By Ashley Fultz
The Direct Action & Research Training Center will be having an informational meeting on University of Louisville Belkap campus Mon., Feb. 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the Ulmer Center, room 76A.
DART is recruiting those students who already have a degree or who will receive a college degree in May, to join the field of community organizing. The organization is currently conducting a national search to find future community leaders.
At the meeting, the DART Center will be scheduling interviews for a summer training program. The program will prepare students interested in empowering their communities and working for social change to get a job in local communities through their network. The organization is looking for 25 qualified applicants.
Their Web site states the DART Network is a nonprofit network of affiliates, founded in 1982 to assist in the development of strong, grassroots community organizations committed to the principles and values of justice and fairness.
The DART Network currently consists of 21 affiliates spread throughout Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky. They are still expanding and reaching new communities throughout the country which is why they are currently recruiting a new generation of community organizers according to http://thedartcenter.org.
Karen Modzelewski, a DART organizer, feels that the DART Center and the people that work for injustices in local communities across America are very important.
“DART Organizers Institute have organized thousands of people across the country to hold political and economic systems accountable and won important victories on a broad set of justice issues,” said Modzelewski.
The DART Center’s Web site lists many accomplishments that have made an impact on the communities in which they have worked.
The improvements include education reform in low-performing public schools, the clean-up of drugs and crime, fair immigration policies, police misconduct, living wage campaigns and job training and affordable housing.
Hope Fothergill, a senior communication major, said she would definitely be interested in attending the DART Center’s informational meeting.
“An organization like this helps to build strong communities which leads to economic growth and helps graduating seniors like me find better jobs in communities like Louisville,” said Fothergill.
DART is offering a paid training program for those interested in launching a career fighting for social and economic justice known as the DART Organizers Institute. This program is designed to give people the skills to launch a permanent career within the DART Network.
Students with a desire to pursue community organizing as a long-term professional career are encouraged to attend the meeting and set up an interview.
Adam Cochran, a junior political science major, said he thinks this would be a very beneficial to recent graduates.
“Most students right out of college just want to make enough money at any job they can find to pay back student loans, but this is so much bigger. This gives training, job placement and a chance to make a difference in our own community,” said Cochran.
If accepted to DART’s paid training program, it would begin June 18, 2007 and will formally conclude Oct. 13. The goal of this training program is to place all trainees in a salaried position starting at $35,000 plus benefits.
During the four-month training period, DART will give students a $6,500 stipend and will pay all transportation costs to the classroom orientation and host city.
Room, board and tuition will also be paid during a seven day classroom orientation. Please RSVP your attendance to Modzelewski at karen@thedartcenter.org.
If you are interested, but cannot make the info session, please contact her immediately.
