網頁

星期三, 4月 21, 2021

5/1 舞向平等 慶祝亞裔傳統月

            (Boston Orange)過去一年多來,美國社會中陡然掀起一波反亞裔仇恨暴力行為,亞裔能夠做些什麼? 尼雅舞老師陳秀惠和3名教授不同舞種的舞蹈老師決定趁著五月是美國亞裔傳統月,起而行動,「舞向和平」。

             陳秀惠,胡俞伶(Yu-Ling Hu),蔡孟儒(Lulu Tsai),徐文嬌(Jo Hsu)4名舞蹈老師,將於美東時間的51日下午3點,在網路上舉辦「舞向平等(Move to Equality)」活動,示範,帶跳75分鐘的尼雅舞(Nia),佛朗明哥舞(Flamenco),尊巴舞(Zumba),芭蕾舞,同時請參加者捐款支持2個亞裔非牟利機構。

他們希望藉由自己的專長,幫助更多人藉由不同舞蹈,讓身心得到抒發機會,從而能夠更清醒的面對大環境,做更有建設性的回應。

這次活動,他們選擇支持的兩個非牟利機構,一個是哈佛商學院教授黃樂仁創辦,旨在幫助波士頓內得不到充分支持的亞裔青少年的Project Emplify (gf.me/u/zp6wn6),另一個是在芝加哥的「華埠更好團結聯盟(Coalition For A Better Chinese American Community)(gf.me/u/zp6tnv)

報名參加跳舞活動,可上網https://forms.gle/1DfCDynJPRgnEgJW7

(更新版)

Sean Lydon出任波士頓 ISD 臨時局長

 

Sean Lydon出任ISD臨時局長。

(Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓代理市長Kim Janey(21)日再度一連宣佈3項人事任命。Sean Lydon出掌檢查局(ISD)Marc Joseph出任樓宇局副局長(Deputy Building Commissioner)Paul Williams出任助理房屋局局長(Assistant Housing Commissioner)

檢查局(ISD) 共分5組,從執行波士頓市政府及麻州州政府有關樓宇,住宅,健康,衛生,以及安全等條例規定的角度來管理波士頓的企業及住宅社區。

Sean Lydon在波士頓市府服務已有25年,原任ISD的樓宇局副局長,管理50名員工。在那之前,他曾任樓宇檢查員,負責執行樓宇的區域規劃條例。

他還曾經在美國海軍服務6年,並在雷神(Raytheon)RockwellBeckman等公司的航空及國防項目工作。

他畢業於加州Fullerton學院,主修商業,其後在Wentworth科技學院研修建築監管。他也是州政府認證的樓宇檢驗員,目前和妻子及3名子女住在牙買加平原。

Marc Joseph在海地出生,通曉三語,海地克里奧爾語,法語,英語。他持有城市計畫的碩士學位,以及土木工程的學士學位,建築繪圖文憑。他將負責管理所有的樓宇許可及檢驗活動,區域規劃審核等,率領22名樓宇檢查員,10名電工檢查員,8名水管檢查員。

Paul Williams將接替Claudia Correa,出任住宅局助理局長,負責執行州政府及市府的衛生條例,確保波士頓市內出租單位的安全,衛生,符合條例規定。他也將率領該部門擴大使用移動科技。

32年市政府工作經驗的Paul Williams畢業於麻州大學,獲有經濟及政治學士學位,以及哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院的公共行政碩士學位。

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES SEAN LYDON TO SERVE AS INTERIM COMMISSIONER OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT 

Marc Joseph to assume role of Deputy Building Commissioner; Paul Williams to assume role of Assistant Housing Commissioner

 

Boston – Wednesday, April 21, 2021 – Mayor Kim Janey today announced the appointment of Sean Lydon as the Interim Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). Marc Joseph will assume the role of Deputy Building Commissioner, and Paul Williams will assume the role of Assistant Housing Commissioner. ISD administers and enforces building, housing, health, sanitation and safety regulations mandated by city and state governments. Inspectional Services is made up of five regulatory divisions charged with serving the public by protecting the health, safety and environmental stability of Boston's business and residential communities.

“In Boston, it is critical that we continue to protect and improve the quality of life for all of our residents. I believe Sean, Marc and Paul will excel in supporting these endeavors in their new capacity,” said Mayor Janey. “With a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership, I know that they can lead this department with dignity and respect for our city and its residents.” 

Lydon has worked for the City of Boston for 25 years, and most recently served as Deputy Building Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Building Division, where he managed over 50 staff members, including Building Officials, Administrative Support Staff and Plans Examiners. Prior to that role, Lydon worked as a Building Inspector where he was charged with enforcing building and zoning codes.   

Lydon served six years in the United States Marine Corps and later worked for Raytheon, Rockwell and Beckman on aerospace and defense programs. He graduated from Fullerton College in California with a major in business. He later attended Wentworth Institute of Technology for construction supervision. Lydon is also a State Board, Certified Building Inspector. He currently resides in Jamaica Plain with his wife and three children.

Following the transition of Sean Lydon, Marc Joseph will assume the role as the Deputy Building Commissioner. Joseph began his career 20 years ago as a Building Inspector charged with inspecting buildings within the city, ensuring compliance with the Massachusetts State Building and Boston Zoning Codes.  

Joseph was later promoted to a Plans Examiner for ISD, where he was responsible for performing plan reviews for new construction, repairs and maintenance projects within the City of Boston. This was in addition to ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and other related laws, ordinances and regulations. Joseph holds a Master’s Degree in City Planning, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and a diploma in drafting architecture tech, as well as several other certifications. Joseph was born and raised in Haiti and is trilingual in Haitian Creole, French and English. 

In his new role, Joseph will oversee all building permit and inspection activities, zoning reviews and the Zoning Board of Appeal hearings and decisions as well as the Board of Examiners licenses. This division employs 22 building inspectors, ten electrical inspectors and eight plumbing inspectors, all of which are responsible for inspecting all construction or renovation work to ensure that proper safety standards are followed.  

Additionally, Paul Williams will assume the role of Assistant Housing Commissioner vacated by Claudia Correa, a long-time resident of East Boston. During her tenure at ISD, Correra oversaw the implementation of the Short Term Rental (STR) program, student move-in and a vast majority of housing initiatives, ensuring Boston's residential homes are safe and sanitary. As the Assistant Commissioner, Williams is charged with enforcing the State Sanitary Code and the City Ordinances, all of which regulate the quality of Boston’s public and private housing stock. He will lead a team of inspectors and administrative staff who ensure rental units are safe, sanitary and code compliant throughout Boston. Williams will also lead the department in continuing to expand the use of mobile technology.

Williams graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science. He then went on to Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, focusing on Budget and Finance Management, Statistics for Policy Makers and Performance Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Agencies. Williams has 32 years of government experience, beginning at the Federal Reserve and then landing at the City of Boston as the Office of Budget Management. Williams was later promoted to Senior Management Analyst at ISD where he was responsible for leading the Department’s IT initiatives, including building the capacity of all department inspectors to work effectively in the field through mobile devices and wireless connectivity, managing the tech team to improve service response to staff members’ IT needs, and leading the purchase and implementation of software to improve department operations and service delivery to the public.

前警察局長Evans對波士頓市府失望 要求完整公佈內部調查檔案

                (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓警察局前局長尹萬斯(Paul F. Evans)和前總監Ann Marie Doherty聯袂要求波士頓市長Kim Janey完整公佈,關於巡警Patrick Rose的內部調查報告,直言波士頓市府稱警局前高層忽視其保護及服務人民職責的說法,令人失望。

尹萬斯及Ann Marie Doherty20晚發表聲明,稱波士頓警察當年已經盡力,做了完整、徹底調查,通知了地方檢察官辦公室的兒童服務組,向西洛士百利法院遞出了刑事申訴,12歲的受害者最後卻退縮了,未出庭作證。據說受害者是在侵害者施壓下,退縮了,

尹萬斯及Ann Marie Doherty在聲明中表示,他們相信波士頓警察局已經盡其所的能要讓Rose警員承擔責任了。警察局的內部調查組批准了調查,卻無法處以紀律,因為沒有證人或其他的可接受證據。

他們指出,整份內部調查有105頁,波士頓市政府卻只公佈了13頁。他們認為市政府應該做適當編輯的完整公佈,才能讓大眾清楚看到整個處理流程。

他們還反駁市政府稱波士頓警察局讓Rose警員調任文職2年後,就恢復全職,是他們向波士頓巡警工會俯首稱臣。

他們的聲明文件,還包括工會在199710月發給尹萬斯的一封信,威脅著要代表Rose申訴。該聲明指出,在尹萬斯發布命令,防止警察向機車開槍後,他是幾十年來唯一曾被工會投票表示不信任的警察局局長。

波士頓環球報在報導中指出,去年10月,該報就為了Rose警員被控從1995年起曾性侵6名兒童的事,和尹萬斯及Ann Marie Doherty聯絡,但他們兩人一直沒有回應。

State Public Health Officials Award $720,000 for Support Services for Young Adults in Recovery

 State Public Health Officials Award $720,000

for Support Services for Young Adults in Recovery

 

Award will help people 18-25 recover from substance use disorder through life skills training and peer support

BOSTON (April 21, 2021) – The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced a $720,000 grant award to the national organization Young People in Recovery for the development of statewide support programs for young adults recovering from substance addiction.

With this funding, Young People in Recovery will develop, build, and maintain seven recovery support networks strategically positioned in areas of critical need throughout the Commonwealth, providing young people ages 18-25 the life skills and peer supports they need to recover from opioid use, stimulant use, or other substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental illness. The program launches in April 2021 with the capacity to serve approximately 1,400 people annually.

“As we cross the one-year mark of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic we remain aware of its serious impacts on those struggling with addiction, especially young people who may be experiencing social isolation as they social distance to stay safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This award builds on the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to provide support to those who are seeking a way out of addiction and from the grip of the opioid epidemic.”

“Young people on the path to recovery from substance use disorder must be able to access a support network to help them stay focused on their long-term life goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This grant will help make these services accessible throughout the Commonwealth to support recovering young adults.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an extraordinary public health challenge in Massachusetts, particularly for many young adults, whose social, emotional, and mental well-being has been adversely affected. For those affected by substance use, this grant initiative seeks to forestall the kinds of trauma that can have long-term consequences when faced at such an important developmental stage.

“Studies have indicated that people between the ages of 18 and 25 are among the most impacted by substance use disorders,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “This program will provide young people the support, engagement, and skills they need to maintain recovery as they transition into adulthood, making important resources accessible during a time when we are combatting social and emotional isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our lives.”

“Life can feel overwhelming for young adults negotiating critical life decisions for the first time, but even more so for young adults in recovery from substance abuse,” said Public Health Deputy Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Funding these crucial public health services will provide a stable community for young adults in recovery and guide them toward long-term success.”

“DPH and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services are working to ensure that young people have the resources they need to begin and maintain their recovery from substance use disorder,” said Deirdre Calvert, Director of DPH’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.  “Establishing support networks in Massachusetts communities that are most in need will provide the camaraderie, respect, and perseverance that young people need to overcome substance use.”

The grant award will be distributed over the course of FY21-22. The program is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) State Opioid Response (SOR) grant.

Baker-Polito Administration Recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

 Baker-Polito Administration Recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Highlights Providers Who Continue to Support Survivors During COVID-19

 

BOSTON – Today, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, state officials and community advocates convened in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and to raise awareness of the supports available to survivors of sexual assault. Representatives from the Commonwealth’s 16 regional Rape Crisis Centers, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program and the Sexual Assault Response Unit within the Disabled Persons Protection Commission, who have served sexual assault survivors over the past year in new and creative ways due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, were recognized and shared available resources.

 

"The Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence has worked with advocates, partners and key stakeholders to support survivors of sexual assault across the Commonwealth," said Governor Charlie Baker. "In what has been an extremely challenging year, I am grateful to the Council under the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito, for their efforts to support survivors and their families and ensure their safety as we all work to end sexual assault in Massachusetts."

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and providing care, resources and support for survivors of sexual assault across the Commonwealth to keep them safe and ensure access for all those who need it,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Chair of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. “Every individual in every community across our Commonwealth deserves to live a life free from sexual assault, and while this work has been challenging during COVID-19, it is critically important that individuals and families know that they are not alone and that services, safety nets and resources are available.”

 

“This has been an exceptionally difficult year in so many ways, and we are still learning the full impacts of COVID-19. For sexual assault survivors, we know that trauma may be compounded by isolation and other factors brought by the pandemic,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “We are grateful for the work of advocates in rape crisis centers, and other providers and members of this strong network across our Commonwealth, who have worked to ensure survivors of sexual assault have access to resources, and we will continue to collaborate and support them to best help survivors throughout and beyond this pandemic.”

 

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, local and regional providers rapidly pivoted to remote services, helping meet the needs of Massachusetts residents. Last April, the Baker-Polito Administration expanded and promoted SafeLink — the statewide 24/7 domestic violence hotline — to refer sexual assault-related calls to local rape crisis centers. The Administration also established Isolation and Recovery sites for individuals in shelter who tested positive for COVID-19, offering a safe, stable location to isolate and recover, and provided PPE and cleaning supplies, and created appropriate health and safety policies for survivors at the sites.

 

Throughout the pandemic, Massachusetts’ Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program – which includes SANE nurses in 40 hospitals across the Commonwealth – has continued operations, providing trauma-informed, expert forensic nursing care to sexual assault patients across the lifespan.

 

To support adults with disabilities who are sexual assault survivors, the Commonwealth created a first-in-the-nation dedicated Sexual Assault Response Unit within the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. This specific unit helps adults with disabilities navigate through the barriers they face when accessing trauma services, such as communication, transportation and accessibility to help ensure that survivors are aware of the services available and to help meet their unique needs.

 

“During this Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let’s remember: unlike the coronavirus, sexual assault is not novel,” said Isa Woldeguiorguis, Executive Director of the Center for Hope and Healing. “Crisis situations have historically had the heaviest impact on survivors of violence, especially those who are also members of marginalized communities, such as people of color, LGBQ/T+ folks, immigrants, people with disabilities and lower incomes. The pandemic affirmed for us that our work is vital to respond to multiple crises – COVID, racism, health disparities, and violence.”

 

“Sexual assault and rape crisis advocates have met the challenges of the pandemic with grace and compassion as they continue to offer a lifeline to those experiencing abuse,” said Debra Robin, Executive Director of Jane Doe, Inc. “Today we celebrate them and recommit ourselves to the prevention of sexual violence.”

 

“Every sexual assault patient deserves the best possible care,” said Joan Sham, Director of the Massachusetts Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. “The SANE program, coupled with other health care and community support services, provides compassionate, trauma-informed nursing care that can help support healing, and mitigate the long-term physical and mental health challenges of sexual assault patients throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

“We are so grateful to our many partners who have together made it possible for victims with a disability to get the trauma informed treatment they need and deserve,” said Jackie Perez, Central/West Regional Navigator for the Sexual Assault Response Unit at the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. “With this issue now at the fore, the momentum will catapult us all forward to provide enhanced services to those most in need.”

 

Sexual assault and dating violence, like other forms of violence, further health inequities. Sexual assault and dating violence have both short- and long-term health effects for survivors, contributing to chronic disease, substance abuse, gynecological, and mental health issues. Child abuse, sexual violence, and partner violence often lead to homelessness among survivors, which in turn puts people at risk for additional sexual assault and sexual exploitation or trafficking. Youth who have experienced trauma, including witnessing or experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, are at greater risk for suicide.

 

Upon taking office, the Baker-Polito Administration restored the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, chaired by Lt. Governor Polito, and has made significant investments in services to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The administration has advanced several initiatives across the Commonwealth in support of individuals of all ages, which include the establishment of the SAECK Tracking Systema statewide sexual assault evidence collection kit tracking system, the creation of a statewide public awareness campaign, RESPECTfully, to promote healthy relationships among Massachusetts youth, the implementation of multi-disciplinary Human Trafficking Guidelines for Law Enforcement, and the awarding of $1 million in grant funding to promote healthy relationships and prevent sexual assault and dating violence through prevention education.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration’s proposed FY22 budget reaffirms this commitment to survivors of sexual assault through $96 million in total funding to ensure that survivors have access to critical services and supports, a 48% increase from FY15. This includes $50.3 million for the Department of Public Health to carry out domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, as well as emergency and transitional residential services for victims and their children, $6 million to support statewide SANE programs for adults and adolescents in hospital settings and pediatric SANE programs in child advocacy centers, and $1 million for the grant program focusing on promoting healthy relationships and preventing dating violence among youth.

 

Anyone who is struggling with sexual assault is reminded that free, confidential, 24/7 support from a local rape crisis center is a phone call away. Call SafeLink at (877) 785-2020 or visit www.mass.gov/service-details/sexual-assault-prevention-and-survivor-services

星期二, 4月 20, 2021

Charlie Baker congratulate UMass Amherst men's ice hockey team on its NCAA championship






 Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito join University of Massachusetts (UMass) President Marty Meehan and UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy to participate in a ceremony to congratulate the UMass Amherst men's ice hockey team on their championship victory in the NCAA Division I Tournament.

吳弭、Deval Patrick,祖伯格,John Keenan on Derek Chauvin's verdict





 

Mayor Janey offers her thoughts on the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial

 



Governor Charlie Baker Releases Statement on the Chauvin Verdict​

 Governor Charlie Baker Releases Statement on the Chauvin Verdict​

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today released the following statement:  

“Eleven months ago, Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin subdued and handcuffed George Floyd, and then knelt on his neck for over 8 horrific minutes. 

“Since then, many states and municipalities, horrified by the viral video of George Floyd’s death, have enacted significant law enforcement reforms – including here in Massachusetts. 

“But for many, the most important unanswered question since that awful night has been much more personal: Where is the justice for George Floyd – and for that matter, Officer Chauvin?

“Nothing can reverse the pain, suffering and agony of George Floyd’s family and friends, but this decision does make clear that Officer Chauvin was not above the law. He was given a fair trial, found guilty, and he will pay a price for his actions.

“But as the countless, tragic events that took place at the hands of law enforcement before and after George Floyd’s death make clear, there is much to do to correct, reform and reimagine the way law enforcement officers are trained, and how they and their departments are held accountable for their actions.

“Massachusetts enacted one of the most comprehensive police training, transparency and accountability laws in the country at the end of last year. We owe it to all those whose lives have been lost to do all we can to successfully implement that law, and sustain its aspirations far into the future.”

Patrick Rose內部調查報告今日公開 Kim Janey直言波市警局前任長官們忽視職責

   (Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓市警察Patrick Rose的經過編輯內部調查報告,今天(419)下午公佈了。波士頓市長Kim Janey發表聲明,稱警察局顯然沒試過要開除他,整件事讓人深感不安,完全無法接受。

Kim  Janey保證,做為市長,她將竭盡所能讓這種事情不再發生。

Kim Janey在聲明中表示,公佈波士頓市前警察Patrick Rose經過編輯的內部調查報告,旨在為1996年的內部事務調查,提供透明,負責的流程,也維持市府保護性暴力受害人的義務。

根據市府法律部門對Rose警員內部事務調查的審閱,顯然的波士頓市警察局之f前的領導們忽略了他們的保護及服務職責。儘管1996年的內部事務調查發現可信證據,支持對Rose警員性侵青少年的控訴,似乎警察局並沒有試圖開除他。

Rose能夠留在警察局繼續服務20年,甚至最後成為波士頓巡警協會會長,讓人深感不安,也完全不可接受。更有甚者,Rose還在他的職涯期間得以和年輕的性侵受害人繼續接觸,而且我們現在知道,他還繼續侵犯了其他幾名兒童。

            Rose的性侵行為得以掩蓋。以及那時候警察局所展現的明顯缺乏領導力,讓人感到非常困擾。這種秘密文化不可以被容忍。當執法人員違犯了他們保護及為社區服務的神聖職責,我們別無選擇的要揭露他們的不良行為,試圖重新建立信任。

              那將是Stephanie Everett53日就職,成為新設的警察問責及透明辦公室(OPAT)主任後的優先要務之一。我已要求Everett律師調查這宗案件的流程。她將在45天內遞交一份計畫,來改革警察局的內部事務流程。我們不會羞於使用OPAT的權力來解決任何其他讓人關切的個案。

              我和倖存者社區團結一致。做為市長,我誓言會盡我所能地來確保這種事不再發生。

Statement from Mayor Kim Janey on the Release of Former Boston Police Officer Patrick Rose’s Internal Affairs File

In releasing a redacted version of former Boston Police Officer Patrick Rose’s internal affairs file today, we seek to provide transparency and accountability around the internal affairs process in 1996, while upholding our legal obligation to protect the identities of victims of sexual violence and our moral responsibility to avoid retraumatizing them. In light of this goal, we are providing as much information to the public as possible about the circumstances surrounding the internal affairs investigation and how leadership at the time responded to the findings.

Based on a review of former officer Rose’s internal affairs file conducted by the City’s Law Department, it is clear that previous leaders of the police department neglected their duty to protect and serve. Despite an internal affairs investigation in 1996 that found credible evidence to sustain the allegation against Rose for sexually assaulting a minor, it appears that the police department made no attempt to fire him. 

It is deeply unsettling and entirely unacceptable that Rose remained on the force for two decades and eventually became the president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association.  What’s more, Rose was allowed to have contact with young victims of sexual assault during the course of his career, and we now know that he allegedly went on to assault several other children.

His alleged behavior is disgusting, and the apparent lack of leadership shown by the department at the time is extremely troubling. This culture of secrecy cannot be tolerated.  When members of law enforcement violate their sacred duty to protect and serve the community, we have no choice but to expose their misconduct and attempt to rebuild trust.

That work is among the highest priorities for Stephanie Everett when she begins her role as Executive Director of the newly created Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT) on May 3. I have asked Attorney Everett to investigate the process followed in this case. Within 45 days, she will deliver a plan for review and, as necessary, for reform of the police department’s internal affairs procedures. We will not shy away from using the powers of OPAT to address any other concerning cases that may come to light with the urgency they deserve. 

I stand together in solidarity with the survivor community, and as Mayor I pledge to do everything in my power to make sure this never happens again. 

 **Note**: The redacted internal affairs file and a cover memo explaining the Law Department’s process for reviewing the file can be found here

僑委會鼓勵海外僑校開辦台灣華語文教育中心 將補助開辦費

             (Boston Orange 麻州報導)僑委會在美東時間420日晚和北美華文媒體舉行視訊會議,說明臺灣與美國去年12月簽訂「臺美教育倡議」,該會刻正提供補助,鼓勵海外僑校成立華語文教育中心,另以台北市政府「酷課雲」平台,發展數位雙語雙向教學。

                僑委會委員長童振源指出,在世界各地陸續關閉中國孔子學院之際,歐美多國期盼台灣能夠填補華語文教學的需求缺口,台灣將由外交部,教育部及僑委會這三個單位分頭進行,依序針對大學院校,以及僑校及社區來設計辦理教育項目,爭取繁體字的海外華語文市場。

                 目前世界各地50多國,大約有1054所僑校,其中361所在美國,共約8156名老師,逾93500名學生。僑委會希望藉由提供開辦,營運費用補助,提供教材,教師培訓支援等方式,鼓勵各地僑校以其現有資源,針對非華裔人士,開辦華語文教育中心。

                僑委會推動相關工作的策略有三,一為輔助現有僑校成立台灣華語文學習中心,藉由僑校師資來教主流社會人士華語;二為加強和在美國中小學執教台裔教師的聯繫,同時鼓勵僑校老師進修,取得教師執照,進入美國中小學任教;三為加強應用科技,和台灣智能教育產業合作,包括葉丙成研發的以「闖關」遊戲來教語文等方法。

                僑委會另將以六大做法來支援台灣華語文教育中心,包括以數位方式培訓華語師資,邀華語教師到台灣參加研習營,提供僑委會的「全球華文網」數位教材,舉辦歌唱,作文比賽等文化活動,邀華語學員到台灣參加青年營,觀摩團,英語服務營等活動,舉辦國際交流競賽等。

                
為因應世界科技應用趨勢,僑委會還將和台灣的智能產業及華語教學機構合作,為華語文教育中心提供數位化的營運協助,包括僑委會與臺北市政府攜手推動的「酷僑專案」,在線上教學平臺「酷課雲」建僑教專區,放置教學用影片供海外僑校選用。

童振源希望僑校老師未來也能在「酷課雲」開課。

曾任波士頓僑教中心主任的黃正杰,這晚以僑教處專員身分出席會議,進一步說明台灣華語文教育中心將以18歲以上,非華裔學員為主要對象,今年試辦之後,預定每年二期,每期三個月,每堂課3小時,一般最少1015人等開辦基準。僑委會將酌情發給補助費,協助開辦華語文教育中心的各項費用。

當晚出席會議的大紀元時報波士頓社長馮文鑾透露,新英格蘭地區目前只有明慧學校有意開辦,其他僑校礙於疫情,目前都不做此考慮。

僑委會為鼓勵各地僑校開辦台灣華語文中心,先後於41920兩日舉行了視訊會議,討論前述內容。僑委會僑務通訊社社長郭淑貞19日晚也全程出席了。

波士頓市文化委員會撥款48萬元資助153個藝文組織

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES $489,000 AWARDED TO 153 ORGANIZATIONS IN BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS

Grants support local organizations offering arts and cultural programming in Boston.

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, April 20, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey, together with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the Boston Cultural Council (BCC), today announced 153 arts and cultural organizations have received grants totaling $489,000 through the Boston Cultural Council. These grants support the organizations’ general operating expenses, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life in Boston through the arts.

 

 

Photo of Boston Cultural Council grantee and Modeling Equity Organization DEAFinitely, Inc. performing at Boston Children’s Museum on January 20, 2020, courtesy of Kathy Wiiman//Ball Square Films.

 

“The arts are integral to ensuring our city is a culturally vibrant place where everyone is able to thrive,” said Mayor Janey. “These organizations have done incredible work over the past year to engage our communities during such a difficult time, and we are proud to support them as they continue to carry out this much needed work.”

 

The Boston Cultural Council works with the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture to annually distribute funds allocated by the City of Boston and the Mass Cultural Council for local arts and culture programming. BCC members are Boston residents appointed by the Mayor, and serve for up to two consecutive three-year terms. Council members are selected on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to Boston's cultural community and their knowledge of various arts disciplines. 

This year, the Mass Cultural Council contributed $245,900 and the City of Boston contributed $250,000. The Boston Cultural Council received applications from organizations across the entire city, representing a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Here is a complete list of the 2021 grantees.

For the second year in a row, grant amounts were determined by budget size. Organizations with budgets under $2 million received grants between $2,000 and $5,000. This funding strategy aims to better support small- to medium-sized organizations. Organizations were evaluated on a series of criteria, including diversity of the organization, service to historically underrepresented populations, benefit to the public, and reflection of the goals and ideas of the Boston Creates cultural plan.

The Boston Cultural Council also awarded the Modeling Equity Organization grant for the third year in a row. OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, Little Uprisings, and DEAFinitely, Inc. were each awarded an additional $5,000 for meaningfully addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership, board, staff, and programming, and their ongoing work to serve historically underrepresented groups. 

“This award from the BCC will invigorate DEAFinitely’s performing arts and mentoring programs as we start a new chapter of empowerment and resolve after a year of isolation and grave injustices,” said Jamie Robinson, Founder/Creative Director of DEAFinitely, Inc., a 2021 Boston Cultural Council grantee and Modeling Equity Organization award recipient. “We thank BCC for shining a light on communication and Deaf cultural access as integral parts of diversity, equity and inclusion for all Boston cultural organizations.”

In addition to supporting arts organizations through Boston Cultural Council grants, the City of Boston has also allocated $200,000 to supporting individual artists through the Opportunity Fund. Artists can apply for $1,000 grants for professional development experiences or community arts events. The deadline to apply for funding in FY2021 is June 4, 2021. Interested artists can learn more at boston.gov/opportunity-fund.

"We aim to make opportunities to engage in the arts and creative expression accessible to all, and one way we're doing that is by celebrating organizations that represent the racial and ethnic diversity of the city, and lifting up those who are going above and beyond in their own work to advance equity, access, and social justice in Boston,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. “We look forward to supporting all of our grantees as we work together to make Boston a city that uplifts our communities."

A virtual reception celebrating this year’s grantees will be livestreamed to the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s Facebook page (@ArtsinBoston) on May 20, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. To learn more about the Boston Cultural Council, visit here.