星期日, 4月 05, 2015

楊鵬從阿拉善談中國民間公益可促中國社會轉型

阿拉善SEE生態協會及壹基金前任秘書長楊鵬,日前為哈佛大學中國學生學者聯合會舉辦的講座,談“中國民間公益發展與社會結構轉型”,指企業家主導做善事,效率往往更高。
楊鵬曾參與創辦,並先後擔任阿拉善SEE生態協會和深圳壹基金公益基金會秘書長,在中國的公益事業圈,知名度相當高,迄今已出版了《東亞新文化的興起》、《老子詳解—老子執政學研究》、《上帝在中國源流考》、《為公益而共和》等書。
目前在哈佛大學亞洲中心做訪問學者,日前在哈佛大學Larsen-Hall,以“為公益而共和“一書的內容為基礎,闡述“中國民間公益發展與社會結構轉型”。
            他認為中國的第一代民間公益組織,約可定義在1994年三月到2010年之間,多半由知識份子發起,關注環境保護問題,有理想主義精神,營運多半仰賴發起者個人魅力,缺乏資金和專業管理。諸如自然之友,綠色江河,地球村等等。第二代則由企業家發起,關注方向從環境保護,擴展到醫療護理,殘障及自然災害救助,籌款能力與運作規模和第一代大不相同。
2004年六月五日成立的阿拉善SEE生態協會,在2013年收入二千四百萬元。2004年十二月成立的北京愛佑慈善基金會,2013年收入1.588億元。2007年中國紅十字會李連杰一基金計畫實施,2010年十二月三日深圳壹基金公益基金會成立,2013年的帳面現金6.5億元。
若以中國公益活動捐款數額的歷史高峰來看,2008年五月十二日汶川地站發生後,多達三百萬人,逾三百家民間組織進入災區當志願者,共募得1071億元,算是最高峰。
截至2014年,中國共有基金會4317家。其中公募基金會1493加,非公募基金會2824家。
            楊鵬在會中也頗為詳盡的介紹了阿拉善SEE生態協會的成立過程,運作方式,以及壹基金公益基金會的一些實施項目。
他指出,阿拉善SEE生態協會早在2004年六月五日由64名企業家發起成立,當初的主要宗旨是防治沙塵暴,以及推動企業家承擔起保護生態工作,盡社會責任。
楊鵬表示,公益組織已經是現代社會結構中的重要部份,民間公益事業也有如一個國家現代化到什麼程度的一種衡量標誌。他相信,中國民間公益機構的發展,對中國的社會轉型可以起到積極作用。
            當天的講座約有四十多人出席,提問,討論踴躍,講座進行得比預定時間長了一個多小時。
            席間有人問,最近這一兩年,中國的民間社會空間似乎被壓縮了?楊鵬認為,民間公益事業還是相對開放,民營企業家的投入,也推動了公益事業在中國的發展,他相信中國社會結構,將在公益事業營運方式的影響下,逐漸轉型。
            哈佛大學中國學生學者聯合會學術講座主席岳林博士會後表示,當天有許多哈​​佛和波士頓地區各大學的在校學生,為關切中國公益事業和中國社會的未來而出席,十分可喜。

圖片說明:

            哈佛大學中國學生學者聯合會學術講座主席岳林博士()主持,阿拉善SEE生態協會前秘書長楊鵬(左)暢論中國民間公益組織。(菊子攝)

莊雅斐鋼琴獨奏會迷醉四百觀眾

表演藝術基金328日晚在樂學 (Jordan Hall)為鋼琴家雅斐行了一場獨。近四百名出席觀眾,都被她的超然琴詮釋典雅姿震憾
間觀眾,有多古典音界的重量家,樂評 。莊雅裴的朋友和也紛紛趕到,都表示這真是美的宴。
莊雅裴演出的曲目有24首前奏曲,李斯特B調曲,拉威舞曲。她彈奏得精湛完善,讓觀眾激動得全體起立鼓掌多次,掌聲 久久不
雅斐接著演奏希文和舒伯特首曲子,作為安可演出,感謝觀眾的熱情
波士樂雜誌 (Boston Musical Intelligencer ) 次日就刊出一篇她大為讚賞評價極高的報導。那篇文章指出,“她的音樂與作曲家密交流,不出抒情的美,同出多彩,富,大的 完美......令人驚嘆不已。
雅斐是一名在台灣出生小在洲和美國學習,卓然有成的音樂家目前波士樂學院和樂學任教。


圖片說明:

            莊雅斐在表演結束時謝幕,接受獻花。(圖由中華表演藝術基金會提供)

星期六, 4月 04, 2015

查理貝克提案EITC加倍 估計四十萬戶可受益 Governor Baker Highlights Proposal to Double EITC in Boston


麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)二日表示,他的2016年預算案,包括在兩年內把所得稅抵免(EITC)由15%增加到30%,估計有四十萬名麻州居民可直接受益。
該提案將使得符合資格打工家庭的所得稅抵免額,增加到1874元,他們可花用的收入總額,將可增加到一億九千六百萬元。
查理貝克二日抵波士頓社區發展行動(ABCD),參觀波士頓內美國國稅局的十二個志工協助報稅站之一,和組織者,協助報稅志工,以及個別人士討論,所得稅抵免加倍,對低收入工薪家庭將有什麼影響。
查理貝克表示,目前麻州內約有四十萬個家庭符合資格,可因此而受益。日前出爐的一份調查估計,因為受益者都是在麻州居住,工作,生活,消費者,此舉將促使一億元資金迴轉活絡麻州經濟。
            ABCD執行長朱江(John J. Drew 表示,他們鼓掌支持州長加倍所得稅抵免額的提案,許多做二,三份工作,卻還每年賺不到24,250元的四口之家,將因此受益。

圖片說明:

            麻州州長查理貝克(中)參觀ABCD志工協助報稅站,討論
所得稅抵免額度加倍影響。(圖由州長辦公室提供)

Governor Baker Highlights Proposal to Double EITC in Boston
Expansion would benefit 400,000 plus residents; increases relief by $196 million

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today visited and toured one of Action for Boston Community Development’s (ABCD) 12 IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in the Greater Boston area to discuss with organizers, tax prep volunteers and individuals the benefits of doubling the earned income tax credit (EITC) would have on the budgets of low-income working families. Along with his Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal, Governor Baker filed House Bill 62 expanding the EITC from 15% to 30% of the federal level over two years, directly impacting over 400,000 Massachusetts residents. The proposal would increase the EITC to $1,874 for eligible working families and increase disposable income by $196 million.

“Providing relief to Massachusetts’ working families through the earned income tax credit has proven to be one of the most historically effective programs for supporting low-income workers and spurring economic growth,” said Governor Baker. “Increasing reinvestment in our workers would directly benefit more than 400,000 individuals and their families across the Commonwealth who need an extra hand to make ends meet and support their families."

Governor Baker toured ABCD’s facility on the Boston Common where accountants and accounting students volunteer their time to provide free tax preparation services for low to moderate-income working families. Governor Baker met with ABCD leadership, a site volunteer and several individuals and families who would directly benefit from the EITC expansion.

“ABCD applauds Governor Baker’s action in filing legislation to double the Earned Income Tax Credit for poor working individuals and families in Massachusetts,” said John J. Drew, ABCD President/CEO. “Many of those who benefit from EITC work two or three jobs, but can’t get above the poverty level of $24,250 in annual earnings for a family of four. EITC makes a difference for hard-working residents who struggle to pay for rent, heat and food and helps narrow the ongoing, painful gap between rich and poor.”

About Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD):

ABCD has provided tax preparation services to low and moderate-income working individuals and families for more than 25 years. It is part of the Boston Tax Help Coalition and national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Massachusetts. Last year ABCD’s EITC program served almost 5,000 families at sites in all of Boston neighborhoods, bringing more than $7.8 million into inner-city, low-income households. Along with tax preparation, ABCD also provides EITC customers with comprehensive financial counseling and financial literacy programs for youth and families.



GOVERNOR BAKER: There are 400,000 families in Massachusetts that qualify currently and that would benefit from doubling the size of the credit and there was a study that came out the other day that said it would put over $100,000,000 back into our economy because the beneficiaries of the credit are people who live here, work here, and spend here, and the thing I love the most about the program is the more you work the more you make. It’s one of the best programs we can use, and I’m all for, I would love to see the federal government decide to extend the credit.


MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST ALL-WOMEN’S BIKE RIDE & FESTIVAL WITH A TWIST, THANKS TO SOME GREAT AREA CHEFS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST ALL-WOMEN’S BIKE RIDE & FESTIVAL WITH A TWIST, THANKS TO SOME GREAT AREA CHEFS

The new Boston Bikes and Bites Women's Bike Ride and Festival, will feature a day of cycling, eating, music, and fun, with food by Jody Adams, Joanne Chang and more.

BOSTON – Friday, April 3 –Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced Boston Bikes and Bites Women's Bike Ride and Festival, the largest biking event for women in New England hosted by Boston Bikes. Women from all over the New England area will convene to participate in group rides (10, 30 and 50 miles), and eat food prepared by local and premier chefs. The event will take place on July 18.

“We are excited to announce the return of Boston Bikes and Bites,” said Mayor Walsh. “This event promotes a healthier and more vibrant Boston, bringing communities together to participate in a festive and unifying event. I hope many women throughout New England will join us for this annual event. ”

Boston Bikes and Bites is a part of Boston Bikes’ Women’s Initiative, a series of rides, biking socials, and clinics which encourage women to experience the joys and benefits of biking in Boston and to take to the streets by bike. The event is sponsored by CiclismoClassico, the specialists and pioneers in Bicycle Tours for the Culturally Curious since 1989. Boston Bikes and Bites is organized in partnership with River’s Edge Cycling, which produces the annual Berkshires to Boston Bike Ride. Proceeds from the Bikes and Bites will benefit local organizations working to promote healthy living.

The rides will start and end at Daisy Field and travel along the Emerald Necklace in Jamaica Plain, with a rest stop at the Powisset Farm in Dover. Along the way, riders will enjoy “bites” prepared by local chefs Jody Adams, Joanne Chang, Rachel Klein, Jennifer Park, Seta Dakessian, and Mary Bandereck.

Participants will be welcomed back to the park with live music by the award-winning Zili Misik, an all-female band performing African, Caribbean and American soul.  There will also be an exposition as well as skills clinics in mechanics, commuting, and road cycling. For women who never learned to ride, or those who can’t remember their last time on a bike, Boston Bikes instructors will provide a learn-to-ride clinic.

Registration and a $25 fee is required ($35 after May 25th), with discounts available for low-income Boston residents. Registration is open now at www.bostonbikes.org/women/festival. Men are encouraged to volunteer and can sign up at www.bostonbikes.org/women/festival

Boston Bikes is part of Mayor Walsh's vision for a vibrant and healthy city that benefits all its citizens. It seeks to make Boston a world-class bicycling city by creating safe and inviting conditions for all residents and visitors. Boston Bikes focuses on improvements in all six universal bike planning areas: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, Encouragement, Equity, and Evaluation.

American Red Cross hosts several commemorative blood drives to mark the Boston Marathon bombings anniversary

American Red Cross hosts several commemorative blood drives to mark the Boston Marathon bombings anniversary
(DEDHAM, Mass.) – The American Red Cross is partnering with community leaders to host three commemorative blood drives in honor of the courageous individuals whose lives were forever changed by the Boston Marathon bombings. 
Stoneham Strong Blood Drive
Friday, April 10, 2015 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
First Congregational Church of Stoneham, 1 Church Street, Stoneham
Co-Sponsored by State Senator Jason Lewis, State Representative Michael Day, Town of Stoneham, H&R Block and CENTURY 21 Celli
Watertown Strong Blood Drive
Saturday, April 11, 2015 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Watertown High School, 50 Columbia Street, Watertown
Co-Sponsored by Mount Auburn Hospital, Watertown Police Department and MBTA Transit Police Officer Dic Donohue
Boston Strong Blood Drive
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sheraton Boston Hotel – Republic Ballroom, 39 Dalton Street, Boston
In April 2013, the Red Cross sent 600 blood products to Boston area hospitals in response to the Boston Marathon bombings. Blood donations helped save the lives of Heather Abbott, MBTA Transit Police Officer Dic Donohue and hundreds of others.
“When I was hurt at the bombing, I received several units of blood in order to keep me alive. If it wasn’t for blood donors, I wouldn’t be here,” said Heather Abbott, Boston Marathon bombing survivor.  “By being a blood donor, you really do save lives which is why I intend to donate whenever I am eligible.”
We depend on generous volunteer blood donors to provide lifesaving blood for those in need – each and every day – not only during times of national disaster,” said Jeff Meyer, CEO, Massachusetts Blood Services Region. “Having a sufficient blood supply is part of preparedness. It’s the blood on the shelves today that help save lives tomorrow.”
Officer Donohue, who was shot in an intense gun battle with the accused Boston Marathon bombing suspects, needed 46 blood products. Donohue is standing strong today, thanks to the generosity of blood donors. “I am here today because of blood donors.  I would not be alive if people hadn’t volunteered their time to give blood.  I would encourage eligible donors to join with community leaders and donate blood during the anniversary to help touch the lives of patients and their families,” said Officer Donohue.