Greetings!
We hope you are having a great start to your new year! In this edition of GSA Network News, we share one GSA activist's story about becoming a GSA President and Youth Trainer. If you would like to get more involved with GSA Network, contact your local program coordinator!
In this issue of the News we also announce upcoming GSA events, save
the dates, and lots of scholarship opportunities available to LGBTQ and
Ally youth.
In solidarity, GSA Network
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NETWORK NEWS HIGHLIGHT: Becoming a GSA Leader: Isobel's Story
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Like many GSA activists, Isobel Murillo stepped up to lead the GSA at Pete Knight High School not out of choice, but out of necessity.
Isobel lives in Palmdale, a conservative community in the Antelope Valley where there are few spaces for LGBTQ youth. In school, anti-LGBTQ slurs and harassment are common and teacher allies are few and far between.
Convinced that a strong Gay-Straight Alliance would improve the climate for LGBTQ students, Isobel decided to become President of the GSA. That decision, as Isobel quickly learned, was just the first step. Because once you are in charge, what comes next?
For Isobel, like many GSA activists, the next step was to reach out to GSA Network for support and resources. Isobel connected with Daniel Solis, GSA Network's Southern California Program Coordinator, and applied to attend GSA Activist Camp in Southern California in July 2009.
Since going to Activist Camp, Isobel joined the Southern California Youth Council and became a Youth Trainer to help other GSA activists learn how to lead their GSAs and fight against homophobia and transphobia in their schools.
Now Isobel has trained GSA activists from Bakersfield to Orange County, and is helping to organize the first ever GSA Leadership Summit in the Antelope Valley!
We asked Isobel what it's been like to become a GSA leader. Here's what Isobel had to say:
"Before I became involved in GSA Network, I was very unskilled, unorganized, unresourceful, and timid. I wasn't much of a leader at all, and my GSA was relatively stagnant compared to other GSAs. During the few meetings we had, we often didn't know what to talk about, except unreachable goals that weren't even properly planned.
I didn't really have any skills at all. I wasn't born a leader, as some are; I became a leader out of necessity. I was still very shy at the time, and had a lot of trouble speaking in front of the club, and didn't know how to get them in the right direction, partly because I didn't have a direction myself. The only thing that kept my GSA going was my desire to have an LGBT-friendly space at my school, and that's about all we were. We did almost nothing until I began to really look into GSA Network's resources.
GSA Network helped me gain skills as a leader through its numerous resources. The fact that much of it is youth-led helped me a great deal. I saw how professional and intelligent the other youth leaders were in appearance, their mannerisms, and how they spoke, and I wanted to take on similar professionalism.
The first GSA Network event that I attended was Activist Camp, and it was an amazing help. I was trained on every aspect of running a club and more. I learned the basics, such as the basics of sexual identity, how to effectively facilitate a club meeting, how to encourage full participation from my quiet members by creating a comfortable club environment, how to manage conflict, and plan and run a campaign on campus and beyond, even form coalitions with other clubs and organizations.
I also learned how to defend myself, my GSA, and other students from anti-LGBT discrimination in school. At Camp, I found out about the resources, equal treatment and fairness my school is required to provide to us by law. Activist Camp even went above and beyond LGBT issues, teaching us about ALL forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, ageism, classism, and more, and how to recognize and help prevent them. Throughout the time spent at camp, I also learned how to work with others and not always do things on my own. The moment that stands out the most for me is the Community Yarn Circle we had at the end of Activist Camp. I felt like I was truly with my community. I felt more at home than my physical home.
GSA Network helped me become a much more educated person. Before Activist Camp, I was relatively ignorant of LGBT issues. I learned of oppression and discrimination that I wasn't even aware was happening all around me. I learned that even I was being insensitive and oppressive without even realizing it! I've learned through GSA Network, about how to be all-inclusive of people of all genders when speaking. It isn't proper to refer to a group of people of mixed genders as "you guys," because not everyone identifies as a guy. So instead I've learned to say "you all" or "y'all" (which I prefer, due to cuteness). I've also become much more aware and caring of other forms of oppression, including passive racism and sexism, patriarchy, and others.
I recommend other youth to work with GSA Network no matter what they are passionate about. GSA Network is there to fight all oppression, not just homophobia and transphobia. It is an organization unlike any other. The members are incredibly friendly and helpful, and I consider them to be a second family."
With all the new skills and support that Isobel has gained from working with GSA Network, this fierce youth leader is ready to make a difference throughout the Antelope Valley. By helping to plan the first ever GSA Leadership Summit in the Antelope Valley on March 20, 2010, Isobel is setting the stage for other GSA activists to learn, connect with one another and begin working to change the culture in the communities of the Antelope Valley.
As Isobel and other GSA activists work to fight homophobia and transphobia in their schools and communities, GSA Network will be there to support them.
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GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
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1. Inland Empire GSA Advisors Summit tomorrow!
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Inland Empire GSA Advisors Summit (& potluck)
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 5-7pm
Location: Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance 860 East Gilbert Complex (Gilbert at Paseo) San Bernardino, CA 92404
***NOTE: This address does not come up correctly on MapQuest, Yahoo Maps etc! We are in a complex of County of San Bernardino buildings off of Gilbert. Please call if you need directions: 951-833-1329 (cell).
This will be a potluck dinner, so bring your favorite dish, salad or bag of chips. We will provide drinks.
Tentative
Agenda: Report back of Q Camp & Slideshow, Check-in of IE GSAs'
activities, Legal Rights Overview, Discussion of proposed Inland Empire
Safe Schools Collaborative, IE Resources for GSAs
To RSVP, add topics to the agenda, or ask questions, please contact Daniel Solis: [email protected] or 213-482-4021. Thanks! |
2. O.C. GSA Leadership Summit January 30th!
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FREE Orange County GSA Leadership Summit
For youth ages 13-24
Saturday, January 30, 2010 10am - 5pm The Center Orange County 1605 N. Spurgeon St. Santa Ana, CA 92701
Come Learn About:
- LGBT Activism!
- Using Community Resources!
- Expanding your GSA!
- Your Legal Rights!
- Networking with local GSAs!
- And much more!
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3. Latina/o LGBT Youth Leadership Summit 2/6 (L.A.)
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FREE Latina/o LGBT Youth Leadership Summit
For youth ages 13-24
Saturday, February 6, 2010 10am - 5pm Self-Help Graphics 3802 E. Cesar Chavez Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90063
Learn About:
- LGBT Activism!
- Using Community Resources!
- Expanding your GSA!
- Your Legal Rights!
- Networking with local GSAs!
- And much more!
For more information and to sign up, go to: http://gsanetwork.org/events/trainings-and-summits
Co-Sponsored by: GSA Network, HONOR PAC, & Self Help Graphics
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4. eQuality Scholarships - Apply Now |
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eQuality Scholarships - Apply Now!
"I
just started my first day of college today, and I have my first
Diversity (GSA) meeting on Friday. College is really expensive, and I
was thinking how hard this would have been if I hadn't received the
scholarship. I just want to thank everybody again for making this
happen for me. I am so grateful for what you have given me. I wouldn't
be where I am emotionally and educationally without you and everybody
else." -- 2009 eQuality Scholar The
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships to honor and
encourage northern and central California students for their service to
the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community.
Scholarships
may be used for post-secondary education at approved institutions -
colleges, universities, and trade schools. Some of the scholarships are
specifically for nursing or medical school. How many?
In
2009, 12 $5000 scholarships were awarded to graduating high school
seniors, four $5000 scholarships were awarded to nursing students, and
one $2000 scholarship was awarded to a medical student. A similar
number of scholarships are expected to be awarded in 2010. Who is eligible?
In general, eligible students fall into one of these categories: - Resident
of northern or central California who completed or expects to complete
high school or equivalent between 1 Jul 2005 and 30 Jun 2010;
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited ADN or BSN RN program in California; or
- Attending
an accredited medical school in California or be a California resident
attending an accredited medical school elsewhere in the United States.
About the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative:
The
Collaborative is the joint effort of a group of organizations based in
the San Francisco Bay Area. It began in 1989 as a scholarship program
by PG&E's lesbian and gay employee association, now PG&E
PrideNetwork. The following year, the Bay Area Network of Gay and
Lesbian Educators (BANGLE) joined the effort. Additional members have
joined the Collaborative over the years, and more are always welcome.
Over the past 20 years, the Collaborative has awarded over 160
scholarships totaling more than $360,000. The current organizational
members of the Collaborative are: PG&E PrideNetwork, KP Pride,
Genentech Out & Equal, KPMG, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates,
and GSA Network.
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5. Campus Pride (L.A.)
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USC's LGBT Resource Center, Campus Pride, & GSA Network present:
Campus Pride College Prep Day & Fair for LGBT & Ally Students and Families
Saturday, February 27, 2010 11am to 4pm University of Southern California
This free & open to the public fair & college prep day allows students & their families an opportunity to interact with colleges & universities from across the country that value lgbt students. there will also be college prep sessions for students & families. Students should register to attend.
Students can register by emailing: [email protected] |
6. Save the Date: Expression Not Supression March 20th! (Fresno)
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Gay-Straight Alliance Network and Community Link present...
Expression Not Suppression
ENS is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students. Teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.
This event will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 12pm-9:30pm. The location of the event is 2131 N Van Ness Blvd, Fresno, 93704
The conference will help you be comfortable with who you are, how you want to express yourself, who you want to be, and the world around you. The day features workshops and speakers. After the workshops, there is a free dinner, dance and drag show!
If you'd like more info or would like to help with planning, please call 209-559-60980 or email [email protected] Registration will Open Soon! Stay tuned for details.
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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network. |
7. Call for Youth Journalists/LGBT History Video Project (Bay Area)
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CALL FOR YOUTH JOURNALISTS
A
documentary crew is looking for young journalists to serve as on-camera
talent for a video series on GLBT History. We are looking for up to
four young people with natural curiosity who will work along side the
creative team to develop the look and content for a ten-part series
about the movement towards GLBT equality since 1900. The young
journalists will interview historians, organize presentations and help
in writing content to appeal to the youth market.
We are casting the first of the journalists to appear in the pilot, which will shoot in either January or February.
This
is a rare opportunity for the right candidate(s) to actually work on
the pre-production, serve as on-camera talent and assist in
post-production for a series that will have national on-line
distribution.
There is no compensation for the pilot, however, we are looking to include a stipend for the fully funded project. WHO SHOULD APPLY: * Young Journalists between the ages of 15-25 (Those under 18 will need a parent's signature) * People who feel comfortable in front of the camera * GLBT youth who want to research history and tell stories to their peers * Creative young people interested in GLBT history SELECTION PROCESS:
In
small groups, candidates will interview a GLBT historian. Each will
then report on-camera what they learned in their own words. We are
looking for energy and organization skills. In addition, we would like
to hear suggestions on how to make the material most visually
interesting for our target audience. INTERESTED?
Email [email protected] with AUDITION in the subject line. We will contact you with the date of the casting call, to be held in Oakland.
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8. New parent/teen communications workshop (East Bay)
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The
Pacific Center for Human Growth is excited to announce the creation of
a Parent/Teen Communication Workshop through our Clinical Youth and
Family Programs.
In this six week group we will work towards
increasing healthy communication between LGBTQ youth and their
families. Through this hands-on workshop we will offer families tools,
support, and a safe space to explore and improve their relationships.
This is will be a curriculum-based support group incorporating
psycho-social education, therapeutic interventions and community/peer
support. We hope to serve youth ages 14-22 and their parent(s) who are
having mild to moderate problems in their communication and who seek to
enhance their relationships.
Time: Wednesdays, 5-6pm . Starting in February. 6 weeks.
Place: Pacific Center for Human Growth, 2712 Telegraph Ave. Berkeley, CA 94705
Cost: $5-10 per group, sliding scale.
For more information please contact Rachel Kadner, Youth Program Manager at (510) 548-8283 ext.514 or [email protected] |
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9. Youth Calendar (S.F.) |
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San Francisco's LYRIC Youth Center hosts events almost everyday for LGBTQQ youth.
LYRIC LYRIC's
mission is to build community and inspire positive social change
through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and
leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
and questioning youth, their families, and allies of all races,
classes, genders, and abilities.
Calendar of Events http://lyric.org/calendar.html |
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10. Orgullo y Poder Latino/a Pride and Power Jan 23rd! Register Now! |
| Orgullo y Poder Latino | Latino LGBT Pride and Power Conference Saturday, January 23 9 am - 5 pm
First Congregational Church of Fresno (Big Red Church) 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd, Fresno Free Admission Spanish and English
California
Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) is hosting a leadership conference to
train LGBT people and their allies, in particular those who speak
Spanish, to build understanding and support for LGBT people and their
families in the Central Valley. We are encouraging as many LGBT youth
and their families to attend. The "Orgullo y Poder Latino" Leadership
Conference will be held on Saturday, January 23, at the First
Congregational Church of Fresno (Big Red Church) at 2131 N. Van Ness
Blvd. Admission is free. This conference is also endorsed by the
ACLU-NC and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). The
conference will be held in Spanish and English.
For more information, or to register, go to http://www.crla.org/orgullo-y-poder-latino-conference
or call 800-677-5221. You can also find us on Facebook by searching for
"Orgullo y Poder". Scholarships are available to help cover the cost
of hotel and travel. The Registration deadline is January 15, 2010.
To Download the Applicaiton click here. Contact Information: (831) 757-5221 Angeles Jimenez, [email protected] Lisa Cisneros, [email protected] |
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11. Trans-E-Motion Meetings in Fresno on Saturdays (Fresno) |
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Trans-E-Motion Meetings in Fresno on Saturdays.
Trans-e-motion has a social meeting on the first Saturday of each
month. Time and location to be
announced. See calendar or call (559)
255-4075.
There
is a Trans-e-motion
business meeting on the third Saturday of each month at 5:00 p.m. to
about 7:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Equality California office, Van Ness
Towers office Bldg., 1055 N. Van Ness Ave. "C", near Alhambra (South of
Olive), Fresno,
California, 93728, U.S.A. |
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12. Community Link's Youth Meetings Friday Night (Fresno) | |
13. Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and Performance Loft Present: "So Many Good Ways to be Bad" |
Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance & Performance Loft Present: "So Many Good Ways to Be Bad," a one-act play that follows the bumpy journey of a spirited group of queer and curious teenagers. Kit, Seal, Aurora and Robbie are searching for love and trying, against the odds, to do the right thing, whatever that may be.
8 p.m. Jan. 25, 26 and 27 at the Mitten Building in downtown Redlands.
`So Many Good Ways to Be Bad' is about being true to yourself and about being open to love, even when it hurts. In discovering this, the main characters make some bad choices and some exciting discoveries.
The show is produced in collaboration with Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and will be presented at the Performance Loft, 345 N. Fifth St. in downtown Redlands. Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $5 for students.
For more information, visit www.performanceloft.org |
14. OUTspoken Sessions (L.A.) |
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OUTspoken Sessions
an open mic for queer youth and straight allies 19 and under
Every 4th Friday from 6:30-9:30 pm.
2170 W Washington Blvd., 90018
for more info or to reserve your spot email: [email protected]
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15. LGBT Youth Calendars (L.A. and San Diego) |
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Check out these new calendars for LGBT Youth! Los Angeles Youth http://lalgbtcalendar.pbwiki.com/ http://www.virsil.com/
San Diego Youth www.ourlgbtevents.org/ |
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JOBS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND GRANTS |
16. Women on the Move (WOM): Lavender Scholars Program |
Women on the Move (WOM): Lavender Scholars Program
One $500 scholarship is available to an Inland Empire high school senior seeking financial assistance to pursue a post-secondary education or an Inland Empire Community College senior who is seeking financial assistance to continue his/her education as an upper classman. The program is open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT), an Ally or students with LGBT parents.
Applications are available with Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Advisors in local Inland Empire high schools; Community College Guidance offices; Financial Aid offices; Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA); and, on the Lavender Scholars website. The cost to submit an application is free.
Students can mail completed applications to: The Chicago Business Center, C/O of the Unity Center - Women on the Move: Lavender Scholars Program, 2 025 Chicago Suite A20, Riverside, CA 92507.
The application deadline is March 1, 2010. Late applications will not be considered. For additional information and to submit questions, students can visit http://www.lavenderscholars.org
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17. Bobby Griffith Memorial Scholarship 2010 -- Applicaitons Available (Contra Costa) |
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Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Bobby Griffith Memorial Scholarship in 2010
To Apply Visit: http://www.horizonsfoundation.org/griffithfund Since 1990, the Bobby Griffith Memorial Scholarship
has been awarded to a Contra Costa high school senior who contributed
to improving the environment for GLBTQ youth. The scholarship was
established in memory of Bobby Griffith, a gay youth from Walnut Creek,
California, who committed suicide in 1983.
Deadline: Feb. 16, 2010 The Lifetime TV movie Prayers for Bobby dramatizes Bobby's life and his mother's growing understanding after his death. Watch it online: http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/movies/prayers-bobby Our 2009 Scholarship Recipient was Jennie Drummond, from San Ramon Valley High School, now a freshman at Chapman University majoring in Graphic Design.
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18. PFLAG National scholarships available for 2010: $5000, $2500, $1000 scholarships! |
| Online link to all information: http://community.pflag.org/Page.aspx?pid=370
PFLAG National scholarships available for 2010: $5,000 scholarships, $2,500 scholarships, $1,000 scholarships!
Review the following eligibility requirements:
- You
are a graduating senior entering higher education for the first time in
2010 (if you graduated in 2009 and took a year off you are still
eligible to apply).
- You self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or as a straight ally
- You demonstrate an interest in service to the LGBT community.
- You have applied to an accredited higher education institution.
In order to be considered for a scholarship, you will need to submit:
� A complete application form � A one page essay � A high school transcript � One letter of reference � A complete the release form
Application Process:
Send your high school transcript, letter of reference and the release form in one packet to PFLAG National (see address below).
PFLAG National 1726 M St. NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036
Submit
your application and essay online (if you prefer, you may submit a
hard-copy of your application and essay). For online submissions, you
will be assigned a reference number; this number needs to appear on
the cover of your packet containing the reference, transcripts and
release form that you send to PFLAG National.
The deadline to apply for the PFLAG National Scholarship is March 12, 2009.
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19. Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society (GALAS) Scholarship | GAY AND LESBIAN ARMENIAN SOCIETY (GALAS)
GENERAL INFORMATION � Students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply. � $1000 renewable scholarship (must reapply to renew scholarship) � Applications accepted from: September 1st of each year � Application deadline: February 28th of each year � Applicant notification: April 1st of each year � Awards given out at the annual GALA (May of each year) Recipient is highly encouraged to attend GALA to receive award. One complementary ticket will be given to recipient.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION � For undergraduate and graduate studies (High School Seniors and College students who are accepted/enrolled in accredited colleges/universities) � Armenian descent (1st /2nd /3rd generation Armenians) If parents or grandparents are Armenian, names will have to be provided. � Active involvement in an organization that benefits the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender (GLBT) community � Must attend school in California � GALAS scholarship award recipient selection committee members are not eligible.
REQUIREMENTS: � School acceptance letter/class registration � Transcripts: For high school seniors: grades 9- 11 For college/university: current transcripts � Minimum GPA 3.0 (special circumstances taken into consideration) � Letters of recommendation (at least 2) - (1) from an instructor/academic setting - (1) from the organization that benefits the GLBT community - (optional) From a non-relative � Autobiography including statement of intent (500 word minimum)
All completed applications and supporting material must be received by February 28. All material must be sent to: Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society 8721 Santa Monica Blvd. Box #654 West Hollywood, CA 90069-4511
The application packet must be complete to be considered by the review committee.
Applicants will be notified of award by April 1 of the application year.
To download an application form, go to: http://www.galasla.org/resources.php
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20. Become A Face of Change - LGBT Scholarships |
Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) students of merit. individuals enrolled in either an undergraduate or graduate program, beginning or continuing in the fall of 2010, are eligible to apply.
Point Foundation (Point) provides financial support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Apply now through Feb. 12, 2010 here: http://www.pointfoundation.org/instructions.html
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