I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about citizen journalism- on the one hand I think they provide an important look into how different people live and experience the city and on the other I feel like they too often mistake commentary with in depth journalism.

That said, last week I was invited to be a guest on OaklandSeen and had a great conversation with Aimee Allison on the state of Oakland.  We had an interesting conversation on issues ranging from the city’s gang injunction to economic development opportunities for the city’s long term residents.  Listen HERE and let us know what you think.

Our partner organization, Level Playing Field Institute,  is seeking internship  providers for its undergraduate IDEAL Scholars.  IDEAL undergraduates are top-notch students at UC Berkeley, and they understand the value of gaining meaningful work experience to supplement their education. IDEAL Scholars are interested in placements in the fields of business, communications, government, healthcare, education, social justice, law, research, and tech.

Internships should be between 8-10 weeks long, and LPFI prefers that organizations provide interns with a stipend ($3,000 per summer).  For organizations unable to compensate Scholars, limited funding is available. Your participation could provide an enriching summer experience for your organization and these scholars as well; not to mention the opportunity to get some much-needed work done.

If you have a summer internship opportunity for one or more IDEAL Scholars for this summer of 2010, please contact Sumaiya Talukdar, LPFI’s Scholarship and Internship Coordinator.  You can email her at sumaiya AT lpfi DOT org or by phone at 415-946-3047.

Find out more information regarding the types of internships Scholars are looking for and how to offer Scholars internships at LPFI’s internship page.

photo source: http://lpfi.org

I’m excited to share the announcement for our latest position: Program Coordinator, College Bound Brotherhood!

This is a part-time (20 hours/week), salaried position with an excellent benefits package (health, dental, vision, PTO, life and disability insurance) in a respectful work environment – ideal for someone who has another part-time obligation or is enrolled in graduate school.

Please do not post this announcement on other websites without prior clearance.

Over the past week, a few job announcements have come into my mailbox. Thought I’d compile distribute them. Please send broadly to those who might be qualified. I’m especially interested in promoting the ED position at our sister organization, Level Playing Field Institute. Let’s find some great people for these organizations and efforts!

Level Playing Field Institute: Executive Director;  Education Programs Associate

Women’s Foundation of California: Development and Communications Director

Community Housing Partnership: Executive Director