Before You Miss It
Artist opportunities, grant opportunities, jobs, scholarships, call for entries, etc. If it comes across my desk, it will end up here, and hopefully make it to your desk.

2009 Loft Inroads

Created in 1989, the Inroads program was originally conceived as a “Seminary and Study Program for Writers of Color.” It offered three sections in its first year: one for African-American writers, one for Native writers, and one for writers of Chicano/Latino descent. In 1991, a section was added for writers whose heritage was Asian/Pacific Islander. In 1993, a section was added for gay, lesbian, and bisexual writers. Due to a major restructuring of funding priorities, the Dayton Hudson Foundation pulled financial support for Inroads in 2001, forcing the Loft to discontinue the program.

During the development of the 2007 – 2012 Loft Strategic Plan, staff and constituents vocalized a desire to reinstitute Inroads. In the Winter of 2009, a Latino/Latina, Chicano/Chicana section will launch, offering 12 emerging writers a chance once more to work on their craft alongside an established writing mentor. A section for Native writers is scheduled for Spring 2009.

Mentor: Lorena Duarte - she is the bomb!

Application Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2009, 5 pm...more info

White House Summer Internship:

President Obama today launched the White House Internship Program for his administration and announced that applications are currently being accepted for the summer of 2009. Those selected to participate in the program will gain valuable job experience and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building leadership skills.

"This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I'm proud that they will have this opportunity to serve," said President Obama. "I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country."

In addition to normal office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.

The 2009 Summer Internship program runs from May 22 to August 14, and the submission deadline is March 22, 2009.

Those interested in applying to the White House Internship Program must be:

• US Citizens
• Eighteen years of age on or before the first day of the internship.
• Enrolled in a college or university (2-4 year institution) or must have graduated from college in the past two years.

Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments in the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President where interns could be placed.

• White House Department of Scheduling and Advance
• The Office of Cabinet Affairs
• The White House Communications Department
• The White House Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs
• The Office of the First Lady
• The White House Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA)
• The Office of Political Affairs
• The Office of Management and Administration
• The Office of White House Counsel
• The Domestic Policy Council
• The White House Office of Presidential Personnel
• Office of the Vice President

More information on the White House Internship Program, including application instructions, can be found at:
www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships