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March 28, 2014 Announcements Dear Friends and Colleagues, Sincerely, Alejandra St. Guillen
Statements of Mayor Martin J. Walsh – March 26-27, 2014 “Tonight the City of Boston mourns the loss of two of our own. Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost their lives battling the nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street today. Words cannot do justice to the grief that we feel tonight. Our hearts are heavy with the knowledge that these brave men gave their lives to protect the safety of our city and its people. The men and women of the Boston Fire Department are the brave heroes who run towards the danger when others run away. A day like today makes us all too aware of what they are risking in the course of doing their jobs. They are heroes simply by virtue of accepting this duty. They put themselves in harm’s way so that others might be safe. Thank you to the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, EMS and all other first responders and volunteers for your heroic work today. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families tonight as they face this terrible loss. We also hold close their fellow firefighters, who have lost friends as dear as brothers. “In difficult times like these, I am so proud to be mayor of a city that comes together to help our neighbors in need. Since yesterday’s tragic events, we’ve experienced an outpouring of support from across the city, state, and country. So many people have expressed a willingness to help, in some way, as we grieve the loss of Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy.”
Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians Free Immigration Advice at Boston City Hall April 2nd and 16th Boston City Hall
Immigration Clinic: http://goo.gl/U5ifFM
Irish International Immigrant Center – Two announcements Author/activist Michael Patrick MacDonald and State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry to speak at 20th Annual Black & Green Celebration On Sunday, April 6, 2013, the Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC) and Montserrat Aspirers will hold their annual Black & Green Celebration at Montserrat Aspirers Hall in Dorchester. This event was established in 1994 as a way to foster trust, and build bridges between communities in Boston. Black & Green brings together many different cultures for an afternoon of great food, music, and discussion. This year, the event’s theme is The Faces of Change in Boston: Our Community Challenges and Improvements. A conversation focused on this topic will be led by two special guests: Massachusetts State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry. Senator Forry, a native Bostonian and first generation Haitian-American, is the first woman and person of color to represent the Commonwealth’s 1st Suffolk District, a diverse and thriving cross-section of Boston which includes Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan and South Boston. Senator Forry has dedicated her professional life to a career in public service, working in various capacities in both state and local government. Author/activist Michael Patrick MacDonald. A South Boston native, MacDonald is well-known for his thought provoking New York Times Bestselling memoir, All Souls: A Family Story From Southie and the acclaimed Easter Rising: A Memoir of Roots and Rebellion. As an activist, he often speaks about multi-cultural coalition building as a way to reduce violence and promote grassroots leadership. _________________________ New Start Date for Citizenship Classes at the Irish International Immigrant Center: April 3rd Flyer: http://po.st/dXAuSH There’s still time to sign up for our next session of Citizenship Classes! Our six-week course will help you prepare for the interview and exam with a thorough review of American history and civics. You can also work with one of our citizenship specialists to get help with your citizenship application. Our next session begins on Thursday, April 3rd, with afternoon (1-3 PM) and evening (6-8 PM) classes available. The course cost is $30. Anyone interested in signing up for classes should come to the Center (at 100 Franklin Street, LL-1,Boston, MA 02110) between 9 and 5 to fill out an intake form, or contact Sarah Chapple-Sokol, Education Coordinator, at 617-542-7654, ext. 36 or [email protected]. Contact:
Boston Election Department is looking for Election Poll Workers/Interpreters The Boston Election Department is looking for bilingual folks who can speak Spanish, Vietnamese and/or Cape Verdean Creole to serve as Election Poll Workers/Interpreters for the two upcoming special elections: APRIL 1st and APRIL 29th. Serve your community! Earn some money ($135 for the 15-hr shift)! Learn about the election process! Meet your neighbors and make some new friends! If interested, please contact [email protected], 617-635-4491 or visit: Big Apple Circus March 25 – May 11 BIGAPPLECIRCUS.ORG The Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square Association, Inc. For tickets: Call 617.266.3455 Saturday, June 21, 2014 Mosleys on the Charles Come enjoy an evening of good company and traditional music as we recognize people of Hispanic origin making history in Massachusetts. Flyer: http://po.st/5qdNe3
Harvard’s Second Annual Nonprofit Board Recruitment Fair Monday, April 28 7:00 PM Harvard Club of Boston (map) Want to be more involved with public service organizations in the greater Boston area? Connect with local nonprofits in a wide range of projects at this second annual fair. Past participating organizations include Cambridge Community Center, Horizons for Homeless Children, Phillips Brooks House Association, Peace Corps, Strong Women, Strong Girls, The Food Project, World Teach, and many more. A full list of participating organizations will be available in early April. Want your nonprofit represented? Register here >> Sponsored by the Center for Public Interest Careers (CPIC), Harvard Alumni Association, and Harvard Club of Boston South Boston en Acción has several open seats in its beginner and high-beginner ESOL classes. Level 1 (beginner) runsTuesday/Friday from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and Level 2 (high beginner) runs Monday/Thursday, also from 10 am to 12:30 pm. The class runs from April 28 to June 27 and costs $25 for registration. Latino residents of South Boston are given preference, but all are welcome. To enroll, students should call Alexandra at (617) 288-1593 to set up an appointment. Please see the enclosed flyer for more information. Contact: Flyer: http://po.st/7nFwlW
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation Are you struggling to meet your FAMILY’s financial NEEDS? Have you thought about your family’s financial future? Do you want to learn more about getting your finances on track or building a better future for your family? You’ll learn about: Flyer: http://po.st/GQndBg If you answered YES to these questions…then the Family Prosperity Initiative can HELP When: Tuesdays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 & 10, 2014 Space is limited. Call 617-522-2424 x 258 Karla Torrez Viet-AID is going to host a Community Forum with Carmen Ortiz, the United States Attorney for District of Massachusetts, onMonday, March 31th, 2014, 6-8pm at the Vietnamese American Community Center (42 Charles St, Dorchester, MA 02122) to talk about civil rights and publicsafety issues. We would like to invite you to attend the forum. This will be a good opportunity to meet with people from the Fields Corner community. Please RSVP if you will be able to attend. Flyer: http://po.st/h0c1Te Nam Pham For more information or RSVP call 617-822-3717, ext. 15
MassHousing’s 24th Annual M/WBE Trade Fair MassHousing’s commitment to diversity exists at all levels of MassHousing-funded and administered projects and programs. The Greater Boston Minority and Women Business Enterprise Trade Fair will feature over one hundred exhibitors chosen for the specific procurement needs of general contractors, property management companies, resident associations, government agencies, and other private sector institutions. Thursday, April 24, 2014 When Where Planner MassHousing, One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
Here at First Literacy, our Young Professionals Board has recently completed a very successful book drive. We have hundreds of great books that are now in need of a good home. The books range from board books for really young children, to picture books, to read aloud books, to beginning chapter books, to non-fiction books that would be appropriate for older students and adults. We have a box of Green Light Reads books in levels 1, 2 and 3. Some of the titles have multiple copies in English and Spanish. First come first served! We are located at 160 Boylston Street, directly across from Boston Common and are generally in the office from 8:45 to 5:30M – F. Please contact Skye Kramer at [email protected] or Emily Tabor at [email protected] to schedule a time to come by. Contact:
Caribbean Integration Community Development The Caribbean Integration Community Development would like to invite the community to “Caribbean Affair”. The cultural soiree will showcase the rich culture of the Caribbean nations, as well a chance to socialize among different Caribbean groups in Boston. Event Program Guest Speakers When : Saturday, April 12th, 2014 Where: Harvard College Student Organization Center at Hilles at 59 Shepard St, Cambridge, MA 02138 What: The Caribbean Affair is to showcase the Caribbean vibrancy in Boston, talk about CICD’s work in the community, and grow the Caribbean community. Below, find a copy of the event flyer. Please share. Contact:
Adult Learning Program of Jamaica Plain Community Centers The Adult Learning Program of Jamaica Plain Community Centers (JPCCALP) has seats available now for the High School Equivalency (HSE) Program. Also, the Curtis Hall Community Center will now be a citywide testing site for the new HiSet exam (formerly GED). The HiSet exam is a high school credential accepted by almost all U.S. employers, colleges and universities. Register today for our HSE Program. Students build the skills needed to pass the five tests: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students also master other important educational and career skills including computers, communication, information processing, problem solving and critical thinking. JPCCALP provides comprehensive instruction, tutoring, and education and career advising to help both those who need the basics, and those who just need a little more preparation before passing the tests. Specialized ASE software in the computer lab intensifies student learning. We provide additional assistance in preparing to apply to college, financial aid, and pass college or skills training entrance exams. Class times: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Location: 144 McBride Street, Jamaica Plain MA 02130 (English High School) Cost: Classes and materials are FREE. Spaces are limited -please call as soon as possible. Registration: Incoming ALP students are placed in the appropriate HSE class level according to the results of a placement test. As soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered the skills in that level, they can advance to the next level. For more information, contact: 617-635-5201 or [email protected] Please visit our website: jpccalp.weebly.com Contact:
UNITED SOUTH END SETTLEMENTS USES is seeking for a full time position in the Workforce Readiness department to lead the Learn at Work project and provide direct College and Career Readiness instruction within the program. For more detail information, please refer to the Job Description below. United South End Settlements (USES) is a community-based nonprofit organization serving children, teens, adults, and seniors through programs in art, education, technology, and social services. USES has held true to its settlement house roots, committing to the motto of “neighborshelping neighbors to grow and thrive.” Our extended family is an integrated team of participants, staff, volunteers, community leaders, and business partners. USES operates in three locations in the South End – Harriet Tubman House, South End House, the Children’s Art Centre –and Camp Hale on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Please visit our website at www.uses.org. Learn at Work Coordinator & College and Career Readiness Advisor GENERAL DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATIONS Overall Responsibilities: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (with or without accommodation) The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal function of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job. To apply, please email resume and cover letter to: [email protected] Contact: T: (617) 375-8120
Asian American Civic Association If you’re looking for work and want to get into the world of building maintenance, this could be a great opportunity for you. AACA’s Careers in Building Energy Efficiency Maintenance Skills program is a free adult education program that teaches everything you need to know to get into the industry, then gives your career a big push in the right direction with constant support and advice. FREE Building Maintenance Training Program! 22 Week Course Includes: Program Requirements To book your place, contact Rochelle Silva: ARRIVE EARLY! SESSION STARTS PROMPTLY AT 2 PM. NO ONE ADMITTED AFTER SESSION BEGINS Address:
AACA Next Steps Transitional English Program –last 3 opportunities to apply The Asian American Civic Association (AACA) will have only 3 more testing/information sessions for its Next Steps Transitional English Program before new classes begin on May 6. The sessions will be held on the following Mondays at 8:30 AM sharp at AACA, 87 Tyler Street, in Boston’s Chinatown (near Tufts Medical Center Orange Line MBTA station): Mon. Mar. 31 Students should have an intermediate level of English (SPL-4 or higher) and allow 2 and a half hours for the test and program information session. No one will be admitted once the test begins. Next STEP has been preparing immigrant adults for college and job training since 1993. Please inform qualified, motivated students. Contact:
Asian American Civic Association FREE Banking and Finance Job Training! 13 Week Course Includes: Recent presentation from People’s Bank Financial Services Manager, also including program graduate Azzedine Hammoudi, who was hired by the bank. To book your place, contact Rochelle Silva: ARRIVE EARLY! SESSION STARTS PROMPTLY AT 2 PM. NO ONE ADMITTED AFTER SESSION BEGINS Address:
Commonwealth Seminar The Spring 2014 Seminar application is due THIS FRIDAY. Apply now or send it to great candidates who you think would be interested. Thank you for spreading the word! Accepting Applications Now for the Spring Seminar The Commonwealth Seminar is accepting applications. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS Friday, March 28, and decisions will be announced the following week. The next Seminar will take place over six consecutive weeks beginning April 9, 2014. Most of the sessions will be in the evening except the final session, which will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include a graduation ceremony. The seminar will be held on the following dates and times: Wednesday, April 9, 5:30 p.m., MAPC Wednesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m., MAPC Wednesday, April 23, 5:30 p.m., MAPC Wednesday, April 30, 5:30 p.m., MAPC Wednesday, May 7, 5:30 p.m., MAPC Friday, May 16, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., State House, Room TBD You should be able to participate in at least 5 sessions to make it worthwhile to apply. The Commonwealth Seminar is an intensive training program focused on teaching diverse leaders how the Massachusetts Legislature really works. Top state legislators, legislative staff, media members, and administration policymakers will introduce student leaders to the Legislature and state government generally. By giving an insiders’ view of the process, our goal is to encourage diverse leaders to become effective advocates and to pursue careers in public service. Who Should Apply? The Commonwealth Seminar is a privately funded program with a mission of opening the doors of the State House. Our target audience is leaders from communities of color, immigrant communities, and others working to directly benefit those communities. You should be prepared to make a compelling argument in the application about how you fit into the target audience. We are looking for leaders who meet those criteria and who have a proven track record of leadership in their communities. We place a high value on creating a seminar class that is diverse racially, ethnically, and geographically. Successful candidates for the Commonwealth Seminar will have a basic understanding of state government and a clear desire to use the skills learned through the seminar to make positive change. Acceptance to the seminar is on a competitive basis, and Commonwealth Seminar staff and advisers will make all final decisions about the makeup of the seminar. There is a small voluntary donation requested: $60 for an individual, and $100 for someone representing an organization. These donations are used to defray the food costs of the seminar. Contact: Commonwealth Seminar | P.O. Box 120064 | Boston | MA | 02112
Boston Public Library Expands Digital Offerings through Free Streaming Media Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BOSTON – March 25, 2014 – Boston Public Library now offers a free streaming media service for all cardholders, providing easy access to thousands of movies, television shows, music, and audiobooks for instant streaming or temporary download for smartphones, tablets, or computers. Library users can download up to ten titles per month and the automatic return ensures no late fees, with checkout times ranging from three days to three weeks. “When we surveyed our users earlier this year, access to streaming content was the top-requested new service,” said Michael Colford, Director of Library Services. “Free digital streaming is an excellent addition to Boston Public Library’s growing online collection, and it is available twenty-four hours a day.” The service enables access from the convenience of your home, local coffee shop, or anywhere – all you need is a library card, viewing or listening device, and Internet access if streaming content. The collection includes everything from new and notable titles to favorite classics for children and adults, including educational and instructional videos, foreign films, and top-selling music albums. The streaming media service is called hoopla and is accessible via the “collections” section of the Boston Public Library website. Library users log in with their Boston Public Library card and then create a hoopla reader account. In addition, users have the option of downloading an app for iOS and Android devices. All titles are available for simultaneous access with no waiting periods, and new content is added weekly. More information on the digital media service, along with “getting started” tips and check-out guides, is available on the Boston Public Library website atwww.bpl.org/collections/ Digital streaming is the latest in a series of new online offerings available via the Boston Public Library. Other popular services include digital magazines, a mobile catalog, e-books, an ever-growing collection of digitized images from the library’s collection, and a range of career, research, and genealogical databases. About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Hyde Square Task Force Join the HSTF Neighborhood 5K Event Crew We need you. You can make a difference in our neighborhood and help ensure that this year’s 5K will be better than ever! We’re in the process of planning our 3rd Annual Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk in the Hyde/Jackson Square community of Jamaica Plain. As a member of the Event Crew, you’ll work with HSTF staff on planning, outreach, fundraising, and team recruitment. As a crew member, you’ll also get to know the Rookie Runners, the ninth-graders who host the event. The goals of the 5K are to: Neighborhood 5K Event Crew Meeting Contact Emma with questions
Join the Boston NAACP at the “All too often it takes time for the truth to catch up to history, and Bayard Rustin’s contribution to the Civil Rights Movement is yet another example.” Flyer: http://po.st/zUH4Ff Bayard Rustin (March 17, 1912 – August 24, 1987) was one of the most influential civil rights activists of the 1950s and 60s. He was also a leader in various international social movements, who followed socialism, pacifism and non-violence, and championed the cause of gay rights. Rustin was an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and A. Philip Randolph. This openly gay leader was the chief architect in the planning and implementation of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. He would influence generations of young activists who followed him in the Congress for Racial Equality, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the NAACP. He left an indelible mark in the union movement, as he fought tireless for the integration of all-white unions. Rustin is quoted as saying, “Martin Luther King, with whom I worked very closely, became very distressed when a number of the ministers working for him wanted him to dismiss me from his staff because of my homosexuality.” He also said, “The principal factors which influenced my life are 1) nonviolent tactics; 2) constitutional means; 3) democratic procedures; 4) respect for human personality; 5) a belief that all people are one.”
Arts Commissioner Description: The City of Boston seeks an Arts and Cultural Affairs Commissioner, reporting directly to the Mayor. For the first time in twenty years, the Commissioner will be a Cabinet-level position. The City seeks a Commissioner who can: Develop a comprehensive and innovative financial plan for Boston by convening artists and other stakeholders, listening to their needs, developing consensus, and formulating a comprehensive Arts and Cultural Plan for the City. Develop and implement pioneering, stable funding sources and strategies based in both the private and public sector that will build a new department from start-up phase to a budget rivaling those of comparable cities. Secure successful major grant applications from national grant-making entities, individual, foundation and corporate donors, and manage the post-grant assessment process. Develop significant resources including, but not limited to, individual fundraising, corporate sponsorship acquisition, and grant acquisition. Structure fundraising vehicles that maximize support of the creative economy and community. Work across departments to create a supportive network for artists and the arts, cultural, and creative communities located in Boston’s neighborhoods, in schools, and in institutions of higher learning. Ensure all relevant City programs—within and outside the Commissioner’s direct control—are aligned with the comprehensive Arts and Cultural Plan. Promote and execute the final plan, secure resources, and oversee implementation and evaluation. Supervise existing staff, attract new talent, and build a strong and cohesive team. Manage a budget of public and private funds. Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills by building the profile and structure of a new Cabinet-level department with an eye towards institutional sustainability and growth, including restructuring and growing the Department to support new mandates and opportunities. Work closely to ensure that the Office reflects and effectively serves all of Boston’s diverse populations. Serve as an advocate for the cultural community by: a) understanding the challenges they face; b) engaging the community across silos of discipline, geography, and culture; c) having direct involvement in an artistic endeavor; and d) regularly meeting with artists and the arts community to enlist feedback. Lead the Artists First Initiative, which will address artists’ occupational health needs, professional development, affordable artist space, fair trade, and compensation. Foster the creation of co-ops in housing, business, and work space. Expand the use of existing City incubators and spaces for culture. Develop and implement innovative uses of libraries, parks, and other City property and assets as venues for arts and culture, including temporary performances and exhibit spaces. Oversee funding allocations and usage to support non-profit arts and cultural organizations, artists, neighborhood arts programs, festivals, and artworks in public development. Serve as an ambassador and advocate for arts and culture in Boston to artists, funders, public officials, the business community, the international community, and other communities. Establish a more visible relationship with Boston’s sister cities and the various embassies, consulates, and business communities around Boston, including promoting a dynamic public art program and robust year-round programming. Implement and oversee a marketing and communications strategy for arts and culture, including a robust website and database of arts offerings and a social media strategy. Ensure that the department is linking to cultural promotion partners in the city. Qualifications: The following qualifications are strongly preferred: Ability to structure fundraising vehicles that maximize support of the creative economy and community. BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED About this Organization: City Government City of Boston Office of Human Resources
THE MAURICIO GASTÓN INSTITUTE FOR LATINO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY SPEAKER SERIES SPRING 2014 “Exploring the Influence of Personalized Mental Health Narratives in Social Media” This presentation investigates benefits and limitations of using social media for the purpose of influencing public health. Online media play a significant role in shaping users’ health, but few studies focus on the influence of health discourse in social media platforms. This study explores how the presentation of educational messages about mental health in social media affect college students’ health information recall, beliefs and attitudes about mental health, and their behavioral intentions to seek mental health treatment. Tuesday, April 29th About the speaker: Dr. Jessie Quintero Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Department at UMass Boston. She earned a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and specializes in health and mass communication. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. The Mauricio Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy | 100 Morrissey Blvd | Healey Library, 10th Floor JVS Bridges to College Program Bridge to College Flyer: http://po.st/ghd95x The JVS Bridges to College program is a 23 week FREE college preparatory program. We have two exciting program paths for your clients to consider. General Studies is a great pathway for clients to pursue if they are still undecided about what they want to study in college or if they are interested in a clean energy career. Our General Studies pathway offers clients FREE math and English classes including FREE tutoring, job search support and academic readiness classes. The General Studies pathway is a morning program which offers classes Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for 23 weeks. Information sessions for the General Studies pathway begin Friday, April 11th at 10:00 am sharp and will be held on the 3rd floor of JVS. Biotechnology pathway is our evening opportunity for clients. Massachusetts is projected to boast 393 new jobs in bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing over the next three years. (Massachusetts Life Sciences Industry Entry Level Employment Demand Report, 2013). The JVS Bridges to College program will provide accepted clients with 23 weeks of FREE math, science and academic/career readiness classes including FREE tutoring and job search support. The Biotechnology pathway is partnering with a local public college to prepare clients to transition into an 8 month Biotechnology & Compliance Certificate program directly after JVS. With this certificate clients are able to obtain entry level positions in the bio-manufacturing industry with starting salaries between $38,000 – $45,000 a year. Classes at JVS will be held Monday – Thursday from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Monday – Thursday for 23 weeks. Information sessions for the Biotechnology pathway begin Tuesday, April 8th at 4:00 pm sharp and will be held on the 3rd floor of JVS. Attached for your review are new flyers which highlight each program path. Please share the attached flyers with your clients and colleagues. I am available to answer any questions you, your clients or colleagues may have about our program. Contact: |