Hispanic Heritage Month is now in its second week and the Center’s Fall programming is gaining momentum. On Friday, September 25, Panoramas will hold its first roundtable, centered on the Impact of COVID-19 on Brazil’s Indigenous Populations.
On Monday, September 28, we host an especially relevant and current event on the plight of undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers in the US, Reality made Invisible. It brings to mind the importance of both celebrating all that brings us together and makes us unique, while also making sure to take stock of challenges faced by so many new arrivals trying to reaffirm their humanity and regain a sense of dignity among us.
Wednesday, September 30, the CLAS team shares culinary pride as we set Pitt’s Global Hub’s “Rice and…” series on (hopefully not on fire). We will follow recipes and approaches to signature Rice and Beans dishes and complementary staples that so many of us grew up enjoying, in a live event presentation. Please come aboard as we attempt to make delicious food you can cook along with us.
Our second screening in the CLAS Film Series, Mapa de Sueños Latinoamericanos, will show on October 1 at 6 pm (EST). We are excited to have Martín Weber, its Writer and Director, join us for a discussion of the film immediately after.
We are thankful for your support and participation, and aim to keep you interested and engaged, and always welcome all your ideas and suggestions. Be well.
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CLAS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
Click on each item to go to specific menu.
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Wednesday, September 30 at 3:30 P.M.
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CLAS Faculty, Alumni, Staff News & Information
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Congratulations to Dr. Belkys Torres,
Executive Director of Global Engagement
University Center for International Studies (UCIS)
For being selected as the Latino Community Center's new Board Chair!
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CLAS Faculty News:
Dara Mendez
Receives National Recognition for Maternal and Child Health Research

The Coalition for Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology and 15 national health organizations selected Dara Mendez as the recipient of the 2020 Award for Effective Practice at the Community Level.
Mendez is an assistant professor of epidemiology in Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health, specializing in understanding and addressing racial and socioeconomic inequity in pregnancy, birth and women's health.
The award recognizes her significant work toward improving public health practice through effective use of data, epidemiology and applied research. It will be formally presented in September during the virtual CityMatCH Leadership and MCH Epidemiology Conference.
https://publichealth.pitt.edu/home/directory/dara-d-mendez
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CLAS Faculty News:
New publication by Dr. Barry Ames (CLAS Faculty) and Dr. Lucio Reno (CLAS Alumni)
Persuasive Peers: Social Communication and Voting in Latin America
(Andy Baker, Barry Ames and Lucio Renno)
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CLAS Faculty News:

Congratulations to Dr. Michele Reid-Vazquez from the CLAS Team for your selection
as the 2020-21 Global Studies Center Faculty Fellow!
Each year, the GSC selects as its Faculty Fellow one outstanding University of Pittsburgh colleague whose scholarship advances the Center's mission. Michele Reid-Vazquez is Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies and a specialist in African Diaspora in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Atlantic World, and Afro-Latinx History in the U.S. As the 2020-2021 GSC Faculty Fellow, Dr. Reid-Vazquez will convene an interdisciplinary conference entitled, "Transnational Dialogues in Afrolatinidad" and create a new undergraduate course that will feature a student research poster exhibit. The goal of the project is to expand transnational, transregional, and interdisciplinary research, education, and programming in the global arenas of Afro-Latin American Afro-Latinx studies. The intersections of race, ethnicity, and migration continue to shape contemporary societies through the complex confluence of blackness and identity in the Americas. These endeavors will facilitate scholarly knowledge and expand our understanding of Afro-Latin American and Afro-Latinx studies and the global issues at its core.
Opening installment of the webinar series that seeks to expand transnational, transregional, and interdisciplinary exchange on contemporary and historical issues in Afro-Latin American and Afro-Latinx Studies:
Friday, October 2, 1-2:30 PM, Virtual, "Transnational Dialogues in Afrolatinidad: Migration, Policing and Political Movements" co-moderated by GSC Faculty Fellow Dr. Michele Reid-Vazquez and Dr. George Reid Andrews, a Distinguished Professor of History.
Featured panelists include: Dr. Eddie Bonilla, UCIS Postdoctoral Fellow in Latinx Studies at the University of Pittsburgh; Dr. Jennifer Jones of the University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Zachary Morgan of Penn State University; and Dr. Keisha-Khan Y. Perry of Brown University.
https://www.africanastudies.pitt.edu/people/michele-reid-vazquez
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CLAS/UCIS Faculty News:

Article by
Dr. Ariel Armony,
Vice Provost for Global Affairs; Director, University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh
Article in Spanish:
"EE.UU.-China: el reloj corre, pero aún queda un espacio para resetear la relación"
https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/eeuu-china-el-reloj-corre-pero-aun-queda-nid2404531?fbclid=IwAR1Dajx7zG6NLyqra9eq7X1qVXNYzjcAQxF76s_hrBUii22w-g-drG56Bns
Article in English:
"United States-China: The clock is ticking, but there’s still time to reset the relationship"
https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/main/news-events/united-states-china-clock-ticking-still-time-restore-relationship?fbclid=IwAR3icaKvoldIbfNvVL7rKUQD1-DaQgYkdkfKdy8G9NH4x1ApcNVNNGT0vgY
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The Seligson Political Culture Survey Archive
LAPOP is proud to make available a special collection of surveys, "The Seligson Political Culture Survey Archive", for free download.
Click here to access an Insights report that describes the archive in more detail.
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CLAS Student Information and Opportunities
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For undergraduate and graduate students:
Meet your Academic Advisor, Luis Bravo!
https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/clas/student
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PULSE - University of Pittsburgh Fall 2020 Virtual Career Fair
Hello Pitt community!
Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE) will be attending the University of Pittsburgh Fall 2020 Virtual Career Fair on Friday, September 25th!
Talk with Recruiting Coordinator and PULSE Alum Maryem Aslam to learn more about doing a year of service with PULSE.
Event Time: 9/25. Maryem will be available 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. for individual sessions and will be leading a group session from 3-3:30 p.m.
Event URL: Virtual Career Fair Link. Search for PULSE to sign up for an individual or group session.
If you or anyone else you know (students, faculty, staff) should know about PULSE, please share!
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University of Pittsburgh
Tue, Sep 29 | 3:00 PM
Town Hall Series #3:
Being Latinx in Academia: Navigation, Support, and Mentoring of Graduate Students and Faculty
Wed, Sep 30 | 3:30 PM
Rice and ... Series: Rice and Bean (Live cooking demonstration by CLAS)
Wed, Sep 30 | 6:00 PM
Town Hall Series #4:
Present and Represented: Latinx Mental Health Research, Practice, and Experience in Pittsburgh
Fri, Oct 2 | 1:00-2:30 PM
Transnational Dialogues in Afrolatinidad
Fri, Oct 2 | 6:00 PM
Celebration of Flavors
Tue, Oct 6 | 2:00 PM
Town Hall Series #5:
Successful Latinx Entrepreneurs: Challenges and Opportunities
Tue, Oct 6 | 3:30 PM
Francisco Mejía Mejía: autobiografía de un campesino costarricense
Thu, Oct 8 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Archiving and Preservation Workshop for Hispanic Heritage Month
Thu, Oct 9 | 11:30 AM
Emerging Latinx Communities Group
Mon, Oct 12 | 5:30 PM
LAGOS: Indigenous Workshop
Wed, Oct 14 | 6:00 PM
Town Hall Series #6:
Fernand Amandi (Latinx and the November Election)
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Events
Mark your Calendars!
9/24 -- 9/25: https://bit.ly/3btc2wp
Available Online for 24 hours (FREE)
1:00 p.m. EST
Followed by LIVE Q&A
With Director Raúl O. Paz Pastrana and Producer Jason De León | Friday, 9/25 @ 5pm EST
DEBRIEF with HT94 Pitt Team and discussion of future events | Fri, 9/25 @ 7pm EST via Zoom
For more information, visit: https://globalhub.pitt.edu/events
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Pitt Events, References and Resources
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University of Pittsburgh: COVID-19 Medical Response Office
As you prepare to make your way to campus, we’ve created the Daily COVID-19 Health Check app, a quick and convenient way for you to monitor your health during your shelter-in-place period. This daily health check is required for all students preparing to travel to campus. It is an essential part of how we work together to keep you and other members of our community safe.
Students living in University housing are required to begin using the app on the first day of your shelter-in-place at home, and continue to use it throughout your travel to campus and pod week. Students living off campus must use the app every day during your 14-day shelter-in-place. If you begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms during this period, please follow the guidance on the app and contact your campus’s student health service.
COVID-19 Health Check
Using the app is easy. Use a web browser to visit my.pitt.edu and look for the thermometer icon.
Simply log in using your Pitt credentials and answer two questions about how you are feeling and whether you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If you encounter technical difficulties with the app, please submit a help ticket to the Technology Help Desk.
Completing your daily health check may be required for access to campus facilities, so don’t forget to start using it on the first day of your shelter-in-place period. As always, remember to wear a face covering when you are around people, practice social distancing where appropriate and wash your hands frequently.
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Anti-Racism Resources: Unlearn and Learn
Antiracist Reading Lists
See also:
Understand the Facts
Engage with Research, Tools, and Resources Offered by Universities
- The Racial Equity Action Lab (REAL): Stanford's Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity mobilizes research insights to inform leaders and produces collaborative research to advance racial equity.
- UCLA, The Center for the Study of Racism, Social Justice, and Health – dedicated to examining how and when racism affects health, providing tools to improve the rigor with which researchers study racism and health, and evaluating intervention strategies that most effectively address racism’s contributions to health inequities.
- University of Pittsburgh, Center on Race and Social Problems, helping lead the United States further along the path to social justice by conducting race-related research, mentoring emerging scholars, and disseminating race-related research findings and scholarship.
- The new Boston University Center for Antiracist Research will convene researchers and practitioners to explore novel and practical ways to understand, explain, and solve seemingly intractable problems of racial inequity and injustice.
- Resources for Coping With And Addressing Racial Oppression - McSilver Institute For Poverty Policy and Research, NYU
- Resources to Support Anti-Racist Practice and Advocacy - Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling
Access Pedagogical Resources
Talk About Race and Racism with Children
Advance Anti-Racist Efforts
Prepare to Have Difficult Conversations About Racism and Bias
- Responding to Microaggressions and Bias - Dr. Diane J. Goodman (pdf)
- Tool: Recognizing Microaggressions and the Messages They Send, UCSC, adapted from Sue, Derald Wing (opens .pdf)
- The Cycle of Socialization - Adams, M., Bell, L. A., Griffin, P., Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice (1997; opens .pdf)
- Eight Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice - The Opportunity Agenda
Engage with ongoing efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in your department, the Dietrich School, and University.
Participate in Forums, Trainings, and Conversations at Pitt and Beyond
- Highlights from “I Can’t Breathe” Town Hall, University of Pittsburgh (June 2020)
- David Harris, the Sally Ann Semenko Endowed Chair and professor of law at Pitt, and host of a podcast, Criminal Injustice, lead a virtual discussion: “Race, Police and Unarmed Civilian Deaths: What Can Be Done?” (June 2020)
- July 28-30: Pitt will host a virtual Diversity Forum, featuring speaker, activist and writer Ibram X. Kendi, among others
- Participate in the University of Pittsburgh’s Academic Anti-defamation League (ADL) Campus of Difference training
- Review training and program videos from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Pitt.
- Engage with local Pittsburgh organizations and community intiatives
- Support local, black-owned businesses using the Greater Pittsburgh Black Business Directory
Engage with Organizations
- ACLU: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
- Black Lives Matter: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
- Black Lives Matter has various local chapters. Find yours here!
- Color Of Change: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
- Equal Justice Initiative (EJI): Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
- Higher Heights Leadership Fund: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
- Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube
- NAACP: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
- NAACP Legal Defense Fund: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
- National Urban League: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube
- Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ): Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
- Southern Poverty Law Center: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
U.S. Citizens: Vote in Federal, State and Local Elections
Elected officials at the state and local level matter most with regard to issues such as reformation of police department and criminal justice systems.
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Care & Connection Callers
Your help is needed to support our partners in reaching out, via telephone, to the families and individuals they serve to be sure people feel connected to the resources they need. Sign-up to volunteer.
Volunteers will be placed with a variety of organizations and institutions to make calls according to the partners’ needs and specifications. Volunteers will receive a general training from the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Community & Governmental Relations to ensure positive and safe calling practices and then will participate in training specific to the organization in which the volunteer is placed. Care and Connection Callers:
- Provide a connection with people who may be isolated.
- Assess economic and social needs.
- Connect people to community resources and United Way 2-1-1 as needed.
- Report back to the sponsoring organization any follow-up that is needed.
Who are we looking for to be Care and Connection Callers?
University volunteers who:
- Have access to a phone, a computer and the internet.
- Are willing to participate in two training programs- one through Pitt and one through their sponsoring organization,
- Are able to follow a conversational script that guides the outreach calls.
- Are able to listen to and read COVID-19 informational resources before they make calls so they have the most up-to-date information to share with those they call.
- Are able to commit to weekly service.
If you are a community organization looking for help...
Pitt is open to partnering with you! Please contact Carrie Finklestein at cgf18@pitt.edu to begin the conversation.
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ATTENTION: STUDENTS!
STUDENT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND IS NOW AVAILABLE
The Student Emergency Assistance Fund is a joint venture led by the Office of the Provost, Office of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement, Student Government Board, the Graduate & Professional Student Government, and the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. The health and safety of our Pitt community, particularly our students, is paramount. The fund, to be administered at the direction of the Provost, will be used to provide financial support for degree-seeking students of the University of Pittsburgh with unanticipated and insurmountable expenses related to emergency situations that may result in students facing financial hardship. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may apply for funds when they experience a financial barrier based on an emergency situation, and when they have exhausted all other available resources.
Expenses Covered by the Fund
Examples of emergency expenses to be considered include, but are not limited to:
- Medical necessities
- Food insecurity
- Unexpected transportation and travel expenses
- Overdue utility bills reaching a turn-off notice
- Homelessness, sudden loss of housing, or imminent eviction
- Loss of childcare
- Academic supplies and technology repair or support
- Up to $600 may be requested
Expenses Not Covered by the Fund
- Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs
- Non-essential personal bills such as: current utility, credit card, cable, cell phone, etc.
- Parking tickets, library fines, or other expenses mistakenly incurred
- Funds for the replacement of lost or stolen items
- Rent payments are not covered by the fund unless a one-time payment will delay or halt an eviction.
Hold on Eviction
Students who live off-campus should be aware of their Tenants’ Rights. In addition, the Attorney General of Pennsylvania has recently issued an order that evictions cannot take place at this time. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered courts closed to eviction proceedings due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The Court’s order is applicable to all Pennsylvania property owners, managers, landlords, as well as mortgage brokers and lenders.
Eligibility Requirements
Any Pitt student may apply for emergency funds. Each applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate financial hardship
- Experience an emergency, accident, illness, or other unforeseen event among the “covered” examples above
- Be currently enrolled as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking student
Applicants must complete all questions in full and submit a justification and supporting documentation as the situation allows. Examples of supporting documentation include but are not limited to:
- Eviction notice
- Utility bills indicating shut-off notice
- Medical bills
Students with non-emergent financial hardships that do not qualify for the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, including student account balances, are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid directly to discuss their situation and talk about possible aid options.
Application Process
Students in need of emergency financial assistance are encouraged to submit the application. Questions may be directed to emergencyfund@pitt.edu.
Completed applications are reviewed by members of the Student Emergency Assistance Fund Advisory Committee that includes representatives from Student Affairs and the Office of Financial Aid. A member of the committee will respond to emergency application submissions within 72 hours or three business days.
The maximum emergency aid allocation to a student will be $600. Payment will be distributed as soon as possible consistent with University policies and procedures. Each application is carefully reviewed to ensure all other financial aid resources are maximized first.
Students should set up direct deposit in PittPAY
How Do I Sign Up for Direct Deposit (eRefunds)?
Log onto PittPAY from the Student PittPay Login at payments.pitt.edu.
Select the eRefund tab.
Enter your bank routing and account information
Once you save the information, you will receive a confirmation email from PittPAY.
Students should be aware that emergency funding may create a taxable event that could require reporting to the IRS by the recipient.
Submit the application here
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Community Support
PITT PANDEMIC SERVICE INITIATIVE
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher called upon the University to acknowledge our role in the response during this time of great challenge… Join us in Pitt’s Pandemic Service Initiative: expanding staff, faculty, and student service; contributing to drives and collections; and forging innovative partnerships. We are rolling up our sleeves.
PANDEMIC RESPONSE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
As part of the Pitt Pandemic Service Initiative, faculty, staff, and students are coming together to meet critical community needs. You can make a difference with even just a small amount of time. Priority needs identified by community partners include care and connection calls and IT support.
Student Service

Faculty/Staff Service

Drives and Collections

We’re committed to being a University of the community. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pitt students, faculty, and staff are volunteering to provide technology support, well-checks, and a host of other forms of support.
For community members, this means access to resources and information.
RESOURCES & SUPPORT »
SHARE WAYS PITT CAN VOLUNTEER »
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The Eduardo Lozano Latin American Collection and Hillman Library
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Updates from Hillman Library
COVID-19 CLOSURE
Currently, all ULS libraries are closed, but if you have questions, please contact Ask Us or check the Library Response & Resources page for ways the library can still help!
Nearly 50% of our print book collection is now available online until the end of summer!
Full-text versions of all books offered through HathiTrust that are also in the ULS collections are available online to Pitt faculty, students, and staff temporarily through the summer. Simply search the catalog and look for the “HathiTrust” link.
No-Contact Pickup of Print Materials!
Starting June 24, Pitt faculty, staff, and students can request print materials that are not available via HathiTrust for no-contact pickup.
If you find an item in the catalog that has a “Request This Item” button enabled, please choose the “Request Whole Book” option and indicate your preferred pick-up location. Note that Owen Library at Pitt Johnstown will not be pick-up location until July 6. You may select up to 15 items at a time. You will be contacted via email with instructions for when and how to retrieve your items. Beginning on July 6 you will also be able to request print items via ILL for no-contact pickup. Please Ask Us if you have any questions. Not able to pick up your items? Starting July 6, we will mail them to you! This service is available for US addresses only. This service is available for ULS-owned items shipped to US addresses only.
No Need to Renew Checked Out Items
As a reminder, you do not need to renew or return your materials to the library at this time. All library materials (including E-ZBorrow and Interlibrary Loans) are now due Sept. 30, 2020. See our FAQ further down this page for information about returning your materials.
A New PittCat Library Catalog is Coming in July 2020!
Visit https://newpittcat.pitt.edu for more information and be sure to check out this introductory video!
Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Thomas Boulevard to Open
As of June 22, the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Thomas Boulevard is now open by appointment only. Appointments are for Pitt affiliates only and require at least 48 hours advanced notice. The number of patrons and staff will be limited to maintain social distancing. Please note that all patrons must wear a self-provided mask and will be supplied with gloves. As part of the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all employees and visitors on campus, a self-attestation of symptoms must be completed for every day an individual comes to the campus for any reason and for any length of time. Contact us to request an appointment. One of our archivists will follow-up with you to schedule your appointment.
Library Access
At this time, ULS libraries remain closed and are expected to reopen to the Pitt community in early August. Please note that many vendors and other providers have opened emergency access to their full-text online resources. Please see our Online Research, Teaching, and Learning @ Pitt: Resources and Support from the ULS guide for what is currently available beyond our subscriptions.
Remote Access to Library Resources
Support for Online Teaching
PittCat
The new "PittCat”, which will be shared with the Health Sciences and Law Library systems, offers powerful, intuitive search, unique tools for the discovery of content and ideas, and streamlined ways to get the material you need, when you need it, in formats that are right for you.
www.universityannouncements.pitt.edu/ULS PittCat.pdf
For more information about Read Green, please visit http://technology.pitt.edu/readgreen
New ULS Journal Publications!
The International Journal of Medical Students began publishing a Forthcoming issue of in-press articles after they have undergone peer review and have been accepted but prior to the formal production process. Four new articles were added last week.
Dentistry 3000, which publishes articles on a rolling basis as they are ready, published Comparative evaluation of retentive strength of polyvinyl siloxane impression materials to custom tray using different tray adhesives: An In Vitro study on May 4th.
The Bolivian Studies Journal published Volume 25, 2019 on May 11th.
The Dialogic Pedagogy Journal, which publishes articles on a rolling basis as they are ready, published Moving from collaboration to critical dialogue in action in education on May 11th.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ULS Director,
Kornelia Tancheva at tancheva@pitt.edu.
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In the midst of the challenges of the present and the uncertainties of the future, the Bolivian Studies Journal / Revista de Estudios Bolivianos published at the University of Pittsburgh has just made available in an open-access format its latest issue: Vol. 25, 2019.
A Festschrift in honor of Xavier Albó, the volume has been compiled by Núria Vilanova, former Chair of the LASA-Bolivia section, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Associate Professor of World Languages and Cultures at American University.
We invite you to review its contents by accessing the corresponding website:
https://bsj.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/bsj/issue/view/12
Thanks for your continuing interest in our work.
Elizabeth Monasterios - Martha E. Mantilla
Editoras
Bolivian Studies Journal/Revista de Estudios Bolivianos http://bsj.pitt.edu/
En medio de los desafíos del presente y las incertidumbres del futuro, la Revista de Estudios Bolivianos / Bolivian Studies Journal, publicada en la Universidad de Pittsburgh, acaba de lanzar en formato de acceso abierto su último número:
vol. 25, 2019.
Dedicado al trabajo de Xavier Albó, la coordinación de este volumen estuvo a cargo de Núria Vilanova, ex presidenta de la sección LASA-Bolivia, Dean for Academic Affairs y Associate Professor of World Languages and Cultures en American University.
Los invitamos a revisar los contenidos de este nuevo número, disponibles en el sitio: https://bsj.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/bsj/issue/view/12
Gracias por su continuo interés en nuestro trabajo.
Elizabeth Monasterios - Martha E. Mantilla
Editoras
Bolivian Studies Journal/Revista de Estudios Bolivianos http://bsj.pitt.edu/
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CLAS Community Engagement
CLAS' community engagement programs play a pivotal role in sharing information and expertise on Latin America to educators both at the college/university level and kindergarten through secondary (K-12) level, the professional community, and general public as part of its Educational Public Service (Outreach) mission.
Community Engagement programs are offered throughout the academic year. These include but are not limited to: professional development workshops, study abroad opportunities, faculty development seminars, summer research fellowships, curriculum development projects, school visit program, lecture and film series, resource lending library, list of Latin American Organizations in Pittsburgh, and newsletters, including CLASicos and a weekly newsletter.
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University Center for International Studies (UCIS) Engagement
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Pittsburgh Events, Resources for Families,
Individuals and Businesses
Click on each item to go to specific menu.
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Community Events (not sponsored by CLAS/UCIS or Pitt)
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For more information, click "HERE"
 
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With Open Heart and Open Arms: LGBTQ Cubans and the LGBTQ Community's Response to the Mariel Boatlift in 1980 Exhibit
Our new traveling exhibit, With Open Heart and Open Arms: LGBTQ Cubans and the LGBTQ Community's Response to the Mariel Boatlift in 1980, is now on display at the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg. It is on exhibit through September 25 and will be open during Harrisburg's Gallery Walk on the 13th and Third in the Burg on the 18th. It has 12 panels of text, photos and graphics and 5 video units showing clips of interviews. This is a collaborative project of the PA LGBT History Network.
You can also see it online here: https://www.centralpalgbthistory.org/with-open-hearts--open-arms.html
Our web page about the exhibit:
https://centralpalgbtcenter.org/withopenheart
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Resources for Families, and Individuals
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We all must do one simple thing to stop the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask, Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, masks are mandatory in businesses and all public spaces.

More information:
on.pa.gov/2VFj7Dk
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From the Mayor's Office:
While the Governor has extended protections from foreclosure or eviction, eligible residents of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County should be aware they can apply for rental assistance if needed.
Learn more about the programs from our Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh & County CARES: https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/4148
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Join the All for All Coalition!
The All for All Coalition is an action-oriented collaborative network that aims to advance immigrant inclusion to create a welcoming region for all. The coalition’s action framework is anchored in the ongoing implementation of the Immigrant Community Blueprint: Helping Immigrants Thrive in Allegheny County and designed to adapt to new and unanticipated challenges shared by the group. The coalition will also work in affiliation with Welcoming Pittsburgh, ensuring that progress on the Community Blueprint is complementary to the city’s Welcoming Pittsburgh Plan. The All for All Coalition will streamline action through collaboration between members and involvement of new partners. The Global Switchboard powers the All for All Coalition and will work with coalition members to establish approaches to implementing the blueprint with values based in human rights, human dignity and anti-racism.
This application is for people and organizations that contribute to the goals of the Immigrant Community Blueprint, it will take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Please email allforall@theglobalswitchboard.org if you have any questions.
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Welcoming Pittsburgh Secures $500,000 Grant for COVID-19
Cash Assistance Program to Serve Vulnerable Immigrant Communities
The Mayor’s Office of Equity's Welcoming Pittsburgh initiative has secured a $500,000 grant from Open Society Foundations for the COVID-19 Cash Assistance Program. The program will be run by local community organizations that serve immigrant and refugee communities who will disburse funding to residents who did not receive a federal stimulus payment.
Money from the grant will go to Welcoming Pittsburgh's local community partners to distribute directly to individuals and families in the communities they serve through an application process. Assisting in the creation of this fund were Acculturation for Justice, Access and Peace Outreach, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Casa San Jose, Jewish Family & Community Services, and Union of African Communities. These community organizations may have additional services or programs available for those who need other kinds of support.
Those interested in the program should contact welcomingpgh@gmail.com for more information about applying or assistance with language access. Funds will be disbursed over the next several weeks on a first-come, first serve basis. No interviews are necessary to receive payment.
REGISTER HERE!!
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Resources for Small Businesses
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Small Business Resources
COVID-19 Resource Pages
Organizations
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THE CENSUS DEADLINE IS NOW
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
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For every person in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County that is not counted, we lose about $2,000 a year in federal funding for critical services like transportation, schools, hospitals, roads and other community improvements. The recent announcement by the federal government that the census deadline has been moved up by one month means we must get our neighbors to complete Census 2020 by September 30, 2020.
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County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor William Peduto issued information for how our communities can be impacted if our undercounted communities are not counted and what we can do to help. Read the full release here.
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Key Facts About the Census
- The census counts every person living in the United States, regardless of age or citizenship status, every 10 years in years ending in 0.
- It’s in the Constitution. It’s important
- It’s about money, power, and data.
- Every 10 years we help decide how taxpayer dollars come back to our communities. The 2020 Census will help to distribute billions of dollars in federal resources to your community.
- Our community gets resources based on census population counts, that help pay for hospitals, emergency services, schools, roads, and more.
- An accurate and complete census helps businesses, community leaders and elected officials make informed decisions every day.
- It’s easy
- For the first time, people can respond online and by phone, in addition to the mail-in option. Your response impacts funding for your community for critical services for the next 10 years!
- The next decennial census happens in 2030. It’s safe and confidential
- Your data is protected and it’s confidential. Federal law protects your responses, which cannot be shared with law enforcement, immigration agencies, or housing authorities.
COVID-19 & the 2020 Census
- The 2020 Census is underway and the most important and safe thing you can do is respond online, by phone, or by mail. It has never been easier to respond to the 2020 Census.
- Responding now will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up with households.
Take the Pledge
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Latin American and Caribbean Cuisine
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Latin American and Caribbean Cuisine
(Delivery, Takeout and/or Gift Certificates)
We are creating a list of local Latin American and Caribbean cuisine offerings to support and promote your business. Please complete the included survey to help us identify you and find out what services you offer (delivery, takeout, hours, menu, etc.).
We plan to share this list with other local organizations, and promote it in our newsletter and email list. We hope that you take the time to answer this questionnaire. Thank you!
Click HERE to see the list of local Latin American and Caribbean Cuisine you can order!
(Updated 7/20/2020)

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Higher Education
Click on each item to go to specific menu.
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Call for Papers, Training and Conferences
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Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC)
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CALL FOR PAPERS: IUP Hispanic Journal
The editors of Hispanic Journal invite submissions of unpublished studies all year around. Hispanic Journal is published twice annually by the Department of Foreign Languages and the Graduate School of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Its purpose is to publish original research and criticism in the areas of Spanish, Spanish American, Portuguese, Catalan, Galician, and Basque literatures, languages, linguistics, and cinema of any period. We also publish interviews and book reviews. Submissions may be written in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.
- All manuscripts must follow the guidelines set forth by the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th ed., (2016).
- Manuscripts should consist of at least 4,000 but not more than 7,000 words total.
- Manuscripts must be single-spaced in Times 12 and written using Word 2007 or later.
- In a cover letter, briefly present yourself, your work, and your work’s word count. *Submissions should be sent electronically to the editor (vgiz@iup.edu, or owner-hispanic-journal@iup.edu)
- All authors whose work is accepted for publication will be required to obtain a subscription to Hispanic Journal.
- All articles published become the property of Hispanic Journal.
The current annual subscription rate for individuals is $45.00 (U.S.), and $61.00 (abroad). The current annual subscription rate for institutions is $80.00 (U.S.), and $96.00 (abroad). These prices include shipping and handling.
Send articles, book reviews and interviews to:
Vicente Gomis-Izquierdo, Editor Hispanic Journal
Department of Foreign Languages
478 Sutton Hall
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705
Questions? Please write to:
vgiz@iup.edu or hispanic-journal@iup.edu
Subject: HISPANIC JOURNAL
https://www.iup.edu/foreignlanguages/publications/hispanic-journal/
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Academic Organizations and Resources
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Latin American Studies Asociation (LASA)
LASA is free to all job seekers and provides you with access to employers The LASA Career
Center and jobs from all over the world. For more information, please
visit: https://www.lasaweb.org/en/job-seekers/
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Employment Opportunity:
"The Experience: Remote Working From Puerto Rico"
Tuesday, September 29, at 1:00 p.m.
For information about this event, click "HERE"
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Employment Opportunity:
Randstad is a staffing company that has partnered with a local food manufacturing company in Fox Chapel. Randstad does the majority of the hiring for their staffing needs. The Randstad team works on site at the production facility and we are currently hiring for entry-level warehouse/production associates. These positions are "temp-to-hire" so the employee would work for Randstad for approximately 90 days, before the client company would hire them permanently. Randstad as well as the client company have robust benefit packages for their employees including: medical, dental, vision, 401k with match, free college courses, and discounts on services such as cell phone plans, rental cars, and hotels.
Entry-level positions -- no previous experience is required. We are looking for hard working, reliable, individuals with a positive attitude to join our team.
The positions that we are hiring for range from $11.00/hr-$14.84/hr. For more information, email: jenny.rios@randstadusa.com

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The Global Switchboard is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that stewards a diverse network of people and organizations to transform the Pittsburgh region into a more globally engaged and equitable community. We utilize four tools to work towards our mission: a physical co-working space, a digital hub, a slate of programs and partnerships and a data-driven state of global engagement project. Together, these tools help us bring people together, encourage collaboration, and support our network.
All for All is a community coalition working to advance immigrant inclusion in the Pittsburgh region. All for All is guided by A Community Blueprint: Helping Immigrants Thrive in Allegheny County, a comprehensive, community-designed plan. Collectively, coalition members seek to build a regional movement that advances immigrant integration, removes barriers to success, and improves equity for all foreign-born residents including marginalized groups such as refugees, low-income individuals, and other under-resourced sub-populations. The Global Switchboard houses the coalition.
In addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below, the ideal candidate needs to be passionate about how people in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region engage the world, and the resulting implications on equity, human rights, and human dignity. Our office environment is small and informal, but dedicated and fast paced. A successful candidate is someone who is independent and confident in their work, has an ability to adjust to the demands of an evolving organization, and a commitment to teamwork suitable for a participatory organizational culture.
Responsibilities
- Coalition Management and Engagement – Maintain strong relationships with community, ensuring members benefit from and participate in collaborative efforts
- Coordinate and support Switchboard Coalitions including communications, scheduling, and coordinating with facilitators to set agendas
- Facilitate All for All Coalition meetings
- Work with coalition members to set agendas, timelines, and deliverables and identify new partners or members
- Maintain tracking system for Community Blueprint, including working with partners to keep updated and adjust as needed based on feedback
- Maintain relationships with coalition members and makes sure coalition responds to needs and goals of member organizations
- Actively seek out and learn about member organizations and their work in order to partner on programs, facilitate introductions, and amplify work of members.
- Work with Communications Coordinator to produce reports and updates that can be shared with broader community on state of work
- Ensure active coordination with City and County welcoming work.
- Perform regular audits of the work to ensure accountability.
- Fundraise for projects and actions identified by the coalition as pertinent and related to coalition goals
- Provide research and grant writing/reporting support
- Work collaboratively with the Coalition Members and Switchboard staff to develop campaigns that build awareness and buy-in (through newsletters, social media, etc)
- AmeriCorps Member Relations and Management – Manage team of AmeriCorps fellows working directly with coalition members
- Supervise and support a team of AmeriCorps fellows placed with coalition organizations to ensure communications and coordination of activities
- Support program implementation and coordinate various activities to advance day to day goals
- Manage and delegate calendar of activities (from recurring stakeholder meetings to stand alone events) to ensure relevant communication and action items are conducted in a timely manner and deadlines are met
- Coalition Communication and Coordination – Oversee Coalition Coordinator and public communications from the coalition
- Directly oversee and collaborate with the All for All Coalition Coordinator, a full-time AmeriCorps fellow, on coalition activities
- Oversee development of newsletters, social media posts, website content
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Compensation: $43,000/ year
The Global Switchboard’s compensation philosophy serves as a demonstration of the organization’s commitment to transparency and its employees. Starting salaries are determined by a set percentage range benchmarked on a review of nonprofits in Allegheny County.
Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in health and dental insurance. Employees may also participate in a 403(b) retirement plan after six months employment. The Global Switchboard provides eleven paid holidays (6 permanent and 5 floating) a year as well as 15 days of paid vacation during their first year of employment.
To Apply: Email your resume, cover letter, and list of references to admin@theglobalswitchboard.org
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