Monday, February 28, 2011

CMs James, Viverito, and Local/Federal Elected Officials Join Unions In Support of Wisconsin Workers


THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

FEBRUARY 27, 2011
CONTACT: Joe Taranto, Council Member Viverito’s Office
Aja Worthy-Davis, Council Member James’ Office
(212) 788-7081, aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov


NEW YORK ELECTED OFFICIALS HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE IN SOLIDARITY WITH WISCONSIN WORKERS, UNIONS AND LEGISLATORS

New York, NY – More than a dozen federal, state and city elected officials representing communities throughout the City of New York gathered today on the steps of City Hall to stand in solidarity with the workers, labor unions and their colleagues in government Wisconsin as they continue their arduous fight against crippling budget cuts and union busting. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, in an unprecedented attack on our nation’s middle class public sector workforce, has proposed to strip unions of their collective bargaining rights. Attendees of the press conference, which also included representatives from SEIU 32BJ, hailed their Democratic colleagues in government, who have courageously stood up to the governor by keeping the Legislature from acting on a bill that would eliminate hard-won protections for teachers and other state workers. The struggle in Wisconsin is one that may set the stage for other efforts to undermine labor unions and workers’ rights in other states, including the state of New York.

“We have gathered here today to thank our Democratic colleagues in government for their courage in standing up to Governor Walker’s attempts to dismantle Wisconsin workers’ collective bargaining rights,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “As we heard in the prank call made to Governor Walker, his actions are part of a clear, concerted and coordinated national attack against the working class and labor unions. What we are seeing in Wisconsin will have reverberating effects throughout the United States, and that is why we stand in solidarity with all of the workers, unions and elected officials in this struggle for justice.”

"I stand strong with the unions and elected officials of Wisconsin in saying no to this attack on working families through a blatant act of union-busting," said Council Member Letitia James. "The City of New York stands in solidarity with Wisconsin worker's collective bargaining rights."

"Collective bargaining is not the cause of deficits in Wisconsin nor any other state in our country. This attack on unions is just an attempt to use the public's economic insecurity and fears to eliminate a fundamental American principal that belongs to all working people. If we didn't have the unions we wouldn't have the middle class as we do today," said Congressman Charles Rangel. "Thanks to their struggles, common sense ideas once unacceptable -- the 40-hour work week, the eight-hour day, the minimum wage -- are now considered basic. Instead of trying to scapegoat unions and pit workers against each other, leaders should be bringing people together so that they can address the serious challenges that we face as nation."

The proposal by Governor Walker would not only have most state workers cover more of their health care premiums and pension contributions, but would also limit collective bargaining to wages only, and even then, if a negotiated wage increase is beyond the inflation rate, it would leave that increase up to the voters. This proposed change to collective bargaining sets a new standard in a state government’s efforts to engage in union busting. The unions have proposed a compromise whereby workers would contribute more to health care and pensions, but the Governor has refused to negotiate further.

“We must fight back against the special interests that are trying to destroy the fundamental rights of working Americans. The times we are in call for shared sacrifice, but Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is cynically using a budget deficit to eradicate the right of workers to bargain collectively.
For him and other ideologues, this is about grinding a political axe, not about closing a budget gap. Here in New York, we stand with our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin and for the belief that we must work with stakeholders to responsibly solve our fiscal challenges,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

"When politicians demagogue about public servants, their pensions, collective bargaining or other hard earned benefits, it is our democracy that is being attacked," said Senator Bill Perkins. "This must stop! Tax the rich!!"

The Wisconsin Assembly has already passed the budget proposed by Governor Walker, including the removal of collective bargaining rights. However, the proposal still requires Senate approval. To prevent the Senate from reaching the quorum necessary to hold a vote on the budget, the 14 Democratic members of the Wisconsin State Senate fled to neighboring Illinois over a week ago, and have yet to return. Even under immense pressure, these senators have remained steadfast in opposing efforts to take away collective bargaining rights from public sector unions.

“The collective gains of workers in the last half century were the reward of hard fought negotiations with agreement on both sides that our country’s workers should be able to support and better themselves and their families.
What we are seeing in Wisconsin is an assault on that idea, and an attempt to roll back the clock on worker’s rights,” said Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez. “I stand in solidarity with our Democratic colleagues in government because I know this is not a budget issue. It is a wake up call that even the social contract between government and its citizens is in peril. It’s up to us to demonstrate what true family values are.”

"I stand here today with my fellow NY Legislative Colleagues and Union Leader Representatives to unite and support our fellow Wisconsin public union workers in protesting a move to severely curtail their collective bargaining rights", said Assemblyman David Weprin. "The recent Wisconsin Assembly's passage of Governor Walker's proposal to "strip" public workers of their collective bargaining rights is unconscionable."

State legislatures across the country, including Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, California, Michigan, Alaska and Iowa are considering proposals that would also limit or significantly alter the collective bargaining rights state employees and public sector unions. Right here in New York City, the Mayor has proposed changes to our pension system for public employees and tenure system for teachers. The growing anti-union tenor among some elected officials throughout the U.S. makes the struggle in Wisconsin all the more important.

“I applaud our fellow Democrats in Wisconsin for their unwavering stand against massive budget cuts and the unfair targeting of union workers,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. Governor Walker’s proposal is a strike to the core of what it means to be a unionized worker in this country. Labor unions fought long and hard for the right to collectively bargain with their employers. I know it hasn’t been easy for Wisconsin Democrats to leave their jobs -- and their homes -- but it is worth the sacrifice to protect dignity and democracy in the workplace. Budget cuts that take aim at teachers, the public sector, and the working middle class are unacceptable. I stand behind our Democratic colleagues in government and thank them for their courage while under attack.”

“Using our current economic situation to take away the benefits middle class workers have fought so hard for is unjust and potentially devastating to our communities," said Council Member Daniel Dromm. “That is why we must stand in solidarity with the workers of Wisconsin and support the efforts of the elected officials that have stood up for their rights. The governor of Wisconsin needs to understand that unions have a right to organize and protect the very futures they have worked so hard to secure. He must realize that balancing the books on the backs of Wisconsin’s hardest working people will only serve to destabilize the very bedrock of the economy.”

Today’s press conference is the latest in a series of rallies held in New York City and in cities and states throughout the United States to show support for the workers, unions and Democratic elected officials of Wisconsin.

“Educating our kids, keeping our neighborhoods safe, assisting seniors and the most vulnerable among us are noble jobs – so important that we’ve organized ourselves into a democracy and agreed to pay collectively for these public services. Demonizing the people who provide them – as though they are to blame for what ails us – is not only an attack on workers, but an attempt to demonize the idea of government, and undermine the social contract,” said Council Member Brad Lander.

"This legislator in New York City salutes her brothers and sisters in Wisconsin who are taking a stand for the principal of collective bargaining and the rights of public employees," said Council Member Rosie Mendez.

"We all understand that the country is going through tough economic times and we all have to share the burden, but Governor Scott Walker's effort to slip in the destruction of collective bargaining rights is an actual assault against working people. Healthy labor relations lead to better working conditions, wages, and quality of life. To turn on 100 years of strong union organizing under the guise of economic hard times is unconscionable. I stand with Wisconsin's public workers, unions, and other elected officials as we fight to save the rights of working people. Our leaders have now found the fortitude to show their dislike for the working class and poor people of this country. If we lose in Wisconsin, it's the beginning of the end of collective bargaining everywhere," said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

The attendees of the press conference were also joined by Hector Figueroa, Secretary Treasurer of 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union.
With more than 120,000 members along the East Coast, including 70,000 in New York, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property services local union in the country.

"The attacks on public workers in Wisconsin and around the country are not motivated by fiscal concerns alone. They are part of an unprecedented campaign against all middle class families and working people. Union busting masquerading as balancing the budget is still union busting,” said SEIU 32BJ Secretary Treasurer Hector Figueroa. “Rebuilding our economy should be about strengthening our middle class and not attacking the institutions that protect standards for working families."

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Elected Officials Present: Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan/Bronx)
Council Member Letitia James (D-Brooklyn)
Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-Manhattan)
Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-Manhattan)
State Senator Bill Perkins (D-Manhattan)
Assembly Member David Weprin (D-Queens)
New York City Comptroller John Liu
Council Member Margaret Chin (D-Manhattan)
Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Queens)
Council Member Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn)
Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Brooklyn)
Council Member Steve Levin (D-Brooklyn)
Council Member James Van Bramer (D-Queens)
Council Member Mark Weprin (D-Queens)
Council Member Deborah Rose (D-Staten Island)
SEIU 32BJ Secretary Treasurer Hector Figueroa

Friday, February 25, 2011

Council Member James Comments on Removal of Offensive Billboard Targeting Abortion in Black Community

**For Immediate Release**
February 24, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Statement by Council Member Letitia James About Anti-Abortion Billboard in SoHo Coming Down: We Won

(Brooklyn, NY)- The Office of Council Member Letitia James received confirmation today from Women of Color Network (NYU) and LAMAR Outdoor Advertising that a billboard (located on Corner of Watts and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan) paid for by Life Always targeting abortion in the black community, will be removed. Mr. Peter Costanza, Vice President and General Manager of LAMAR, agreed to take down the billboard featuring an African-American young girl with an offensive tag-line stating “The most dangerous place for African Americans is in the womb.” Community activists, women’s rights advocates, civil rights leaders, elected officials, people of color and others agreed that the content underlying this billboard was racial profiling, and demeaning to African-American women and communities. The enormous outcry against this billboard reflects the true purpose of this politically motivated campaign as being an attack on pro-choice, as well as Planned Parenthood located nearby.

“I truly believe that our collective quick action, phone calls and letters to the company are directly responsible for their decision to pull the ad. However, we must remain vigilant. Life Always is committed to spreading the campaign throughout country and there are continued threats to access to the full range of reproductive health services for low-income women and communities,” said C. Nicole Mason, Executive Director, Women of Color Policy Network, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU. “This billboard is only one of the many attacks on reproductive freedom and services for low-income women across the country. Both the House and Presidential budgets propose to eliminate critical funding to programs that provide services to women and families.”

Council Member James said: “This victory is a sweet one for all involved, especially as Black History Month 2011 ends. The billboard coming down is symbolic for the power of the human spirit, the power of social media and angry women, as well as reinforces the notion that nothing is more dangerous than a made up mind. An innocent face got caught in the middle of the controversy; yet the young girl’s expression speaks of only strength, life, and love, not race or gender based politics. I support woman having the right to make personal choices in regards to what’s best for their body, and I will continue to respect many different points of view. Congratulations to everyone for swift action, and I would like to share the following sentiment sent to me via e-mail by a friend that accurately sums up the positive ending to such a negative beginning: Great Work! Score one for the good guys / gals / men / women / brethren / sistren in the ongoing battle with the barbarians! Simply put, the community put up a good fight and we won.”

NYC DOE School Survey 2011

The NYC School Survey helps school leaders understand what key members of the school community say about the learning environment at each school. The information captured by the survey is designed to support a dialogue among all members of the school community about how to make the school a better place to learn.

Every year, all parents, all teachers, and students in grades 6 - 12 take the NYC School Survey. The survey ranks among the largest surveys of any kind ever conducted nationally. In 2010, 922,694 surveys out of a possible 1,480,276 were submitted.

The survey results provide insight into a school’s learning environment and a measure of diversification that goes beyond test scores on the Progress Report. NYC School Survey results contribute 10% - 15% of a school's Progress Report grade (the exact contribution to the Progress Report is dependant on school type). Survey questions assess the community’s opinions on academic expectations, communication, engagement, and safety and respect. School leaders can use survey results to better understand their own school’s strengths and target areas for improvement.

For the results of the 2010 School Survey, please access the links below:

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Update: Offensive Billboard Targeting Abortion in Black Community Removed

A Message from Council Member Letitia James--

"Earlier this afternoon, my office received confirmation from Women of Color Network (NYU) and Lamar Outdoor Advertising that the offensive billboard by Life Always targeting abortion in the black community would be removed today, Thursday, February 24, 2011. I consider the outrage voiced by myself, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Planned Parenthood, and numerous advocacy agencies and New Yorkers to have been successful in sending the clear message that Black women and children will not be misrepresented in political efforts to attack reproductive rights."

LIU Presents Living History Tribute!

Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit

Contact Info:
Lillian Jean-Baptiste
lillian@historicfortgreene.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit

Brooklyn, NY – February 19, 2011 – In honor of Black History Month the Fort Greene Association (FGA) produced a community collaborative art exhibit. The works of three local Fort Greene - Clinton Hill artists with ties to Pratt Institute are on display in a vacant storefront located at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension, part of Metrotech BID.

“When we were approached by the Fort Greene Association to collaborate on this project, we were happy to be involved. This is the type of installation that, not only, celebrates a rich heritage and history, but it brings art into the public realm by enlivening a retail corridor and exposing fine artists to a wider market” said Catherine Hickey, Director of Retail / Commercial Development, Metrotech BID.

Passersby are greeted by a tribute to Fredrick Douglas created for the FGA’s Black History Month Tribute by Ryan Jones, a Pratt Fine Arts student who has a strong interest in the community and public works. Jamillah Jennings, Pratt alumna whose work is inspired by music and dance has four pieces on display: “African-American Dancers, Forces of Nature - Diana Harvey, Jazz in Motion and Modern Dancer.” Pratt alumna Kikelomo Amusa-Shonubi created for the FGA’s tribute Economic Stimulus, 1620 to 1850, a piece that exhibits the slave trade routes commonly taken to the New World and encourages viewers to think about how slavery has affected all of us here in the western hemisphere.

Black History Month murals were also created on the windows of local businesses in Fort Greene. Josh Friedman created a mural called "We Never Stop" inspired by the novel "Black Boy" by Richard Wright which can be seen at Fort Greene SNAP, 324 Myrtle Avenue. An African textile inspired piece dedicated to Brenda Brunson-Bey was created by a talented group of diverse and developmentally disabled adults from Brooklyn Day Hab. part of AHRC org. which can be seen at Kiki’s Pet Spa & Boutique, 239 Dekalb Avenue.

“The Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit is a community collaborative project that showcases the neighborhood’s dynamic talent and exhibit’s what makes Fort Greene so special and unique” said Lillian Jean-Baptiste, FGA Communications and Community Engagement Chair. “It is long overdue that the Fort Greene Association enters into the tradition of Black History Month. Our neighborhood, and in fact this very organization, is indebted to the accomplishments of African Americans who live and have lived in this vibrant neighborhood. This tradition will become a beacon and inspiration for future generations across racial lines. It is what Fort Greene is about” said Paul Palazzo, FGA Chairperson.

The FGA’s Black History exhibit is on display now until February 28, 2011. The works exhibited at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension are for sale by the artists; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to fund a program created by the FGA to encourage local youth facing financial hardships to attend college.

The Fort Greene Association, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, operating as a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization that supports and works in concert with the many other fine organizations that make our community so special and vital. Please visit www.historicfortgreene.org to learn more about our organization. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortgreeneassn / & Fan us on Facebook!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

NYC Billboard Targets Abortion in Black Community

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
February 22, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

New York City Billboard Targets Abortion In Black Community
Compares Abortion to Terrorism; Refers to “Genocidal Plot”

New York, NY— On February 23, 2011, a number of pro-life leaders will unveil a controversial billboard in Soho, New York. The billboard—which features the face of a young African American girl— is part of a larger campaign focused on abortion in the black community which claims that “the most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb.”

Information released by Life Always, an advertising organization that represents pro-life campaigns, states that “During Black History Month…our future is in jeopardy as a genocidal plot is carried out through abortion.” The press release notes the launch of a campaign website www.ThatsAbortion.com, which states, “There is a battle being waged in the United States that has taken more lives than any foreign war or act of terrorism. The enemy is abortion.” According to the organization, the campaign is meant to raise public awareness of Planned Parenthood’s supposed agenda to target minority neighborhoods.

However, the website’s “Pregnancy Help” section guides users to various Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), which are the focus of a City Council bill know as Int. 371-2010. These CPCs are notorious for being intentionally vague concerning their agenda to deter women from seeking abortion services; and some have been accused of being deceptive about abortion risks and procedures while intentionally targeting poor and working-class women, immigrant women, and women of color to utilize their services.

“It is misguided to use Black History Month as a tool to promote this message,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Every woman has the right to make personal choices in regards to her body, and I respect many different points of view, but to compare abortion to terrorism and genocide is highly offensive.”

According to Planned Parenthood, 3 percent of the organization’s health services are abortion services, while an overwhelming 82 percent are services to prevent unintended pregnancy.


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Friday, February 18, 2011

CM James Comments On Mayor Bloomberg's Budget Cuts To Childcare

**For Immediate Release**
February 17, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

Statement by NYC Council Member Letitia James about Mayor Bloomberg’s Budget Cuts to Child Care

“The Administration of Children’s Services plans to eliminate 16, 624 child care slots, apparently due to a loss of federal funds, which will hurt low and moderate income families. Children may be put in unregulated care, and/or parents may have to stay at home to care for them. Also, thousands of child care workers will lose their jobs, and the majority of these employees are women.

The hypocrisy of this administration is baffling; Mayor Bloomberg talks about importance of early education, yet eliminates these crucial childcare slots for children. The New York City Council was able to restore $6,682,247 in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, which gave a 3-month reprieve for six child care centers, and 12 months for seven other centers. At this time, additional funding is needed in FY12 to save these centers from closing.

My office has also become aware that District Council 1707, the union representing public center-based employees, was not officially informed of the possibility of New York City’s day care centers being hit with these deep cuts. And, at this time, still only 27% of eligible children are able to attend public center-based day care. Thousands more of the city’s youngest residents, toddlers, and infants will lose funding for learning opportunities within daycare centers, if the Mayor has his way. Again, these budget cuts specifically hurt the developmental progress of the least among us- working and poor families.

On the back of these cuts is the recent elimination of Priority 7 vouchers that serviced 2,200 children, (and most of these families heavily relied on the subsidy for their after-school care). Due to this cut, hundreds of eligible children may be added to Priority 5, which may be cut in the near future as well. Why does it seem that when it’s not an election year, the Administration takes funds away from those New Yorkers who depend the most on the services provided by the City?

Public and children’s advocates are adamant: the Bloomberg Administration’s plan to eliminate child care slots is illogical, and the money saved (ironically) will be at a huge expense for our children, and the future of New York City. The impact of eliminations of public center child care slots and day care centers will devastate our communities. Every Parent deserves quality day care that’s affordable. Let’s remember that these New Yorkers contribute greatly to the City’s overall economy as well.”

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Local CSAs Have Low-Income Shares Available


For individuals interested in accessing fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables, consider joining a local CSA (community-supported agriculture).

A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support and investment to a farm, and the individuals share the benefits of its food production. CSAs usually consist of a system of weekly or bi-weekly direct pick-up of farm vegetables and fruit (may also include dairy products and meat) at a specific location, and a small time-commitment from each member seasonally. Food acquired through a CSA is generally much more affordable than store-bought food.

Both the Clinton Hill CSA and Fort Greene CSA have reduced-price shares available for low-income residents at this time. It is important that these shares go residents of the Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill area who may have limited access to fresh produce.

Fort Greene CSA
Low-cost shares are reserved for individuals making less than $25,000 a year, or families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at csa@fortgreenecsa.org.

Clinton Hill CSA
The low-cost shares are reserved for families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at information@clintonhillcsa.org or give them a call 718-907-0616.

Both websites have the application available.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

CM James and Community Speak Out On Recent Sexual Assaults; 88th Precinct Community Council Addresses Residential Concerns

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
February 15, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT RECENT SPATE OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BROOKLYN: 88TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING ON 2/15 WILL ADDRESS

Police have linked two recent sexual attacks in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, to a similar attack that happened earlier last month in Bensonhurst. On January 19, a sexual predator attempted to rape a 25-year-old woman near the corner of St. Felix Street and Hanson Place.

The woman was walking past the busy corner at 1:30 am when the suspect grabbed her from behind, and tried to tear off her clothing. But, the sex fiend ran away once the victim began to yell for help, and fortunately the woman was unharmed. A week later, according to police, this attacker’s efforts were once again thwarted on January 26, when a passerby interrupted his attempt to assault a 24-year-old woman near the intersection of Fulton and Cumberland Streets at 1:15 am.

“Fort Greene is a village-like community,” said Council Member James. “These kinds of incidents are extremely disturbing because this area has grown much safer in recent years, and residents feel they should be able to travel around without incident.”

The 88th Precinct reported a decline in rapes by 85-percent during the last 10 years. Also, the Fort Greene Association headed by chair Paul Palazzo, and Council Member James are working with the City to improve lighting conditions within the community. The installation of more video cameras is also under consideration.

“The community is making it known that these incidents are unacceptable, and this level of crime will not become the new normal,” said Mr. Palazzo, who has lived in Fort Greene more than 27 years. “On behalf of FGA, I would like to commend the 88th Precinct Police on the overall reduction of crime this past decade.”

According to the 88th Precinct, the Special Victims Unit is heading up this investigation because they handle all sexual crimes. The community is invited to attend their monthly meetings; February’s meeting begins at 7pm (this evening). The event is taking place at the Institutional Church of God in Christ, located on 170 Adelphi Street between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues.

“It’s critical that everyone be hyper-aware of their surroundings to protect themselves while on the streets. I encourage residents to attend local Precinct Community Council meetings held monthly. Also, a Public Safety Task Force is now in place, which my office helped to form last year and seeks to foster community involvement. Please call my office for more information, or to be added to the task force e-mail list,” said Council Member James.

Police described the attacker as a white man of around 30 to 35 years. He is between 5-foot-11 and 6-feet in height and of medium build, with light hair. He wore a dark pea coat with a light colored button-down shirt

Please see more information here.

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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

NYCC FY12 Budget Applications AVAILABLE

NYC Council Member Letitia James is pleased to announce that the NYC Council Fiscal Year 2012 Organization Qualification Form (OQF), as well as, the Non-City Capital Request form has been released on the NYC Council website and is now accessible for your use . In order to apply for member-item grants you must complete and submit the online forms by the designated due dates.

Below are the links to the NYC Council pages which allows access to each form:
CM James Deadline - March 18, 2011
NYCC Deadline – March 24, 2011

Non-City Capital Request (Capital): (All non-city entities including charter schools must complete this application)
http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2012.shtml
CM James Deadline - March 28, 2011
NYCC Deadline – April 8, 2011

Read the guidelines in detail to see eligibility status and also take note to both the City Council’s deadline and Council Member James’. When applying for funding from Council Member James, we ask that you submit the OQF via the website by Friday, March 18, 2011 and the Non-City Capital Request via the Capital Funding Request website by Monday, March 28, 2011. In case your group is missing information and/or need to submit additional requirements, we urge you to adhere to our office deadlines. Any applications submitted after the New York City Council deadline will not be accepted and the website will prevent access. DO NOT MAIL PAPER FORMS.

Please note: If you are applying to another Council Member, please check with their office for their office deadlines.

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Simone Hawkins at 212-788-7081 or shawkins@council.nyc.gov.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

DOE New High Schools Fair; 2/12-13

The Department of Education announces their annual New High Schools Fair. This event provides a great opportunity for parents and students to speak with representatives from the new small high schools opening in September 2011. Translated materials and interpretation services will be available at the fair.

New High Schools Fair
Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Campus
122 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10023


If students or families have any questions, they can call (718) 935-2399.

Rally Against DOE Phase-Outs and Co-Locations

“The community knows each of these schools was never given the chance to succeed and grow. We demand that chance!” said Council Member Letitia James.

WHAT: Rally against proposed DOE phase-outs and co-locations of charter schools in Brooklyn
WHEN: Thursday, February 3 at 4:30 PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn

Also, the proposals for significant changes in school utilization will be considered today, February 3 at 6pm - at the Panel for Educational Policy meeting held at Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn. We ask that all stakeholders attend this hearing, and the press conference / rally held prior to the hearing. Please read more below.
---------------

Good Day,
We wanted to remind you that UFT will be hosting a rally against school closings, it will be outside Brooklyn Tech on Thursday, Feb 3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. Please join us. Thank you for your dedication to our community school children.
Briget Anne Rein
Special Representative
Legislation and Political Action
United Federation of Teachers
212-598-6846 (W)
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Dear colleagues,

On Feb. 1 and 3, the mayor’s Panel on Educational Policy will vote on the DOE’s proposal to close 25 of our schools.  The Support Our Schools rally is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 4:30 p.m. outside Brooklyn Tech.
Parents, teachers, community members will be at the Feb. 3 united with the message: Closing struggling schools rather than working with them and offering them the support they need to serve ALL their students is not educational “reform” – it’s educational neglect.
I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Michael Mulgrew
UFT President

*****

REMINDER: Inaugural Cinema Festival Begins Black History Month

"Inaugural Festival by Brooklyn-Based Film Organization Opens Up Black History Month 2011 at BAMcinèmatek"

Read more here.