亞美基金會(TAAF)發佈反亞裔仇恨快速回應工具

TAAF Releases Statement and Rapid Response Toolkit in Advance of COVID-19 Origins Report From the White House 

Anti-Hate Toolkit Launched to Protect AAPI Communities and 

Highlight Proactive Measures for Addressing Hate

WASHINGTON, DC, August 24, 2021 — The Asian American Foundation ("TAAF"), a convener, incubator, and funder for the Asian American and Pacific Islander ("AAPI") communities, today shared a statement and launched its Anti-Hate Rapid Response Toolkit (the “Toolkit”) in advance of the Biden administration’s COVID-19 origins report (the “Report”).

The White House is expected to release this week the findings of a 90-day review on the origins of COVID-19. The Report is likely to include information from the Intelligence Community and the National Labs that could bring us closer to determining the origins of the virus. The White House Report arrives on the heels of the August 3 report on the origins of COVID-19 from the ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul.

TAAF is deeply concerned that the debate over the origins of the pandemic — and some of the rhetoric driving the debate — could further fan the flames of anti-AAPI hate. Sonal Shah, President of TAAF, released the following statement in response to the Report’s release:

“Regardless of the findings of the White House report or any other, we cannot let the public health crisis continue to give way to a crisis of hate in AAPI communities. TAAF appreciates the Biden administration’s willingness to be as thoughtful as possible with the release of its forthcoming report, as it is incumbent on every public official at every level to understand that AAPI communities continue to be blamed and targeted for the pandemic. TAAF refuses to stand by as our communities are consistently attacked at alarming rates, and so we are putting the full weight of our nascent organization behind providing meaningful solutions for combating hate.”

TAAF has worked closely with the Biden administration and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (“CAPAC”) to raise awareness in advance about how the White House Report might be used to perpetuate anti-AAPI hate — which has been on the rise throughout the pandemic. The White House is also hosting a series of convenings with policy experts, TAAF grantees, local elected officials, and faith leaders who are working to better protect AAPI communities through policy solutions, solidarity, and allyship. 

In advance of the Report, TAAF launched a digital Anti-Hate Rapid Response Toolkit on Monday designed to equip the public, local officials, activists, and advocacy groups with culturally competent education and up-to-date safety resources for addressing anti-AAPI hate. TAAF moved quickly to build its Toolkit thanks to the input of several of its partners so that communities have access to the resources they might need to proactively address anti-AAPI sentiment in their communities or to respond to any incidents that may occur. TAAF continues to call on public officials to keep the safety of AAPI communities in mind as they investigate what led to the global health crisis. TAAF’s Toolkit provides victims of hate incidents and their allies with a comprehensive checklist of action items. It also includes guidance for individuals and community leaders to take action against anti-AAPI hate through engaging with public officials, the media, local law enforcement, and other key stakeholders. The toolkit is available on TAAF’s website. 

TAAF and Stop AAPI Hate also collaborated to create, “Documenting Anti-AAPI Hate Codebook”, a joint effort to standardize how anti-AAPI hate is described and recorded. The Codebook also launched Monday and offers standards and recommended best practices for community-based data collection of anti-AAPI hate incidents. This resource provides key definitions and seeks to build trust, transparency, and accountability for improving anti-AAPI hate data quality. The Codebook is available on the TAAF website. 

波士頓市公共場合室內必須戴口罩規定 今(27)日起生效

 

波士頓華埠牌樓電影節今(27)揭幕 放映李小龍「若水」 ACDC駐地實驗室啟動

             (Boston Orange)亞太裔藝術(API Art)"綠路徒步遊(Greenway Walking Play)"活動，邀民眾在今晚，8月27日，週五晚6點，到波士頓華埠牌樓集合，徒步走到杜威(Dewy)廣場，全程約5英里，約6點半時，開始和劇作家Rosanna Yamagiwa Alfaro討論越來越多的反亞裔美人犯罪事件。

              亞美社區發展協會(ACDC)和包氏文藝中心合作，今年第3度推出”駐地實驗室(Residence Lab)”，訂8月27日(週五)下午5到8點，在蘿絲甘迺迪綠路上的司徒麗英公園啟動。

                           此一活動旨在給藝術家和居民更多力量，資源來保護華埠這一社區。

            

              亞美社區發展協會每年一度的”牌樓電影節”也將在不遠處的華埠公園舉行，從27至29，一連3日在星光下放映3部功夫電影。

亞美社區發展協會的牌樓電影節有很多青年志工參與製作，籌備。

                     (Boston Orange) 

華埠牌樓電影節在華埠公園放映電影。(ACDC檔案照片)

亞美社區發展中心 (ACDC)的波士頓華埠牌樓電影節，今年(2021)跨入第15屆，預定 8月27至29日(週五至週日)，一連舉行3日，將於每晚5點半入場，7點半歡迎式，8點開始放映影片。

               今年選映的三部影片，都是功夫片，依序為「若水(Be Water)」，­「葉問四:完結篇(Ip Man 4: The Finale)」，「葉問外傳:張天志(Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy)」。

              「若水(Be Water)」是ESPN的紀錄片系列之一，2020年拍成，由Bao Nguyen執導，長1小時45分鐘，以李小龍在香港2年拍4部劇情長片這期間的稀有檔案，近距離訪問，以及李小龍留下的親筆文字為重心，探討諸如種族身分，代表性等問題。ACDC得以放映此片，要感謝ESPN免費提供。影片使用語言為英語。

「葉問四:完結篇(Ip Man 4: The Finale)」是2019年拍成的香港功夫片，長1小時47分鐘，由葉偉信執導，甄子丹、鄭則士等人主演，袁和平擔任動作指導。影片以李小龍在舊金山開設武館，邀請葉問到訪觀賽為梗，編出許多故事。這部片使用的語言為廣東話，有英語及中文字幕。

「葉問外傳:張天志(Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy)」這部片是2018年的香港動作片，長1小時47分鐘，由袁和平執導，張晉、戴夫·巴蒂斯塔及柳岩主演，楊紫瓊、東尼嘉及元華特別演出。故事描述咏春派傳人張天志(張晉飾)挑戰葉問，卻被打敗後，如何走出陰霾，用傳統功夫對抗外國商人毒販。影片使用語言為普通話，有中英文字幕。

查詢相關詳情，可上ACDC官網，https://asiancdc.org/events/fatg2021?fbclid=IwAR2czWQ8CG3-u9wpiXP56XP0GEXRGC-2khNWoLXMBxafahfHop7VZOfrnSE。 (轉載8月7日稿)

Tannery衣鞋店歧視顧客 法官判賠22萬元還禁在麻州開店

 OWNER OF THE TANNERY BANNED FROM RETAIL BUSINESS IN MASSACHUSETTS, REQUIRED TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS HE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST UNDER SETTLEMENT WITH AG’S OFFICE

Settlement with AG’s Office Requires Owner of Upscale Back Bay Clothing and Shoe Store to Pay Up to $220,000 for Victim Restitution and Anti-Discrimination and Racial Justice Programs

BOSTON – The former owner and manager of a now-closed shoe and clothing store in Boston’s Back Bay is permanently banned from operating a retail business in Massachusetts and is required to pay up to $220,000 in restitution and funds for anti-discrimination and racial justice programs, settling allegations that he discriminated against shoppers because of their race, national origin, and immigration status, under a settlement reached with Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office.

The consent judgment, filed and entered in Suffolk Superior Court this week, settles a July 2018 lawsuit, which was amended in Sept. 2018, filed by AG Healey’s Office against Hicham Ali Hassan (a/k/a Sam Hassan), the former owner and manager of The Tannery, alleging that he violated the state’s Public Accommodations Law and Consumer Protection Act by engaging in a pattern of discriminatory behavior that included making derogatory comments and denying service to customers based on their actual or perceived race, national origin, or immigration status. 

“We have strong laws in Massachusetts to put an end to the kind of unlawful, unacceptable, and racist behavior that this business owner blatantly displayed in his store,” AG Healey said. “This settlement provides relief to the customers that were harmed and makes clear that everyone should be welcome and respected in businesses across our state.”

According to the complaint, Hassan’s pattern of discrimination included a 2017 incident in which he stopped a Black customer at the door, implied that he did not have enough money to shop at The Tannery and told him that “he did not want [his] kind in [the] store.” Hassan then directed the customer to leave, telling him to shop elsewhere. In another incident described in the complaint, Hassan stopped a customer of Syrian descent, began speaking to her in a mock Arabic accent, and told her “Get out of here. I don’t have anything for you here.” The AG’s Office alleges that the experiences of these two victims are examples of a larger pattern of Hassan’s discriminatory treatment of certain customers.

Under the terms of the AG’s settlement, Hassan is prevented from reopening the Tannery or operating any other place of public accommodation in Massachusetts. The settlement also requires him to pay up to $220,000, of which $110,000 is suspended to secure compliance with the terms of the settlement. The funds will be used by the AG’s Office to pay restitution to victims and to fund programs or to provide other resources intended to combat discrimination and promote equity and inclusion in the state. Failure to comply with the terms of the consent judgment could result in Hassan being held in criminal or civil contempt of court.

The Massachusetts Public Accommodations Law makes it unlawful for any business that solicits or accepts the patronage of the general public to treat customers differently on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The law prohibits discrimination with respect to both admission into, and treatment within, places of public accommodation. The state Consumer Protection Law prohibits unfair or deceptive conduct in trade or commerce.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the AG’s Civil Rights Division at (617) 963-2917 or www.mass.gov/ago/civilrightscomplaint if they have experienced discrimination at a place of public accommodation based on their race, national origin, immigration status, or any other protected characteristic. 

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Burke of AG Healey’s Civil Rights Division, with assistance from Investigator Ciara Tran, of AG Healey’s Civil Investigations Division.

麻州中小學師生在10月1日前都必須戴口罩

             (Boston Orange編譯)週三下午開始，直到10月1日，所有麻州公立學校學生及教職員都規定得戴口罩。

麻州中小學教育廳週三發出聲明，公立學校5歲以上學生及所有年級的教職員，在學校的室內，都必須戴口罩，這規定立即生效。戶外並不需要戴口罩。所有訪客進學校樓噢，也必須戴口罩。

麻州中小學教育委員會是在週二(24日)時投票，給予中小學教育廳廳長Jeffery Riley發出戴口罩命令的權力。Paymon Rouhanifard是唯一反對給Riley規定戴口罩權力的委員，他說他認為把這提案和疫苗注射比率綑綁在一起是個很不好的公共政策。

麻州中小學教育廳廳長會在不久的將來重新檢視，根據公共衛生數據還需不需要這麼做。

麻州中小學教育廳在發出的聲明中表示，規定戴口罩視線在保護學校內學生安全的重要額外做法。儘管規定是5歲以上學童必須戴口罩，但強烈建議5歲以下的學生在學校中也戴口罩。

如果有醫藥或行為上的理由，學生及教職員可豁免於這一規定。對於耳聾或有嚴重聽障學生的班級來說，老師和學生都戴透明口罩可能是最好的選擇。

波士頓總教區也說將逆轉政策，要求人們戴口罩直至10月1日。

Kim Janey簽署新條例 有1000居民說的語言就需要翻譯

波士頓代市長Kim Janey菸署語言是用條例，部分華裔社區代表出席，包括又起黃國威，劉安琪，陳玉珍(右四)。(Juloe Mejia辦公室提供)

          (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市不分區市議員梅佳(Julie Mejia)

波士頓代市長Kim Janey(前)和波士頓不分區市議員Julie Mejia。
(Juloe Mejia辦公室提供)

提案的「適用語言條例(language access ordinance)」，波士頓代市長Kim Janey今(26)日簽字落實。

該條例修訂了波士頓市現有的適用語言政策，擴大市府所有面對民眾部門所必須提供的語言種類數量。新門檻為有1000名或5%居民(以較少者為準)說的語言，就必須提供。修訂後的條例還要求已翻譯的材料，必須盡可能和英文版本一起公佈，材料的翻譯的或口譯，也必須符合通俗語言用法，切合其文化。

梅佳表示，「我們藉由這條例「做得很激進」，因為我們要宣示那些說英語以外語言者的聲音和任何其他人一樣重要。你的聲音有關係，你們不是這個城市的負擔或障礙，我們在這是要為你服務，而最好的方法就是讓你的聲音被聽到」。

今(26)日下午5點。波士頓代市長Kim Janey和不分區市議員梅佳，以及梅佳的母親和其他支持這一條例人士，在市政府老鷹室，舉行了一場簽字儀式。這條例將在12個月內實施。

波士頓代市長Kim Janey表示，這條例體現了我們城市內的每一位居民都重要，而且確保我們都能持續在狀況內。謝謝梅佳議員和她母親提出這有啟發性的，要團結波士頓市所有人及語言的條例。

 MONUMENTAL LANGUAGE ACCESS ORDINANCE SPONSORED BY COUNCILOR AT-LARGE JULIA MEJIA SIGNED BY MAYOR JANE

BOSTON, August 25, 2021 – On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, the Boston City Council voted to pass a language access ordinance sponsored by Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia. Today, Mayor Janey signed the ordinance into law during a signing ceremony in the Eagle Room. The ordinance amends existing City language access policies by expanding the number of languages the city must provide services for in all constituent-facing departments. The new threshold includes languages spoken by 5% percent or 1000 residents (whichever is less) of the population the service is for.  In addition, the amended ordinance will require translated materials to be released at the same time as they are released in English to the best extent possible, as well as putting requirements in place to ensure that the translated/interpreted materials follow the values of plain language and cultural competency.

“What we are doing through this ordinance is radical because we are declaring that the voices of the people who speak languages other than English matter just as much as anybody else’s. Your voice matters, you are not an obstacle or a burden to the work of this city, we are here to serve YOU, and the best way to do that is to make your voices heard,” said Councilor Mejia. 

On Thursday, August 26, 2021, Mayor Janey held a signing ceremony alongside Councilor At-Large Mejia, the Councilor’s mother---who helped to inspire the ordinance---in addition to advocates and staff. Upon signing, which took place at 5pm in the Eagle Room of Boston City Hall, the ordinance will be implemented over the course of 12 months. 

“I am committed to creating a more equitable Boston,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “This ordinance recognizes the importance of every resident in our city and ensures we all can stay informed. Thank you to Councilor Mejia, and her mother, for inspiring this measure to unite the people and the languages of the City of Boston.”

 

City of Boston - the funding update

 

The Funding Update

To Subscribe to The Funding Update, scroll down to the FUNDING tab here. Back issues with open deadlines are also listed there.   FEDERAL GRANTS Environmental Protection Agency, 10/5/2021 Brownfields Job Training Grants support programs that recruit, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental field. EPA estimates 15 awards at a maximum of $200,000. National Science Foundation, 10/12/2021 and ongoing One of the goals of the Racial Equity in STEM Education program is to institutionalize effective & inclusive environments for STEM learning, STEM research, & STEM professionals. Contexts include schools, municipal organizations, workplaces, media, and others. Prospective PIs are encouraged to send a one-page concept paper in advance of submitting a proposal. US Agency for International Development/Haiti-Port Au Prince, 9/24/2021 The successful applicant will implement the Continuity of Learning program. Funding goal: students ages 6-12 will benefit from a resilient education system that delivers uninterrupted access to a safe and quality education. A single award of $21.6M will be made, with a required match of $1.5M. National Institutes of Health, 10/29/2021 to 11/29/2021 Inviting applications to support integrated, multi-project research programs examining the pathways by which technology and digital media exposure and usage impact developmental trajectories and health outcomes in early childhood and adolescence. $3M is allocated for up to 2 awards for 5-year projects. National Institutes of Health, 10/30/2021 to 11/30/2021 Inviting exploratory applications for Learning Disabilities Innovation Hubs that address the etiology, manifestation, prevention and remediation of reading, writing and/or mathematics specific learning disorders. $1.6M is allocated for up to 3 awards for 4-year projects. Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 11/17/2021 The Weather Program Office announces six grant competitions focused on advancing science and technology from the research stage to transitionable outputs or prototype products. Funding goal: to improve weather and water forecasting through engagement with the external scientific community. NOAA expects to make 56 grants ranging from $100,000 to $1.5M. STATE GRANTS Massachusetts Service Alliance, 9/20/2021 AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that will engage AmeriCorps members in interventions to strengthen communities.  Executive Office of the Trial Court, 9/20/2021 Seeking applications to support the salary and expenses of licensed treatment providers who can provide regional Recovery Support Navigation services to court-involved persons dealing with substance use disorder and/or co-occurring disorders. Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development, 9/30/2021 The Regional Economic Development Organization Grant Program seeks proposals from eligible organizations to collaborate with MOBD to support Massachusetts businesses and regional efforts to nurture and facilitate economic growth and prosperity. Eligible organizations must operate regionally and service 10 or more contiguous cities/towns with interrelated economic assets. Department of Early Education & Care, 9/30/2022 Childcare Stabilization Fund grants can be used for 1) personnel costs, 2) facility costs, 3) personal protective equipment and cleaning or training costs, 4) professional development related to health and safety, 5) equipment and supplies to respond to COVID-19, 6) goods and services necessary to maintain or resume child care services, and 7) mental health supports for children and employees. Massachusetts Service Alliance, 8/25 - 9/10/2021 Youth Development Volunteer Initiative grants will support organizations to engage community members, including youth, in meaningful volunteer service, strengthen their capacity to recruit and retain volunteers and develop strategies to utilize volunteers effectively to solve problems facing Massachusetts communities. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, 9/8/2021 Requests qualifications and bids to provide rape counseling, advocacy, and emotional support services to inmates and detainees. Max contract term: 5 years. Bids will be reviewed to determine the best value for the award. Executive Office of Education, 9/17/2021 Skills Capital Grants support purchase and installation of equipment and related improvements and renovations necessary for vocational and technical training. Awards range from $50,000 to $250,000. Town of Yarmouth, 10/1/2021 Requesting bids for a consultant to administer the Yarmouth Affordable Housing Buy Down Program. The budget is $475,000.   CITY GRANTS New This Week: Boston Centers for Youth & Families, 9/13/2021 Invites proposals from non-profit groups for the operation of the Thomas Johnson Community Center, with services to include financial oversight, tennis instruction, staffing, provision of equipment, and maintenance. Select EV00009610. Office of Economic Development, 1/3/2023 The Small Business Unit requests proposals to support the expansion of economic and entrepreneurial opportunity and capacity throughout Boston. Select EV00008374. On August 10, 2021, Mayor Kim Janey announced the launch of the “Let’s Go Better” listening campaign and a new taskforce for Boston’s equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which will help inform the investment of an additional $400 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Join these virtual community meetings to engage with the City and discuss your ideas: Affordable Homeownership - August 26 & September 16 from 5:30 - 7:30pm Supporting Small Businesses - August 31 & September 14 from 3 - 4pm Substance Use Disorders - September 1 from 12 - 2pm Access to Internet & Career Training - September 1 from 5:30 - 7:30pm Career Training for Quality Jobs - September 8 from 5:30 - 7:30pm Quality Jobs & Childcare - September 15 from 12 - 2pm Additional community meetings will be announced for October. Learn more.   Mayor’s Office of Food Access, 8/31/2021 Accepting applications from individuals and community-based organizations interested in having a raised bed installed at their home, property, or community site. Public Facilities Commission, 8/31/2021 Invitation for General Bids for Mattahunt Community Center, Project No. 7144. Boston Public Health Commission, 9/1/2021 Seeking a vendor to collaboratively build and guide the design and implementation of a Commission-wide core Racial Justice and Health Equity training. Treasury Department, 9/3/2021 The Community Preservation Act funds affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space or recreation. Interested applicants must complete eligibility forms by 9/3/2021, which will be reviewed by the City’s Community Preservation Act team. Eligible project proponents will be invited to submit an application during the period of 10/4/2021 to 11/12/2021. Department of Neighborhood Development, 9/24/2021  Seeking proposals from for-profit and nonprofit developers of affordable Rental, Cooperative and Ownership forms of housing.  Department of Neighborhood Development, Open  Applications are still being accepted for the Rental Relief Fund. Requests up to $15,000 are being processed by Project HOPE, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing and Metro Housing|Boston.  Office of Economic Development, through 3/31/2024 Seeking proposals from consultants to provide technical assistance services to cannabis equity applicants, under a maximum 3-year contract.  Boston Local Development Corporation, Open  Loans are available for small businesses in Boston to be used for working capital, equipment, utilities, expansion, and other business needs. Terms are flexible and there are no prepayment penalties. Loans range from $10,000 to $150,000. FOUNDATION GRANTS Cabot Family Charitable Trust, 9/1/2021 Funding priorities: arts and culture, education and youth development, environment and conservation, health and human services, and for civic and public benefit. The application process starts with a concept paper. Lumina Foundation, 9/2/2021  The fund is designed to directly support organizations and efforts working to eradicate systemic racism and to advance equity and justice for population groups that have experienced racial oppression. Lumina will support 7 - 10 organizations; max award $400,000 for two years., max. Allstate Foundation, 9/17/2021 Focus areas: Relationship Violence and Inclusive Leadership. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000; at least 5 grants will be awarded for each focus area. A pre-application is required to confirm eligibility and alignment with program priorities.  The Sphinx Organization, 9/30/2021 The Sphinx Venture Fund supports highly impactful programs offered by nonprofit organizations that address cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performing arts, with an emphasis on classical music. The focus is on programs that will have field-wide impact, that typically go beyond a single geographic area, and that involve more than one partner. Grants generally range from $50,000 to $100,000. Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, 9/30/2021 (Quarterly) Examples of funded projects include land management and conservation, trail development and maintenance, safety and education, and outdoor recreation. Davis Educational Foundation, 10/1/2021 Implementation Grants support projects that improve the curriculum, the learning environment, assessment of undergraduate learning outcomes, faculty development, incentive systems, and administrative structures. Awards range from $10,000 to $25,000. Nellie Mae Education Foundation, 10/4/2021 Strengthening Partnerships, Coalitions, and Movements grants support efforts focused on advancing racial equity in our public education system at both the state and national levels. Awards will range from $50,000 to $100,000. NEA Foundation, 10/15/2021 Invites applications for Learning & Leadership grants ($2,000 to $5,000), which support professional development for NEA members.  The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, 10/28/2021 Thirty graduate school fellowships are awarded each year. Each Fellow receives $25,000 in stipend support, plus 50 percent of tuition and fees (up to $20,000), for 2 years max.  Enterline, 01/15/2022 Funding priority: services for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled community, worldwide. Project grant requests will be considered most competitive.    THE RESOURCE TABLE 2020 Census Research Courtesy of Boston Planning & Development Agency Research Division Understanding the National Eviction Moratorium Courtesy of Mass Legal Help COVID-19: Help for Boston Residents Resource listings for food, technology, health, housing, and more. Map of Food Resources in Boston Emergency Broadband Benefit Families and households that struggle to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic, can get connected to jobs, healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and more. Households may qualify for either a $50/monthly service credit or a $100 allowance toward a computer or tablet.  Apply online or contact a local broadband service provider. Housing Search Workshop Courtesy of Boston Center for independent Living Do you need data for a grant application? Check out our Resource page for blogs, reports, daily updates, and more.

Danielle Allen Continues to Press Mass Gov and DESE for Routine Process for Masking Advisories

With DESE Finally Introducing Needed Universal Mask Mandate for Schools, Danielle Allen Continues to Press Mass Gov and DESE for Routine Process for Masking Advisories 

“The Governor’s office and DESE need to deliver effective coordination across the whole Commonwealth by equipping our schools with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to keep everyone safe”

Cambridge, MA -- With public schools across Massachusetts returning to school in a week and DESE belatedly bowing to the realities of the Delta variant with a universal mask mandate for schools, gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen is calling on Governor Charlie Baker and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to improve process around safety measures for students, teachers, and school staff amid the continued COVID spikes by instituting a routine process of advisories linked to triggers of safety protocols. 

Danielle Allen spearheaded a multi-disciplinary, cross-sector COVID response team that led to the Biden-Harris Pandemic Testing Board, an interstate compact to build out COVID testing resources, and Covid Collaborative guidance on infection prevention and control in K-12 settings that has been disseminated nationally, including through the US Dept of Education. She worked with the Cambridge Public School District throughout the 2020-21 school year to achieve a successful return to healthy and safe in-person teaching and learning.

Two weeks ago, Allen called on Baker and DESE to develop and implement a system of COVID alerts and advisories, similar to weather advisories, to communicate the levels of risk operative in the state, our communities, and our schools as those levels rise and fall over time, which would then trigger safety protocols in schools. Allen also called on the Governor’s office to develop model municipal ordinances and policies, linked to the alert system, to support coherent consistent response across the Commonwealth. Those advisories would trigger universal mask mandates and other measures like increased frequency of testing.

Now, Allen has released the following statement regarding the safety of our students and school personnel this fall: 

“As our teachers and school staff continue to adapt their COVID response protocols in the best interests of our students and school personnel, the Governor’s office and DESE need to deliver effective coordination across the whole Commonwealth by equipping our schools with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to keep everyone safe,” said Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen. 

In addition to a mask mandate for everyone in school buildings, we continue to need

1. A routinized system of COVID advisories, similar to weather advisories, as I proposed earlier in August. These advisories would work to communicate the levels of risk operative in the state; when a COVID warning is in effect (as should currently be the case), school districts and other entities working with vulnerable populations would be mandated to require universal indoor masking and expected to implement other routine responses to the advisories to protect health and safety for all in the school community.

We also continue to need:

2.              An expansion of the vaccine mandate for state employees in the executive branch to apply to public school personnel.

3.              A Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) survey of all school buildings to assess ventilation, and further needs for upgrades.

4.              Ongoing free provision of pooled, screening testing for all schools.

5.              Ongoing provision of contact tracing for all schools.

6.              Technical assistance on developing ongoing infection prevention and control, strengthening health teams in schools, and partnering with community health centers.

With so much of the world unvaccinated, COVID variants and new waves will be an issue for the foreseeable future. With smart policy decisions and effective communication, Massachusetts can achieve ongoing pandemic resilience and set a leadership standard. Rather than force school districts, parents, educators, and students to make time sensitive, high-pressure decisions from scratch every few weeks, the Governor’s Office should proactively develop routine processes, in consultation with regional and municipal partners, DESE, and DPH, to keep students and school personnel safe, no matter where in the Commonwealth they go to school or work.

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Final Round of VaxMillions Giveaway Winners Announced

 

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration, Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg and the Massachusetts State Lottery announced the final winners for the last of five drawings for the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway. From the time that the program was announced on June 15 through the final day of registration, over 318,000 residents received a first dose of the vaccine, and over 440,000 residents became fully vaccinated.

As part of the giveaway, fully vaccinated residents ages 18 and older were eligible to enter to win one of five, $1 million cash prizes. Residents between 12-17 years of age who are fully vaccinated were eligible for the chance to win one of five $300,000 scholarship grants.

The winner of this week’s $1 million prize is Cynthia Thirath of Leominster. Cynthia chose to get vaccinated to protect those who are around her every day and to encourage others to get vaccinated. Cynthia plans to use her winnings to invest in her future.

The winner of this week’s $300,000 college scholarship is Gretchen Selva of Conway. Gretchen is entering this Fall as a Sophomore at Four River Charter Public School in Greenfield.  Her passion is music, and she has been playing the guitar for just over three years.  She plans to attend a college focusing on music writing and production and has already started researching potential schools in the New England area.  Gretchen received the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as she was eligible to protect herself, her family and to do her part in stopping the spread.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccination rates thanks to our residents stepping up and getting vaccinated,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Over 440,000 residents became fully vaccinated during the time that the VaxMillions program was running, and we are grateful to our partners at the Treasury and the Massachusetts State Lottery in helping to launch this program.”

“Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID and we are proud that over 5 million residents of Massachusetts have at least one dose,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration’s goal remains getting every person who wants a vaccine a shot.”

“The Vax Millions Giveaway was about more than winning a lottery. It was about motivating people to get the vaccine to protect your friends, neighbors, and loved ones,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who chairs the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. “This did in fact encourage thousands who were not yet vaccinated, and at the end of the day that is a win/win for everyone.”

“The Mass Lottery is proud to have played a role in this important public health initiative and we congratulate everyone who participated for doing their part to fight this pandemic,” said Michael Sweeney, Executive Director, Massachusetts State Lottery.  “We thank the dedicated team members from multiple state offices and agencies for their collective contributions to the responsible execution of this program.”

Over 2.5 million people signed up for the VaxMillions Giveaway, including 2.35 million residents 18 and older, and 167,000 residents ages 12-17.

Massachusetts remains a national leader in vaccinations with over 4.4 million residents fully vaccinated and over 5 million residents with at least one dose (including J&J). 

Vaccination Locations

There are over 900 vaccination locations across the Commonwealth, with appointments and walk-ins widely available. Residents seeking a vaccine can visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to find a vaccine location that is convenient for them.

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MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF BOSTON’S PUBLIC RECORDS TEAM New Staff To Ensure More Timely, Transparent Government

 

BOSTON - Thursday, August 26, 2021 - Today, Mayor Kim Janey announced new staff positions dedicated to responding to public records requests. With roles added in both the City’s Law Department and in the Boston Police Department, this move will increase the number of staff members dedicated solely to public records transparency.   “I strongly believe that public transparency is the foundation for building public trust and ensuring public accountability,” said Mayor Janey. “Upholding the public records law is a critical way that we deliver a more transparent City government. Too often, it takes too long to review and respond to public records requests. This investment in public records staff will help the City responsibility respond to requests in a more timely manner.” Currently, the Law Department has two staff solely dedicated to responding to public records requests, in addition to one vacancy. Within the Boston Police Department, responding to public records requests is a shared responsibility across several staff members who also have other portfolios. Through this investment, an additional staff person will be added to the Public Records Division within the City’s Law Department and its current vacancy will be filled; in addition, a new staff person will be added within the Boston Police Department to focus entirely on responding to public records requests.   Over the course of this calendar year, the City of Boston has received over 3,000 formal public records requests, and fulfilled more than 80% of them.