波士頓加入全美打擊色情行列 嫖娼有罪

波士頓市市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh）昨（六）日宣佈，加入全美打擊販賣色情行列，將針對嫖客，老鴇下重拳，要在兩年內減少賣淫行為，網上20%，街頭80%。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊和麻州總檢察官奚莉（Maura Healey），波士頓警察局局長伊凡斯（William Evans），薩福克郡治安官湯普金（Steven Tompkins），以及曾任大使的韓特（Swanee Hunt）等人，在波士頓市政府大樓大堂，一起鼓吹反對性剝削。

波士頓市是加入“賦予城市權力反對性剝削（Cities Empowered Against Sexual Exploitation，簡稱CEASE）”行動的全美第十一個城市，要逮捕，起訴購買性交易者，並為賣淫受害者提供服務。

馬丁華殊表示，希望在未來兩年內減少20%的網上購買性交易行為，減少80%的街頭賣淫。他強調，無論如何，波士頓市都不容忍賣淫這種非法，剝削，褫奪基本人權，還經常與幫派，組織犯罪牽扯在一起的行業存在。波市府也將藉提供職業培訓的方法，幫助那些受害女子獲得新生活。

馬丁華殊透露，日前受訪時，曾有人問他對有些國家打算合法化娼妓業的看法，他的回應是，只要他在位（市長），他就會阻止娼妓合法化。他以非常激情的語調指出，那是一批人剝削弱勢者的行為。

經由CEASE，波士頓市將與倖存者，社區成員，政府及執法人員，企業領袖合作，根除性剝削行為。

麻州總檢察官奚莉表示，在她看來，這是人權問題。性剝削其實不論族裔，膚色，會影響到每一個家庭，每一個人。

韓特表示，她相信打擊賣淫是可以做到的事，只要沒人購買性交易，這行業就無法存在。

 波士頓市的CEASE項目，將由波士頓警察局販賣人口小組的警探官Donna Gavin，以及波士頓市公共安全計畫主任Daniel Mulhern共同主導。

            Audrey Morrissey是支持反對性剝削組織，“我的生命我的選擇（My Life My Choice）”的副主任。她本身也是一名性剝削的倖存者。她表示，她們見過太多執法人員把妓女關進監牢，卻把嫖客，老鴇放走的情況，很高興CEASE活動以嫖客，老鴇為打擊對象。她也對媒體做相關報導時，對事件中的女子不留情面，令他們的子女，家人難堪，表示不滿，指許多人賣淫是被逼的，或情非得已。

            波士頓市府指出，上個月在亞利桑納州（AZ)鳳凰城舉行的全國反人口販賣領袖聚會中，包括亞特蘭大，波士頓，芝加哥，達拉斯，丹佛，休士頓，歐克蘭，鳳凰城，波特蘭，聖地牙哥，西雅圖等十一個城市，宣布了CEASE項目。

圖片說明：

            波士頓市長馬丁華殊宣佈將掃蕩嫖客，老鴇，打擊色情行業，推出CEASE項目。（菊子攝）

            波士頓市長馬丁華殊(左)和波士頓警察局局長伊凡斯（右）為宣佈CEASE項目做準備。（菊子攝）

            麻州總檢察官奚莉表示，她也是波士頓市居民，很高興波士頓市長和她理念一致。（菊子攝）

            前排右起，大使韓特，麻州總檢察官奚莉，波士頓市長馬丁華殊，薩福克郡治安官湯普金等人出席CEASE項目宣佈會。（菊子攝）

            曾任大使的韓特，積極支持CEASE項目。（菊子攝）

麻州財政廳長Deb Goldberg 親民與華裔淵源深

麻州財政廳廳長高柏珂（Deborah Goldberg）日前邀族裔媒體聚會，透露她的猶太裔家族和華裔淵源深厚，她本人也在支持，輔導亞裔、華裔年輕人參政。

高柏珂是麻州首名猶太裔女性閣員，上任麻州財政廳廳長以後，著意強調親民形象，也提出要以科技提高財政廳行政作業效率等多項計畫，要以她的家族把“停下來買（Stop & Shop）“超市連鎖店，辦成上市進紐約股票市場，雇用五萬名員工，市值達到十二億元公司的經驗，整頓麻州財政，也要在教育上下功夫，幫助一般個人把自己的財務管得更好。

現年六十歲，掌管著麻州六百億元退休金項目的高柏珂談到未來工作計畫時，坦言麻州彩券（Lottery）辦得很成功，她將在現有基礎上繼續改善。

高柏珂表示，她邀請族裔記者晤談，主要是希望讓麻州民眾知道，州政府是為所有麻州居民服務的機構。她也闡述了財政廳要以創新科技，來賦予民眾力量，改善麻州整體環境，以及居民們的個人經濟狀況。

談及她的家族和華裔之間的關係時，高柏珂坦言，猶太人和華人有很多相似處，她家很早就和華裔有來往，她父親吃飯都用筷子，她本人輔導黃子瑜，支持，資助她創辦了亞裔婦女政治倡議會（ Asian-American Women's Political Initiative）。她的就職交接團隊成員也包括黃子瑜，李保華等華人。

麻州財政廳日前公佈了價值廿億元，其中有五萬一千項新的無人認領財物。包括新英格蘭愛國者隊，波士頓紅襪隊的球員，如David Ortiz，新英格蘭愛國者隊的首席教練Bill Belichick ，後衛Tom Brady等，都是物主之一。

麻州財政廳表示，幾乎每十人中就有一人，麻州欠他們財物。這些人們忘記了的財物，包括儲蓄或支票帳戶，為兌現的支票，保單收入，股票，分紅，以及無人管理的保險箱等。

一般來說，只要前述戶口，財務，超過三年無人聞問，麻州政府就認定為無人認領財物。去年，麻州財政廳歸滑了一億一千兩百萬元給物主，使得麻州成為以人均計算，還財務給民眾最多的州。

            麻州財政廳鼓勵民眾上網 www.findmassmoney.com ，或打電話888-344-MASS (6277)，查察是否有屬於自己的未認領財物。

圖片說明：

            麻州財政廳廳長高柏珂（Deb Goldberg）家族和華裔很有淵源。（菊子攝）

龍鳳集團杭幫菜美食節讓波士頓，昆市嚐鮮

昆士市長助理邱潔芳（前右）代表昆市長柯奇（Tom Koch）頒發表揚狀給
杭幫菜名廚胡忠英（前右二）。(周菊子攝)

(Boston Orange 周菊子昆士市報導) 龍鳳集團邀杭幫菜大師胡忠英，杭州飲食服務集團九位名廚抵波，分別於三，五兩日，在波士頓市，昆士市舉辦“杭幫菜”美食節，讓大波士頓人嚐了新鮮。

杭幫菜在中國流傳已久，名聲遠播，但大波士頓地區，卻還是首次出現。

昆士市長助理邱潔芳（前右）代表昆市長柯奇（Tom Koch）頒發表揚狀給杭幫菜名廚
胡忠英（後右三），以及龍鳳集團董事長梅錫銳（前左）等人。(周菊子攝)

            二日的菜單都一樣，包括八道冷盤，九樣熱菜。冷盤有杭州滷鴨，糯米藕，大考目魚迷你蛋，芝士南瓜，西子什錦菜，湖畔素鵝，江南醉拼，杭州燻魚。熱菜有宋嫂魚羹，西湖醋魚，叫花雞，東坡肉，龍井蝦仁，蟹釀橙，金牌扣肉，清湯餘元，雞汁白菜。

胡忠英和杭州飲食服務集團副總經理韓利平，杭幫菜研究所所長王政宏，以及朱偉亮，盛鍾飛，陳迅，陳和聖，劉京濤等杭幫菜大廚，忙碌烹調出的每道菜餚，博得不少驚艷讚嘆聲。

韓利平和龍鳳集團董事長梅錫銳還充當解說者，為“叫化雞”等皇帝都喜愛的特色菜餚，說說故事淵源。

在波士頓龍鳳的這場，有波士頓市議會議長林乃肯的幕僚長陳偉民，代表頒給表揚狀，在昆士市這場，有昆士市長助理邱潔芳代表市長頒給表揚狀。

出席美食節的許多群眾，這兩晚不但忙著享受美味，還忙著和名廚合影留念，會場氣氛非常熱絡。

Secretary Beaton and Governor Baker Ceremonially Tap Sugar Maple Tree

Secretary Beaton and Governor Baker Ceremonially Tap Sugar Maple Tree

Governor Baker Declares Month of March Massachusetts Maple Month

FITCHBURG - Friday, February 27, 2015 - Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton was joined by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux, and local and agricultural officials at Hollis Hills Farms in Fitchburg to kick off the Massachusetts maple season with a ceremonial sugar maple tree tapping. The yearly event coincides with Governor Baker’s proclamation declaring March as Massachusetts Maple Month, which will culminate with Maple Weekend, March 21 – 22, 2015.

“The Massachusetts agricultural community is a vibrant part of our greater economy and culture,” said Governor Charlie Baker, “and it’s important we especially recognize the positive economic and environmental impacts our maple producers have in the Commonwealth. As we celebrate their achievements this month and throughout the maple season, I’m proud to declare March as Massachusetts Maple Month.”

“Maple syrup is the first agricultural product of the season and helps supplement the income of many dairy farms and growers across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary Matthew Beaton. “I thank Governor Baker for making the month of March Massachusetts Maple Month. By connecting consumers with producers, we can encourage economic activity in Massachusetts communities and help sustain local maple producers.”

Massachusetts is home to 280 maple syrup producers, with at least 80 that host visitors throughout the sugaring season.  Last year, 61,000 gallons of maple syrup were produced, worth more than $3.72 million.  In addition, approximately $1.9 million in revenue is generated by agricultural tourism at maple farms, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, country inns, and other attractions in farm communities.  The industry preserves more than 13,000 acres of land, helping keep Massachusetts green across the map.  

“Maple syrup is an amazing, natural sweetener, compliments of Mother Nature and our state’s sugar makers,” said DAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “The production of maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the country and the first agricultural product of the season. Maple syrup supplements the income of many dairy farmers and growers in Massachusetts.”

“Having this event is such a wonderful opportunity for Hollis Hills Farms, and they certainly deserve it,” said State Senator Jennifer Flanagan. “Hollis Hills and our other local farmers work incredibly hard, and it is tremendously important that we support them.  Buying from our local farms is a win-win for everybody.”

"As the grandson of Italian immigrants, I was raised understanding the importance of homegrown and farm-fresh products,” said State Representative Stephen L. DiNitale. “Grown Local is becoming more and more important to consumers. Hollis Hill Farm is an example of the critical need to return to the benefits of limiting processed foods in our diet in favor of more organic or truly natural products.”

“Massachusetts’ Maple Month coincides with the time when more than 300 maple producers across the Commonwealth begin to boil the pure maple sap they have collected into delicious Massachusetts maple syrup,” said Melissa Leab, President, Massachusetts Maple Producers Association. “Many of us welcome visitors into our sugarhouses to watch and learn about this fascinating process.  Massachusetts sugar makers lead the nation in direct-to-consumer sales, and won more awards at the 2014 annual international maple contest than any other maple-producing state or region.  Enjoy this ‘sweet’ time of year, visit your local sugar maker, and enjoy Massachusetts' sweetest crop.” 

While March has earned the distinction of Maple Month, tapping in Massachusetts can start at the end of January and continue through April. For prime sugaring, nights must be below freezing and days must be above freezing. Everything from the weather, soil, and genetics of the tree can affect maple syrup flavor - like wine, flavor can differ from region to region.   

Maple syrup is an inherently sustainable agricultural product. Healthy, well maintained trees can be tapped for over 100 years. However, producers are looking into ways to make the business even more sustainable. Reverse osmosis equipment, which eliminates water from the sap and reduces boiling time and fuel consumption, is being implemented more frequently. Many sugar shacks are even installing solar panels. 

In 2014, DAR awarded $30,000 in Agricultural Energy grants to two Massachusetts maple producers in Berkshire and Franklin counties to help offset the costs of installing updated, environmentally friendly equipment, including heat recovery efficient evaporators and reverse osmosis equipment that removes half of the water from the sap, reducing boiling time and fuel consumption.  In addition to fuel savings, heat recovery evaporators also produce a by-product of hot water, enabling on-site reduction of conventionally generated fossil fuel domestic hot water production needs. A by-product of reverse osmosis is water that can also be used for cleaning purposes. Some producers have been able to reduce their energy costs by half, resulting in lower production costs and a lower carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Massachusetts will hold its second annual Maple Weekend, March 21 – 22, to highlight the wonderful, versatile products made by Bay State maple producers. The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association (MMPA) members will have events and activities to draw attention to the state’s maple producers and their products, and encourage direct-to-consumer sales. The Maple Weekend will feature open house events at sugarhouses, and special menu items made with maple syrup at local restaurants. Visitors to participating sugarhouses and restaurants will have an opportunity to learn about the sugaring process, meet sugar makers, and hear about how important it is to the local economy and environment.

To learn about sugarhouses holding open houses, and restaurants featuring menu items made with maple syrup, visit www.massmaple.org or call the Massachusetts Maple Association at 413-628-3912. Individuals seeking additional information can also visit www.mass.gov/massgrown for a complete listing of farms, sugarhouses, and restaurants.

Governor Baker Appoints Paul Sagan to Chair Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Governor Baker Appoints Paul Sagan to Chair Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Announces Transparent Process for Evaluating PARCC versus MCAS BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today announced the appointment of Paul Sagan to chair the 11-member Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).  Among other duties, Sagan will spearhead the Board’s effort to solicit public input on the Commonwealth’s upcoming choice between two alternative statewide student assessments, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). “Paul Sagan brings decades of executive and philanthropic experience to the Board, but more importantly, a deep commitment to expanding high quality educational opportunities for Massachusetts’ students, especially in our highest need communities,” said Governor Baker. “In addition to asking Paul to take on this important leadership role, I am directing Paul and the Board to initiate a series of public hearings around the state, which will solicit feedback from educators, parents, students and local officials on this Spring’s administration of the PARCC exam and the real-world impact of Common Core standards on teaching and learning,” said Baker.  “I am deeply committed to standards-based education grounded in a high-quality assessment system, which together support continuous improvement in our schools with accountability for results.  I am equally committed to a transparent and inclusive deliberative decision-making process.” “Paul understands the critical role public schools play in providing our young people with the knowledge and skills they need for future success in their pursuit of higher education and careers,” said Secretary of Education Jim Peyser. “His sense of urgency about ensuring these opportunities are available to all children is inspiring.” “I look forward to working with Paul Sagan, and I welcome Governor Baker's plans to gather additional information during our trial of the PARCC assessment,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell D. Chester. “The hearings and analysis will only strengthen the Board's discussion and vote this fall." Mr. Sagan will replace BESE Board member Karen Daniels whose term expired in January. Outgoing Chair Margaret McKenna will remain on the Board; her term expires in 2019. “I am honored to be joining the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and I welcome the chance to work with the Baker-Polito administration to close the achievement gap and ensure that all students across the Commonwealth have access to a world-class public education,” said Paul Sagan. “As an immediate matter, I look forward to establishing an open and fair-minded process to inform the administration and the Board about how best to maintain and strengthen the state’s well-earned reputation for high-quality standards and assessments.” “I want to thank Karen Daniels for her dedication and hard work on behalf of the children of Massachusetts, not only through her service to the Board, but through her many years as a public school educator,” said Peyser. “I am equally grateful to Margaret McKenna for her service as board chair and I look forward to working closely with her in the years to come.” The Governor has asked the new Chair to schedule not fewer than five public hearings around the Commonwealth, starting in June, to solicit public comment from local officials, educators, employers, parents and students, specifically on the implementation of the PARCC tests this spring and the impact of Common Core and PARCC on curriculum and instruction.  In addition, the Governor also directed the Secretary of Education to convene an independent advisory group of researchers to assist him in analyzing and synthesizing the relevant studies and to design and oversee additional data collection needed to fill in gaps in the existing research, especially with regard to the predictive validity of the two competing tests. About Paul Sagan: Sagan is an Executive in Residence at General Catalyst Partners in Cambridge, MA.  From 1998 until 2013, Paul Sagan was a member of the executive team of Akamai Technologies, Inc., a leading Internet services company based in Cambridge, where his responsibilities included serving as CEO, president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining Akamai, Sagan served in various executive positions at Time Warner Cable and Time Inc., where he helped to found several Internet businesses. Sagan was also a senior advisor to the World Economic Forum, and he has served on the boards of numerous advisory panels and educational organizations including for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, the Alliance for Business Leadership, Massachusetts Business Leaders for Charter Public Schools, and the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.  In addition, Sagan is a director of three public companies with headquarters in Massachusetts: Akamai, EMC Corp. and iRobot Corp.  In addition, he is a director of VMware, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University and was a Fellow at the Shorenstein Center at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. Sagan is a resident of Cambridge. About the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: The mission of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is to strengthen the Commonwealth's public education system so that every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education, compete in the global economy, and understand the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and in so doing, to close all proficiency gaps.

MAYOR WALSH LAUNCHES CEASE BOSTON, PART OF NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO FIGHT SEX TRAFFICKING

MAYOR WALSH LAUNCHES CEASE BOSTON, PART OF NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO FIGHT SEX TRAFFICKING

BOSTON - March 6, 2015 — Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the launch of CEASE Boston (Cities Empowered Against Sexual Exploitation), a chapter of the CEASE Network, a collaboration of 11 pioneering cities committed to combating sex trafficking by reducing demand for buying sex by 20 percent in two years. The launch, attended by Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Ambassador Swanee Hunt, marks the beginning of a two-year effort to reduce demand for paid sex in Boston.

“Boston is a city that is committed to ending sexual exploitation, and CEASE Boston is one major step towards that,” said Mayor Walsh. “Human beings, particularly women and children, are being bought for sex in our own neighborhoods. In Boston, we will not tolerate this illegal and exploitative industry that deprives vulnerable people of their basic human rights and funds a predatory business often tied to gangs and organized crime.”

“The mission behind this initiative is simple: cutting off demand and limiting opportunity for exploitation,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “While we continue to focus on improving services for survivors, addressing demand is an important part of combating human trafficking. We thank the Mayor for his leadership on this fundamental issue of public safety and human rights, and we look forward to working with him to put an end to sex trafficking in Boston.”

"The exploitative and abusive nature of the sex trafficking trade must come to an end," said Commissioner William Evans. "Far too many young women are victimized by this harmful and destructive cycle. The Boston Police Department is committed to working closely with CEASE Boston and fully support their efforts to fight sex trafficking in the City of Boston."

CEASE Boston will target the men who are buying sex on the streets, and quietly using the Internet to solicit sex. The program aims to reduce online demand activity by 20 percent, as well as street level activity by 80 percent, over the next two years. The program will be co-chaired by Donna Gavin, Sergeant Detective of Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit, and Daniel Mulhern, Director of the City of Boston’s Public Safety Initiative.  

In Boston, the two-year countdown also tracks the progress of increasing accountability measures, growing public awareness of sexual exploitation in Boston, and improving access to treatment and exit programs for both survivors and buyers. CEASE Boston will measure success by tracking trends, including attitudes related to illegal commercial exploitation; transaction trends on local websites as compared to other cities nationally; online paid sex purchasing behaviors; and efficacy of deterrent posts and public awareness intervention messages.

“While our women and children caught up in sex trafficking have limited options, sex buyers always make the choice to perpetuate a deeply damaging industry,” said Audrey Morrissey, associate director of My Life My Choice, a survivor-led organization in Boston, and a survivor herself who attended today’s launch. “Reducing demand is just one important way to end the sexual exploitation of young people. As survivors, we are leaders in a fight that we know we can win.”

"We're very excited that Mayor Walsh is so publicly committed to this issue ," says Ziba Cranmer, Executive Director of Demand Abolition, a Cambridge based program working to reduce the demand for paid sex in America. "It speaks volumes about his dedication to supporting some of the city's most vulnerable citizens. We're proud to call him a partner in our work."

Last month, the 11 cities in the CEASE Network were announced during a gathering of national anti-trafficking leaders in Phoenix, AZ.  The cities include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (Cook County, IL), Dallas (North Texas), Denver, Houston, Oakland (Alameda County), Phoenix, Portland (Multnomah County, OR), San Diego, and Seattle (King County, WA).

CEASE Boston is supported by Demand Abolition, a Cambridge-based non-profit, catalyzing the new initiative to forge a network of cities that are independently developing their own strategies and tactics to reduce sex-buying.

開創小生意的十個步驟講座 3/10

Via Huiming Guo

AAPI Highlights

AAPI Highlights, ­­­March 05, 2015

Welcome to this edition of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) Highlights. Below you’ll find news about WHIAAPI’s summer internship program, the President’s commitment to middle-class economics, and agency announcements.

We invite you to visit our page at www.whitehouse.gov/aapi. Follow us on Twitter at @WhiteHouseAAPI for the Initiative and @KiranAhujaAAPI for Kiran Ahuja, the Executive Director of the Initiative.

WHIAAPI offers full-time internships during the spring, summer, and fall and is currently accepting applications for its summer program. (Photo by WHIAAPI).

Calling All Students: Apply for the Summer 2015 WHIAAPI Internship Program bySunday, March 8

As America’s population becomes increasingly diverse, it is important to have this diversity reflected in the federal workforce. Although AAPIs comprise 6 percent of the U.S. population, they make up only 3 percent of the Senior Executive Service (SES), the highest ranks of federal government. As part of the WHIAAPI’s work to strengthen federal workforce diversity, we want to highlight federal internship opportunities. Internship positions are open to eligible undergraduate and graduate students, and applications are due this Sunday, March 8, 2015. Read more.

Recap: 2015 National AAPI Community Google+ Hangout

On February 25, WHIAAPI held its second National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Google+ Hangout. Executive Director Kiran Ahuja was joined by Aditi Hardikar, Associate Director at the White House Office of Public Engagement; Konrad Ng, Director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center; and Billy Dec, member of the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs. Read more.

Federal Agency Spotlight: Department of Labor

In August 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published the “Labor Force Characteristics by Race and Ethnicity” report which, for the first time, included unemployment rates and other important labor force information for seven Asian subgroups: Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Other Asian. Labor force characteristics can vary widely across the Asian subgroups, and regular publication of such estimates will better allow researchers, policy makers, the media, and the public to determine how various Asian subgroups fare in different labor market conditions. As such, BLS will continue to publish such important disaggregated data in this annual report going forward. To learn more about these and other DOL efforts, see the 2015 Federal Agency Accomplishments Report.

AAPI Historic Sites Campaign Webinar: March 10

Please join the National Park Service and WHIAAPI for a webinar on the AAPI Historic Sites Campaign on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET. This campaign is part of the AAPI Heritage Initiative which aims to recognize and honor the stories, places, and people of AAPI heritage as part of our entire country’s history. Register here.

Next Generation Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Leaders’ Dialogue on Higher Education Webinar: April 9

Please join the WHIAAPI and Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) for a webinar on Next Generation Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Leaders’ Dialogue on Higher Education on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET. This webinar will focus on the importance of higher education for the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (NHPI) community. During the dialogue, Administration officials, community representatives, professors and student leaders will discuss the prevalent issues and challenges that NHPI youth face in higher education, share personal journeys of pursuing higher education as NHPI educators and students, and emphasize the pertinence of educational attainment to build a thriving NHPI community. Register here.

White House Summit on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: May 12 

WHIAAPI is pleased to invite you to the White House Summit on AAPIs on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, in Washington, DC. The Summit will feature engaging panels, workshops, and armchair dialogues with senior Administration officials, AAPI celebrities, and well-known community leaders, plus performances by distinguished AAPI artists. The Summit will inspire participants to continue to build upon the legacy, strength, and influence of the AAPI community, especially in the final years of the Obama Administration. The Summit is part of a series of events on May 11-15 during AAPI Heritage Month in Washington, DC, and provides a unique forum to actively engage with hundreds of AAPI leaders from across the nation.  Previous AAPI Heritage Month speakers have included President Obama at the 2013 White House Celebration and Vice President Biden at the 2014 Opening Ceremony.The White House Summit on AAPIs is open to the public and free of charge. Stay tuned for details on the program in the coming months, but please visit our Summit webpage and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive updates. For questions, please email WhiteHouseAAPI@ed.gov.

White House Announcements 

Weekly Address: Ensuring Hardworking Americans Retire with Dignity

In his weekly address, the President reiterated his commitment to middle-class economics, and to ensuring that all hardworking Americans get the secure and dignified retirement they deserve. While most financial advisers prioritize their clients’ futures, there are some who direct their clients towards bad investments in return for back-door payments and hidden fees. That’s why the President announced that he is calling on the Department of Labor to update rules to protect families from conflicts of interest by requiring financial advisers to put their clients’ best interest before their own profits.Read more.

When Women Succeed, the World Succeeds: What They’re Saying About the Let Girls Learn Initiative

President Obama and the First Lady have teamed up with the Peace Corps to expand access to education for adolescent girls around the world through the Let Girls Learn initiative. 70% of the 1 billion people living in extreme poverty are women. Education can change that. Education is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right for all. Through a global network of support, the Let Girls Learn initiative will put lasting community-led and community-generated solutions in place for the more than 62 million girls across the globe are not receiving an education. Read more.

My Brother's Keeper: A Year Later

"Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. Building on what works, when it works, in those critical life-changing moments." That's how President Obama explained the My Brother's Keeper initiative a year ago when it first launched. And in the 12 months since, we've seen a tremendous response from people and organizations at all levels that are answering the President's call to action. Read more.

Agency Announcements 

Department of Education: Applying for Fulbright-Hays Grant Programs

To assist Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with the preparation of their Fulbright-Hays Grant applications, on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 1:00 PM ET, the International and Foreign Language Office will host a webinar for MSIs with guidance about competition priorities, budget and selection criteria and other components. Register here.

Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Special Enrollment Periods and Resources for the Uninsured 

Join the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Special Enrollment Periods and Resources for the Uninsured webinar on Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET. The health care law has created special enrollment periods for those who experience special circumstances such as graduating from college and losing health insurance, getting married and needing coverage for a spouse, losing employer insurance or turning 26 and losing coverage on a parent’s health plan. Join this webinar to learn more about special enrollment periods and how to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace. For those who are uninsured and don’t qualify for the special enrollment period, learn what resources are available and when to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Register here. 

Small Business Administration: Affordable Care Act 101 Webinars for Small Employers, Including Nonprofit Organizations 

SBA and Small Business Majority will host a free Affordable Care Act 101 webinar so small business owners can learn the basics of the Affordable Care Act and how they can enroll in health insurance marketplaces. 

• Thursday, March 12 at 2:00 PM ET: Register here.
• Thursday, March 19 at 2:00 PM ET: Register here. 
• Thursday, March 26 at 2:00 PM ET: Register here.

Funding Opportunities

Small Business Administration: Federal and State Technology Partnership Program

The purpose of this Program Announcement is to invite proposals for funding from any public or private organization, entity or individual interested in providing assistance and guidance to small technology business concerns. Read more.

Department of Health and Human Services: “Now is the Time” Project AWARE-Community 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 “Now is the Time” Project AWARE-Community (Short Title: NITT-AWARE-C) grants. The purpose of this program is to support the training of teachers and a broad array of actors who interact with youth through their programs at the community level, including parents, law enforcement, faith-based leaders, and other adults, in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) or Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). Implementation of the NITT-AWARE-C program is expected to increase the mental health literacy among youth-serving adults, policy-makers, and administrators of programs serving youth. Read more. 

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service: Labor-Management Cooperation Grant Program 

The Labor-Management Cooperation Act of 1978 identifies seven general areas for which financial assistance would be appropriate, including improving communication between representatives of labor and management and encouraging free collective bargaining by establishing continuing mechanisms for communication between employers and their employees through Federal assistance in the formation and operation of labor-management committees. Read more.

 For more opportunities, please visit Grants.gov or WHIAAPI's Grants & Resources page.