nyuuzyou/wikis huggingface dataset:
Allegheny County, PA Condemning Predatory Lending Practices

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 9/12/06
Source File: http://legistar.county.allegheny.pa.us/attachments/4815.doc
Text:
Bill No. 2755-06
Motion expressing the sense of Council of Allegheny County condemning predatory lending practices and supporting Pennsylvania HB 967 which would provide Pennsylvania homeowners protection from various unfair practices in the business of residential mortgage lending and supporting SB 101 which would offer consumer protection against payday loans.
WHEREAS, the preservation of homeownership is a critical element in the stability of families and communities; and 
WHEREAS, unscrupulous mortgage lenders often engage in predatory lending practices in which lenders use deceptive marketing and make unsuitable loans designed to exploit vulnerable, unsophisticated borrowers; and 
WHEREAS, foreclosures in Pennsylvania and across the country have risen to levels beyond those traditionally associated with the effects of the business cycle; and 
WHEREAS, “predatory loans” include loans that have one or more of the following features: charges more in interest and fees than is required to cover the added risk of lending to borrowers with credit imperfections, abusive terms and conditions that trap borrowers and lead to increased indebtedness, fails to take into account the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, and violates fair lending laws by targeting women, senior citizens, minorities and communities of color; and 
WHEREAS, payday lenders prey on poor and working class families, costing Pennsylvanians at least $100 million in abusive fees every year, and destroying many families’ hopes of building wealth and escaping economic insecurity; and 
WHEREAS, the payday lending industry engages in predatory lending practices by trapping borrowers in loans at a typical annual interest rate of 400 percent, adversely affecting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable working families’; 
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, AND IT IS THE SENSE OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, that this Council endorses HB 967, currently in the Committee on Commerce, and urges the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact such legislation which would amend the Mortgage Bankers and Brokers and Consumer Equity Protection Act to include a chapter on home ownership protection. This Council supports a statewide approach to the problem that would prohibit the most egregious practices, increase consumer education and protection and better regulate mortgage brokers. This Council also supports SB 101, currently in the Banking and Insurance Committee, and urges the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact such legislation which would amend the Consumer Discount Company Act to ensure enforcement of the Commonwealth’s existing small loan law, forcing payday lenders to comply with Pennsylvania’s consumer protection regulations.
Category:County Governments
Category:Pennsylvania
Category:Predatory Lending
Category:Resolutions
Allentown, PA "Inside Allentown"

Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.allentownpa.gov/Government/InsideAllentown/tabid/61/Default.aspx
Description:
The mission of Inside Allentown is to provide those who live in the City of Allentown with a better understanding of the functions and services performed by Allentown city government. Its goal is to foster cooperation and partnership between the city’s government and its citizens.
 
Classes will meet on six Thursday evenings, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Class sessions begin September 4th and continue on September 18th, October 2nd, October 16th, October 30th and November 6th. Classes will meet at various locations throughout the city. 
Topics include the strong mayor form of government; how City Council works with the mayor; investment and revitalization in the city; rental housing and code compliance; fire prevention, inspection and education and response to fires; Allentown’s Emergency Management system; the Allentown Health Bureau and the services and priorities of the health bureau; the Allentown Police Department, and Police Academy and the Communication Center; Allentown Public Works including snow plowing, street repairs, traffic control, engineering and the city’s Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste; and the Department of Parks & Recreation, including trails and the city golf course. 
 
The city is accepting applications now through August 26th. Applicants must be committed to attending all six classes. (See attached application) Please submit applications to Lauren Giguere, Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development.
Category:Citizen Academies
Category:City Governments
Category:Pennsylvania
Category:Programs
Alverno College, WI Ability-Based Curriculum

Type: Policy
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.alverno.edu/about_alverno/ability_curriculum.html
Description:
Ability-Based Curriculum
Alverno College's unique emphasis on learning the abilities needed to put knowledge to use - commonly called "ability-based education" - has gained national praise.
Alverno doesn't use standardized tests and traditional exams. Each student is unique, each learns in unique ways. But life is competitive, and so are we. Rather than measure performance as a snapshot in time, against a curve that strips away individual achievement, we focus on measurement that's about you, and only you. The lessons you learn are applicable in real life, they become part of who you are. Alverno students learn more in class and retain the lessons longer. Our eight cornerstone concepts represent the very building blocks needed to create an effective and relevant learning experience.
Since the early 1970s, the Alverno College faculty have been developing and implementing ability-based undergraduate education, redefining education in terms of abilities needed for effectiveness in the worlds of work, family, and civic community. The distinctive feature of an ability-based approach is that we make explicit the expectation that students should be able to do something with what they know.
The specific abilities identified by our faculty as central to our approach to liberal arts and professional education are:
* Communication
* Analysis
* Problem Solving
* Valuing in Decision-Making
* Social Interaction
* Developing a Global Perspective
* Effective Citizenship
* Aesthetic Engagement
Student Assessment-As-Learning
In order to evaluate student demonstration of the abilities, Alverno faculty developed the concept of assessment as a multidimensional process of judging the individual in action. In both course-based assessments and integrative assessments which focus student learning from several courses, we elicit samples of performance representing the expected learning outcomes from a course or program.
Faculty and other trained assessors observe and judge a student's performance based on explicit criteria. Their feedback, as well as the reflective practice of self assessment by each student, helps to create a continuous process that improves learning and integrates it with assessment. We call this process student assessment-as-learning.
For more information on student assessment and ability-based education at Alverno, look at the Alverno College Institute for Educational Outreach Web pages, call 414-382-6087, toll free at 1-800-933-3401 or e-mail institute@alverno.edu.
Category:Colleges
Category:Education
Category:Policies
Category:Wisconsin
American College & Univ Climate Commitment

American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment - Best Practices PDF 
_____________________________________________________________________
Developing The Climate Action Plan
Setting Climate Reduction Targets
Incorporating Climate Neutrality & Sustainability into the Educational Experience
Expanding Research Efforts to Achieve Climate Neutrality & Advance Sustainability
Expanding Community Engagement to Achieve Climate Neutrality & Advance Sustainability
Tracking Progress
Implementing The Climate Action Plan
Financing Mitigation Efforts
Installing Renewable Energy Projects
Purchasing Renewable Energy Credits
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Utilizing Carbon Offsets
Addressing Curriculum & Research
Engaging With the Local Community
__________________________________
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since its launch, the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment1 (ACUPCC) has helped transition the sustainability movement in higher education from a series of isolated projects to a cohesive network of shared best practices, successful solutions, and deep investment in sustainability education for all students.
Since 2006, the ACUPCC has grown from 12 founding presidents to a network of 665 institutions, representing all 50 States and every institutional demographic that U.S. higher education has to offer.
Signatory institutions have completed thousands of projects to reduce energy use, curb greenhouse gas emissions, engage students in deep systems thinking, and save money—demonstrating powerful and
necessary leadership for the rest of society.
Implementation Guide Updates, Version 2.1
This updated Implementation Guide (IG) provides signatory institutions with guidance in navigating the implementation of the ACUPCC in order to submit reports, plan for climate neutrality, and create programs to advance sustainability on campus. The IG should be shared with anyone on your campus involved with meeting the goals of the commitment.
Included in this IG update are practical examples from signatory campus staff who have implemented the ACUPCC successfully – referred to by the ACUPCC and in this report as “Implementation Liaisons.” The ACUPCC is not only a commitment made by individual institutions but it is also a collective learning network, with avenues for sharing successes and challenges.
The challenge of planning for and reaching the goals of climate neutrality and education for sustainability may seem daunting, but together the lessons of individuals across the network provide a strong basis for shared learning, collective progress, and creative solutions. 
Category:Climate Policy
Category:Colleges
Category:Energy
Category:Sustainability Policies
American University, DC Safe Space Sticker Program

Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.american.edu/ocl/glbta/programs/safespace/about.html
Description:
What is the Safe Space Sticker Program?
The Safe Space Sticker Program was created to develop a visual network of support for the GLBT community on-campus. Its primary mission is to create a safer more inclusive environment on American University’s campus and encourage networking between faculty, staff and students.
Why do we have a Safe Space Sticker Program?
American University and the surrounding community are proud of the culturally diverse population and support cultural diversity in every possible way. The Safe Space Sticker Program is a visual way of both combating homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia as well as including support of various sexual orientation and expressions on campus.
What does it mean if I see a Safe Space Sticker displayed on campus?
A Safe Space Sticker or pin, the modified Rainbow Gay Pride Flag with American University’s logo in the upper left corner, signifies that the occupant of that space has chosen to educate themselves about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues. It means that they attended the required training session sponsored by the GLBTA Resource Center and has information on campus local resources. It also means that they have dedicated themselves to providing a safe learning environment where homophobia, heterosexism nor transphobia will be tolerated.
Do I have to be GLBT to become involved in the Program?
Displaying the Safe Space Sticker does not mean that an individual is GLBT identifying; it simply means they are open minded and in support of recognizing and embracing the diversity of American University’s campus.
What do people involved in the program do?
Individuals involved in the program agree to keep themselves educated on issues facing the GLBT community and to take and active stance in combating discrimination in all its forms. Members of the program believe that the campus and community are enriched by the presence of diversity and are dedicated to helping GLBT individuals find the support they might want or need while at American University. These individuals are aware of their actions as well as those around them and help others become educated on diversity issues as a whole.
How do I get involved with the Program?
The first stage of becoming involved in the Program is having an open mind. From there attending a training session offered four times a year from the GLBTA Resource Center will allow you to become a member of the program. The training is free and usually takes about two and a half hours.
Category:Colleges
Category:District of Columbia
Category:LGBT
Category:Programs
American University, DC Workplace Conduct Advisory Team

Type: Policy
Status: Unclear -- Active during 2003-04
Source File: http://www.american.edu/socialjustice/team.html
Description:
Mission
It is the mission of the Workplace Conduct Advisory Team to monitor developments in the production of licensed collegiate apparel, and advise the president on measures to assure that American University products are manufactured in socially responsible workplaces.
American University has affiliated with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). The university has a long and respected tradition of being in the forefront of universities that express support for social values to increase dignity, decency, and fairness of the human community. AU endorses the principles of ending sweatshop conditions, providing decent wages, protecting the rights of workers – especially women and minorities – and supporting only manufacturers that provide socially responsible workplaces.
Advisory Team Priorities for 2003-04
* Continue efforts to educate the community about AU’s commitment to socially responsible business practices and educate students to be informed consumers
* Complete the Social Responsibility Web Site and establish means for keeping it current
* Develop appropriate responses to notices from the WRC and FLA about manufacturing violations, particularly through the FLA Small Schools Committee
* Establish financial support and a recruitment and selection protocol for student participation in internships with NGO monitoring organizations
* Review apparel purchasing practices in AU Athletics and make recommendations to ensure that athletic apparel is purchased from socially responsible vendors.
Category:Anti-Sweatshop
Category:Colleges
Category:District of Columbia
Category:Policies
Amherst, MA Fair Trade Resolution

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 11/7/07
Vote: Unanimous
Source File: http://www.amherstma.gov/departments/Town_Clerk/town_meeting/warrantsandresults/110507_Results.pdf
Text:
ARTICLE 9. Petition – Resolution – Fair Trade
WHEREAS, “Fair Trade” is an innovative, market economy system that promotes fair labor practices and healthy, safe work environments through the production of food and other products; and
WHEREAS, Fair Trade provides procedures with fair prices that translates into truly livable wages; and
WHEREAS, production of Fair Trade goods is achieved through sustainable and ecologically friendly means thus supporting the future of a healthy planet for all; and
WHEREAS, millions of people have had their standard of living significantly raised through the simple act of educated consumers selecting and asking for Fair Trade products:
Now Therefore Be It resolved, that Amherst Representative Town Meeting encourages the Town Manager to establish a procedure to maximize purchase of Fair Trade Certified products in the process of procuring necessary goods for the Town, said established procedure to be informed by the fact of Town Manager’s authority to execute contracts and oversee procurement and to adhere to the strict statutory requirements that the Town Manager must follow when purchasing products for Town use;
Be it further resolved, that Amherst Town Meeting calls upon the Select Board to consider working to ensure ongoing education, media exposure and commitment to “Fair Trade” and to encourage businesses and institutions to use and sell Fair Trade Certified products whenever possible for the well being of producers, consumers and the planet;
Be it further resolved, that Town Meeting calls upon the Select Board to consider forming a town committee in order to take a more active role in the future on issues of Fair Trade if it proves productive for the Town to act in an official capacity.”
Category:City Governments
Category:Fair Trade
Category:Massachusetts
Category:Resolutions
Amherst, MA Resolution on a Legislative Moratorium on Genetically Engineered Foods & Crops

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 5/8/06 Yes - 82 No - 77
Source File: Link missing
Text:
ARTICLE 16. Petition – Resolution - Legislative Moratorium on Genetically Engineered Foods and Crops
Whereas genetically engineered (GE) foods and crops have been shown to cause long-term damage to the environment, threaten rural economies, and may impair human health;
Whereas GE crops have been found to contaminate other farmers’ crops through cross-pollination, and are stringently regulated in more than 30 countries; and
Whereas Congress and federal regulatory agencies have failed to adequately address this problem;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Amherst Representative Town Meeting:
(1) requests that our United States Senators, Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry, our Congressional Representative, John W. Olver, our Governor, Mitt Romney, our State Senator, Stanley Rosenberg, and our State Representative, Ellen Story, sponsor and support legislation that would enact a moratorium on the further growing of GE crops until there is credible and independent scientific evidence that these products are not harmful to our health, the environment, and the survival of family farms; and
(2) additionally requests that the Amherst Town Clerk transmit a copy of this resolution with the vote of the Town Meeting thereon to the elected officials named above.”
Category:City Governments
Category:Genetic Engineering
Category:Massachusetts
Category:Resolutions
Amherst College, MA Cogeneration Plant

Type: Policy
Status: Unclear
Source File: https://cms.amherst.edu/campuslife/greenamherst/cogeneration/cogeneration_plant
Description:
Amherst College's cogeneration system will consist of a 1250-kW gas turbine generator that burns natural gas or diesel fuel. The turbine, similar in design to a small aircraft engine, will turn an electrical generator connected to the campus electrical system and send its hot exhaust to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG).
The HRSG can make steam directly from the hot turbine exhaust, or burn additional fuel to make more steam to satisfy campus heat loads and keep the existing boilers off-line.
A 500-kW steam turbine will also be installed as part of the project, generating electricity by taking the high-pressure steam produced by the HRSG and boilers and reducing the pressure for campus distribution. Previously, this pressure reduction was performed by valves under the old heating plant.
The cogeneration system will occupy the space reserved for a future boiler in the existing heating plant, and a small addition has been created to house the turbines.
The cogeneration system will supply approximately 50% of our peak electrical load, and 67% of the annual electricity usage. We will purchase the rest from the local utility as usual. The steam output will satisfy approximately 30% of the campus heating needs, with the existing boilers used to supply the rest.
The overall reduction in source energy will substantially reduce the campus carbon emissions. Other emissions, such as NOx and SO2 that cause smog and acid rain, will be greatly reduced because of the cogeneration system's cleaner fuels and state-of-the-art pollution controls.
The cogeneration plant is expected to produce over 11 million kWh per year, enough to power 1,000 homes. The carbon reduction will be more than 22,000 tons of CO2, approximately 20% of the College's pre-cogen greenhouse gas footprint.
Check out the background info tab to learn more about cogeneration at Amherst College.
Category:Colleges
Category:Energy Policy
Category:Massachusetts
Category:Policies
Anchorage, AK GardenPlots Policy

Type: Policy
Status: In Effect
Source File: http://www.muni.org/parks/gardenplots.cfm
Description:
Mission/Purpose/Values
Mission Statement:
To help people grow food in and around the city!
Mission:
To provide access to land, education and other resources necessary for community members of Anchorage and Girdwood, Alaska to grow food in environmentally sustainable ways as a means to creating a food system where locally produced, affordable and nutritious food is available to all. 
Purpose:
Our purpose is increasing sustainable urban food production and community involvement in 5 ways by:
1. Teaching people how to grow food;
2. Locating, securing in trust and managing land;
3. Increasing access to resources, skills and markets;
4. Creating spaces where community members share tools/land/seeds, skills, inspiration and cultural awareness; and
5. Modeling replicable and financially viable programs and practices.
6 Main Values:
#1 Access to Land
We believe that social justice, economic security and community political participation are strengthened when community members have access to land held in trust for the purpose of growing food.
#2 Sustainable Small-scale Agriculture
We believe that bountiful amounts of affordable, healthy food can and should be grown in and around the Municipality of Anchorage and the city of Girdwood using simple, appropriate technology and renewable resources. We value sustainable growing practices as essential to our responsible participation in the restoration and preservation of our city’s ecosystem.
#3 Education
We value learning through growing food, a process rooted in observation, reflection and action that deepens our understanding of the world around us and strengthens our capacity for problem solving.
#4 Governance
We value operating and self-governance structures and processes that are guided by transparency, honesty, diversity, mutual respect, openness, on-going evaluation, celebration and a commitment to stakeholder participation.
#5 Community
We believe that when people work together to grow food and re-connect with the land, communities and families grow strong, hopeful, confident and healthy.
#6 Collaboration
We value local knowledge and experience as well as community dialogue. We believe that through strong collaboration we will overcome barriers to sharing power and resources with community members and partner organizations to nurture healthy, powerful communities.
Category:Alaska
Category:City Governments
Category:Community Gardens
Category:Policies