Opportunities for Students

I am posting the following announcements to inform you about the following opportunities available to ASPA members and to ask for your assistance in passing these opportunities along.

First, the Asian Society for Institutional Analysis (ASIASIA), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and Xiamen University proudly announce that the Inaugural International Workshop for Young Scholars in Public Policy and Administration Research will be held in Xiamen City, the People’s Republic of China between May 31 and June 3, 2011. There is currently an open call for papers. For more information or to see the official call for papers please visit: http://www.aspanet.org/scriptcontent/pdfs/YoungScholarsWorkshopChina.pdf

Secondly, ASPA is hosting a competitive policy debate at the 2011 Annual Conference. We are still looking for participants so please pass the word along.

This event is a COMPA sponsored adjudicated competitive policy debate for ASPA. Twenty-one students will be selected for participation in the debate. There will be 18 team members and three alternates. Selection will be based on an essay written on a pre-selected current policy issue and must not exceed 500 words. The essay will be blind reviewed by a panel of five judges. The students selected will be randomly assigned to six teams. Each member of the winning team will receive a beautiful trophy and will be recognized at the Award Ceremony at the ASPA Conference scheduled March 11-15, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The application is available at: http://aspa.informz.net/aspa/data/images/2011policyapplications.pdf

 

Finally, As the National Student Representative for the ASPA, I am very interested in increasing student participation in ASPA.  With that said, the Founders Forum Fellows Program is extremely dear to my heart.  This program provides a number of great experiences, helps students expand their knowledge of the field, and among other things, opens the doors for future opportunities.

This program needs your assistance, sponsorship is still needed to ensure a successful program this year.

At the moment this program needs sponsorship in two categories: The Student and New Professional Reception and the Founders’ Forum Fellow categories. Below are some specific details about the categories for your review.

STUDENT AND NEW PROFESSIONAL RECEPTION – $ 6,000

• Acknowledgement on sign prominently displaying sponsor logo
• Recognition in PA TIMES
• ¼ page black and white ad in conference Program Book*
• Verbal recognition at event
• Opportunity to submit one item/flyer (that you supply) into the conference tote bags
• One-time post conference mailing list of conference attendees (postal addresses)

FOUNDERS’ FORUM FELLOW – $350 EACH

• Recognition in the conference Program Book*
• Recognition on sign prominently displaying all sponsors
• Recognition in PA TIMES

*Sponsor three (3) Founders’ Forum Fellows for $1000 and in addition to the above benefits you will also receive a 1/8 page black and white ad in the conference Program Book.

Our students are the most important feature in ASPA since they are the ones who will lead us into the future and ASPA has dedicated itself to investing more in this future. JOIN US.

For more information about sponsoring our Founders Forum Fellows, the Student and New Professional Reception, or the Annual Conference in general, please visit http://www.aspanet.org/scriptcontent/pdfs/sponsorprosp.pdf

Always Warm Regards,

Jose Luis Irizarry, MPA, MA

Mobile: 646.229.7882

Email: Jirizarry@jjay.cuny.edu

Alt Email: Ji6317@aol.com Weblog: http://irizarry.wordpress.com

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/joseirizarry

National Council Member (Student Representative), the American Society for Public Administration

http://www.aspanet.org

Board Member & Scholarship Committee Chair, the American Society for Public Administration, New York Metropolitan Chapter

http://www.nymetroaspa.org/

2010 ASPA Conference ….Dara’s Post # 6

This morning was the first day that I could sleep in and I took advantage of the time!!  Claire and I slept in and then went out to a great breakfast. It was a wonderful Conference and hard to believe that it is over.  Claire and I had a great time being roommates. She is a dear friend and our ASPA experience was made better by sharing things this year in San Jose.  We serve on BIT together and now I will have even more insight to her knowledge as we move forward with BIT plans for the 2010-2011 year. 

We packed up.  When I finally got it all together, it took one entire cart to get all the things I had out of the room. It is amazing how many things I collected while here. I will be shipping most of them later in the week. Claire and I closed out our bills and then headed off our separate ways. 

I ran into Paul Posner and sat with him as he ate breakfast. He was telling me about his plans to go on a mini-vacation after the conference. He reminisced about the years in leadership and I reminded him that he will still be called on even after his presidency.  We walked to the closing plenary where we listened to the Mayors have a conversation.

The Closing Plenary was another great closing for the conference. Last year, we ended the conference with an in depth conversation on Immigration and this year ASPA is again at the forefront of the conversation.  Chris Hoene, Director of the  National League of Cities’ Center for Research and Innovation, was the moderator for the session titled Fiscal Challenges Confronting Cities.  Mayors Mike Rotkin – Santa Cruz, CA, Ronald O. Loveridge – Riverside, CA and former Mayor Kay Barnes – Kansas City, MO all discussed the trials of being in this position of leadership during such harsh economic times.  The CA stories were extraordinary and difficult to listen too. No matter what you read or hear from the media it is NEVER as good as hearing it from the mouth of the people living it.  The situation is serious in CA and they will need some great leadership such as that in ASPA to guide them through these difficult times, but also to set the stage for the future of these towns and this country.

Mayor Barnes gave her perspective as a former leader and she was great as usual. Her insight was right on point as she assisted Kansas City when they were in the middle of their critical economic situation decades ago. Kay has been another mentor as she was one of the SIG # 3 National Council representatives.

The session ended with the changing of the ASPA leadership. Paul Posner gave an emotional goodbye speech and we all reminded him that he will not go far as he has leadership duties for the next three years.  Past President Harvey White presented the oath of leadership to the officers: Tom Liou, Vice President; Erik Bergrud, President Elect and Meredith Newman, President.  WOW!! I remember working on Meredith’s campaign in fall 2007!!! I am so happy for her!!   Now onto the 2010 – 2011 Newman term.  

Until my final entry …. Dara

2010 ASPA Conference … Dara’s Post # 5

Monday morning was my third 6:30 am start for an event beginning at 7am and it was the BEST event for me.  The morning started with a catch up on the world. You get so caught up with the conference that you forget to tune into the world. I read the complimentary New York Times that was outside my door and had a cup of coffee while I waited for the SWPA Breakfast set up. 

Once we were in the room the chaos started, but it was good work.  The screen was up and Caneka McNeil, ASPA’s Communications Specialist assisted with running the powerpoint presentation I put together to honor our members who have passed on this year. Then we had breakfast, gave out our awards and listened to our keynote speaker, Madison Nguyen, Councilwoman for the City of San Jose, District 7.

In September 2005 at the age of 33, she received 63% of the votes to become the first Vietnamese American and youngest woman to serve on the San Jose Council.  Her story of immigration as a refugee with her entire family and her trials as a farm worker, student activist and tribulations as a successful professor and now political leader were inspirational. She is AMAZING and her story is just what we needed to hear during this most difficult time in our history. Life goes on and through it all our faith will get us through. The breakfast ended with the induction of the new officers. I was able to give a few words as the incoming Chair of the SWPA Board. It was an honor to stand before this distinctive group of women and thank them for the opportunity to serve as the first African American Chair of the section.  There were many people to thank and I hope I did well by honoring them.  Now onto the hard work – the actual work as a Chair.  Follow us on Facebook and our website.

The day was quiet. My uncle, my mom’s brother was able to join me here at the hotel. He came for the SWPA breakfast and then joined me for a few hours.  Later, I attended some sessions on Health Care, City Management and Social Equity. They were all very informative and I look forward to using some of the material in my work as an Advocate back in D.C.  

This year’s Awards Ceremony was another good event. My uncle returned to watch me receive my second President Citation Award this year from Paul Posner. The award was for the work that SIG # 3, “Build the Future,” conducted with obtaining a Student Member on the National Council. It has been a pleasure working with Paul and learning about public service from such a great mentor. His leadership will last a long time through the work he has done.

The evening was full of receptions – a few included RU ‘s International Reception and a reception sponsored by USC for Chet Newland. Paul honored Chet at the awards ceremony, not only did Chet receive an award, but he was honored with having the President Citation award named after him – it will now be known as the Chet Newland award.  He has long been a voice that made sure ASPA honored its leaders, scholars and members as they should be rewarded for their great work. Chet is a dear friend and I am honored to know him.

Until my next entry….Dara

2010 ASPA Conference – Dara’s Post # 4

Well the day started at 7:00am yet again!!  But no complaints.   The Board Presidents/Chapter Chairs and President Paul Posner had a meeting. We had a meeting to discuss the plans for interaction with ASPA chapter chairs/presidents across the country.  Paul has some ideas and will work on this as Past President in the coming year.

The next meeting was the SWPA Membership meeting where we discussed the year’s work, remembered those who have passed, discussed the SWPA events, sessions and booth work as well as voted on our ballot. SWPA has several members who are presenting at this conference and SWPA has sponsored several sessions that increase the views of women. 

I attended the 2011 Leadership meeting hosted by ASPA President-Elect, Meredith Newman. I attended in the same capacity as yesterday’s meeting and will work closely with the Baltimore Chapter for the 2011 Conference. Next year’s conference theme is “Public Administration without Borders” and will be held at the Renaissance Haborplace Hotel in Baltimore, MD – March 11-15, 2011. There will be a huge international involvement as well as more exciting, informative and invigorating sessions.

The Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Award Luncheon was held directly after the Leadership meeting.  This year was the first time that the Section on Democracy and Social Justice – which I am a member of – presented an award.  The Outstanding Foster Parents Award was given to Roger and Corinne Vogel who have had over 118 foster children for the past 20 years. This year’s award recipient was Alvin Brooks a community activist from Kansas City, MO who had an outstanding and innovative career as Police Officer, Assistant City Manager and then started the Ad Hoc group against crime.  In 1990 President Bush went to Kansas City and designated him one of America’s “Thousand Points of Light”.  Mr. Brooks gave a wonderful speech about having faith and being honest about the work we do as public servants. 

In the afternoon, I attended a session titled “Implications of Health Care Reform for Public Administration”.  I worked 20 years in Healthcare Administration in multiple positions and this reform bill is of great intrigue to me as a Public Administrator. This was an exciting discussion about the new legislation and the implementation for the government, private sector as well as public servants in all fields.  Then I was off for the RU Alumni get together…

Dara Baldwin

2010 ASPA Conference – Dara’s Post # 3

The Conference officially started today! The weather has been sunny, but today the haze sets in and the rain has started. But that does not matter as we are in the Fairmont in lovely settings for our meetings, opening plenary and sessions.  The time change has been a burden, as I am three hours behind and it is affecting me in the evenings.  But I got up early today to be downstairs for the First Time Attendees Breakfast.  This is a wonderful event that Jeannie Jefferies, ASPA Membership Associate, oversees.   The entire ASPA Leadership and Toni Samuel, Executive Director of ASPA, welcomed the first time attendees.  It was yet another great introduction to our organization and the conference.

The Opening Plenary was right on target with an opening speech by ASPA President, Paul Posner, and a greeting from San Jose Mayor, Chuck Reed.  We listened to long-time ASPA member and Maxwell School MPA graduate, John Berry who is the Director of the US Office of Personnel Management. He discussed the plans of President Obama and creating a new recruitment, hiring and retention process for the US Government. Immediately upon taking office, Mr. Berry called upon ASPA and its leadership for guidance and assistance with the plan and he has used key leaders to continue with the implementation of multiple plans. He was inspiring as well as informative about his work. ASPA honored him with an award for his work.

Later in the morning, I attended Vice President Erik Bergrud’s 2012 Leadership meeting. ASPA believes in strategic planning and Erik is off to a great start.  I attended the meeting representing SWPA and National Capital Area Chapter of ASPA (VA, DC, MD).  When the conference is over, I will serve as Chair of SWPA and in June I will become President of NCAC. The meeting was well attended and Erik has good plans for our work. 

I attended the SWPA Board meeting where we honored three members who passed on this year – Marcy Crowley, Ron Gabriel and Carol Gandy, a SWPA founding member.  We also discussed the year’s business and set the slate for elections to be held at the Membership meeting on Sunday.  The new officers and board members take their positions at the annual Breakfast held Monday morning.

The Exhibit Hall opened and I went to see the SWPA booth and the Rutgers University booth –as that is my alma mater.  The gifts are always great! 

The final event of the day was the Welcome Reception which was held at the Tech Museum of Innovation, directly across the street from the Fairmont.  There was good music, good food and great fun had by all!  Until my next entry from San Jose

– Dara Baldwin

Meeting the Challenges of Urban Transportation

Ask voters if they would support a 5-cent increase in gas tax to fund transportation infrastructure, and they will say no. But over time, they will quietly absorb a 25-cent or a 50-cent increase in gas prices even though the money is benefiting a foreign country and not their own.

These issues and more were covered in a SuperSession on urban transportation Monday morning. Moderated by retired Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, the panel included transportation leaders Carl Guardino, president and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group; Steve Heminger, executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; and Rod Diridon, Sr., executive director of the Mineta Transportation Institute.

Mr. Heminger said that the San Francisco Bay area is typical of most other urban areas in the U.S. Its infrastructure is aging painfully, needing major rehab. Local entities will spend 80% of revenue just to maintain what’s there. But that still leaves huge shortfalls at all levels. At the same time, many U.S. urban regions are still growing, with new jobs, new homes, more freight, longer commutes and more congestion. It means that our challenge is to squeeze more productivity out of existing systems.

In the SF Bay area, planning organizations have created a Freeway Performance Initiative. Roving tow trucks now take care of minor accidents, flat tires, and stalled vehicles quickly so traffic can move again.  A high-occupancy toll network is in the works. Cities are encouraging more housing closer to jobs so pollution and long commutes are reduced. Cycling is becoming part of the transportation planning, as is transit for low income families. Expansions are planned for rail, bus, and ferry, with new transit hubs in San Francisco and San Jose.

The goal is to reduce congestion to 20 percent below today’s levels, to reduce carbon emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels, to increase fuel economy to 54 miles per gallon, to increase the area’s share of zero-emission vehicles to 55 percent, and to increase telecommuting from three to ten percent.

One positive indicator is the growing interest in U.S. high-speed rail (HSR), although we still lag far behind the rest of the world. China is well into its HSR system, almost every country in Europe is ahead of us, and even Mexico and Morocco are planning their systems. 

Regarding its concern for climate change, the U.S. is far behind most of the world, including many Third-World countries. This is one reason so many contries are building HSR – not only for faster travel, but also because it is far less polluting per passenger mile than many other transportation modes. In the U.S, we are addicted to our cars, while the rest of world relies on bikes, transit, and HSR. Even our desire for free parking is problematic because it only encourages people to drive.

But the U.S. can change its attitudes about urban transportation. For those who are skeptical, it should be noted that cigarette consumption is down more than 50 percent since 1960, and recycling in California has increased six-fold since 1989, proving that it’s possible to reform ingrained habits.

Donna Maurillo, Communications Director, Mineta Transportation Institute

ASPA is on the Move

I’m writing this post as the 70^th Annual Conference of ASPA comes to a close. The conference has been a most rewarding and exceptional experience. The commitment and participation of our members, sister organizations, and other stakeholders have made this conference rich in content.  Also, during the conference I sensed the strengthening of ASPA’s “community”. We were especially ‘spirited”!  I felt a sense of community, which was vibrant and infectious!  I have a renewed commitment to do what I can to capture and sustain this momentum. As our new ASPA President Meredith Newman expresses it —  ASPA is on the Move…….          

For me, there were many memorable experiences during the conference. However, a few stand out. For example, during the National Council meeting our new Student Director Jose Irizarry was reticent, wanting to listen and learn. However, with encouragement, he spoke – and when he did, he expertly articulated his plans for fulfilling this new role for ASPA. I sat amazed, and thought that the future of ASPA will be in great hands if we only remember to nurture the Joses within ASPA.

Another highlight for me was the Stone Lecture presentation by Richard Stillman, our PAR Editor. He took us on an intellectual journey that was a thoughtful reflection of PAR at 70. He passionately explained why PAR mattered yesterday, as it promulgated generalist administrative ideas; why PAR matters today, as it sustains our generalist profession in today’s niche-oriented landscape; and lastly, why PAR matters for the future, as the platform in the field of public administration for the expression of  “ideas”, both academic and practitioner in focus. In hearing this presentation, PAR became not just a publication, but a living legacy to honor and uphold.              

The Social Equity Luncheon provided another special experience for me. The recognition of Alvin Brooks, and his decades of public service, was inspiring. Each year I find the Social Equity Lunch (as well as all our recognition programs) speaks to me emotionally. This is because hearing about the sacrifice and achievements of those who toil each day in the service of others brings the “why” factor to our intellectual pursuits.             

Finally, I participated in Meredith Newman’s leadership meeting. The participants of this meeting were those volunteers who will serve ASPA during her term. What amazed and inspired me, was this  -  Meredith asked for those in the room to stand, as she listed various volunteer positions they held, for example chapter president, national council member, section chair, etc. I was bowled over by the number of people who stood multiple times – four or five times!!  For me, this was such a demonstrative expression of the dedication and commitment our members have to ASPA. They serve continuously, and always respond when asked to do more. And so, for 2010/11, here they were again – ready to give back to ASPA, and the field we love!

So, for me the conference was a reaffirmation, an inspiration, and a rededication to serve with vigor, and the force needed to continue to move ASPA forward!          

Toni Samuel

ASPA Executive Director

Final Thoughts on the 2010 ASPA Annual Conference

I know I’m supposed to say this, but what a great conference! Packed plenary sessions for John Berry, Paul Volcker, and Richard Stillman. Inspiring guest speakers and awardees. Last night at the receptions, I asked a few first-time attendees why they came this year. More often than not, they said that they heard about how good last year’s conference was in Miami. I think that bodes well for 2011 in Baltimore. That, and the fact that we had 1,000 attendees in San Jose – a 10% increase from last year. I can’t wait to see what the 2011 conference chairs and committee will cook-up for Baltimore. I’m getting ahead of myself…we still have a closing plenary to look forward to this morning.

Personal highlights for this year’s conference include the welcome reception at the Tech Center, the IOUSA Solutions documentary (recommended), and our staff who rose to the challenge before and during the event.

Matt Rankin

ASPA Deputy Director

A Day in the Life of an ASPA Officer

Greetings from San Jose! Yesterday, the 2010 ASPA Annual Conference went into full motion. I want to share an account of Saturday’s activities from my perspective as ASPA’s Vice President. Here’s a day in the life of an ASPA officer:

5:00 a.m. I checked my Facebook account and sent some Tweets.

6:30 a.m. I left my hotel room to find the location of the day’s first event.

7:00 a.m. ASPA held its New Member and First Time Attendees’ Orientation. Many ASPA leaders addressed the capacity audience. I ended my comments with a Gandhi quote which popped in my head after my fourth cup of coffee.

9:00 a.m. The Opening Plenary session was scheduled to start.

9:05 a.m. We’re still waiting…

10:15 a.m. OPM Director John Berry brought the audience to their feet with his impassioned concluding comments.

10:30 a.m. I dropped by a meeting of our Publications Committee and thanked them for their continued excellent service to the Society. Over the next hour, I was engaged in numerous hallway conversations.

11:30 a.m. The reality of being ASPA Vice President began to set in as I chaired the 2012 Leadership Team meeting. Spirited conversation, coffee and brownies put attendees in a positive mood. By the end of the meeting, we agree that ASPA needs to focus on its core values. We have a positive message to share with the world.

1:00 p.m. ASPA’s National Council members gather for their meeting. I was literally bouncing in my seat as I prepared to deliver my brief opening remarks – could have been the coffee, the positive energy permeating the conference or both!

4:25 p.m. The meeting concludes a little later than anticipated. My colleagues and I rush over to the conference exhibit hall for its grand opening.

6:20 p.m. A throng of conference attendees walks across the street for the Welcome Reception at San Jose’s Tech Museum of Innovation. We’re greeted by mariachi music as we enter.

9:30 p.m. Wasn’t the reception scheduled to end at 8:30? A few of us finally got the message and exited the museum. We headed out for a late dinner.

11:25 p.m. I returned to my room and set my alarm clock. Sunday meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m.

2010 ASPA Conference …Dara’s Blog # 3

Greetings from San Jose and the ASPA Conference… this is Day # 2 for me and WOW!! What a beginning we had today.  This morning at 7:00am the First Time Attendees and New Member  event started and it was a GREAT SUCCESS!!!  Jeannie Jeffries as usual did a fabulous job with creating an exciting and welcoming event.  The room was full with first time attendees, long-time ASPA volunteers/leaders, ALL of the ASPA Officers and even our new Vice President elect.  Also, there was a great buffet always the best topper for an event.  Thank you to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation for sponsoring this important event.  This is the first impression to our attendees and the greetings from the ASPA Leadership, the welcoming from all in the room and the fun raffles are a great way to introduce all to the experience of an ASPA Conference.  

After the breakfast the Opening Plenary Session began – it was one of the best I have attended in years.  I had an opportunity to say hello to John Berry in the hallway as he is from the DC area and has participated in the North Capitol Area Chapter (NCAC) events.  He is a Maxwell School MPA graduate and long-time member of ASPA. The San Jose Color Guard opened our ceremony with bringing in both the American Flag and the California State flag.  We listened to the National Anthem, said the Pledge of Allegiance and then heard “O Beautiful” sung by a member of the arm services. This was a great start to the Public Service discussion presented by the speakers.  

Paul Posner opened with his words about the theme of this year’s conference “Invigorating Public Service for Change”. This is the 70th Anniversary for ASPA and change has been what has kept us going.  Paul discussed his awesome experience as President and how many great, smart and dedicated people he has met and how they energize him to create change in ASPA.  Mayor Chuck Reed spoke and welcomed the attendees as well as gave us some history on the city and the work of the people in Silicon Valley – the birthplace of innovative thought.  In the next century, this will be the center for Clean Technology. He asked us to do two things – spend all our money in the great venues around town and use the great brain power here to create a “White Paper” that can help fix the great problems this state is facing. 

John Berry spoke next and it was invigorating. He spoke about the steps that have been made to make the HR process for the Federal Government efficient and effective.  He also inspired us with his closing remarks about creating the next generation of Public Service leaders lies within this organization and he is expecting great things from us to assist with the future of the Federal Government. 

I don’t know about how others in ASPA feel, but I am ready to take on this charge and being here assists me with taking that energy home to make the field of Public Administration the best field.  I also attended the National Council meeting and took a picture of Jose Louis Irizarry, the first Student Representative on the National Council, as well as our leaders at work. Well, I am off to the welcome reception.  So long until my next blog entry – thanks.