Boston Public Schools to Host Strategic Implementation Plan Community Meetings

Boston Public Schools to Host Strategic Implementation Plan Community Meetings

BPS Officials Seek Community Input on Key Initiatives for the District

Boston, MA - Wednesday, July 6, 2016 - The Boston Public Schools (BPS) will host several community meetings to gather community feedback on a draft of the BPS Strategic Implementation Plan, which Superintendent Tommy Chang shared with the public for input. The plan builds on the district's strengths, addresses core challenges, and delineates a set of 29 initiatives to advance the district's academic and operational agenda. Boston Public Schools Deputy Superintendent of Strategy Donna Muncey will facilitate the community-based conversations. Small group conversations will focus on strategic priorities outlined in the plan, including: Implementing an inclusive, rigorous, and culturally/linguistically sustaining PK-12 instructional program that serves the development of the whole child. Attracting, developing, and retaining a highly effective team that is responsive to the diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic needs of Boston youth. Engaging families and community organizations as advocates and partners for equity, access, and results for all students. Delivering high-quality support, customer service, and communications at schools. Building a sustainable financial system that invests resources equitably and strategically. The community forums are scheduled as follows: Monday, July 11, 6:30 - 8 PM, East Boston Social Centers, 68 Central Square, East Boston, 02128 Wednesday, July 13, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, BPS School Committee Room, Bolling Building, Roxbury, 02119 Tuesday, July 19, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Mattapan Library - Community Room, 1350 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, 02126 Attendees can register, here:http://bit.ly/29jpNC1. While the public is encouraged to attend any of the community meetings listed above, those who cannot attend are welcome to send feedback to superintendent@bostonpublicschools.org or by using #StrategicPlanBPS on Twitter. The Strategic Implementation Plan represents the culmination of a strategic planning process begun by the Boston School Committee (BSC), which resulted in the adoption of a Strategic Vision in February 2015. Throughout 2014, prior to the hiring of Superintendent Chang, the BSC and Boston Public Schools' leadership conducted a series of community meetings to generate aspirations and priorities for the district, with the expectation that the new Superintendent would present a more detailed implementation plan, including specific initiatives, timelines, and measurable outcomes. Since his tenure began on July 1, 2015, Superintendent Chang has been collecting input from parents, students, staff, and partners -- including extensive feedback on his 100-Day Plan -- to inform his development of the Strategic Implementation Plan. Dr. Chang is now seeking community feedback on the latest draft of the document. For more information about the Strategic Implementation Plan, visit: http://bit.ly/29vZANA.

CONGRESSMAN LIEU STATEMENT ON “EMERGENCY” OVERSIGHT HEARING ON FBI ANNOUNCEMENT

CONGRESSMAN LIEU STATEMENT ON “EMERGENCY” OVERSIGHT HEARING ON FBI ANNOUNCEMENT

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding House Republicans’ decision to hold an emergency hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in response to FBI Director James Comey’s announcement that the Bureau had completed its investigation of Secretary Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email server and would not be recommending that the Justice Department bring charges. The hearing, noticed to Members of the Committee as “Oversight of the State Department” with less than 24 hours advance notice, is only the second time during the 114th Congress that the Committee has chosen not to follow the House Rule XI requirement that at least seven days’ notice be given for hearings.

“Remember when Vice Presidential candidate Admiral Stockdale stated on national television, “Who am I?  Why am I here?” That’s exactly how tomorrow’s hastily-convened hearing will feel.  We on the Oversight Committee are politicians, not federal prosecutors or FBI agents.  Why are we wasting taxpayer resources to second guess the professional judgment of a man of high integrity, FBI Director Comey, based on evidence none of us have even reviewed?  This is ridiculous.”

BPHC Launches "Farm Fresh Boston" Campaign

BPHC Launches "Farm Fresh Boston" Campaign

Campaign Promotes Availability of Fresh, Affordable Foods Across the City at Boston's Farmers Markets

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 6, 2016 - The Boston Public Health Commission's (BPHC) Executive Director Monica Valdes Lupi was joined by Boston's Chief of Health and Human Services Felix G. Arroyo and Board of Health Member Manny Lopes Wednesday as BPHC launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness that affordable, locally-grown produce is available at over 25 farmers markets throughout the city.   The "Farm Fresh Boston" campaign highlights the City's Boston Bounty Bucks (BBB) program that enhances the buying power of low-income SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly "food stamps") beneficiaries at farmers markets.  BBB provides a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10 on healthy foods purchased at participating markets throughout the city.   The campaign features original photography of local residents showcasing the bounty that shoppers will find at markets throughout the city during the summer months.   "Boston is fortunate to have an abundance of farmers markets where residents can purchase fresh produce and other locally-grown foods in virtually every corner of the city," said Chief of Health and Human Services Felix G. Arroyo. "We've done a great job as a city expanding farmers markets so that anyone can find a market within minutes of their home or workplace.  And with Boston Bounty Bucks, markets even more accessible to our low-income residents."   "Helping people access affordable, healthy foods is crucial to achieving health equity in Boston," said BPHC Executive Director Monica Valdes Lupi, JD, MPH.  "With this campaign, we hope to make people aware that farmers markets are valuable neighborhood resources for healthy living, that are often right around the corner from our homes."   Along with raising awareness, the "Farm Fresh Boston" campaign will provide tools and resources in both English and Spanish to help Boston residents locate their local farmers markets and select food once they arrive at the markets. A map tool created for the campaign helps residents locate the farmers markets in their neighborhoods.The campaign provides resources, like a seasonal produce guide, to help Bostonians learn about and choose farm fresh options.   Boston residents will see the campaign highlighted throughout the summer months inbus shelters, on BigBelly trashcans, and in advertisements on bus interiors and exteriors. Wayfinding signs will also direct pedestrians to nearby markets, helping to emphasize the campaign's message that farm-fresh fruits and vegetables are available right around the corner from wherever you are in Boston.   Farmers Market shoppers will be encouraged to share photos of their bounty on social media using #farmfreshBOS and #FrescoDeLaFincaBOS. BPHC will collect social media photo submissions and host a weekly sweepstakes drawing for farmers market-related prizes.   In September 2014, BPHC was one of 50 communities awarded a three-year cooperative agreement award from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) to implement Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH), a national effort to reduce the prevalence of obesity, tobacco use and exposure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. PICH supports the implementation of evidence-based voluntary policy and systems changes that encourage healthy choices in physical activity, nutrition and smoke-free housing.   In its first year, BPHC rebranded PICH as "Let's Get Healthy, Boston!" (LGHB) a name that speaks to the project's goals. LGHB is a partnership with the Boston Alliance for Community Health, which supports ten organizations with trained Healthy Community Champions - neighborhood residents who do grassroots advocacy for healthy choices.   The "Farm Fresh Boston" campaign is a partnership between BPHC's Let's Get Healthy Boston project and the Mayor's Office of Food Initiatives, in collaboration with farmers markets from across Boston's neighborhoods.

About the Boston Public Health Commission

The Boston Public Health Commission, the country's oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission - to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission's more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services.

張禮能競選麻州參議員 米斗塞區工會支持

Leland Cheung secures union endorsements in 2nd Middlesex Democratic primary

Cambridge, MA- State Senate candidate and Cambridge City Councillor Leland Cheung has received endorsements from unions representing workers in the Second Middlesex District. These include the International Association of Firefighters Local 30 and Local 1564, the Cambridge Police Patrol Officer's Association, the Somerville Police Employees Association, the Medford Police Patrolmen's Association, the Massachusetts Municipal Police Coalition, Ironworkers Local 7, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 17. 

John Crowley, President of the Cambridge Police Patrol Officer’s Association, described Cheung as “the best choice for intelligent, sensible and accessible representation” and as “a vocal supporter of issues which impact our association and those of other public safety unions.” 

"The Massachusetts Municipal Police Coalition is excited to join its member unions in Cambridge, Medford, and Somerville in endorsing Leland Cheung in the 2nd Middlesex Senate District Democratic Primary," said Harry MacGilvray, President of the Massachusetts Municipal Police Coalition and the Medford Police Patrolmen's Association. "In Cambridge, Leland has shown he understands what it takes to keep our communities safe and the role our members play in doing just that." 

John Frongillo Jr., President of The International Association of Firefighters Local 1564, announced the organization’s endorsement of Cheung, saying, “Leland has stood shoulder to shoulder with current and retired public employees and has fought tirelessly to protect their interests.” 

Cheung said of the recent endorsements, “I am deeply gratified to have the support of so many local union. As State Senator, I look forward to being a powerful voice for the interests of working families both in the district and across the Commonwealth.” 

As City Councillor, Cheung has consistently served as an ally of organized labor. Cheung also serves as a member of the Policy Committee on Personnel and Labor Relations for the Massachusetts Municipal Organization. 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES JULY FRIDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT SERIES LINEUP

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES JULY FRIDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT SERIES LINEUP

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 6, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the Friday Afternoon Concert Series lineup for July, hosted by the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment. Every Friday from July 8 - August 26, 2016, a different local band will perform live from 12 - 2 p.m. in Sam Adams Park, directly outside of Faneuil Hall. The concerts are free and residents and visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend. This year's July lineup is as follows: July 8: The Dingo Babies http://thedingobabies.com/ July 15: Honeysuckle http://www.honeysuckleband.com/ July 22: Sumner & Moss http://www.sumnermoss.com/ July 29: Dear June https://dearjuneband.com/ "We are lucky to live in a city with so much musical talent," said Mayor Walsh. "The Friday Afternoon Concert Series hosts some of Boston's best emerging local musicians, and I encourage all residents and visitors to take advantage of this wonderful series." About the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment The Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment is committed to producing fun, free public events for Bostonians and visitors to the city and is proud to collaborate with Metro Boston as our media partner for Summer 2016.  For further information please call 617-635-3911, go tohttp://www.boston.gov/visitors, Facebook Boston City Tourism, or check out@VisitBoston on Twitter. Sam Adams Park/Faneuil Hall is accessible by MBTA via Haymarket (Orange and Green) and State Street (Orange and Blue). About The Dingo Babies The Dingo Babies' sound is focused on tight harmonies and catchy sideways power-pop tunes about inner and outer space. Their style rides the waves of The Avett Brothers, Weezer, Alt-J and Crash Kings. They began performing in small local venues and at homeless shelters and food kitchens through Berklee's student run service program "The Movement." They have continued to stay active in service, raising over $1,000 to benefit the human rights organization Calling All Crows by performing on the street, strongly believing in music as a vehicle for happiness and positive social change. They have released one full length album entitled Breakfast ("The raw emotion of it is obvious... eclectic, interesting, and accessible" -WMFO) and have opened for acts such as Chadwick Stokes (Dispatch, State Radio). The Dingo Babies are currently working on an album due out very soon.  About Honeysuckle Honeysuckle is a progressive folk trio, which blends older influences and traditional instrumentation with modern effects and inspiration. They can be found frequently playing in the Boston area and surrounding cities in the Northeast with bands such as Boy & Bear, Grey Season and many others. Holly McGarry, Benjamin Burns and Chris Bloniarz make up the trio. They currently have 2 releases, "Live at Rockwood Music Hall," and their 2015 EP, "Arrows." Honeysuckle was chosen to be a Converse Rubber Tracks artist, played at the 2015 Newport Folk Festival and were nominated for best Folk and best Americana artists of the year at the 2015 Boston Music Awards. About Sumner & Moss Sumner & Moss is a folk duo based in Boston. Rooted in traditional American music, Sam Moss and Rachel Sumner weave close harmonies into classic bluegrass and country songs alongside their own roots-inspired originals. Sam Moss is an acclaimed songwriter and string player currently working on his ninth album. Rachel Sumner is a member of award-winning bluegrass band Twisted Pine to which she lends her voice, guitar and songs. About Dear June Dear June is a rock & roll band from Boston. Founded as a duo with folk roots, the band has transformed into a 5 piece with a distinctly eclectic, Americana sound. Their blend of unique harmonies and compelling lyrics produces a well-rounded and soulful sound. Dear June pulls influence from a range of acts, from Tedeschi Trucks to Brazilian funk, showcasing the various talents and interests of each band member.

Bill Tai To Mentor Frontrunners Of LA Auto Show's 2016 Top Ten Automotive Startups™ Competition

- Three out of the Top Ten finalists to receive live mentoring sessions with Silicon Valley investor Bill Tai during LA Auto Show's AutoMobility LA™ November 16

- One winner will be invited to the Extreme Tech Challenge on Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island

Photos(2)

LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The LA Auto Show has added two prizes to its Top Ten Automotive Startups™ challenge, including live mentoring sessions with Silicon Valley investor Bill Tai, and an invitation to attend the finals of the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) held on Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson's private estate.

After the Top Ten are chosen, the competition's esteemed judges will go on to select three of these companies to each receive a mentoring session on stage with Tai during AutoMobility LA™ on November 16.

The live mentorships will be followed by an announcement that reveals the startup that will be invited to attend the XTC on Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island.

"The LA Auto Show is attracting super interesting and disruptive startups that are redefining what we know as automotive," said Tai. "As an educator, investor and entrepreneur myself, I want to help bring my network and resources to accelerate the success of this year's Top Ten finalists."

Top Ten finalists will gain valuable exposure among more than 4,500 media and 20,000 industry professionals during this year's AutoMobility LA at the Los Angeles Convention Center (Nov. 14-17); attendees include influential thought-leaders, automakers, tech titans, designers, developers, investors, dealers, government officials, analysts, fellow startups and more. In addition to showcasing their companies on the exhibit floor, the Top Ten finalists will have the opportunity to be featured in various media outlets before, during and after AutoMobility LA.

The Top Ten finalists will also enjoy access to all AutoMobility LA networking events and receive an exclusive invitation to a breakfast with the LA Auto Show's executive team on Nov. 17.

The Top Ten finalists will be selected by the AutoMobility LA advisory board, which is comprised of senior executives from Aeris Communications, City of Los Angeles, Elektrobit, Ellis and Associates, Google, Local Motors, Lyft, Nokia Growth Partners, NVIDIA, Pandora and Strategy Analytics.  AutoMobility LA will be accepting submissions from June 9 - July 31, 2016.

Startups from all industries are encouraged to apply now by visiting: http://laautoshow.com/top-ten-automotive-startups/ 

"Bill is among Silicon Valley's highest-profile investors and has incredible experience accumulated from investing in more than 110 companies globally over a 25-year career in venture capital," said Lisa Kaz, President and CEO of LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA. "We are thrilled that he will help us select and mentor some of the most innovative and promising new companies in our rapidly changing field. We are equally grateful to collaborate with XTC and its special host and guest judge SirRichard Branson, who is an iconic inspiration for next-generation entrepreneurs across the globe."

AutoMobility LA is the culmination of a multi-year effort to evolve the LA Auto Show's Connected Car Expo and its Press & Trade Days into a trade show designed exclusively for the new automotive industry. The four-day event will continue to bring together the entire "new mobility ecosystem" – comprised of automakers, tech companies, designers, developers, startups, investors, dealers, government officials, analysts, etc. – to redefine and unveil the future of transportation.

Report shows Neighborhood Jobs Trust leads to jobs, increased incomes

Report shows Neighborhood Jobs Trust leads to jobs, increased incomes

BOSTON – A report released by the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (OWD) shows that job training programs funded by the City's Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) have made a dramatic impact in participants' economic well-being. The 2014-2015 Neighborhood Jobs Trust Impact Report found that upon job placement, program graduates saw their incomes more than double to an average hourly wage of nearly $15 per hour – above the city's living wage. 

"I am proud that we have been able to successfully re-invest our City's economic gains into the workers who make up the backbone of our economy," said Mayor Martin Walsh. "A stronger workforce makes for a stronger Boston, now and in the future."

The NJT, created in 1987, collects linkage fees, based on square footage, from large-scale commercial developments being built in the city. Stewarded by the OWD, this money is invested annually in jobs and job training programs. NJT funds are specifically intended to benefit lower-income Boston residents facing multiple barriers to employment.

"The Neighborhood Jobs Trust is a valuable instrument for transforming Boston's construction boom into critical workforce gains for residents," said Trinh Nguyen, NJT trustee and director of the OWD. "We want to make sure that Bostonians' educational and career attainment rises with their skyline."

Over the course of Fiscal Year 2015, the OWD awarded over $1 million in NJT funds to 20 training programs in industries as diverse as the hospitality, health care, construction, culinary, early education, and banking & finance sectors. Of the 336 Boston residents who participated in NJT-funded programs, 90 percent completed their training. Collectively, NJT-funded programs are 79% of the way toward completing their goal of 217 participants placed. 

Project Hope, a program of Little Sisters of the Assumption, is one of several programs highlighted in the report. The organization, which works specifically with low-income and homeless women, used NJT funds to provide job training in the healthcare industry.

With the help of her Project Hope training, graduate Danisha Jean-Baptiste secured a job as a staff assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital. "I can guarantee that had I attempted to do this on my own, had I turned away from guidance and support, I would not be here heading in the direction I am heading in now," she said.

Many NJT-funded programs focus their services on specific industries and populations-in-need. The International Institute of Boston, for example, prepared new immigrants for the service industry, while the New England Center and Home for Veterans trained veterans for jobs as security officers and commercial drivers.

NJT funds can help workforce organizations leverage other funding sources. SkillWorks, a public-private partnership that matches workers with businesses' employment needs, received $900,000 from community partners in FY15 to match its NJT dollars.

In addition to its funded job training programs, the NJT impact report highlights a unique contribution made to the trust by the developer of the Aloft and Element hotels in South Boston. Using the jobs creation contribution option, developer CV Properties funded the participation of 42 residents in BEST Corp's hospitality training program and committed to hiring at least 29 of the graduates in the development's new hotels.

"The beauty of the Neighborhood Jobs Trust is that it leads to actual jobs," said Mark Ciommo, NJT trustee and Boston city councilor. "And not just any jobs. The trust specifically seeks to fund programs that develop career pathways to permanent, well-paying, quality employment."

Of the Boston residents served by NJT-funded programs over the most recent fiscal year, 92 percent were people of color and 81 percent held a high school degree or less. While a high concentration of program participants hailed from Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan, residents from every neighborhood in Boston were helped by NJT-funded programs.

The OWD is an affiliate of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. 

HEAD OF AG’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION TAKES PART IN WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON NEW AMERICANS

HEAD OF AG’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION TAKES PART IN WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON NEW AMERICANS

BOSTON — Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that Marcony Almeida-Barros, chief of AG Healey’s Community Engagement Division, met with officials from across the country as part of a national effort to better integrate new Americans into communities.

Almeida-Barros met with members of the White House Task Force on New Americans, which has convened regionally across the country. Attendees had the opportunity to share best practices and models for integrating new Americans, and Almeida-Barros highlighted the work of his Community Engagement Division.

“It’s important to me that as the people’s law firm we reach people across the state, connect them to our office and make them of aware of the resources we can provide,” said AG Healey. “Our Community Engagement Division has met with and assisted thousands of residents in Massachusetts, and we are pleased to share our experience and learnings with others across the country.”   

Almeida-Barros had previously met with the White House Task Force on New Americans during its Boston convening earlier this year.

Since the Community Engagement Division launched in 2015, staff had provided trainings across the state on topics including worker’s rights, homeowner’s insurance, earned sick time and domestic workers laws to better educate both employers and employees on their rights and responsibilities. The Division also regularly works with communities to schedule office hours, bringing the resources of the AG’s office at times that are more convenient for working people and their families.

President Obama established the White House Task Force on New Americans in 2014 to help develop a coordinated federal strategy to better integrate new Americans into communities and support state and local efforts to do the same.

MAYOR WALSH PRESENTS "FORESIGHT AND UNPREDICTABILITY" EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL

MAYOR WALSH PRESENTS "FORESIGHT AND UNPREDICTABILITY" EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL

Photo by Mayor's Press Office

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 5, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston Office of Arts & Culture today announced "Foresight andUnpredictability", an exhibition of drawings by Xiaowei Chen, is available for viewing at Boston City Hall. The exhibition is currently on display in the 5thFloor Mayor's Gallery at Boston City Hall, where it will remain until August 5, 2016. "I am pleased to welcome Xiaowei's exhibition to City Hall," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud we are able to display a local artist's work, showcasing the City's talented art community for residents and visitors to enjoy." Chen's work includes video, drawing and painting. She explores natural environments, natural disasters, human thought and the interconnectivity between the three. Her current focus is large-scale drawings. "Drawing takes me to the depths of subconsciousness and resurfacing with images which are often more abstract than the motifs that I choose to use," said artist Xiaowei Chen. "I found this way of art making exhilarating because it allows both foresight and unpredictability." Chen holds a degree from the Institute of Graphic Communication in Beijing. Her recent exhibitions include solo shows at the TLGUTS Gallery in Lynn and the artSPACE@16 in Malden. She has previously served as a guest lecturer at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. About the Galleries at Boston City Hall The Galleries at Boston City Hall are open the public at no charge and are handicapped accessible. Boston City Hall is accessible by the MBTA via Haymarket (Orange line) or Government Center (Green and Blue lines). For more information, call 617-635-3245 or visit www.cityofboston.gov/arts.

“被出賣的台灣”為十月亞美電影節打頭陣

波士頓亞美電影節總監甄翠嬿（左起）和經文處副處長陳銘俊，
“被出賣的台灣”製片刁毓能，台美專業人士協會前會長洪聚佐會後
合影。（周菊子攝）

(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓亞美電影節（BAAFF）上週末在塔芙茨大學放映 “被出賣的台灣（Formosa Betrayed）”，藉以預告本年度亞美電影節預定10月20至23日推出，籲請熱心人士捐款支持。

“被出賣的台灣（Formosa Betrayed）”一片是以台灣白色恐怖時期為背景，揉進江南案、陳文成命案、美麗島事件、林（義雄）宅血案等歷史事件的政治驚悚片。

製片刁毓能強調，這是部劇情片，但內容全部取材於真實事件，他也做了許多研究，調查功課。

羅靜春（右）告訴經文處副處長陳銘俊（中），女兒是在加州認識
刁毓能的，和她投資資助該片的拍攝，完全沒關係。（周菊子攝）

影片映畢後，刁毓能在影片放映贊助者之一，曾任台美專業人士協會會長的洪聚佐主持中，與觀眾對話。

 一名原籍香港的觀眾問刁毓能，“被”片到底是鼓吹民主，還是鼓吹台灣獨立。他認為真正的台灣人，其實是原住民，而不是從中國大陸福建省等地遷居台灣已數代的那些人，若由非原住民來推動台灣獨立，有點不切實際。

刁毓能表示，他父母就是白色恐怖時期的受害者之一，儘管1978年移民來美，壓力仍深藏心底，甚至影響了他這一代。他也認為“台灣人”這身份認同，是從二二八事件那時候開始的。由於台灣的歷史背景太複雜，有過太多次外族統治，不少台灣人覺得日治時代在台灣有很多基礎建設，使台灣在二次世界大戰後，和其他亞洲國家來比相對富裕，因此對日本有好感。

刁毓能認為民主運動的萌生和台灣人這身份認同，幾乎是同時發生的。如今大多數的台灣居民也都認為自己是台灣人，而不是中國人。

刁毓能事後透露，台灣政府麾下的一個基金會原本要撥款支持“被”片在台灣拍製，不料2008年政黨輪替後，國民黨議會黨團攔下了這資助計劃，他被逼以五百多萬元的預算，轉往泰國曼谷等地取景。

這部片從2009年拍成迄今，已在全美各地放映不下數十場。刁毓能表示，人們的回饋是，“被”片恐怕仍是世上唯一一部以英語拍製，有關台灣的電影，因此儘管該片目前還未收回成本，他也想以台灣為題材，再拍一部電影。

畢業於哥倫比亞大學國際事務系，歷任白宮助理，國際貿易協議談判專員的刁毓能，如今是專業電影人，與波士頓長大的妻子住在加州。

波士頓亞美電影節總監甄翠嬿表示，刁毓能的妻子是台灣移民羅靜春之女，在波士頓華埠長大。她和刁毓能到波士頓探親，給了BAAFF這個展映影片，預告十月亞美電影節的機會。