IRC Moldova Blog

INVITATION for the participants

Centrul de Studii Americane în Domeniul Economic, Social şi al Politicii Publice
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AMERICAN STUDIES CENTER

CENTER FOR AMERICAN, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES

65 A Kogalniceanu, Chisinau, Moldova; MSU, bl. 3, room 111: Phone (37322) 57-78-17; amstudies111@yahoo.com
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International Conference on American Studies
CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY:

Building a Society based on Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Equality

November 21, 2009
Dear Friends,

The American Studies Center, a non-profit organization, will hold an International Conference “CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY” in Chisinau, Moldova, on November 21, Saturday, 2009 (registration begins at 9:00 a.m.) Participants at the conference will discuss important issues of contemporary life in the USA, including – the functioning of democratic institutions in the US and developing nations, as well as ways of solving problems arising in any democratic society with the goal of  reconciling liberty and equality and, hence, guaranteeing human rights protection and justice for all.

The Conference will bring together the members of the ASC, US Embassy officials, MSU administration, American scholars (Fulbright, Peace Corps Volunteers, English Language Fellows), university professors and representatives of national and international organizations of Moldova. The keynote speaker is Dr. Javier Trevino, Fulbright scholar, PhD in Sociology, USA.

The Conference is organized into two sections:

Section I. Politics, Economics, Law and Public Policy (political, legal, economic and human rights issues)

Section II. History, Sociology and Culture/Literature (including arts, education and media).

The participants will work during the Conference in two groups according to the schedule with breaks for coffee and the Reception after the Conference. The Conference day will be crowned by the Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the participants and students winners of the Contest “Making Democracy Work” and the evening Cultural Program: a visit to the National Museum of History of Moldova (or a tour of the City) and to the “Eugene Ionescu” Theatre: “Romeo and Juliet” (from 18:00 to 20:30).

We shall be able to cover TRAVEL EXPENSES *(2-way bus ticket, ID) for those who are from outside Chisinau; arrange the University residence at the students hostel in case you live far away from Chisinau and if you choose to stay for the evening theatre program.

Please, do not hesitate to inform us before November 11, 2009 since we need to make orders/reservations.

It is our great honour and privilege to invite you to the big event as guests!!!

The Conference registration is due by Sunday, November 15, 2009

You are kindly requested to provide us with the personal data:

First (given) name ____________ Last (family) name _______________

Place of work ________________Position and Title ________________

Republic of Moldova_____________________

Tel:___________________ e-mail _____________________

Elena Crestianicov,
President of the American Studies Center of Moldova
Tatiana Vozneac, M.A., coordinator of the American Studies Center

Phone (37322) 57-78-17; vozneactatiana@gmail.com

Educational Advising Center

In observance of International Education Week (IEW), November 16-20, 2009, the Educational Advising Center (EAC) Chisinau is promoting international education by a series of activities and events designed for Moldovan public.

International Education Week 2009

EAC Agenda:

November 16, 2009 /3:00 pm/   Location: EAC office
Event: 2009 International Education Week Opening Speech & Overview of the US Educational System
Guest Speaker: Valerie Colby, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy

November 17, 2009 /4:00 pm/   Location: EAC office
Presentation:   Undergraduate Studies in US
Guest Speakers: Zach Sands & Brian Adams, US Fulbright Students

November 18, 2009 /4:00 pm/   Location: IRC office*
Skype Session: Community Colleges in the US
Presenters:  J. Elizabeth Clark, LaGuardia Community College
Carlos Hernandez, Borough of Manhattan Community College

November 19, 2009 /3:00 pm/   Location: EAC office
Presentation:  Student Visas to the US
Guest Speaker: Richard Roesing, Consular Officer, US Embassy

November 20, 2009 /3:00 pm/   Location: EAC office
Presentation:   Graduate Studies in US
Guest Speakers: Amy Samuelson & Richard Shaker, US Fulbright Students

*EAC office address:

Educational Advising Center
148, Stefan cel Mare Blvd, of.22, 3rd floor
MD-2012 Chisinau
Tel.: 373 22 221167, 373 22 221172

*IRC office address:

Information Resource Center
57/1, Banulescu-Bodoni St.
ASITO S.A. office bldg., 2nd Floor
MD-2005 Chisinau

Car free day

September 22 is WORLD CAR-FREE DAY…

For one day out of the year, do you think you can keep your car in the garage or parked at home? Are you up for the challenge?

This day is a reminder that we don’t have to accept car-dominated societies, cities, or personal lives. Since its earliest incarnations in the 1970s and ‘80s, WORLD CAR-FREE DAY has grown into a massive global celebration of human-centric communities and people-powered transportation.

Business woman

American Business Woman’s Day is nationally recognized on September 22.

The day marks the founding date of the American Business Woman’s Association, and was recognized in 1983 and 1986 by Congressional resolution and a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan.

The holiday celebrates the important contributions of the more than 57 million American workingwomen and 7.7 million women business owners.

Proclamation 5532 — American Business Women’s Day, 1986

THE CHALLENGE

Create a video short that completes the phrase “Democracy is…”

THE PRIZE

- An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., New York and Hollywood.
- Gala screenings of the winning videos in Hollywood, New York and Washington
- Exposure to filmmakers and the U.S. film and television industry.
- Meetings with democracy advocates from government, media and civil society.

THE TIMELINE

- SUBMISSION DEADLINE – MIDNIGHT GMT JANUARY 31, 2010.
- Challenge semifinalists will be selected on or about March 31, 2010.
- An independent jury will narrow down the semifinalists to 21 finalists on or about May 15, 2010.
- The general public will vote online for the winning videos May 15 June 15, 2010.
- Seven winners one each from the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South & Central Asia, East Asia/Pacific and one anonymous winner will be announced in mid-June 2010.
- The six publicly identified winners, one from each of the six geographic regions, will travel to the United States to claim their prize in the fall of 2010.

THE DETAILS

- You must be 18 or older to enter.
- Videos can be any style: fiction or documentary, animated or live action.
- Videos must be no longer than three minutes.
- Videos must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Contestants may enter anonymously, but anonymous winners cannot collect the grand prize.
- See contest site for a complete list of rules, www.videochallenge.america.gov

Democracy video challenge

Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon, and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001. We stood as one people, united in our common humanity and shared sorrow. We grieved for those who perished and remembered what brought us together as Americans.

Today, we honor the lives we lost 8 years ago. On a bright September day, innocent men, women, and children boarded planes and set off for work as they had so many times before. Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across our Nation and the world.

As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow citizens, and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks. We must apprehend all those who perpetrated these heinous crimes, seek justice for those who were killed, and defend against all threats to our national security. We must also recommit ourselves to our founding principles. September 11 reminds us that our fate as individuals is tied to that of our Nation. Our democracy is strengthened when we uphold the freedoms upon which our Nation was built: equality, justice, liberty, and democracy. These values exemplify the patriotism and sacrifice we commemorate today.

In that same spirit of patriotism, I call upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad. In April, I was proud to sign the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.

Throughout the summer, people of all ages and backgrounds came together to lend a helping hand in their communities through United We Serve. As this summer of service draws to an end, we renew the call to engage in meaningful service activities and stay engaged with those projects throughout the year. Working together, we can usher in a new era in which volunteering and service is a way of life for all Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write the next great chapter in our Nation’s history and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the promise of America.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2009, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with other ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

August 4, 1961 – Barack Obama’s birthday!

Barack Obama

His story is the American story — values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the conviction that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others.

With a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas, President Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961. He was raised with help from his grandfather, who served in Patton’s army, and his grandmother, who worked her way up from the secretarial pool to middle management at a bank.

After working his way through college with the help of scholarships and student loans, President Obama moved to Chicago, where he worked with a group of churches to help rebuild communities devastated by the closure of local steel plants.

He went on to attend law school, where he became the first African—American president of the Harvard Law Review. Upon graduation, he returned to Chicago to help lead a voter registration drive, teach constitutional law at the University of Chicago, and remain active in his community.

President Obama’s years of public service are based around his unwavering belief in the ability to unite people around a politics of purpose. In the Illinois State Senate, he passed the first major ethics reform in 25 years, cut taxes for working families, and expanded health care for children and their parents. As a United States Senator, he reached across the aisle to pass groundbreaking lobbying reform, lock up the world’s most dangerous weapons, and bring transparency to government by putting federal spending online.

He was elected the 44th President of the United States on November 4, 2008, and sworn in on January 20, 2009. He and his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

United States Senate Committee on ForeignRelations

Chairman Kerry Urges Cooperation After Election In Moldova

WASHINGTON, DC – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry released the following statement today in response to the historic election in the Republic of Moldova that may ultimately result in the unseating of the last governing Communist Party in the former Soviet Union:

“This is an important moment for the Republic of Moldova. It is inspiring and reassuring to see Moldovans exercising their democratic rights through the electoral process, but it is likewise troubling when political differences turn violent. Moldova’s political leaders must find common ground; if they can set aside their personal and political interests, there is a chance that a fresh approach to their nation’s problems may be found. Moldovans deserve a better, more prosperous future.

“Observers have claimed that Moldova is a victim of its geography, caught between European and Russian “spheres of influence”. I believe Moldova’s geography can be its strength; with cooperation and determined effort, Moldova can and should be a bridge between Central and Eastern Europe

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Say NO to Torture

For the first time there is a special day to focus on helping torture victims and ending torture — the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture — to be observed every year on 26 June.

Torture is one of the most profound human rights abuses, taking a terrible toll on millions of individuals and their families. Rape, blows to the soles of the feet, suffocation in water, burns, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, shaking and beating are commonly used by torturers to break down an individual’s personality. As terrible as the physical wounds are, the psychological and emotional scars are usually the most devastating and the most difficult to repair. Many torture survivors suffer recurring nightmares and flashbacks. They withdraw from family, school and work and feel a loss of trust.

“Today the United Nations appeals to all governments and members of civil society to take action to defeat torture and torturers everywhere”, says UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. “This is a day on which we pay our respects to those who have endured the unimaginable. This is an occasion for the world to speak up against the unspeakable”, he said.

In her message for the Day, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, urged all Governments to ratify the UN Convention against Torture to ensure that torture is a crime in their domestic law and to rigorously pursue perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Thirty years ago, there were no treatment centres or services to treat torture survivors. Today there are some 200 centres or programmes all over the world. There is now profound knowledge of torture methods, the effects of torture, and how to diagnose and rehabilitate torture victims.

Source and more info on

CO.NX Webcast – President Obama’s Policy Speech in Egypt

Obama speech

President Obama will travel to Egypt on June 4 for a historic speech in which he will seek to strengthen U.S. relations with the Arab world and the larger Muslim world. President Obama chose Egypt as the venue for the long-promised speech because the country “in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world,” White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said.

“Our hope is not to draw a large crowd, but our hope is to reach a large portion of the world with what we hope is a powerful message,” Gibbs said.

You can find a complete biography of President Obama on America.gov at http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/November/20081107130959xjyrrep0.4492609.html.

If you would like to participate in this CO.NX webcast, please go to https://townhall.connectsolutions.com/conx_obama. No registration is needed. Simply choose “Enter as a Guest,” type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program.