星期四, 9月 14, 2017

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S FREE HOMEWORK HELP BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S FREE HOMEWORK HELP BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18
September marks national Library Card Sign-up Month; educational resources and services await new cardholders

BOSTON  September 14, 2017 – Boston Public Library’s free Homework Help program begins September 18 and runs through May 24, 2018, offering free afterschool help and mentorship provided by high-achieving high school students at most BPL locations across the city. The program, offered Monday through Thursday from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. is open to students in grades K-8; no registration required. Boston Teacher’s Union (BTU) tutors are also available during select weekdays from 4-6 p.m. for students in grades K-12. Visit www.bpl.org/homework for complete information. Most homework help mentors and program participants are Boston Public Schools students, though it is open to all, and BTU tutors are either current or retired Boston Public Schools teachers.

As September marks the return of the academic year and a month many new residents move to Boston, Boston Public Library reminds all during national Library Card Sign-up Month that anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Massachusetts can have a Boston Public Library card.

“The startup of BPL’s Homework Help program marks back-to-school time at the library. We are here for Boston’s young people to support learning in a safe, welcoming environment, and again we are immensely grateful to Harvard University for their training of the high school mentors who run the program across the city,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. “September is also Library Card Sign-up Month and we welcome all new residents, students, and visitors with an invitation to check out the library in Copley Square and across the city’s neighborhoods. “

Boston Public Library began collaborating with Harvard University to provide SmartTALK training to Homework Help mentors in 2014. Since its launch in 2008, SmartTALK has worked to help adequately prepare and train educators and mentors in Cambridge and Boston to help children of all ages develop strong academic and social skills outside of school hours.

Online help is also available through LearningExpress Library, which can help students from grade school through college improve their skills by taking practice tests, completing exercises, and reading e-books. LearningExpress can also help college-bound students prepare for the ACT, SAT, and other standardized tests. Students may also search for articles and use books online with student electronic resources, and look for book, CDs, movies, and more in the BPL catalog.

Sign up for a Boston Public Library card can be done in person at Boston Public Library locations across the city with a photo ID and proof of current residence. For immediate access to the library’s digital resources, many people start with a Boston Public Library e-card via www.bpl.org/ecard. An e-card opens the door to free e-books and audiobooks, streaming music, television, and video, digital magazines, online language learning programs, career resources, and more.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PROJECTS BY BOSTON'S ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PROJECTS BY BOSTON'S ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
Celebratory event on 9/16 to showcase completed projects; highlight impact on BCYF Centers and community


Repainted basketball courts at Harambee Park

BOSTON - Thursday, September 14, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families today announced the successful completion of projects created by the 10 artists selected for the City of Boston's artist-in-residence program, Boston AIR. These projects represent varying arts disciplines, from printmaking to sculpting and more, and builds on the Mayor's commitment to implementing Boston Creates, the City's cultural plan.

"The Boston AIR program has been incredibly successful at elevating the importance of bringing the arts closer to the heart of all we do as a city," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud of the work of all of our artists-in-residence who in their own distinct ways have contributed to our cultural fabric as a city, and who have shown that taking a creative approach to problem-solving can reap tangible benefits for the people of Boston."

Boston AIR is a core component of Boston Creates, and is aimed at integrating creative thinking into the work of municipal departments and planning efforts. In addition, the Boston AIR program is a deliverable goal of Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's citywide plan.

Through Boston AIR, artists are supported as agents of reflection, collaboration, and activism, whether through process-oriented practice, direct community engagement, or as leaders of system-wide change projects at BCYF and other City agencies.

To celebrate the culmination of the second year of the Boston AIR program, on September 16, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture together with the Boston Public Art Commission will host an event at the Emerson Media Art Gallery at 5:00 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, see video screenings of projects, and participate in an artist panel to recognize the collective work of the cohort and their BCYF centers. The event is free and open to all, and advanced registration is requested.

Each artist involved in the program was placed at one of the 10 designated BCYF community centers, and provided a studio space at that center.

The 10 artists and their projects include:
  • Lina Giraldo (Hyde Park BCYF Center): Her residency focused on creating ownership and understanding identity using technology and storytelling. During her workshops, youth and seniors used coding and technology to build their own cameras that they used to interview community members.
  • Salvador Jimenez-Flores (Quincy BCYF Center): Taught the art of printmaking to over 100 5th and 6th graders. Through creating their own prints for Chinese fans, his residency embraced the historic and present immigrant communities that have transformed Chinatown and promote diversity and inclusion.
  • Charles Coe (Roxbury Tobin BCYF Center): Writer and artist Charles Code developed a community based story collection called, "What You Don't Know About Me." The project includes stories that highlight some aspect of the person's life that might challenge the viewer's perceptions.
  • Cornell Coley (Roslindale BCYF Center): Teaching artist Cornell Coley facilitated community drumming circles in Roslindae; including the BCYF itself and in the larger community. He contributed to a revitalization of the on-site BCYF recording studio and produced a series of music concerts in the neighborhood.
  • Maria Molteni (Perkins BCYF Center): Collaborated with youth from the BCYF Perkins after school program and peewee basketball community to repaint designs on the Harambee Park basketball courts, visually reclaiming the court for the community.
  • Marjorie Saintil-Belizaire (Mattahunt BCYF Center):  Marjorie Saintil-Belizaire aimed to reshape the Mattahunt Community Center (MCC) as an arts and cultural space to convene, engage and to better reflect and celebrate community, local arts, culture, heritage, entrepreneurship, while also honoring BCYF's ACES (Arts, Community and Civic Engagements, Education and Sports) framework. Marjorie held a series of art workshops and classes, and coordinated art centered cultural events for the Haitian community in Mattapan. In this way, her investigation of the Mattahunt has acted as pilot and a model for systematic change within the BCYF.
  • Rashin Rahandej (Blackstone BCYF Center): Worked on a collaborative multimedia project that examines access and equality through the lens of mass incarceration and how it impacts the lives of children, youth, women, communities and society at large.
  • John Walsh (Curley BCYF Center): Graphic novelist John Walsh interviewed immigrants and wrote and illustrated their stories. Through sequential art, these immigrant experiences are being presented in a new and unique way that will allow for easy translation into other languages.
  • Jenn De Leon (Curtis Hall BCYF Center): Led an exploration of racial and class segregation and its impact on education and student identify as explored through the lens of storytelling. She investigated walls and their impact on community and the power of story to break through them.
  • Ann Hirsch (Vine Street BCYF Center): Focused on making connections through public art and sculpture with many different groups of community members, especially youth. She explored the theme of hand gestures as a lens through which to explore current issues and future goals, as well as the use of nonverbal communication modes in the expression of fear, protection and protest.
In the second year of Boston AIR, the program expanded the size of the artist cohort, increased the length of residencies, and ground each residency at BCYF through their community centers and core citywide initiatives,  such as the BCYF Streetworker Program, youth summer programs, and leadership development for young women.

"One of the unique aspects about this residency is the camaraderie among the fantastic and talented cohort of creatives who made the Boston AIR 2.0 a success. These relationships we built with our communities, colleagues and the city representatives outlast the time of the project," said artist-in-residence Salvador Jimenez-Flores. "Resilient Current is a printmaking installation that embraces the past and present immigrant communities that have transformed Boston's Chinatown,". "We want to embrace the diverse groups of the Chinatown community and provide hope, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all immigrants, to emphasize that we are all free, capable, and equal."

"With Boston AIR, the city of Boston has launched a program from which every city could benefit. It provides financial and structural support to solidify and expand the role of the arts in place making within a community, paying artists directly and providing a stipend," said artist-in-residence Cornell Coley. "Personally, I have been able to bring the healing properties of community drumming to youth and families, to support local businesses and to further develop my own art form. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive."

For more information on Mayor Walsh's commitment to arts and culture in the City of Boston, please read his Medium post, "A Culture Shift: Moving the Arts Closer to the Heart of all we do."

波士頓僑務簡訊第2期

僑 務 簡 訊 中華民國1069月第2
波士頓華僑文教服務中心
Culture Center of TECO in Boston
90 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 02461
Tel: 617-965-8801
Fax: 617-965-8815          

敬邀僑胞鄉親返國參加十月慶典活動
中華民國僑務委員會為歡迎海外僑胞回國參加十月慶典活動現正緊鑼密鼓籌劃相關活動及接待事宜敬邀波士頓地區僑胞鄉親報名參加也請呼朋引伴共襄盛舉報名網址如下
https://goo.gl/moQW5F
https://goo.gl/kvDQRN
特別提醒您報名完成後請務必於105日至109日期間前往僑務委員會106年十月慶典回國僑胞接待服務處臺北市徐州路5號中央聯合辦公大樓南棟1辦理報到領取僑胞證及相關資料喔~~如有洽詢事項歡迎致電617-965-8801(波士頓僑教中心)https://goo.gl/ohzi9u

106年波士頓地區雙十國慶遊行活動
107(星期六)早上930分在波士頓華埠牌樓廣埸集合,隨後舉辦國慶遊行與升旗典禮,遊行隊伍由必珠街啟程經華盛頓街至波士頓市府廣埸;當630分並循例在波士頓華埠帝苑大酒樓舉行國慶全僑餐會 (每桌$380美元歡迎踴躍參與遊行及餐會活動。
另本年度雙十國慶僑界報紙祝賀廣告仍由國民黨波士頓分部及紐英崙中華總會統籌負責辦理個人25元及團體50併請於928日以前登記繳費。

◎徵求僑胞鄉親擔任波士頓地區緊急通聯網聯繫窗口
為協助本地區台灣僑胞(甫至本地區工作、經商或依親之新僑為主)、旅外國人、度假打工青年及留學生在本地區遭遇緊急危難事件時必要與即時的關懷與救助倘有僑胞鄉親願意成為聯繫窗口,請洽僑教中心張小慧小姐(電話617-965-8801) 或請直接以電子郵件(請傳送至ocacboston@gmail.com)提供您居住地區、中英文姓名、手機電話及EMAIL等資料

106年青年海外度假打工宣導會活動報名簡章及青年學生赴國外度假打工注意事項及行前自我檢核表可供下載
政府積極與各國洽簽度假打工協定,目前已與澳洲、紐西蘭、日本、韓國、加拿大、英國、愛爾蘭、德國、比利時、匈牙利、斯洛伐克、波蘭、奧地利、捷克及法國等15國簽訂該項協定,每年皆吸引逾數萬名青年申請。鑒於出國度假打工青年人數逐年攀升,教育部青年發展署為提供青年完整海外度假打工資訊、保障青年的權益與安全,特別規劃「青年海外度假打工宣導會」,現場將有外交部度假打工業務報告、度假打工青年經驗分享及度假打工協定之國家代表現場諮詢服務,提供完整的海外度假打工資訊,讓青年勇闖世界一圓國際夢。相關資訊及表格請至教育部青年發展署(www.yda.gov.tw/)下載運用

◎「世界華語文教學研討會」將在今年底舉辦
世界華語文教育學會於1984年首創辦理「世界華語文教學研討會」,每三年舉辦一屆。「第十二屆世界華語文教學研討會」與「第十屆世界華語文研究生論壇」,訂於20171214日至17日在台灣南投暨南國際大學聯合舉辦。推動「全球大華語發展」,並為世界各地華語文教學專家、學者和研究生搭建一個交流研究平臺,歡迎海內外的各位專家、學者、研究生投稿報名。報名表單請至
(https://goo.gl/forms/eIuX0GgNlCZL04ux2) 下載運用。

◎「2017僑務電子報徵文比賽」歡迎僑胞踴躍投稿
僑務委員會為鼓勵海外僑胞經由報導僑社萬象,記錄僑社共同記憶,啟動成為自媒體的潛能,特於2017915日至1020日舉辦「2017僑務電子報徵文比賽」,歡迎海外僑胞踴躍投稿。徵文比賽分「僑社」與「雙十國慶」兩組,其中僑社組以報導海外僑社本年舉辦之活動、發生的事件或僑胞故事等值得分享之經驗及事實為主;雙十國慶組則可記錄海外僑社或臺灣本年辦理雙十國慶活動的成果或個人感想。兩組均設特優、優等及佳作獎項,獎金總額高達新台幣40萬元。
參加徵文比賽詳細辦法,請上僑務電子報ocacnews.net

◎僑務電子報 歡迎上網瀏覽
為提供全球僑胞嶄新、即時的瀏覽經驗,僑務委員會於520日正式啟用「僑務電子報」網站。除採用互動式技術,打造適合手機、平板電腦可流暢閱讀的介面,網站也具備影音內容,提供文字及圖像外更多、更豐富訊息。「僑務電子報」為僑務專業新聞網站,涵蓋「聚焦臺灣」、「僑社新聞」、「國際兩岸」、「新南向快訊」、「English News」及「看見臺灣」等多元內容,提供僑社最新動態及國內要聞,希望僑胞能一站取得全部所需僑社及國內資訊。其中「English News」單元報導國內要聞,提供英語讀者瞭解台灣的管道,也有利僑胞新生代認識台灣。「僑務電子報」網址www.ocacnews.net,歡迎各位僑胞上網瀏覽。

◎海外僑胞返國自費體驗優質安心醫療服務
臺灣的醫療技術在亞洲排名第一,全球排名第三,已位居國際醫界翹楚,並擁有下列六大優勢--高品質、合理價格、高科技、感動服務、完整專科服務、專業團隊。僑務委員會目前正推動「海外僑胞返國自費體驗優質安心醫療服務」,提供健康檢查、美容醫學及特色醫療等服務項目,並在桃園國際機場、高雄國際航空站、臺北松山機場及臺中航空站等地設置臺灣國際醫療服務中心,以提供各國旅客能即時瞭解來臺就醫資訊、取得醫療旅遊行程安排及後續醫療服務。歡迎僑界組團或自行來臺進行自費醫療(健康檢查、醫學美容),凡取得合法入境文件之陸僑、港澳僑或外籍人士亦非 常歡迎!! 詳細資訊可參閱臺灣國際醫療全球資訊網(內含各醫療院所介紹、數位影音、動態及臺旅遊等資訊)(http://www.medicaltravel.org.tw),更歡迎洽詢波士頓僑教中心
(617-965-8801)

◎攜帶超額新臺幣未申報或申報不實,將由海關沒入
協助宣導新修正「洗錢防制法」有關「攜帶超額新臺幣未申報或申報不實將由海關沒入」規定之短片請至中央銀行全球資訊網首頁(http://www.cbc.gov.tw)「推薦服務」/「新臺幣短片及防偽」項下瀏覽下載。依據中央銀行發行局本(106)518日台央發字第1060020846號函辦理。

◎中華民國內政部戶政司全球資訊網站新增「高級專業人才歸化專區」
中華民國內政部戶政司表示,由中央目的事業主管機關推薦科技、經濟、教育、文化或藝術領域、體育及其他領域之高級專業人才,經內政部邀請社會公正人士及相關機關召開審查會審核通過者,申請歸化無須喪失原有國籍。為利上開外籍專業人才瞭解申請歸化相關程序,內政部業於該部戶政司全球資訊網(網址://www.ris.gov.tw)之熱門主題服務項下,新增「高級專業人才歸化專區」,提供相關資訊,歡迎申請人可至上開網站查詢。

◎第三屆總統創新獎 開始受理報名
「創新與成長」是產業永續的動力,也是經濟強盛的重要關鍵。政府為致力於發展新的經濟模式,透過建立完整國家創新體系,創造經濟發展競爭優勢,讓臺灣在國際局勢的變動中,找出下一個市場發展的利基。經濟部奉總統指示規劃及辦理「總統創新獎」,以鼓勵產、官、學、研界之個人或團體,積極追求多元創新與價值創造,進而帶動國家整體經濟發展與強化國際競爭力優勢。自即日起至2017920日止受理推薦報名,相關參選辦法及訊息請至該官網(http://www.rocpia.tw/index.aspx)下載運用。

迴響與戶動

1.  您想瞭解僑委會的最新資訊,歡迎逕參閱僑務委員會Face Book網頁
2.  如果您的親友願意收到本中心發行之「僑務簡訊」請電郵告知
3.  倘您想進一步瞭解僑委會相關僑務資訊,歡迎逕參閱僑務委員會官網 
4.  您如果想瞭解本地相關僑團活動動態,請上網點選本中心網頁(僑務委員會官網/僑民僑團聯繫服務/本會駐外僑務據點/北美洲地區/波士頓華僑文教服務中心/僑社采風)
5.  您如果想知道波士頓僑教中心最新動態及新聞,請至僑教中心Face Book網頁(https://www.facebook.com/bostonocac)


星期三, 9月 13, 2017

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Cybersecurity Center At Mass Tech Collaborative

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Cybersecurity Center At Mass Tech Collaborative
First-Ever “Massachusetts Cybersecurity Forum” Brings Together Leaders from Business, Academia, and Government to Discuss Critical Cybersecurity Challenges

CAMBRIDGE – Today, at the state’s first-ever Cybersecurity Forum, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced the creation of the “Cybersecurity Growth and Development Center at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative” - a new public center that will aim to connect the cybersecurity ecosystem and train new cybersecurity workers across the Commonwealth. To advise and steer the center, MassTech will convene a Cybersecurity Strategy Council made up of leaders from both the private and public sector. 

The Commonwealth’s first Cybersecurity Forum took place at several locations across Cambridge and was attended by more than 200 cybersecurity-focused leaders from the Commonwealth’s roster of companies, top-tier academic research institutions, and local, state and federal officials.

“Massachusetts is home to many of the world’s leading innovative companies, accelerators and educational institutions, as well as an economically competitive climate prepared to host the world’s emerging cybersecurity industry,” said Governor Baker. “Creating the Cybersecurity Growth and Development Center at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the Cybersecurity Strategy Council will ensure the state serves as a committed partner with businesses, colleges and universities, and the public sector to continue developing a talented workforce and to expand our cybersecurity ecosystem.”

As part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s economic development strategy to support emerging sectors, the Cybersecurity Growth and Development Center will work with the private sector to provide business development support, help existing cybersecurity firms grow in Massachusetts, oversee programs to increase the cybersecurity talent pipeline in the state, and collaborate with businesses to help inform the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity strategy.

The new Cybersecurity Growth and Development Center will focus on the development of talent, leadership and ecosystem initiatives, and will shape projects with the help of a special Cybersecurity Strategy Council composed of advisors from industry, academia, and government.

“In order for the Commonwealth to prepare for and withstand cyber threats, we need a strong pipeline of workers that are trained in cutting edge tools and techniques being utilized today,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The participation of our Workforce Skills Cabinet and private sector leaders, along with leaders from our universities, will ensure that we are preparing students ready to make an immediate impact the minute they head into the workforce.” 

The Forum was a direct result of the Baker-Polito administration’s trade mission to Israel last year and will raise the Commonwealth’s profile as a state as a national cybersecurity leader with global impact. The goal of the Forum was to further solidify a coordinated strategy focused on talent, ecosystem growth, and global leadership and to cement the Commonwealth’s commitment as a strategic partner with the cybersecurity community. Since last December’s trade mission, five companies have opened or relocated their American Headquarters to Boston, representing hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in Massachusetts.

Governor Baker was introduced by Steve Conine, the co-founder and co-chairman of Boston-based online retailer Wayfair, who outlined the importance of a strong regional cybersecurity ecosystem for a major publically traded company.  
At Wayfair, we are thrilled to see Governor Baker working to continue to make Massachusetts a place that grows and cultivates top talent for critical pieces of our future economy,” said Steve Conine, co-founder & co-chairman of Wayfair.“Cybersecurity is critical as we work on building a trusted, durable and nationally known retail brand. Initiatives like this help ensure Massachusetts is a top destination for talent.  Cybersecurity professionals will be an important part of the technology workforce at Wayfair, and a critical piece to the broader technology ecosystem.”

Colonel Joseph Morrissey of the Massachusetts National Guard also provided remarks on plans for a cyber-intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) group under the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Joint Base Cape Cod.

"We are excited for future opportunities and the challenges associated with standing up these new cyber missions," said Col. Joseph Morrissey, commander, 202nd Cyber Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group, Massachusetts Air National Guard. "As we set out to recruit and train to fulfill our federal taskings, we have an eye on how to effectively use these missions to better serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and continue to build enduring relationships with all our interagency partners." 

“These events showcase the global cybersecurity leadership that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has at its disposal, from R&D, to startups, to scaled organizations”said Tim Connelly, Executive Director/CEO of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. “These connections have helped grow our roster of cyber firms. The new Center housed at MassTech will build on this solid foundation and help supercharge an already dynamic sector of our economy.”

The Forum will conclude this evening with a Capstone presentation and panel on “Meeting the Cybersecurity Workforce Challenge,” and include a keynote by Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s President Rafael Reif and a panel discussion featuring Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta and executives from Massachusetts-based cybersecurity firms Black Duck Software, Cybric, iboss, and Rapid7.

The closing panel will be moderated by Housing & Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash and feature a discussion and Q&A with the leaders of the four mid-day ‘cyber treks,’ at leading firms in the area, including Akamai, Draper, Google, and IBM Security’s Cyber Range. 

Governor Baker and many of the attendees from today’s forum will also participate in an event tomorrow Thursday, September 14th, hosted by Harvard Business School and Israel’s Tel Aviv University called the “CEO Cybersecurity Forum.” The Harvard Forum will feature participation from representatives of Israel’s world-class cybersecurity business and research sectors. 

MAYOR WALSH, MASS LEGAL ASSISTANCE CORPORATION, MASS LAW REFORM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCE GREATER BOSTON IMMIGRANT DEFENSE FUND

MAYOR WALSH, MASS LEGAL ASSISTANCE CORPORATION, MASS LAW REFORM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCE GREATER BOSTON IMMIGRANT DEFENSE FUND

Local foundations, legal aid programs, nonprofits, and corporate partners come together to support immigrant community

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 13, 2017- Mayor Walsh, local funders, Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) today announced the Greater Boston Immigrant Defense Fund, a public-private partnership and funding collaborative that seeks to strengthen the Greater Boston area's capacity to protect and defend its many immigrant communities, refugees, and temporary status holders by increasing education and access to legal services. Subsequently, MLAC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) calling for nonprofit organizations in the Boston area to enhance legal service capacity, strengthen community education and outreach, and build network infrastructure with the over $1 million dollars already pledged from local funders to carry out the mission of the Defense Fund.

"Boston would not be the thriving city it is without its immigrant community, past and present," said Mayor Walsh. "Through this initiative, funding will be made available for legal service providers in order to increase legal representation for those facing deportation and who cannot afford the cost of a lawyer. Additionally, funds will be distributed to organizations with strong community engagement programs in order to connect legal representation with community education and outreach."

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), the largest funding source for civil legal aid programs in Massachusetts, will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the cross-sector initiative. MLAC will directly distribute funds to both legal service providers and community outreach organizations, which will be awarded after the competitive application process. The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), a statewide poverty law and policy center, and legal services Immigration Coalition convenor, will serve as the network coordinator. The Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement will track and evaluate the impact of the initiative over the course of a two-year pilot period.

"Civil legal aid plays a vital role in protecting the rights of individuals and families that come to the United States in search of economic opportunity and freedom from violence and persecution." said Lonnie Powers, Executive Director of MLAC. "We are deeply grateful for this much-needed funding, which will enable legal aid programs to partner with community-based agencies to educate, empower, and provide legal support to vulnerable immigrants and refugees in the Greater Boston area."

"As a first generation immigrant, the daughter of immigrants who came to the US seeking a better life, I can speak to the importance that the American Dream holds to all who believe the United States is the beacon of justice, hope, and opportunity," said Georgia Katsoulomitis, Executive Director of MLRI. "It is that promise that has brought millions to our shores. On behalf of legal aid programs that serve low income and vulnerable immigrants, I want to express sincere gratitude to Mayor Walsh and to all the funders who have supported the Greater Boston Immigrant Defense Fund."

The fund is made possible by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR), a national network of foundations working on issues related to immigrant integration, as well as by contributions from local philanthropic, corporate and legal partners. The design of the initiative is the product of a collaborative effort between the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement, Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute with input from local funders and immigration advocates. Local foundations and corporate partners contributing to the fund include the Barr Foundation, the Klarman Family Foundation, the Boston Foundation, the Fish Family Foundation, the Herman and Frieda L. Miller Foundation, Foley Hoag, Mintz Levin, and the Hyams Foundation, the lead funder for the initiative.

"Last week, the Trump Administration threw the lives of 800,000 young people into turmoil and uncertainty with the stroke of a pen," said Dr. Jocelyn Sargent, Executive Director of the Hyams Foundation. "In an era of volatile federal politics and a growing nationalist movement, it is our collective and moral responsibility to ensure that Boston continues to serve as a sanctuary for all. More than 22% of Greater Boston's 800,000 immigrants and refugees do not have immigration status. This initiative will allow us-as philanthropists, government, and nonprofits-to stand in solidarity against the discrimination, hostility and painful uncertainty experienced every day by our fellow Bostonians."

"There is a severe justice gap when it comes to protecting the rights of immigrants and their families, who remain among the most vulnerable people in our society," said Martin W. Healy, Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of the Massachusetts Bar Association. "This welcome infusion of funding will help expand legal aid at this critical time where it is most needed."

"We are grateful to Mayor Walsh and the Fund partners for this ambitious effort to increase access to justice for some of the most vulnerable members of society," said Mark Smith, Boston Bar Association President. "We are acutely aware of the need for legal representation in this area, and we stand ready to assist and support attorneys and organizations who commit their time and talent to this important cause."

Through their contributions to the cultural, social and economic landscape of the city, immigrants play an essential role in Boston's unique civic life. Foreign-born Bostonians account for 28.4% of City's population, and nearly half of Boston's children under that age of 18 lived with at least one foreign born parent in 2015. Immigrants generate nearly a quarter of the economic output of Suffolk County. In 2014, immigrants contributed $2.3 billion to the regional economy, generating more than $116.1 million in state and local tax revenues and approximately 15,000 jobs. Additionally, a high proportion of foreign born Bostonians are self-employed, which has helped revitalize and reinvigorate many of Boston's neighborhoods.

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito Sign 300th Community Compact with Town of Swampscott

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito Sign 300th Community Compact with Town of Swampscott
660 best practices in local government across 300 communities in Massachusetts ensuring partnership and mutual accountability with state government


SWAMPSCOTT—Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito signed a Community Compact agreement with the town of Swampscott, marking a milestone as the Commonwealth’s 300th Compact Community.   

“The Community Compact program has been successful in strengthening the relationships between state and local government in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth under the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito who has worked tirelessly to travel the state visiting local officials and stakeholders as part of this program,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud to see Swampscott sign our administration’s 300thcompact to regionalize services, combat long-term financial challenges and implement the Complete Streets Program.”

In 2015, Governor Baker signed his first Executive Order establishing the Community Compact Cabinet (CCC) chaired by Lt. Governor Polito, in order to elevate the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns in all communities of the Commonwealth.

“The Community Compact Cabinet is proud to have signed 300 Compacts with municipalities across the state in order to help build stronger communities and a stronger Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Polito, Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet. “From grants and technical assistance to connecting resources, we are pleased to work with communities to be a better partner, making all cities and towns a better place to work, live and raise a family.” 

“Swampscott’s commitment to improving and highlighting its scenic coastal town is illustrated by today’s Community Compact signing,” said Senator Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn). “The institution of best practices such as regional and shared services, intermodal transportation efforts and enhanced long-range capital planning, will continue to advance the economic growth of the town and the quality of life for its residents.”

Representative Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) said, “I'm thrilled to celebrate the 300th compact signing in Swampscott. Partnering with Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and hard-working local officials for municipal best practices is good governance at its best. The genius behind the compact is that when our communities are provided resources and support, we all win.”

Currently, 311 municipalities have applied to participate in the Community Compact program, with 688 total chosen best practices. Including Swampscott, 300 communities have signed compacts representing 660 best practices. Implementing these best practices distinctly improves the operations of local government, creating a stronger community and in many cases, a better experience for residents.

In addition to the Best Practice program, two other grant programs under the Community Compact Cabinet have benefitted municipalities.  The IT Grant program has provided a total of $4 million impacting more than 130 municipalities for various projects that will drive innovation and transformation at the local level.  Similarly, the Efficiency & Regionalization Grant program has resulted in $2 million of grants being awarded for projects impacting more than 120 communities and school districts that support regionalization and other efficiency initiatives that allow for long-term sustainability.

Community Compacts are one tool the administration is utilizing to strengthen the partnership between cities and towns and the Commonwealth. By entering a Community Compact, a community agrees to implement self-selected best practices. As part of this partnership, the Commonwealth agrees to fulfill a set of commitments and works to provide assistance for a community based on their chosen best practice. 

Through these Compacts, Swampscott will partner with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to implement the following best practices:
  • Regionalization/Shared Services: The Commonwealth will award a Community Compact Grant for Swampscott to continue to explore ways to expand regional services.
  • Long-range Capital and Financial Planning/Forecasting: The Commonwealth will award a Community Compact Grant for Swampscott to develop a long-range financial forecast that helps the Town understand both its long-term financial challenges and capacity for capital investment.
  • Transportation/Public Works – Active Transportation: Complete Streets: In order to implement the Complete Streets Program, the Commonwealth will provide technical assistance to the community through MassDOT’s zero-cost certification process.  This will make Swampscott eligible for prioritization planning funding and construction grants.
For more information or to apply for a Community Compact go to www.mass.gov/ccc.