Commissions Praise Mayor's Open Letter

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS

Health Department

JOSEPH A. CURTATONE, MAYOR
PAULETTE RENAULT-CARAGIANES, DIRECTOR


May 15, 2013

Open Letter to the Public:

We are proud to stand with Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and his declaration of solidarity with all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. We have a culture of respect and goodwill toward all in Somerville. It is our work together to oppose any voice that attempts to diminish our residents and guests to our City.

If you wish to stand with us, you are welcome to join the work of the commissions as we continue our protection of Somerville’s ordinances and raise awareness of everyone’s rights. Our Know Your Rights Campaign is also an excellent way to join the movement to educate everyone about rights.

We encourage anyone to contact the Office of Somerville Commissions with questions, concerns, violation of ordinance complaints, or with interest to join a commission or the Know Your Rights Campaign.

Sincerely,

Sonja Darai, Director of Office of Somerville Commissions

Ashraf Hegazy, Chair of Human Rights Commission

Nancy Bacci, Chair of Somerville Commission for Women

Elizabeth Field, Somerville LGBT Liaison

Know Your Rights Project: Creating a Fact Sheet

LGBT Housing Rights Campaign: Creating a Fact Sheet

We’re creating an LGBT Housing Rights Fact Sheet for our new Know Your Rights Campaign. Please help as we collect info for the four parts of the two-page KYR Fact Sheet. The target parties for all KYR Fact Sheets are "potential victims of discrimination" and "potential violators of the law."

STEP ONE: LGBT HOUSING RIGHTS BACKGROUND FACTS

Starting us off, please answer the following:

What does each party need to basically know?

This first section contains background information on the KYR Fact Sheet matter. The goal for this section is to provide the full but short details to a new person with no previous knowledge of the facts. It is like an elevator speech. It should be aimed primarily at: potential victims of a violation and a potential perpetrator of a violation. Full background on the issue of discrimination and LGBT housing rights that fit a half page.

_______________________________________

Next steps to come on this Fact Sheet development project:

1) Top violations for LGBT housing rights

2) Basic immediate steps to file a complaint and seek help

3) Basic Contact Information of Key Fact Sheet Allies & Primary Commissions

Then, creating the KYR Outreach Campaign (watch for details)

For more information about the new Know Your Rights Campaign, please contact the Office of Somerville Commissions at 617-625-6600 (x2406) or send an email to commissions@somervillema.gov.

The Office of Somerville Commissions is a program of the City of Somerville's Health Department. 

Get a Cape for 5 Hours a Month

Live longer by helping? "Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer." "Researchers...measure the benefits that volunteers receive, including the positive feeling referred to as “helper’s high,” increased trust in others, and increased social and political participation." (see "Health Benefits" source below)

It's a proven fact that volunteering gives--to giver AND receiver. "Research demonstrates that volunteering leads to better health and that older volunteers are the most likely to receive physical and mental health benefits from their volunteer activities." (see "Health Benefits" source below)

Five hours a month will do wonders for all. The Office of Somerville Commissions asks commissioners to give five hours per month. To break down the month's time: two hours for a meeting, an hour for reading and sending emails, and an hour or two to help with a project/event.

The "Power of Giving" multiples when you become a commissioner. Office of Somerville Commissions has fun slide shows that cover just how five hours can be powerful for both the giver and the whole City.

Ready to earn a cape? Check out the Somerville Commissions workshops, monthly meetings, and info slides.  "Learn More": Overview, Timetrack-O-Meter, and Community Engagement Benefits at www.somervillema.gov/departments/health/somerville-commissions (all in the lower right-hand side column).

"The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research" by Office of Research and Policy Development, Corporation for National and Community Service: 2007. Source: www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/07_0506_hbr.pdf?tbl_pr_id=687



Hey: Free English Classes!

New TEFL Program

We have English teachers who are training to teach English locally and abroad. On Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-8pm they will be teaching lessons that are free and open to the public.

While the teachers aren't polished yet, it is a wonderful opportunity to get some extra English exposure in a relaxing setting for free. It is also a nice way to meet people. We have classes that range from elementary/lower-intermediate to Intermediate/Higher-Intermediate to Advanced.

How to sign up

• visit Harvard Square Kaplan International Center (39 John F. Kennedy St, Boston, MA)
• call 617-868-8378
• email jon.link@kaplan.com

(Photo from: http://tel212.wikispaces.com/4.+Opposing+viewpoints)