Poet and novelist Nishi Chawla has published three collections of poems including Confluences: Indian Women, Indian Goddesses and Confluences II: Indian Men, Indian Gods. She will read from her poetry and talk briefly on her ideas and vision of poetry. She has also published two novels and is presently engaged in writing historical drama.

Nishi Chawla is an academician and an emerging poet and novelist. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the George Washington university, Washington DC. She teaches Modern Poetry and Modern World Drama at the University of Maryland University College. She has also taught as an associate professor of English at Delhi University, India, for nearly two decades.

Chris Van Hollen, flanked by a grassroots army, won upset victories in the 2002 primary and general elections--even though one of his opponents had a consultant named David Axelrod. Van Hollen's win in the suburbs helped lift the Democrats out of the doldrums, the first step in a struggle that led to Barack Obama's triumph in 2008. Red to Blue chronicles Van Hollen's campaign from the inside, follows him as he becomes a rising star in his party, and visits the activists who changed history from Montgomery County, Maryland, to Carroll County, Iowa. "The book is valuable enough as a tale of Van Hollen," says Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute, "but its insights into the larger issues of American politics make it a real keeper." The book's foreword is written by Mike McCurry, former White House press secretary

Sanford Gottlieb worked in the peace movement from 1960 to 1993. He was executive director of SANE. The author of Defense Addiction, in 2002 he served as a Kensington precinct coordinator in Van Hollen's campaign.

A volunteer vacation gives you a chance to experience new adventures in places you have never been with people you have never met while having the time of your life and making a difference. What is not to love?

This is the book I needed before I left on my volunteer vacation. When I planned my volunteer vacation, I could not find a resource that would help me get organized. That’s why I created this workbook. It will lead you step by step through issues to consider as you map out your domestic or international trip.

You will learn how to:
* Find the volunteer agency that is right for you.
* Record expenses for possible tax deductions.
* Locate airfares with agencies that know international flights.
* Organize your vaccination schedule.
* Pack lightly and efficiently.
* Track your purchases for ease at U.S. customs.
* Create your “to-do” list for when you return.

The book recently was named a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards and won four 2009 Colorado EVVY Awards. The Midwest Book Review calls it “a must for the benevolent adventurer.”
www.janestanfieldwish.com