Please pass along the following announcements to anyone who may be interested. Thanks. Tom Schlesinger Financial Markets Center Call for Papers: Reengineering the Federal Reserve System The Financial Markets Center sponsors an annual contest for papers on the subject of central bank reform. The winning entry receives a cash award of $2,500 and is published by the Center. The contest is open to students in graduate and post-graduate programs in law, public policy, public administration, government, finance, economics and other relevant areas. Background on the Henry B. Gonzalez Award: Today, the Federal Reserve confronts a host of challenges to its authority and effectiveness including the rapid growth of nonbank financial intermediaries, globally interconnected asset markets and privately issued digital money. The Fed faces these challenges with an institutional structure that has long resisted change as well as a lack of openness and accountability unique in America's system of self-government. The Gonzalez Award seeks to promote institutional reforms that make the central bank more open, accountable and effective. Entries may be sweeping in scope or focused on a specific aspect of the Fed's structure, governance, operations, staffing, culture or statutory authority. In all cases, papers must demonstrate convincingly how the proposed institutional reforms would result in a more democratic central bank better equipped to foster full employment, price stability and financial soundness. The Gonzalez Award honors the service of Representative Henry B. Gonzalez, a tireless champion of democratic change at the Federal Reserve. Review Process: Entries will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of monetary experts chaired by Professor James K. Galbraith (LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas). Length and Format: Entries should be no longer than 15,000 words, not including footnotes, endnotes and references. Preference will be given to clearly written entries accessible to a broad audience. Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by April 9, 1999. The award will be announced by May 15 1999. How to Enter: Send two copies of the paper to: Gonzalez Award, Financial Markets Center, PO Box 334, Philomont, VA 20131. Entrants must submit a statement from their department describing their current standing. About the Financial Markets Center: Founded in 1997, the Financial Markets Center is a nonprofit institute that provides research, policy and education resources to grassroots organizations, trade unions, policymakers, journalists and others interested in financial markets and the Federal Reserve System. The Center produces periodic reports on issues in monetary policy and financial regulation, sponsors workshops and conferences and publishes a newsletter, FOMC Alert, which monitors the Fed. For More Information: Contact the Financial Markets Center, (540) 338-5286 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] POSITION AVAILABLE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE The Financial Markets Center The Financial Markets Center is a nonprofit institute that provides research, policy development and education resources to grassroots organizations, trade unions, policymakers, journalists and other groups interested in financial markets and the Federal Reserve System. The Center produces periodic reports on financial and monetary issues, sponsors workshops and public events and publishes a newsletter, FOMC Alert, which monitors the Federal Reserve. The Position Responsibilities will include: ¨ Researching and producing reports on financial sector trends and issues ¨ Researching and producing reports on developments in the Federal Reserve System ¨ Writing and editing material for the Center's newsletter and web site Qualifications and Experience ¨ Experience with qualitative and quantitative research such as corporate research, financial analysis and/or issue research ¨ Excellent investigative, analytical, writing, editing and computer skills ¨ Educational background in economics, law, business, public policy, history, journalism, finance or related fields ¨ Work experience in journalism, public interest organizations or other relevant areas ¨ Strong sense of initiative and commitment to democratic values Salary and Benefits Salary dependent on experience. Benefits include health insurance, generous vacation and leave policy. To Apply Send a resume, three references, writing sample and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position to: Search Committee, Financial Markets Center, PO Box 334, Philomont, VA 20131 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Center is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.