Diversity SIG E-Newsletter--Jan 2007
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Contents |
Diversity SIG E-Newsletter January 2007
Contents
1. ACE Dues
2. Professional Award
3. Diversity Award of Excellence
4. Meet Tom Merrill--Diversity SIG Member
5. Diversity SIG Elections
6. Latino Briefs Digest
1. ACE Dues
Want to join us in Albuquerque? Make sure your dues are paid! If you have not done so already, the deadline is January 31st. Contact ACE headquarters at 352-392-9588 or ace@ifas.ufl.edu if you have any questions.
2. Professional and Diversity Awards
The nomination deadline for the ACE Professional Award is February 16th.
"The Professional Award is the highest recognition given by the Association for Communication Excellence to one of its members. The award recognizes excellence and professionalism in an agricultural communicator. It is based on achievements over an extended period (at least three years) and on participation in and support of ACE. Members must be nominated by a fellow member to be considered for the award" (www.aceweb.org).
Use the nomination form located on the ACE website to submit a candidate for the Professional Award. Be sure to include the candidate's job description, job-related accomplishments/ assignments, participation in/service to ACE, and other achievements that show professional excellence.
3. Diversity Award of Excellence
Nominations for the Diversity Award of Excellence are also due February 16th.
"The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the SIG area as well as leadership and involvement in ACE. A recipient may be either a current or a past member of the SIG. Nominees may be nominated by anyone in ACE" (www.aceweb.org).
The nomination form is located on the ACE website. Nominees must be current on membership dues, have five years ACE membership, be a member of the SIG for which they are being nominated, and cannot be an officer within the SIG they are being nominated for. Please include work history demonstrating the nominee's qualifications for the award, evidence of professional skill/achievement/recognition, impact made in their workplace and on the communication profession, and contributions to ACE and the SIG.
4. Meet Tom Merrill--Diversity SIG Member
Tom Merrill is a professor with the LSU AgCenter in its Communications unit in Baton Rouge, where he's worked for the past 21 years. His primary responsibilities involve news writing, editing, and the Web.
He's been involved personally in diversity, inclusivity, and social justice issues for more than 20 years through his involvement and leadership in such groups as Metropolitan Community Churches and PFLAG. That interest crossed over into his professional life around 1998 when he was assigned as the writer for the group working on a "Diversity Vision Statement" for the LSU AgCenter.
He's been involved professionally with the LSU AgCenter's diversity initiative since that time -- serving as a member of its Diversity Council, chair of its Community Outreach Action Group, a senior trainer in its diversity education program for faculty and staff, and a variety of other capacities. He also was recognized in 2000 with the LSU AgCenter Diversity Initiative Award for Excellence and has received other recognition for his involvement in efforts designed to extend the AgCenter's service to nontraditional clientele and to assist faculty and staff members in making that happen.
In more recent years, he's also become involved in the LSU initiative known as Safe Space, which is designed to help faculty and staff develop a broader understanding about GLBT students and to offer "safe spaces" for those students to voice concerns, as well as learn. He serves as the AgCenter's liaison to that initiative and as a Safe Space trainer.
As for ACE, Merrill currently serves as the Southern Region director and has served on its Professional Development Committee. He's a longtime member of the Writing, Media Relations, Publishing, and Marketing SIGs, and because of his interest in diversity, joining the Diversity SIG when it was formed seemed the natural thing to do.
5. Diversity SIG Elections
Elections for the Diversity SIG are right around the corner! If you know of someone (perhaps yourself?) who would like to help us lead the Diversity SIG forward, please contact LaRae at larae9411@hotmail.com.
6. Latino Briefs Digest
The January issue of Latino Briefs Digest compiled by the University of California can be found at: http://news.ucanr.org/latinobriefs/latinobriefs.cfm?issues=yes
Vol. 3, Issue 1, January 2007
- ¿Sabía usted que...?
- Quinceañera: A Hispanic Catholic family tradition
- Dicho del mes
- Americanization 'Hazardous' for Health
- Borrowers of color at higher risk of paying more for a home loan
- Increased trade with Mexico has only mild effect on job loss
- U.S. Hispanic cable at the crossroads
- Hispanics and cell phone use
If you have questions about this newsletter or would like to contribute to a future edition, please contact Vice Chair Rebecca McGovney-Ingram via email RMcGovney@gmail.com.
