Monday, February 29, 2016

Milpitas Library Citizenship: Winter Class 3


uscitizenpod: Basic Citizenship Interview Vocabulary https://goo.gl/uiOJJc

Milpitas Library Citizenship Classes
Time: Monday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm 
Date: Feb 29, Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 21, March (another series will start late April)
Address: Milipitas Library, 160 North Main Street Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 262-1171
Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)
Website for previous Citizenship classes at the Milpitas Library

Check back for updates to tonight's agenda
    N-400
    A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400 (38, 2pgs) 

    A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS N-400 (recorded before 2014)
    Civics
    Homework

    Upcoming Events
    • 3/2 1:30-3:00 pm Campbell Library: Citizenship classes begin!
    • 3/2 7:00-8:30 pm Milpitas Library: Stop Human Trafficking Program
    • 3/5 12:00-1:00 pm Gilroy Library: DACA Workshop with IRC and MissionAssetFund.org

    Sunday, February 28, 2016

    NorCal EL Civics Conference



    Citizenship Preparation Resources for Adult Education
    via Google Slides https://goo.gl/hpMqDa plus pdf of Links https://goo.gl/wIdsCS

    5th Annual English Literacy and Civics Education and Citizenship Conference
    February 26, 2016
    Mt. Diablo Adult Education Center
    Loma Vista Adult Center
    1266 San Carlos Ave.
    Concord, 94518

    Also take a look at two more detailed pptx presented at the 2015 CASAS Summer Institute:

    Saturday, February 27, 2016

    Gilroy Library Citizenship: Winter Class 6

    Gilroy Library Citizenship Classes
    Address: 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 408-842-8207
    Time: Saturday mornings, 10:30 am - 12 noon
    Dates: February 27, March 5, 12, 19 
    NO CLASS MARCH 12!


    N-400 Practice Part 11
    Civics: 

    Homework:

    Friday, February 26, 2016

    USCIS Naturalization Information Session at the Saratoga Library

     


    USCIS Naturalization Information Session at the Saratoga Library
    For Legal Permanent Residents and Interested Naturalization Applicants
    • Date: Friday, February 26, 2016
    • Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
    • Location: Saratoga Library
    • Address: 13650 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070
    Topics covered at this FREE session will include:
    • The Naturalization Process
    • The Naturalization Test
    • Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship
    Program Highlights
    • Step-by-step description of the naturalization process
    • Mock naturalization interview featuring USCIS officers
    • Limited seating available
    • FREE DVD with all the current naturalization test preparation materials
    If you enjoyed this USCIS info session, please join out Citizenship Classes at the Saratoga Library, Fridays 1:00 to 2:30 Dates: March 4, 11, 18, 25

    Our Citizenship classes will help you prepare by discussing civics and government questions, reading and writing English, and practicing your interview skills. The classes are free, but space is limited. Register now at the Information Desk.

    Upcoming Events

    • 2/26 4:00-4:30 pm Cupertino Library: IRC.org info session about applying for citizenship
    • 2/28 9:00-1:00 pm Mayfair Community Center: FREE Citizenship Workshop with SIREN and IRC
    • 3/2 1:30-3:00 pm Campbell Library: Citizenship classes begin
    • 3/2 7:00-8:30 pm Milpitas Library: Stop Human Trafficking Program
    • 3/5 12:00-1:00 pm Gilroy Library: DACA Workshop with IRC and MissionAssetFund.org


    For more information about Citizenship Classes, visit www.sccl.org/Services/Citizenship-Resources

    Saratoga Library and Cupertino Library Citizenship: Winter Class 4

    Saratoga Library

    Feb 26 1:00-2:30 pm; USCIS Info session.

    USCIS Officers will speak--no teacher instruction.

    See homework.

    Feb 26 4:00-4:30 pm  IRC.org Info session. 
    4:30-5:00 pm: quick teacher Instruction.  
    Class ends at 5:00 pm. See homework.


    Homework



    N-400
    Civics

    Extra Practice:

    Next week (March 4): 
    • N-400 Part 11, Review of the Bill of Rights, The 1800s (Expansion and the Civil War)
    • Please bring any questions about the USCIS Info session

      Thursday, February 25, 2016

      Asian Americans Up Against Unique Odds When Running for Office



      VOANews: Asian Americans Up Against Unique Odds When Running for Office

      Asian Americans have been described as the “Next Sleeping Giant” in American politics. The Asian American electorate is projected to double in the next 25 years, as the overall Asian population expands by 74% over the same period. California is home to about one-third of the nation’s Asian Americans, and some of them have chosen a political career. But these candidates have learned that running for office poses some unique challenges. Elizabeth Lee reports from Southern California.

      Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/asian-americans-up-against-unique-odds-when-running-for-office/3203352.html

      Wednesday, February 24, 2016

      Central Valley Teen Is Family’s Only Vote — But Will She Cast a Ballot?


      “The way I feel is that in my household, Amy is our family’s voice. Because myself, I don’t have legal status, my parents don’t have legal status,” says Luis. “[We] depend on her, for our vote to count.”

      “I’m pretty sure you’re registered to vote, ’cuz you turned 18 last year,” he says, looking at Amy across the table.

      “Yeah, I did register to vote, when I got my California ID,” says Amy.

      “And are you going to vote?” Luis asks.

      “I don’t know,” laughs Amy. “I feel like sometimes my vote doesn’t count. Especially ’cuz right now, the generation is at a point where they don’t care. Most of us are not going to vote, we don’t care.


      We’ll check in with Luis, as well as Amy Huerta and other young eligible voters in Lindsay, over the coming months as part of our “California Counts” election collaboration with KPBS, KPCC and Capital Public Radio. The coverage focuses on major issues and solicits diverse voices on what’s important to the future of California.

      also see: KQED.org California Report: What Makes a Person Vote (or Not)?

      Read more at KQED's Election 2016

      Tuesday, February 23, 2016

      Asian-Americans Await Possible Supreme Court Nominee



      VOANews: Asian-Americans Await Possible Supreme Court Nominee

      Ever since the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, names of his possible successor have been circulating in Washington and throughout the legal community. One of the possible nominees is Jacqueline Nguyen, who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Vietnam. Elizabeth Lee reports from Orange County, California, home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam.

      Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/asian-americans-await-possible-supreme-court-nominee/3200285.html

      Monday, February 22, 2016

      CANCELLED--Milpitas Library Citizenship: Winter Class 3

      The Milpitas Library Citizenship: Winter Class 3 has been cancelled because the teacher is sick with laryngitis.  I am so sorry.  We will try to make up the class soon.  We will meet again Mon. Feb 29 at 7pm.

      Please study the following items:

      ClinicLegal New Graphic Novel: Miguel's #Naturalization Interview (FREE!) 
      https://cliniclegal.org/sites/default/files/toolkits/citizenship/CLINIC-Graphic-Novel.pdf

      Si.edu Preparing for the Oath:
      • Geography, Symbols and Holidays, Famous Citizens, Establishing Independence, A Growing Nation
      Anh Thi Vu Interview's for Presidents' Day 2016
      Twenty-seven questions based on the N-400r plus ten USCIS Questions in Honor of President's Day. Note Anh's military service in the ROTC and Army Reserves.
      Lunar New Year Citizenship Interview 2016
      Twenty-five questions based on the N-400r plus ten USCIS Questions in Honor of Lunar New Year. 
      Videos:

      Saturday, February 20, 2016

      Gilroy Library Citizenship: Winter Class 5

      Gilroy Library Citizenship Classes
      Address: 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 408-842-8207
      Time: Saturday mornings, 10:30 am - 12 noon
      Dates: February 6, 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19 NO CLASS MARCH 12!


      N-400
        Civics
        Family Fun/Homework

        Friday, February 19, 2016

        Saratoga Library and Cupertino Library Citizenship: Winter Class 3


        uscitizenpod: Basic Citizenship Interview Vocabulary https://goo.gl/uiOJJc
        • Saratoga Library
          • Friday afternoons, 1 - 2:30 pm
          • Dates: February 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
        • Cupertino Library
          • Friday afternoons, 4 - 5:30 pm
          • Dates: February 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
        N-400
        A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400 (38, 2pgs) 

        A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS N-400 (recorded before 2014)
        Civics
        Family Fun:

      • Puzzle: USCIS 100:58-70 American History: Colonial Period and Independence
      • Coloring Page: Our Country's First Flag

      • Thursday, February 18, 2016

        How is power divided in the United States government?

        USCIS 100:14. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?



        TED-ed: How is power divided in the United States government? - Belinda Stutzman

        Article II of the United States Constitution allows for three separate branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), along with a system of checks and balances should any branch get too powerful. Belinda Stutzman breaks down each branch and its constitutionally-entitled powers.

        View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-is-power-divided-in-the-united-states-government-belinda-stutzman

        USCIS 100:14. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

        • checks and balances
        • separation of powers

        Wednesday, February 17, 2016

        Benjamin Banneker: Surveyor, Mathematician, Astronomer


        VOANews: Benjamin Banneker
        Benjamin Banneker was one of the few free black people in the American colonies. The self-taught mathematician helped plan the nation’s capital and wrote a popular book. Today, he is remembered for questioning how Thomas Jefferson could ignore slavery in the Declaration of Independence.


        uscitizenpod: PODCAST: USCIS 100:94 Washington DC, Benjamin Banneker, and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson
        Today we continue our exploration of the USCIS History and Government questions and African American History. Today we will talk about USCIS 100:94. What is the capital of the United States?*. We will first read about Q94 from the USCIS M638 quick civics lesson. Then we will learn about Benjamin Banneker, who surveyed Washington DC, published an almanac, and then sent the almanac along with ab anti-slavery letter to the then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.

        USCIS 100:94. What is the capital of the United States?*.
        • Washington DC
        This is an exerpt from a letter a letter in which Benjamin Banneker challenged Thomas Jefferson's ideas about the inferiority of African-Americans.

        This, Sir, was a time in which you clearly saw into the injustice of a State of Slavery, and in which you had Just apprehensions of the horrors of its condition...you publickly held forth this true and invaluable doctrine...“We hold these truths to be Self evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certan inalienable rights, that amongst these are life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness.”

        ...you were then impressed with proper ideas of the great valuation of liberty,
        and the free possession of those blessings to which you were entitled by nature;
        but Sir how pitiable is it to reflect,
        that although you were so fully convinced
        of the benevolence of the Father of mankind,
        and of his equal and impartial distribution of those rights and privileges
        which he had conferred upon them,
        that you should at the Same time counteract his mercies,
        in detaining by fraud and violence
        so numerous a part of my brethren under groaning captivity and cruel oppression,
        that you should at the Same time be found guilty of that most criminal act,
        which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves.

        Sir, I suppose
        that your knowledge of the situation of my brethren
        is too extensive to need a recital here;
        neither shall I presume to prescribe methods
        by which they may be relieved,
        otherwise than by recommending to you, and all others,
        to wean yourselves from those narrow prejudiceswhich you have imbibed with respect to them,
        and as Job proposed to his friends
        “Put your Souls in their Souls’ stead,”
        thus shall your hearts be enlarged with kindness and benevolence towards them,
        and thus shall you need neither the direction of myself or others
        in what manner to proceed herein.


        More US Citizenship Resources for African-American History Month http://goo.gl/Erdmo8

        Tuesday, February 16, 2016

        US Park Service to Spruce Up Lincoln Memorial



        VOANews: US Park Service to Spruce Up Lincoln Memorial

        Repairs and upgrades will be made to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., thanks to an $18.5 million donation. The donation comes as the National Park Foundation launches an unprecedented $350 million fundraising campaign in conjunction with the National Parks Service's 100th anniversary.

        Monday, February 15, 2016

        Anh Thi Vu Interview's for Presidents' Day 2016

        Anh Thi Vu Interview's for Presidents' Day 2016

        Twenty-seven questions based on the N-400r plus ten USCIS Questions in Honor of President's Day. Note Anh's military service in the ROTC and Army Reserves.


        Citizenship Resources for President's Day



        Check back for updates!

        Saturday, February 13, 2016

        Gilroy Library Citizenship: Winter Class 4


        uscitizenpod: Basic Citizenship Interview Vocabulary https://goo.gl/uiOJJc

        Gilroy Library Citizenship Classes
        Address: 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 408-842-8207
        Time: Saturday mornings, 10:30 am - 12 noon
        Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12




        N-400
        A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400 (38, 2pgs) 

        A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS N-400 (recorded before 2014)
          Civics

          Family Fun/Homework

          Friday, February 12, 2016

          Saratoga Library and Cupertino Library Citizenship: Winter Class 2




          • Saratoga Library
            • Friday afternoons, 1 - 2:30 pm
            • Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
          • Cupertino Library
            • Friday afternoons, 4 - 5:30 pm
            • Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
          Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)

          N-400
          Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400 (15qs)

          The 100 Questions

          USCIS: Reading and Writing Vocabulary
          Although there is no official list of the reading and writing question and answers, there is an official USCIS reading and writing vocabulary list:

          Homework and Family Fun

          More SCCL Citizenship Classes this week!
          • Gilroy Library (Class 4 on Feb 13)
            • Saturday mornings at 10:30 am - 12 noon
            • Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12

          Wednesday, February 10, 2016

          CLINIC's New Graphic Novel: Miguel's Naturalization Interview

          CLINIC's New Graphic Novel: Miguel's Naturalization Interview (FREE!)

          Also check:

          CLINIC Webinar, Citizenship for Children
          This webinar, held on 5/28/15, provides an overview of citizenship for children through acquisition, derivation, and naturalization. The presenters are Kristina Karpinski and Charles Wheeler.

          The Citizenship Test
          Newly updated in 2015, CLINIC’s study guide for the U.S. citizenship test explains the naturalization testing requirements and contains 13 study units on U.S. history and civics with many colorful and historic photos and illustrations, as well as maps, diagrams, and timelines. It includes a glossary of vocabulary words and test review questions for each unit. There are also discussion questions for each unit, and additional, optional study questions to amplify the content. It is designed for both classroom use and for self-study.

          Tuesday, February 9, 2016

          New Hampshire Voters Kick Off Presidential Primaries



          VOANews: New Hampshire Voters Kick Off Presidential Primaries

          Voting began in the northeastern U.S. state of New Hampshire shortly after midnight Tuesday - as residents of three small towns cast their votes, marking the start of the state's presidential primary election.
          Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/new-hampshire-voters-kick-off-presidential-primaries/3183428.html

          Monday, February 8, 2016

          Milpitas Library Citizenship: Winter Class 2




          Milpitas Library Citizenship Classes
          Time: Monday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm 
          Date: Feb 1 to March 28 (no class on Feb 15)
          Address: Milipitas Library, 160 North Main Street Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 262-1171
          Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)

          Tonight's Guest Speaker:
          International Rescue Committee
          1210 South Bascom Ave., Suite 227
          San Jose, CA 95128
          (408) 277-0255
          https://www.rescue.org/us-program/us-san-jose-ca
          Topic: How to Apply for Citizenship and Fee Waivers (approx 8:00 to 8:30 pm)

          N-400
          Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400 (15qs)

          The 100 Questions

          USCIS: Reading and Writing Vocabulary
          Although there is no official list of the reading and writing question and answers, there is an official USCIS reading and writing vocabulary list:

          Homework and Family Fun

          This week's SCCL Citizenship Classes!
          • Saratoga Library (Class 2 on Feb 12)
            • Friday afternoons, 1 - 2:30 pm
            • Dates: February 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
          • Cupertino Library (Class 2 on Feb 12)
            • Friday afternoons, 4 - 5:30 pm
            • Dates: February 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
          • Gilroy Library (Class 4 on Feb 13)
            • Saturday mornings at 10:30 am - 12 noon
            • Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12

          Citizenship Resources for Lunar New Year



          uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of the Lunar New Year

          Happy Lunar New Year from US Citizenship Podcast and Milpitas Adult School Citizenship class!
          USCIS

          Other Resources

          Check back later for more resources.....

          Sunday, February 7, 2016

          Young Voters at Debate Party Enthusiastic About Election



          VOANews: Young Voters at Debate Party Enthusiastic About Election

          Students attending a debate watching party at St. Anselm in Manchester, NH, the scene of Saturday's GOP debate, talk about why they're excited for the 2016 US presidential election.

          Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/young-voters-at-debate-party-enthusiastic-about-election/3180329.html

          Saturday, February 6, 2016

          Gilroy Library Citizenship: Winter Class 3



          Gilroy Library Citizenship Classes
          Address: 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 408-842-8207
          Time: Saturday mornings, 10:30 am - 12 noon
          Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12

          N-400
          Civics

          Friday, February 5, 2016

          Welcome to US Citizenship Classes at the Saratoga and Cupertino Libraries

          More SCCL Citizenship Classes this week! See below.


          • Saratoga Library
            • Friday afternoons, 1 - 2:30 pm
            • Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
          • Cupertino Library
            • Friday afternoons, 4 - 5:30 pm
            • Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
          Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)

          Our Citizenship classes will help you prepare by discussing civics and government questions, reading and writing English, and practicing your interview skills. Free!

          Handouts and more:

          On the Road to US Citizenship

          N-400

          Civics
          The USCIS 100 Questions handouts




          Homework:


          Preparing for Naturalization
          Beginning Interview (10 questions) http://goo.gl/kxzSuT
          Geography
          • Review USCIS 100:88-95 questions, then find the 39 keywords in our Geography Puzzle.

          Extra Fun
          Next Week Feb 8, 2016 7:00-8:30 pm
          More SCCL Citizenship Classes this week!
          • Gilroy Library (Class 3 on Feb 6)
            • Saturday mornings at 10:30 am - 12 noon
            • Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12