[Mn-abs] Reminder: Workshop: Create an Advertising Directory – NABS Membership Committee

[Al4peace]

Alvin Jask						
FDA Road Community
3rd RD  North
1000 Block 2 
Bernard's Farm
Lower Johnsonville
Liberia
Email: alvinjask at gmail.com or al4peace at yahoo.com
Mobile:   0770149505
YouTube: AlvinJask
	FB: Alvin Jask

Mr. Teemu Ropponen,
Director iLab
20th Street
Sinkor, Monrovia

I am pleased most respectfully to forward this document which contains my personal data and work experiences.

Objectives:

To be hired as Specialist for Training and Professional Skills development for the Blind and People with other learning disabilities in Liberia. 

It is my hope that the current administration of Liberia  discuss the possibility of  establishing an Academic Resource Center for current disable university students as indications are that they are finding it very difficult to access books and educational materials because of the huge inaccessibility problems found in Liberian schools and higher institutions of learning.

 This could be started as a pilot initiative with some of the latest and most sophisticated and latest computer and tablet devices invented for the disable community brought in by me to fast track any such  related efforts.
EXPERIENCES

CURRENT:

Blindness Technology Skills Trainer/Mentor
National Commission on Disability, NCD
Congo Town, Monrovia

The NCD recently thought it wise and timely to establish a partnership with me to ensure that members of the community I am part of get at least the basic of technological exposer in Adapted and Assisted Technology to help ease the growing problems faced by blind students in Liberia.

Hopes are that funding would be made available soon to establish a resource center in Monrovia to begin helping some of these students.

CURRENT:

Media Partner and Specialist
Ministry of Information Cultural and Tourism, MICAT

MICAT website currently features some of the latest digital television reporting by me on efforts by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government to rebuild Liberia.

This is an engagement that is affording me the opportunity to increase my advocacy for disable people of Liberia.

 
CURRENT:

Senior TV Producer and Media Content Developer
Liberia National Television, LNTV
Paynesville City, Monrovia

Content creation, development, production and presentation are among my responsibilities at LNTV/LBS. I am also involve with the training and development of the human resource to the utilization of the new age media gadgets available for the production and delivery of broadcast contents in various platforms. 

2012-2013 Interim
Sight Savers International
Liberia - Office
19th Street, Sinkor South
Monrovia

Multi Platform Digital Media Production along with concept and media content development were among my responsibilities at this UK base International Non-profit

Video being a vivid way of telling stories in the real world for clear evidence, is seriously now considered to attract the most complex donor.



2012-2013 Media Partner
Handicap International, HI
12th Street, sinkor South
Monrovia, Liberia

I partnered with HI in its current advocacy for Inclusive Education program in Liberia as a media specialist.

I was supported in the production of media contents that tell the real story both in video and picture  about how the physically challenged suffered total exclusion from the classroom in Liberia.

CURRENT:

Head of Advocacy (HOA)
AJi (Alvin Jask Initiatives)

Advocacy
Outreach
Email Campaign
Digital Mart/Communication
Monitoring/Evaluation
Virtual Mobilization
iOS Apps facilitation
Mobile Device/Tablet Education
Touch to Speech Technology 
Virtual Marketing
Financial/Admin Management
workshop documentation
professional skills development
video/film production
. computer literacy
Multi media Training
website management
Internet education
human services
image management
rehab mentoring
Citizen Journalism
Social Media Education
Digital Media Production
Adapted/Assisted Tech Trainer
Electronic Mail Management
Human Resource Management
Concept Developer
Project/Market Design
Mac OS Ten Lion/iOS facilitation
Project Strategist
PR professional
Blindness Skills Mentor
Public Health Promoter
Video/Digital Media Producer
Consultative/Customer Service Specialist
Event Pro
Broadcast/Media Script Development
Broadcast Journalist
Videographer
Photographer


People with Special Needs and Print Disable Advocacy including mentoring is the Core of this initiative.

The founder of AJi being himself a person with Special Needs (major vision loss) has chosen not to wallop in self pity but to rather use the education and skills acquired in technology and blindness skills training and special education both in Liberia and the United States of America to robustly advocate for Access, Opportunity, Independence and Self Confidence for all including the physically challenged in Liberia and the world over.

AJi present engagement is the production of awareness visual media pieces for Handicap International Inclusive Education program and the production of an iBook version of a recent Sight Saver International workshop on human resource development of People with Special Needs and Eye Care Specialists in Liberia. Other  involvement is with the nonprofit community, disable people, opinion leaders, National government and NFB USA. This is done through the role model context and advocacy with the use of the fastest growing platform for interpersonal communication, Social Media and on site where necessary such as in Liberia.
.

Minnesota Advisory
Volunteer Instructor/Adviser
MN School System
MN. USA

Duties:
Working with one of US largest school system as an Instructor and Adviser for High Schools and Community Colleges has been my latest engagement just before my recent return home.

This opportunity greatly enhance my ability to plan and execute programs in some of the well noted toughest in terms of trouble areas.

As per the TOR, I commuted extensively into far and near places to work with people with special needs and trouble pupils.

 
Apple Inc.
Specialist
Uptown Apple Store
3018 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN. 55408

S: Dan Becker
P: 9522291460

Duties: As a corporate employee of the world’s number one maker of iOS devices, I am well trained to engage potential promoters of Apple Inc. by educating them on the benefits and features of products made and sold by the company.

My term of reference requires me to work to the core of the company which include among other things, Approach, Present, Probe, Listen and End with sound recommendations that have the potential of creating a promoter of Apple iOS devices including, the iMac, Mac Book Pro, MacAir, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch amongst other great products.

Latest Customer’s review:

Hey Alvin,
Your work at Apple inspires me Alvin.    Thank you for making such a difference with the Uptown team in creating the right experience for our customers.
Well done sir!

Duke


Please take a look at this awesome promoter for Alvin. It is a wonderful story of how Alvin made a personal connection and lasting impact
with his customer. Transformational experience and the customer is clearly passionate about his interaction in our store and with Alvin. 

Thank you Alvin and the entire team for your commitment to our customers.

This is an example of why we are the #1 store in the company MTD!!!

Hope,

Benjamin

Apple Uptown
3018 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis MN 55408
952-229-1460
uptown at apple.com

CURRENT:
JaskInfo Ltd.
809 Spring Street NE.
Suite 104
Mpls. MN 55413
Mobile: 6126694801

DUTIES:
JaskInfo is a self innovation engage in consultative graphic design, web and interactive media development both in the US and Africa.

This establishment has also exposed me to many voluntary services to people with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. I provide expert mentor services and technology assistance to the sight loss and blind both in the US and Liberia.

CURRENT:
Web and Interactive Marketing Specialist ()
Keep Calling/Phone Liberia
Atlanta, Georgia

DUTIES:
This is an engagement that has connected me to hundreds of people around the world including villages and towns in my natal land, Liberia.

With a special bank account, I am able and on a daily basis virtually recharge mobile phones be it in the most remote hamlet in Gbarpolu County in Liberia.

Friends and family members in the US transfer the funds to my account while I do the recharging virtually through the local networks in several countries across the globe.

VOLUNTEER:
 (International Resource Partner
Christian Association of the Blind
Monrovia, Liberia

DUTIES:
The Christian Association of the Blind headed by Beyan Kota is working with me on a weekly basis as regards assisted and adapted technology for the sight loss and blind in Liberia especially those of his organization.

Recent efforts are directed toward the provision of assisted tech for the poverty stricken visually impair Students on the campuses of CAB in Liberia. 

VOLUNTEER:
Vice President, Minnesota Association of Blind Students, MABS (2010-2011)
100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 5540
4
S:  Jordan Richardson
P:  763-742-8792
20 hrs/w, Volunteer

Duties: As the senior Program Officer for Project Review, ADMIN, Advocacy, Public Relations, and Media Outreach, I represented MABS at major functions.  For example, as lead advocate, spokesperson, and delegation head for Minnesota Blind Students at a recent Seminar in Washington DC, I met with top government officials, including Minnesota Senator, Al Franken, whom I lobbied regarding opportunities for the blind community in the United States.

As part of this venture, I enhanced my leadership and executive lobbying skills and gained experience in working with government officials in Washington, D.C.; polished my presentation and public presentation abilities; and learned the basics of performing my duties in the fast-paced environment of the federal political arena.

Director of Press, Public, and Media Relations, Liberia National Police Force; Monrovia, Liberia (2006-2009)
Alfonso Cain Building
Capitol Bypass, Monrovia, Liberia

Duties:  To repair, through public relations outreach efforts, the badly tarnished image of a security apparatus with a ragtag membership composed mainly of former war lords.  This was a fascinating and demanding challenge which required the design and review of programs and implementation of new media strategies, such as:  community and media policy development; community forums; weekly press conferences; a police newsletter; and proactive and interactive events with key stick-holders, including representatives of the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia.  

I gained great satisfaction from the positive effect such changes had on the Liberian populace, but my experience here also taught me painful lessons about the great community damage brought about by non-compliance and bad governance on the parts of corrupt administrative officials. 
Public Relations and Media Specialist, Sarah, Duchess of York Liberia Tour Project (2007-2008)

YWCA Compound
Tubman Blvd.
Monrovia, Liberia 
S: Evelyn Kandakai
P: 011 231 655-1186

Volunteer

5 hrs/w,

Duties:  This task required establishing press relations, coordinating media coverage, planning promotional events, video documentation, and writing and publishing summary reports.

The Duchess project was a most interesting and pleasant assignment which helped me develop strong organizational skills and media management proficiency.  Sarah Ferguson's sparkling personality impacted every media practitioner involved and her tour also highlighted  the status of poverty-level pay scales for media professionals Liberia.

My greatest challenges during the Duchess' visit were motivating the crew to be punctual and meet essential deadlines as required by the hosting of an international event and ensuring that the media messages surrounding it were appropriately respectful.  At the close of the tour, the majority of these goals had been successfully met and I had developed a higher level of expertise in communications and public relations.

Media Consultant; Liberia Educational Trust (2006-2009)

YWCA Compound
Tubman Blvd.
Monrovia, Liberia 
S:  Evelyn Kandakai, Director
P:  011 231 655-1186

Volunteer
15 hrs/w,

Duties:  To develop a strategic public relations plan, coordinate special event planning, and formulate effective press releases and community outreach strategies.

L.E.T.  afforded me a demanding media consultancy challenge through which I became aware of some of the causes and effects of the high illiteracy rate in Liberia.

Media Partner; Oxfam Great Britain – Liberia Project; 2009

Sinkor Old Road
Monrovia, Liberia 
S:  Suesee Kpaka
P: 011 231 651-0725  10

Volunteer
 hrs/w

,
Duties:  To produce and serve as a multimedia consultant for a film documenting sanitation projects being sponsored in Liberia by Oxfam, Great Britain.

This brief contract gave me the opportunity to serve as Senior Digital Film and Media Consultant in coordination with a Canadian partner, and enabled me to learn new approaches to making very short but impressive internationally applicable video documentaries.

Media Specialist; National Democratic Institute (NDI) – Liberia (2005-2006)

Sinkor 
Monrovia, Liberia
S:  Alieu Varney
P: 612 483 4633  15 hrs/w, US $20.00/hr

Duties:  To supervise the filming, editing, and production of all videos covering both local and national candidates.  

As the winner of a bid for media specialists to produce a documentary on local elections, this NDI exercise taught me a healthy respect for the powerful elite within this context, and reinforced the need for a balanced treatment of all contestants in my reportage and presentation.

Media Partner; United States Embassy, Monrovia, Liberia (2005-2007)

Mamba Point
Monrovia
S:  Samuel Agbator
P: 011 231 656 9386  10 hrs/w: Volunteer

Duties:  To provide civic education regarding the election process for the 2005 general and presidential elections.

With this duty, I was educated about the need for serious education for the Liberian population about the importance of electing a good leader.

Media Advocate/Representative; UNICEF Liberia (1998-2002)

Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia
S:  McArthur Hills
P:  10 hrs/w, Volunteer

Duties:  To write press releases and record snap shots of Unicef activities around Liberia.

From this engagement, I learned my first organized approach to different media outlets and linear editing.

Shift Supervisor/Closing Manager, Rite Aid Pharmacy (2003-2005)

Pontiac, Michigan
S: Linda Allen 
P: 248 338 2665 40 hrs/w, US $9.50/hr

Duties:  Cashier responsibilities, stocking, cleaning, cash accounting, and staff supervision.

This job gave me the opportunity to know how to manage huge financial accounts, personnel and commercial assets.

Sales Representative, Office Max; Waterford, Michigan (2003-2004)

Waterford, Michigan
S: OfficeMax HR Code: 70131  
P: 1800 367 5690 40 hrs/w, US $10.00/hr

Duties:  To stock all incoming goods, clean the entire store, and stage the premises for the next morning during the 10:00 p.m. To 7:00 a.m. shift.

In addition to honing organizing and planning proficiency, this job taught me to be adaptable to varying work schedules and demands.

Sales Consultant, Sears; Waterford, Michigan (2003-2004)

Waterford, Michigan
S: Kathy Booth   
P: 248 535 1049  30 hrs/w, US $8.50/hr

Duties:  To make sales and assist customers on products and advise if requested in making  purchasing decisions, providing specialized product information and assist in credit applications.

This position enabled me to learn the importance of managing and protecting people's money, privacy and personal information.

Media Specialist and Participant, UNICEF Say Yes for Children Conference; UN Headquarters; New York, NY (2002)

New York, New York
S: McArthur Hills 
P: 3110 hrs/w, Volunteer

Duties:  The exhibition of video materials about the effects of the Liberian social and fiscal crises on children and their mothers, many of whom were rape victims.

This assignment allowed me to participate in an annual event of the United Nations Conference for People with Special Needs, Children affected by war and other afflictions and to learn the basics of  international press coverage, reporting, and public presentation.

EDUCATION:
CURRENT STUDENT
Minneapolis Technical College
Mpls. MN
:. 
Human Services/Public Health ADMIN.

GRADUATE STUDENT:
Handy Tech
Advance MacOS10 Training
Assisted/Adapted Technology
Columbia Height
Mpls. MN

GRADUATE:
Accessibility and Technology Skills Training
Apple iOS Devices and Assisted Technology
MacOS10/iCloud Services
Social Media 
Inter-active/multimedia production
Apple Uptown

3018 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN, 55408

Non Visual Computer Ed. and Specialized Blindness Skills and Non-Visual Technical Training; 2010-2011
Blind, Inc. 100 East 22nd Street; Minneapolis, MN. 55401
Information Systems Administration/Management
Assisted Tech./Computer Skills
Braille and Technology Interface
Cain Travel
Industrial Arts
Culinary
Personal Management
Leadership

Double BA 
2009
Mass Communications and Sociology, () 12/2009
University of Liberia; Capitol Hill; Monrovia

Certificate;
Media in International Development and Peace Support Operations; 2008
Kofi Annan International Peace Training Center; Accra, Ghana

Certificate;
Digital Television Production; 2005
Media Network of Waterford; 1150 Scott Lake Road; Waterford, MI 48328

Certificate;
Print Journalism and Newspaper Production; 1989
United States Information Service; U.S. Embassy; Monrovia, Liberia.

On Mar 2, 2014, at 10:59 PM, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:

>>> 
>>>> The Following Comes from NABS board member Justin Salisbury  regarding an opportunity that student division leaders looking to build their membership  will not want to miss out on. 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> Colleagues:
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> So, we have an idea.  We’re putting on a student seminar, a student division social, or a fun activity at the state convention.  We know how to run it, who will speak, what kind of food we want, but now…how do we get people to attend?  Who do we invite?  How do we spread the word?
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> We once struggled with these questions in the North Carolina Association of Blind Students, and we devised a solution: create an advertising directory for our state.  With four people working on the project for only about two months, we realized that it was, in fact, possible. 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> The system is simple. A division can create a directory of disability contacts at all universities, community colleges, and trade schools in its state.  As soon as we had organized this directory, advertising our events became much simpler.  We did it all in Microsoft Excel, too.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> The NABS Membership Committee has been hosting a series of conference call workshops, which I have been leading, where we will explain and discuss how to organize and best use an advertising directory for student division events in your state.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> The last two of these conference call workshops will be held:
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Sunday, March 2
>>>> 
>>>> 8:00 PM eastern
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Tuesday, March 4
>>>> 
>>>> 9:00 PM eastern
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> For each of these calls, use the following conference line:
>>>> 
>>>> Dial (605) 475-6700
>>>> 
>>>> Enter access code 7869673
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I look forward to talking with many on the calls.  Each call is stand-alone, but people are welcome to come again if interested.  If you have any questions, please email me directly at <justin.salisbury at earthlink.net>.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Yours,
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Justin Salisbury
>>>> 
>>>> President
>>>> 
>>>> Connecticut Association of Blind Students
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> Darian Smith
>>> 2nd Vice President, National Association of Blind Students
>>> (415) 215-9809
>>> dsmithnfb at gmail.com.
>>> twitter: @goldengateace
>>> 
>>> www.nabslink.org
>>> Follow the National Association of Blind Students on twitter: @nabslink.
>>> “ A good Head and a good heart are always a formidable combination” 
>>> - Nelson Mandela.  
>>>> 
>>>> Vehicle Donations Take the Blind Further 
>>>> Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!
>>>> For more information, please visit: www.carshelpingtheblind.org or call 1-855-659-9314
>>> 
>> 
> 
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