Please note that the
Hyde Square Task Force's offices
will be closed for the holiday season from December 24th through January 3rd.
Happy holidays!
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From the Executive Director...
Dear Friends,
Last month, the Massachusetts State Senate passed the Education Reform Act of 2009 by a margin of 28-11. This legislation will help qualify Massachusetts to potentially receive federal 'Race to the Top' funds.
'Race to the Top' is a competitive grant program that is funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The goal of the program is to encourage and empower states to undertake significant educational reform and better serve students.
If Massachusetts is selected, we could be awarded more than $100 million to invest in teachers, improve assessment and data tools, and turn around under-performing schools. As a member of the Massachusetts 'Race to the Top' coalition, I applaud the work of the State Senate in passing this bill.
But our work is not yet completed. The Massachusetts House is still considering the bill, and our state's application for this funding is only as strong as we the people make it.
I strongly encourage you to learn more about 'Race to the Top.' Spread the word to your friends and family about the proposed reforms, contact your State Representative and ask him/her where they stand on the bill AND why, follow the progress of this issue and become a part of the discussion.
We are on the verge of potentially the most drastic education reform the state has seen in 15 years. Your voice deserves to be heard.
Thank you,
Claudio Martinez
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It's all about the team work. A group of HSTF youth engage in a team-building activity at the most recent Learning Institute.
(Photo by Barbara Civill, 2009.)
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You Better Think!
On Veteran's Day, 75 youth leaders participated in the first round of the HSTF Learning Institute, a series of workshops and trainings designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to bring about positive social change.
The half-day training served as a chance for the newest members of our youth leadership teams to meet their peers and learn to work together with them towards a common goal--as seen above.
In addition to team-building activities, the workshop focused on critical thinking skills. Young people in our society are confronted with hundreds of different viewpoints, opinions, and facts from a wide variety of sources--some credible, some not. The manner in which youth process this knowledge will play a large part in shaping who they become and what they hope to achieve in life. The critical thinking workshop helps provide our teens with the tools to interpret evidence, understand context, and make well-informed decisions.
Future workshops will deal with issues such as race, culture, gender, oppression, violence, globalization, and more.
For more information about the HSTF Learning Institute, contact Ken Tangvik at ken@hydesquare.org.
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Job Opportunity at HSTF
Would you like to join the Hyde Square Task Force team? Read more below about a professional opportunity at our organization.
Development and Communications Assistant
This part-time position will provide general administrative support to the Development and Communications department.
For more information, contact Nate Hinchey at nate@hydesquare.org.
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Breaking the Ice:
HSTF Winter Showcase
On Thursday, December 10th, from 6-7:30PM, youth from the HSTF Music Clubhouse program and our Community Dance Workshops will be warming up Hyde Square as they show off the moves and songs they have learned over the past few months. So come in from the cold and join us for 'Breaking the Ice: A Winter Showcase!'
Who: All friends, family, and neighbors are invited!
When: Thursday, December 10th, 6-7:30PM
Where: Cheverus Youth Center, 365 Centre Street, JP
Both of these drop-in programs offer free music and dance instruction to young people ages 10-18 in our community. The Winter Showcase is a celebration of a semester of hard work as the programs prepare to take a break for the holiday season. But don't worry, you can still get in on the action when the programs start back up again next year!
For more information about the Winter Showcase or the drop-in programs, contact Aimee (music) at aimee@hydesquare.org or Barbara (dance) at barbara@hydesquare.org.
Both can also be reached at 617.524.8303.
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Congratulations to the Health Careers Ambassadors! They were recently awarded $10,000 from a group of graduate students at Boston University in recognition of their outstanding work in building a healthier community. (Photo by Nate Marsh, 2009.)
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Quick Links:________________
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Spotlight On:
Carla Poulos,
Dominican Youth Project Coordinator
Please join us in welcoming one of the newest members of the Hyde Square Task Force team, Carla Poulos!
Carla was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently the coordinator for the Dominican Youth Project, a program that aims to organize and mobilize immigrant populations in our community as well as educate young people about Dominican culture and history.
Carla has extensive experience in both organizing and immigrant issues, having previously worked for the New York Immigrant Coalition advocating for increased opportunities for English Language Learners in New York public schools. Prior to that, she has worked as a social worker, a labor organizer, and for the community-based organization 'Make the Road' in New York.
"I'm excited about working for the Hyde Square Task Force in part because it reminds me of Make the Road," said Carla. "Both are truly grassroots and community-based, they don't just call themselves that."
Carla received her Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Clark University and her Master's in Social Work from Hunter College. She will lead the creation of a curriculum for the DYP program that helps teens in our community connect to a culture and identity and work against the feelings of isolation that often plague immigrant youth in Boston.
"My hope for this program is that it teaches young people about their unique history and ultimately expands beyond a focus on Dominican youth, and even beyond Boston."
For more information about the Dominican Youth Project, contact Carla at 617.524.8303 or
carla@hydesquare.org.
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In Our Community:
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Annual "Flash" Gordon
Lewis Memorial Basketball Tournament
December 28-30
2
games guaranteed, 3-point contests, dunk contests. Under-10, -13 and
-16 divisions, DJs, raffles. Hennigan Community Center, 100
Heath St.
Info: Rob Lewis, 872-4393
robertstreetsafe@gmail.com.
Franklin Park Tennis
Association Classes
Classes for youths and adults
will be available for youth and adults at the Sportsmen's Tennis Club,
950 Blue Hill Ave.
Info: http://franklinparktennis.org
Spanish-English Language X-Change/Intercambio de idiomas Ingles y Espaņol
Thursdays, 6:30PM
Practice Spanish by speaking to native speakers and trade your English
language skills. JP Branch Library, 12 Sedgwick St.
Info: 522-2018.
Employment Program
If you live in JP and are looking for a job
or want a better job, Jobs for JP may be able to help. A program of the
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.
Info: 522-2424
x.240.
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December 8th is Election Day!
Don't forget to vote in the 2009 US Senate Primary Election.
The two winners of this election will be their party's nominees on the final ballot on January 19th.
This is a special election to fill the seat vacated by the death of the Honorable Senator Edward Kennedy.
For more information on where your polling place is, go to www.wheredoivotema.com
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