Student video contest highlights human rights
New York state students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to enter The Speak Truth to Power student video contest launched by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and NYSUT.
Students can enter an original short documentary about a human rights violation and the human rights defender who works to change what is wrong. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 31, 2012.
The grand prize winning video will be shown at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival.
Additional prizes for first, second and third place winners at the high school and middle school levels will be announced on the contest website. For more details, including rules, instructions, defender biographies, FAQs and technical support, visit http://www.speaktruthvideo.com/.
Residency program for teachers, librarians
Teachers and librarians are encouraged to apply for an award to pursue research using the resources of the New York State Archives. The Larry J. Hackman Research Residency program is intended to support product-related research in such areas as history, law, public policy, geography and culture by covering research expenses. Deadline for receipt of application is Jan. 16, 2012. Award amounts range from $100 to $4,500.
The program is a collaboration of the New York State Archives and the Archives Partnership Trust and is supported by private contributions and special grants. For complete guidelines and application forms, visit http://www.nyarchivestrust.org/ or contact the Archives Partnership Trust at 518-473- 7091; fax 518-473-7058; or email hackmanres@mail.nysed.gov.
Join NYSUT's free webinar on PCBs
Lighting fixtures built or renovated before 1979 probably contain PCB light ballasts. NYSUT will sponsor a free, EPA-led health and safety webinar at noon on Dec. 22 about PCBs in light ballasts, a topic of particular interest for custodial and maintenance staff and health and safety activists.
The one-hour and 15-minute webinar will address PCBs and their health effects; why the EPA is concerned about school PCB-containing light fixtures; how to recognize PCB light fixtures and leaks; how to handle leaking ballasts; storage and disposal of PCB fixtures; and the ongoing experience of New York City schools that are dealing with this issue.
The webinar is open to all NYSUT members and will afford them the ability to ask questions. To register, go to www.nysut.org/eReg/PCB12.