A genderless society… Political intrigue… Crossing 800 miles of ice… The Left Hand of Darkness, the much-anticipated world premiere stage adaptation of the groundbreaking, gender-bending 1969 novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, is a co-production between Portland theatre companies Hand2Mouth and Portland Playhouse. Join Genly Ai on a trek across the cold, isolated planet of Gethen – a place where human beings are neither female nor male, and society is not defined by sexual difference. The Left Hand of Darkness opens on May 4 at the Playhouse. Tickets are $15-$39 and are available at Portlandplayhouse.org.

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Complementary events associated with The Left Hand of Darkness include an April 28^th screening of the gender-bending film Orlando at the Hollywood Theatre, selected by Ursula K. Le Guin as a film counterpoint to the project; a May 1^st live broadcast of OPB’s Think Out Loud at Portland Playhouse, featuring Ursula K. Le Guin and collaborating artists; and two special post-matinee talkback events, an ice cream social on next-gen feminism with Bitch Media, sponsored by Ruby Jewel, on May 19^th, and a scholarly panel discussion with Le Guin scholar Tony Wolk and gender theorist Ann Mussey (both of Portland State University) on May 25^th.

This production and complementary programming for The Left Hand of Darkness was made possible by support from the following: National Endowment for the Arts; the Equity Foundation; the Oregon Humanities (OH), a statewide nonprofit organization and an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; the Yip Harburg Foundation; the Office of Neighborhood Involvement and the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, dedicated to the livability of inner North and Northeast Portland, the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods is an independent 501c3.

PORTLAND PLAYHOUSE is dedicated to producing quality, intimate performances in which the interaction between artists and audience is paramount. Housed in an old church in Portland’s King Neighborhood, the Playhouse has quickly garnered a reputation in the city for the quality and substance of its productions. Under the Artistic Direction of co-founder Brian Weaver, Portland Playhouse was voted “Best Theatre Company in the City” by Portland Monthly in 2012. More at portlandplayhouse.org.

Zoning Code Amendments to Improve the City’s Historic Land Use Review Process

The Opportunity: The Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) seeks a dynamic Executive Director committed to citizen participation and grassroots community-building. Founded in 1974, NECN is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit coalition working in 12 culturally diverse and vibrant inner north and northeast neighborhoods of Portland to advance neighborhood livability, address community issues and create effective solutions on a grassroots level. With an annual budget of approximately $300,000, NECN focuses on civic engagement, issue advocacy, volunteer leadership development and community project support.

The Executive Director provides leadership in shaping and implementing NECN’s vision, values, goals and programs. Key areas of responsibility are: resource/partnership development, strategic and annual planning, financial management, program development, evaluation and management, human resources, public policy monitoring and advocacy strategies, community relations, and legal/contract compliance.

Qualifications Include:

• A passion for civic engagement and community-building efforts
• Track-record of community-building experience
• Proven fundraising skills
• Substantive management experience (preferably non-profit), including working with a board of directors, staff supervision and financial management
• Leadership experience (in paid or volunteer position)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff, public and private agencies, community groups and the general public

NECN’s Primary Program Areas:

• Neighborhoods Program:  Training and technical assistance developing community leaders and supporting civic volunteers involved in 12 inner north/northeast neighborhood associations.
• Community Committees/Issue Advocacy:  Supporting grassroots involvement in public policy related to transportation, safety, education and economic development issues. Collaborating with neighborhood associations and other community groups to amplify citizen voices.
• Community Initiatives:  Providing fiscal sponsorship, small grants funding and other opportunities to cultivate emerging community projects.  Additional support to neighborhood events, community clean-ups and special projects.

To Apply:

• See complete job description and application instructions on our employment opportunities page. Submissions must be received no later than April 25, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
• No calls, please.

NECN is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, genetics, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor.

Two other cleanup-focused events are taking place this weekend: Saturday, April 20th, Alberta Main Street is cleaning up Alberta Street with Operation Clean Sweep. The Earth Day District Clean Up on Alberta Street is a great way to meet your neighbors, clean up the Street and have some fun! All ages are welcome, come as an individual or in a group! Sign up on the Alberta Main Street website. Event runs from 10am – 2pm, sign-in starts at 9:30am at NE 18th and Alberta.

On Sunday, April 21st, the NE Broadway Business Association is having a Styrofoam and Paper Recycle Fest. Bring your block Styrofoam and bagged packing peanuts for recycling and paper for shredding to the 2100 Building on NE Broadway from 9am-1pm.  Please enter on Broadway and exit onto Weidler. Cost is $5 per standard size box of paper and $5 and up for Styrofoam. No limit per customer. More information on the NE Broadway Business Association webpage.

On Tuesday, April 16th, the NECN Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm for their regular monthly meeting. The agenda is posted here. The Board will updates from all aspects of the organization and is an informative way to learn what NECN is doing.

Both meetings are held at the NECN office, 4815 NE 7th Ave.

More details about application requirements, compensation and the hiring process is available on our employment opportunities page, or job description available here (pdf). No calls, please.