Long-term elections issues roundtable, August 2 at 7:00 pm

The Ward 3 Democratic Committee and the Ward 3 Republicans are sponsoring a roundtable on long-term election issues, August 2 at 7:00 pm at the American University Law School (4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Room 516).   The roundtable will include a discussion of changes to the elections process, the Board of Ethics and Elections, and redistricting.   The discussion will be moderated by Precinct 10 Delegate Mike Gold, chair of the Ward 3 Dems Outreach Committee.   Everybody is invited to participate.

Mayor Fenty's August 2 sked

Mayor Fenty will deliver remarks at 9:30 am on August 2 for the "Fresh Courts" program with USTA and AMEX.   The announcement takes place at DPR Headquarters (3149 16th St NW).

At 10:45 am on August 2, Mayor Fenty will make remarks at the opening of the Watha T. Daniel, Shaw Neighborhood Library (1630 7th St NW).   A description of the library was previously posted on this blog and you can find pictures at DCist.

Must-use writing and editing tools

I've been fascinated with Plain Language for some time and have spent a little more time over the past week reading more about it.   What is Plain Language, you ask.   Well, according to Wikipedia, it is

succinct writing designed to ensure that the reader will understand as easily and clearly as possible.   Plain language avoids the complications created by verbose, convoluted writing common in technical, legal and other fields.

Do an Internet search and you end up with a gazillion hits.   Rather contrary to the idea of Plain Language, I think!   Seriously, there is some useful information and tools on Plain Language, including a handbook for the federal government.   What I find most interesting about this approach to sharing information is that the reader is the focus of the effort, not the writer.   As a guide for the federal government, much in the document is not useful to the rest of us.   But there are nuggets to take note of, including:

• Use plenty of transitional words and phrases (e.g., however, therefore)
• Create a reader-friendly format (e.g., use bold, italics, headings, and sub-headings)
• Leave the right margin ragged rather than justifying it
• Leave lots of white space
• Avoid using ALL CAPS

In my mind, these tips should be applied at least to letters, fliers, reports, and brochures.

Roy Jacobsen of Writing, Clear and Simple—has shared a fab resource, the terrific tool known as the Yahoo! Style Guide.   Jacobsen writes

What’s that? "What’s a style guide, and why should I care?"
A style guide is a set of guidelines or standards covering issues such as language use, spelling, or punctuation.   They help settle issues when usage "rules" don’t have a clear answer.

For example, should it be "web site" or "website?:   "Home page" or "homepage?"   How exactly should I organize and format a collection of citations?   A good style guide can help you answer those questions.

The Yahoo! guide is designed for web applications—blogs, websites, email, and more!   The guide website also features Web words, writing strong headlines, editing, and resources.

Lamond-Riggs civic group holds candidate debate August 3

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association is holding its Mayoral and Council Chair Debate August 3 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm.   The debate will take place at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (5301 North Capitol St NE).

CM/candidate Mary Cheh on DC Politics with Jonetta July 29

Ward 3 CM and candidate Mary Cheh will be grilled by Jonetta Rose Barras and resident analyst Eugene Dewitt Kinlow July 29 at 11:00 am on WPFW (89.3 FM).   Expect Cheh to talk about the election (her bid to be re-elected and the city's readiness for some significant changes) and Barras to chastise Cheh for being the "Nanny-in-Chief" about politics and policies.

Voter guides

T.J. Sutcliffe reports that the DC chapter of the ACLU sent her a hard copy voter guide.   I can't find it on their web site so if you want one, you will have to call the ACLU (457-0800).   And Vote for DC (@votefordc) tweets they are planning on publishing a voter guide for the mayoral and City Council races.

Anyone else doing a voter guide?   Let me know via email.

Candidate forum on education

The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region and Communities for Education Organizing are holding this forum August 18 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Charles Sumner School (1201 17th St NW).   Candidates for mayor, City Council chairman and at-large seats are invited.   Parents and students will moderate the forum which will focus on improving public education.   Learn where each candidate stands on:   The mayoral school take-over, parental involvement, college readiness, ESL, City Council oversight of education issues, and improving graduation rates.   RSVP to Empower DC, 234-9119.

Are you conducting a school supply drive for DC kids?

If your Washington, DC-based organization/business is collecting school supplies for children and youth in your program or community and you would like some free publicity to increase supply donations, answer a few questions (it will only take a couple of minutes) and I will compile the results and share them on this blog and other places.   The deadline for providing the information is COB August 4.   If you have a flier promoting the back to school supply drive, please email that to me (in addition to answering the questions!) and I will post on the blog.

No muss, no fuss, no strings.   I'm doing this just 'cause.

Donate the school supplies K-12 students really need!

Back-to-school supply donation fever is escalating as we get closer to the end of summer and beginning of school.   You can make the smartest and most effective donation by first reviewing the school supply list from DC Public Schools.   The document lists supplies by grade and also lists what supplies are needed for math classes by grade groups.  

If you are volunteering on Beautification Day on August 21, or just feel like stopping by to drop off items for classrooms and/or students, there is a special list for you!

So read before you shop!   Make the most of every penny!

More on WaPo's experiment writing about intriguing regular people

Lori Aratani has provided more information on the Washington Post's "tell-us-a-story-over-coffee experiment."   Stories will be filed by 5:00 pm today giving readers just enough time to vote online at PostLocal.com so the winning story can be published in Friday's paper.

New on Twitter

• Channel 9's Bruce Johnson, @brucejohnson9
• Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, @washlegalclinic
• Office of the State Superintendent of Education, @dc_osse
• Serve DC, @servedc
• DC Office on Aging, @dcagingnews
• DC Government, @DCGovernment

How safe will the District's children be when disaster strikes?

Save the Children's A National Report Card on Protecting Children During Disasters reports that the District of Columbia is one of 12 states of 51 counted (the 50 states plus DC) achieving three of the four criteria for disaster preparedness for children.   The four criteria are:

1. having a plan for evacuating children in early learning (child development, child care)
2. reunifying families after a disaster
3. having a plan for evacuating children with special needs from early learning settings
4. having an evacuation plan for schools.

Twelve states—including Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, California, and Maryland—have achieved all four criteria.   Of the 12, five states took the 2009 scorecard to heart and improved their preparedness for children.

Save the Children considers the four criteria to be minimum standards, the floor for preparedness, not the ceiling.

The District fell short of scoring four for four because, according to the scorecard, it does not have an evacuation plan for schools.   However, the 2008 District Response Plan states that the Board of Education has directed "all schools to develop school emergency response plans and establish school-based Emergency Response Teams."

Notwithstanding the assessment of Save the Children regarding preparedness plan development by child development facilities, questions remain about the rigor of these plans, the capacity of facility staff to carry the plans out, and the logic of having early learning professionals and not disaster experts develop the plans.   These same questions apply to out of school time (OST) programs. Further complicating matters is that there is not a central list of all OST providers, making immediate contact and communication impossible.   Finally, the city's 2008 emergency response plan does not seem to consider the reality that the city's hundreds of child development facilities each have their own response plan or that OST programs may or may not have disaster response plans.

At a minimum, all child- and youth-serving programs should have well designed disaster/emergency plans, perhaps using the foundation laid in the Department of Health's and Department of Human Services' 2007 final rules for child development facilities.   The regulations require facilities to comply with Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services among other rules.   According to the rules, each early learning facility

• shall develop and implement policies and procedures including in the areas of emergency evacuation and sheltering in place (330.1, p. 003823)
• shall establish and implement emergency contingency plans for medical and non-medical emergencies including during natural/man-made emergencies that require evacuation from the building, temporary displacement, or sheltering in place. The decision may be authorized by a government official. (360.9, p. 003850; 369.9, p. 003862)
• shall develop and implement specific protocols for evacuating infants, toddlers, and non-ambulatory children in a safe and prompt manner. (369.8, p. 003862)

As a start, the District government, its families, and its children would be well served to go well beyond these final rules by:

• ensuring that Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency approve all disaster/emergency preparedness plans of all programs serving children and youth by a date certain.
• creating a central database of all programs serving children and youth, with the immediate emphasis on OST programs, and developing and implementing a process to regularly update the contact information.
• reviewing and updating the 2008 emergency response plan for the city.

Calling Democrats in Ward 2

The Ward 2 Dems are encouraging folks to sign up for the organization's email list.   Just go to the web site and sign up.

Ward 5 civic associations sponsor candidate event, July 28

The C.O.V.E. (The Coalition for Voter Empowerment) is sponsoring a candidate forum on July 28 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at McKinley Technology High School (151 T St NE, Room 150).   According to a post on a community Yahoo group, this event is the first in a series of events for candidates sponsored by The C.O.V.E. Coalition members are The Bates Area Civic Association; Bloomingdale Civic Association, Inc.; The Edgewood Civic Association; Eckington Civic Association; and The Hanover Civic Association.   UPDATED 7/28 7:45 am: No idea which candidates will be appearing at the July 28 event.   Candidates attending are Leo Alexander, Kathy Henderson, and Michael Brown.   Vincent Orange has been invited.   Future C.O.V.E. events are scheduled for August 4 (candidates to be announced) and August 11 (candidates to be announced).

According to the email from Edgewood's Michael Clark about the event, then-candidate Adrian Fenty's 2006 one-on-one interview responses are Edgewood Civic Association web site.   Fenty was asked about such issues as education and training, affordable housing, and public health.

More information is available from Michael Clark via email.

How invested are CMs in improving parent engagement in schools?

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation is making grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofits and local educational agencies (LEAs) to fund parent-created school projects.   The purpose of the grants is to recognize parent engagement in education.

The question is this:   Will those elected officials in DC who have supported punishing parents for poor engagement in their children's education promote this funding opportunity as a way to recognize those parents who are engaged?   Will these officials use this opportunity as a way to encourage other parents to become involved?

And who, pray tell, are CMs who believe punishing parents is the answer?   At-large member David Catania, At-large member Kwame Brown, and Ward 6 member Tommy Wells; all three have in the past support sanctioning parents for at least one kind of bad behavior.

Do they believe punishment is the only answer?   No.   And the Lowe's grant is one way for them to demonstrate that they are interested in more than punishment.   Now, during election season, is a great time for all three to discuss ways to make genuine and lasting improvements in family functioning, including parent engagement in education.

Caffeine and intrigue July 28

WaPo's Lori Aratani has announced that six Post reporters will be stationed at coffee shops across the DC region, seeking intriguing stories about regular people.   You can meet the reporters on July 28 at various locations, two of which are in DC:   Big Chair Coffee (2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE) and Ebenezers Coffeehouse (201 F St NE).   The reporters will write up what they learn and then readers will vote on which story will appear in the print edition of the paper.

Ward 5 Community Town Hall rescheduled for July 28

Ward 5 CM Tommy Thomas has announced that the Langston Carver community town hall is now being held July 28 from 7:15 – 8:30 pm at DC Family Health and Birthing Center (801 17th St NE).   Nothing like ample notice to Ward 5 residents. . .

Upcoming candidate fora and such (corrected 7/25 3p)

• Ward 5 Dems Candidate Forum:   July 26, 6:30 – 9:00 pm at Michigan Park Christian Church (1600 Taylor St NE)
• Washington Interfaith Network Election Accountability Night:   July 26, 7:30 – 9:30 pm at Asbury United Methodist Church (11th and K Sts NW)
• DC Senior Advocacy Coalition Forum:   July 29, 8:30 – 10:00 am at Mt Vernon Methodist Church (900 Massachusetts Ave)
• A Conversation with the Leading Candidates for Mayor and Council Chair (co-sponsored by: The Bar Association of the District of Columbia, the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, the D.C. Appleseed, D.C. Vote, Consortium of Universities, the ACLU-NCA, the NAACP, the D.C. Consortium of Legal Services Providers, the Defeat Poverty D.C., and the Access to Justice Commission):   July 29, at 6:30 pm at UDC (The Windows Lounge, Building 38, 2nd Floor, UDC Auditorium, building 46E, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW)
• GLBT Chamber of Commerce Forum:   August 12, time TBD at Washington Hilton (1919 Connecticut Ave NW)
• Jewish Community Relations Council Mayoral Forum:   August 24, 8:00 – 9:30 pm at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue (600 I St NW)

Is anyone publishing voter guides this election season?

Is your organization producing a voter guide for the primary or general election?   If so, send me the link to the online edition and I will post!

Mayor Fenty on DHS homelessness milestone

Mayor Fenty is scheduled to deliver remarks on July 23 at 10:45 am at the DHS presser billed as an "Announcement of Department of Human Services’ Milestone in Fight Against Homelessness."   The event is taking place at 1809 I St NE.

Barry Farm: Past & Present

Candidate Vincent Orange is on Twitter

Not much to follow (http://twitter.com/orangeforchair, @orangeforchair) so far, but hopefully he will start Tweeting more frequently!  

Free seminar: Climate Change, Human Health and the Well-Being of Vulnerable Communities

This seminar, part of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies' Critical Issues in Climate Change Speakers Series, is being held July 27 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Union Station.

Climate change is predicted to increase the intensity and negative impacts of urban heat events, prompting the need to develop preparedness and adaptation strategies that reduce societal vulnerability to extreme heat.   The potential health impacts resulting from climate change are essential to policy discussions about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and about social adaptation to climate change.   Children represent a particularly vulnerable group that is likely to suffer is proportionately from both direct and indirect adverse health effects of climate change. (Joint Center)

This event is free and details are on the Joint Center's web site.   Registration is required by July 26.

Silent Auction/Wine Tasting/Jazz Night fundraiser for foster parent organization

The DC Metropolitan Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (DCMFAPA) is hosting this fundraising event to support their vital work with foster parents who care for abused and neglect children.   The event is taking place on July 23 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm at the Stewart R. Mott House (122 Maryland Ave NE).   The press release is here.

What the release does not say is that the organization has received funding from Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) to support and train foster parents; funding in the FY 2011 budget was eliminated.

Public Benefit Warm-Line: Help without Hang-ups

Catholic University's Columbus Community Legal Services is addressing the problem of public benefits denial, cancellation, or reduction in a new way:   the "warm-line."   This new tool is designed to answer DC residents' questions and get them the help they need with little muss and fuss and no red-tape.

How it works:   Those whose benefits have been terminated, denied or reduced call the warm-line and leave a message.   The call will be returned within 24 hours—and the process has begun.   A free lawyer will be assigned for those cases under the jurisdiction of the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Public benefits appropriate for the warm-line are:

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• General Assistance for Children/GAC
• IDA (Interim Disability Assistance)
• D.C. Health Alliance
• DC Healthy Families and Medicaid
• Food Stamps (SNAP, Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program)

The flier about the program is here.

Calendar updates

Check out the calendar at the bottom of the blog and you will find these recently added events and much more!

• Pew’s July 22 event "Evidence to Guide and Direct State Home Visiting Investments"


• New America Foundation’s "Local News and Online Media Access in Washington" on July 28


• Capital Cause’s "To DC, With Love Street Festival" on July 31


• SAMHSA’s September 16 "Designing a Recovery-Oriented Care Model for Adolescents and Transition Age Youth with Substance Use or Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders"


• The November 18 conference call "Healthy Transitions to Adulthood – Policy Implementations"

Give Back to DC Youth Happy Hour, July 29

Young Education Professionals-DC (YEP-DC) is sponsoring what is sure to be an awesome event on July 29 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Laughing Man Tavern (1306 G St NW; accessible via Metro Center).

You can help young people in DC achieve a better future by volunteering or helping out in other ways the nonprofits young people rely on for homework help, career exploration, adult role models, and just plain fun.   When you attend this free Give Back to DC Youth Happy Hour with happy hour specials, you will learn about ways in which you can give back to DC youth (and, as with all their happy hours, you'll also meet other young education professionals).   The organizations which will be represented at the July 29 event are College & Career Connections, Higher Achievement, Mentors, Inc., One World Education, and Young Professionals Committee of the DC Public Education Fund.   More on each of these nonprofits on the YEP-DC event page.

RSVP to YEP-DC.

Statehood Greens rally for affordable housing at Parcel 42

lukefromdc posted this video on YouTube.

Ward 6 Dems to hold mayoral candidates forum and endorsement meeting July 27

The Ward 6 Democrats are holding their Mayoral Candidates Forum & Endorsement Meeting July 27 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm in North Hall of Eastern Market (225 7th St SE; accessible via Eastern Market Metro Station).   Mayor Adrian Fenty and City Council Chairman Vincent Gray have confirmed their attendance.   The forum is open to the public and provides an opportunity for the Democratic mayoral candidates to discuss and debate issues important to the residents of Ward 6.   The event will be moderated by Andrew Lightman, Editor of Hill Rag, and Sam Ford of ABC 7 News.

While the candidates forum is open to all members of the community, the endorsement balloting will be limited to registered Ward 6 Democrats.

Direct questions to the Ward 6 Dems via email (ward6dems@gmail.com).

Mayor Fenty at library groundbreaking July 19

Mayor Fenty will deliver remarks at the Washington Highlands Library groundbreaking July 19 at 10:45 am.   The address is 115 Atlantic St SW.

Ward 1 candidate Bryan Weaver's new campaign vid

I agree with DCist's Aaron Morrissey's assessment of this video--it is "pretty damn fantastic."

From the executive branch as noticed in the July 16 DC Register

• Public hearing on state plan for weatherization assistance program:   The Department of the Environment is holding a public hearing on the FY 2010 State Plan for Weatherization Assistance Program on July 27 at 10:00 am at the Department of the Environment (1200 1st St NE, Suite 700).

  The weatherization and energy assistance programs provide services to eligible DC residents under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), the Reliable Energy Trust Fund (RETF), and Natural Gas Trust Fund (NGTF).   Details about the hearing, testifying at the hearing, the state plan, and the federal energy assistance programs are in the hearing notice.

• Proposed rules regarding implementation of the Living Wage Act: The Department of Employment Services published proposed rules in the July 16 DCR.   The proposed rules amend previously adopted rules (published March 16, 2007).   DOES will take final rulemaking action in not less than 30 days from the date of publication.
• Comments sought on Community Services Block Grant State Plan and Application for FYs 2011 and 2012:   The Department of Human Services is seeking comments on DC’s state plan by August 20.   According to the notice, the application

  presents a plan to reduce poverty in the District of Columbia through the provision of a wide range of services and activities that assist low-income families and individuals to:

  Remove obstacles and solve problems which inhibit the attainment of self-sufficiency;

  Secure and retain meaningful employment;

  Attain an adequate education;

  Make better use of available income;

  Obtain and maintain adequate housing and a suitable living environment;

  Obtain emergency assistance to meet immediate or urgent needs; and

  Achieve greater participation in the affairs of the communities in which they live.

• The Metropolitan Washington Regional HIV Health Services Planning Council’s next meeting will be held on July 29 at 5:30 pm at One Judiciary Square.   More information is in the hearing notice.

Public policy and practice reads for July

This month we have just over three pages of report/study/article summaries.

As an advocate, I highly recommend Report on the Listening Post Project Roundtable on Nonprofit Advocacy and Lobbying.   A product of the Johns Hopkins Listening Post Project, this report summarizes a 2009 event focusing on nonprofit involvement in advocacy, challenges, realities, and steps to increase participation in the public policy arena.   This document follows up on a survey which found a "lack of meaningful depth in much nonprofit advocacy activity" according to CLPI.

Some of the key findings from the survey and 2009 event are, again according to CLPI:

• Fewer than 15% of surveyed charities spent as much as 2% of their budget on advocacy.
• Charities want to be more involved in advocacy.   Charities identified dedicated funding for advocacy staff and increased general operating support as the top two keys to expanding their advocacy.
• Charities perceive philanthropy generally as discouraging advocacy, and nonprofit advocacy actually was negatively correlated to private funding.
• Board involvement makes a big difference in nonprofit advocacy, but too often boards are missing in action now.
• Coalitions and associations can play an important role in nonprofit advocacy and lobbying, sometimes as a substitute for involvement of member organizations and often as a support to organizational involvement

Ward 1 CM Forum, flier in English and Spanish

Ward1CMForum

Youth issues, youth-only hearing, October 9

The Committee of the Whole (At-large Council Chairman Vince Gray, chair) has scheduled the next hearing for October 9 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber in the JAWB.   Details about the hearing, including how to register to testify, are in the hearing notice.

Chancellor Rhee's upcoming community events

• Chancellor’s Community Forum:   Your Child and Testing:   On July 28 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson (2001 10th St NW), parents can attend this event to learn from Chancellor Michelle Rhee and DCPS leaders about the assessment tools DCPS uses including DC BAS, DC CAS, and DIBELS. Parents will learn about why, when and how DC Public Schools administers tests and will receive tips on how to read your child’s score sheets.
• The Chancellor Is Listening in Ward 6 7:   This is your opportunity to sit down one-on-one with the chancellor for five minutes and share your most important questions and concerns.   July 29 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Kenilworth Elementary School (1300 44th St NE).   (Thanks, Diana Winthrop for catching the error!)

Information, notes from July 15 DC Farm to School meeting

Capital Area Food Bank's Andrea Northup has shared meeting slides and notes from the July 15 DC Farm to School meeting; they are here.   A big ol' thanks to Andrea for sharing so quickly, especially so folks me (who were unable to attend), can remain in the loop.   Andrea reports that approximately 30 people attended the lively and informative meeting.

Mayoral candidate debate, July 29, sponsored by seniors group

The DC Senior Advisory Coalition Mayoral Candidates Debate on Issues Affecting Older Adults and Their Families in DC is scheduled for July 29 from 8:30 - 10:30 am at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church (900 Massachusetts Ave NW).   A continental breakfast will be served at 8:00 am.

Why am I posting an event focused on older adults issues?   Well, almost 13% of children in DC live with a grandparent as head of household.   And many grandparents care for their grandchildren with little or no assistance from the parents.

More information is available from Dawn Quattlebaum at Seabury Ward 5 Aging Services, 529-8701 x229.

Committee on Health update, July 16

Here is the latest from the Committee on Health.

Free screening of Food, INC. July 22

Film Screenings

From the City Council

• July 9 Committee on Health update
• July 9 Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary update
• Explanation of CM Wells’ disapproval of foster care contracts
• Summary of FEED DC introduction by CMs Cheh, Catania, Kwame Brown, and Wells.   FEED DC stands for Food, Environmental, and Economic Development in the District of Columbia.   The legislation proposes to attract grocery stores to locate in parts if the city with high numbers of low-income people by creating a public/private partnership.   More in FEED DC on CM Cheh’s web site.
• B18-344, "Expanding Access to Juvenile Records Amendment Act of 2010", passed the council on first reading July 15.   According to a CM Wells’ press release, "This is an important step to break through barriers created by strict confidentiality laws that at times have served to disconnect and isolate at-risk youth and families, and prevent accountability of decision makers by the community."   The committee report is here and the committee print here.
• Ward 2 CM Jack Evans remembers Desi Deschaine on the anniversary of his death one year ago.   (July 8, 2010 accessible here)

Reminder -- green jobs breakfast series starts July 19

Just a reminder that the Green Jobs Breakfast Series sponsored by Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative and Urban Solar Solutions kicks off July 19.   The series, which runs through July 29, will focus on various aspects of DC's green economy and the opportunities it brings for local entrepreneurs and job seekers.   More information about the series, including how to RSVP, are in this flier.

Ward 8 Farmers' Market changes location

Just out is the news that the new location for the Ward 8 Farmers' Market is United Medical Center (formerly Greater Southeast Hospital; 1310 Southern Ave SE).   The move was necessary since Congress Heights School has become a construction zone.   The hours remain the same:   Tuesdays from 3:00 – 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.   More information is on the market's web site.

If you missed Jonetta today, listen to the archived show!

If you missed Jonetta Rose Barras, Eugene Dewitt Kinlow (resident analyst) and Mike DeBonis (guest from WaPo) on WFPW’s DC Politics with Jonetta on July 15, WPFW recently added an archive feature (yay) so you can listen at your leisure.   While all the shows are informative, the July 15 program was a special two-hour mayoral candidate show; Alexander was on the first hour while Fenty and Gray were on the second.

Today on DC Politics with Jonetta, July 15 (special two-hour show!)

Today on WPFW (89.3 FM)'s DC Politics with Jonetta, with resident analyst Eugene Dewitt Kinlow and WaPo's Mike DeBonis, is mayoral candidate day with three of the top candidates (according to Jonetta)!   Leo Alexander will appear from 10:00 - 11:00 am and Mayor Adrian Fenty and City Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray will appear from 11:00 am - Noon.

Going back to school healthy - fliers in Chinese and Amharic

Here are the last of the fliers related to going back to school healthy from the Department of Health Care Finance.   Here is the flier in Chinese A corrected Chinese version is forthcoming; here it is in Amharic here is the Amharic flier:   page 1, page 2, and page 3.   Be sure to download all pages.

A healthy head start on back-to-school - fliers in Spanish, French, and Vietnamese

The Department of Health Care Finance has shared the Vietnamese Vietnamese (page 1, page 2, page 3, and page 4), French, and Spanish fliers regarding back-to-school medical and dental visits for free with Medicaid.

Free legal clinics, August 14

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program's next Advice & Referral Clinic is being held August 14 from 10:00 am - Noon at Bread for the City's northwest and southeast locations.   Details in the fliers (English and Spanish) below.
A_R Flyer Filled - English

A_R Flyer Filled - Spanish

Ward 4 Democratic Endorsement Forum

On August 4 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm at Emery Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW), the Ward 4 Dems are holding their endorsement forum.

Improving the mental health of those in minority communities

CMs Michael Brown, David Catania and Harry Thomas, Jr. are sponsoring a press conference and Mental Health Awareness Information Fair on July 14 to focus on the "mental health crisis in minority communities, to raise awareness about the disease, to erase the stigma, to promote access to treatment and research as well as to encourage screening and support for families of those who suffer from the illness." (CM Brown press release, July 13)   The CMs are working with local nonprofits including Hillcrest Children’s Center, DC Mental Health Association, and NAMI Washington, DC.   Activity is not limited to the July 14 events; more are listed here.

A healthy head start on back-to-school

School just let out for the summer and the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) is already promoting back-to-school doctor visits.   Right on DHCF!   This two-pager identifies the free medical and dental services low-income children and youth can receive for free when enrolled in DC Healthy Families (Medicaid).   The flier also provides information about applying for Medicaid.

Only kids' ER east of Anacostia ribbon cutting, July 14

On July 14 at 10:00 am At-large CM David Catania will cut the ribbon at the Children’s Hospital new pediatric emergency room at United Medical Center (UMC).   This is the only ER for children east of the Anacostia River.   More here.

Tent City update

(Photo from the Tent City DC blog, http://tentcitydc.wordpress.com/)

Have you taken a stand in support of affordable housing and holding public officials accountable for the promises they make?   If not, there is still time – but the time is now!

The Take Back the Land DC-ONE DC Intentional Community is going strong on the corner of 7th and R Sts MW.   On July 13, between 8:00 – 11:00 pm, Tent City activists and others will be participating in an Empowerment Circle at which “Affordable Housing in DC:   Where Did It Go?" will be discussed.   And for fun, hoola hooping is also on the agenda!   The July 14 evening agenda includes an Empowerment Circle on “Criminalization of the Poor and Homeless in DC.”   Following this, from 8:30 - 10:00 pm, musicians, comedians, and stand-up artists will entertain the committed.

If you are looking for ways to support the activists, stop by in the mornings with ice or at other times with flash lights with batteries, tarps, chairs, tents, tables, fruit, and water.   More information is available by contacting Jane Zara at 202-390-2449 or
via email.

Finally, catch up on the media coverage:   WJLA, DC Examiner, and Washington City Paper.

The Green Jobs Breakfast Series starts July 19 -- RSVP today!

CHSFSCGreenJobsBreakfastAnnouncement2010

Misc. from DC government

• Defining "College and Career-Readiness" for our Youth, July 13:     The next Education and Youth Development Plan conversation will tackle the challenges associated with measuring youth progress toward college enrollment and career-readiness.   This meeting, convened by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, is being held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Southeast Neighborhood Library (403 7th St SE).   Ahnna Smith is coordinating this work; contact her (258-6197 or via email) for more information.
• Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Interim Library closes July 13, new library opens August 2:   The interim library located at 945 Rhode Island Ave NW will close Tuesday, July 13 at 5:30 pm to move to the new library which is scheduled to open on Monday, August 2.   The new Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library will be located at 1630 7th St NW, across from the Shaw Metro station.   Features of the new 22,000 square foot, three-story library include separate reading areas for adults, teens, and children; a children’s program room; capacity for 80,000 books and other materials; more than 30 public access computers with free Wi-Fi internet access; a large program room for up to 100 people; and two 12-person conference rooms.
• MPD’s 4D National Night Out info:   The Fourth District’s event is being held August 3 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Field #3 at Takoma Community Center (6300 3rd St NW).   Activities will include child and youth fingerprinting by NY Life Insurance, face painting, meeting and greeting your PSA officers and officials, boat safety demos by MPD Harbor Patrol, food, health screenings, and much more!   Read the event flier here.
• SAMHSA awarded DC $10.6 million for substance abuse prevention:   The Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration (APRA) in the Department of Health will receive more than $10 million in federal funding over five years, which doubles resources for prevention, to

  expand and build on the existing substance abuse prevention infrastructure in the District.   As part of the agreement, the infrastructure will be sustained after the funds expire guaranteeing a continuation of enhanced substance abuse prevention in the District.

  The grant is part of the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant program administered by SAMHSA.   According to SAMHSA,

  The Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG) program is one of SAMHSA's infrastructure grant programs.   SAMHSA's infrastructure grants support an array of activities to help grantees build a solid foundation for delivering and sustaining effective substance abuse and/or mental health services.

  What this means practically is that each participating state is required to develop a system that combines public health research with evidence-based prevention programs to build capacity.   Grantees are also required to maintain the infrastructure after the SAMHSA grant ends.

More candidate fora

• DC Fights Back is holding a Mayoral Candidate Forum on August 4 at 6:00 pm at Eastern Market. (From the MWPHA Yahoo Group)
• From r.e.e.l. Monthly Newsletter (July):
  
  

  

National Night Out in DC, August 3

The Metropolitan Police Department’s seven districts have planned an array of activities to celebrate National Night Out (NNO).   Some districts, like 6D, are starting their events in the morning.   The others have afternoon-into-evening events. In addition to the expected crime prevention and public safety offerings, DC NNO events will feature community resources, workshops, and child and youth safety programs opportunities.

For more on NNO and specific events, go to the MPD web site.

Parcel 42 Tent City update

ONE DC and Take Back the Land are generating lots of interest in and press around the issue of affordable housing and the challenges associated working with elected officials whose interests may change over time.

Members and supporters are making the following demands:

• Revising the District's woefully inadequate definition of affordable housing
• Dedicating more resources to the development of housing for families making less than $50,000 a year
• Stabilizing funding of the Housing Production Trust Fund
• Producing income-tiered housing on Parcel 42 that is affordable for families making no more than $50,000 a year

Stay on top of Tent City activities by reading their blog and following them on Twitter.   Take action by joining the supporters or providing water or fruit to those staying in Tent City.   More information on the blog.

Housing Choice Voucher Program changes proposed

In the July 9, 2010 edition of the DCR, DCHA proposed rules to terminate participation in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) for drug-related or violent activity.   The proposed rules do not consistently require conviction in order to terminate participation in the program.

Written comments are being accepted for 45 days after publication in the Register.   Details about submitting comments are in the notice.

More transitions

• Aaron Morrissey is the new DCist Editorin-Chief.   He is replacing Sommer Mathis. Aaron’s email is aaron (at) dcist.com.
• Jason Cherkis’ last day as Loose Lips was July 9.   He will now be covering social services, so email himemail him with ideas and leads.

CFSA issues final rules re: grandparent subsidy program

In the July 9, 2010 edition of the DC Register, Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) issued final rules for the Grandparent Caregivers Pilot Program Subsidies.   Under the final rules, grandparents must provide current school attendance records for all school age children receiving the subsidy.   The rules go into effect immediately.

Standing up for what is right in Shaw

As shown on NewsChannel 8 on July 10, community residents and activists are standing up, taking over, sleeping in on a plot of land in Shaw, a lot about which many promises were made but not kept.   Approximately 200 people marched to the corner of 7th and S Sts NW, entering Parcel 42 and building a tent city.   Earlier in the day, the marchers and others enjoyed the annual ONE DC block party.

The marchers entered Parcel 42 and built a tent city.   The reason?   Mayor Fenty promised to build affordable housing.   And then didn’t.   Making matters worse, according to Take Back the Land, Parcel 42 was sold to developers.

Affordable housing is desperately needed in the city, especially housing for families earning less than $50,000 and particularly for those earning less than half that.   Take Back the Land and ONE DC have argued that they will build the housing if the city will not.

The fight is far from over.   People young and old are being urged to gather at Parcel 42, at the corner of 7th and S Sts NW, to show support and demand that police refrain from arresting the people who are trying to provide housing for those in need.   Supporters are gathering in the morning on July 11.   And ONE DC is demanding to meet with Mayor Fenty so he can commit to build affordable housing on the lot.

Mayor Fenty's sked July 12

Mayor Fenty will deliver remarks on July 12 at 10:45 am at a press conference announcing an achievement of the Department of Human Services.   The event is taking place at 1809 I St NE.

Emergency and proposed rules re: Newborn Safe Haven Emergency Act of 2010

Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) published emergency and proposed rules in the July 9 DCR to establish procedures by which parents may surrender their newborns to authorized receiving facilities.   Emergency action is based upon an immediate need in the District of Columbia to implement the Act to ensure the safety and protection of newborns whose parents wish to relinquish their parental rights.   The emergency rules were adopted and became effective on May 10, 2010 and will remain in effect for one hundred twenty (120) days unless superseded by another rulemaking notice.   CFSA plans to propose final rules in not less than 30 days from the date of publication of the emergency/proposed rules.

ANC 1B's new address

ANC 1B has moved into a new office at the Reeves Center.   From now on, use this new address:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B
2000 14th Street NW, Suite 100B
Washington, DC 20009

DCHA use of capital funds hearing, July 14

Noticed in the July 9 DCR, the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) will hold a public hearing as part of the Board of Commissioners regular meeting on July 14 at 1:00 pm.   The purpose of the hearing is to hear feedback from the public on DCHA's proposed use of capital funds from the federal government.   More information is in the notice.

Child Support Guideline Commission’s Public Meeting, July 31

The next meeting of the commission is July 31 at 11:00 am at Anacostia Public Library (1800 Good Hope Rd SE).   The commission is seeking public input—comments and recommendations—on the city’s Child Support Guideline.   To review the Guideline in advance of the meeting, go online.   To testify at the meeting, contact Cory Chandler, Chair of the Child Support Guideline Commission, at 724-2131 or via email.   More information is in the hearing notice.

Today on NewsTalk

Today on NewsTalk:   DC Council Chairman and mayoral candidate Vince Gray calls on Mayor Fenty to fire Attorney General Peter Nickles.   We'll get analysis from the Washington Post's Mike DeBonis.   And And DC Councilman Kwame Brown talks about his campaign for Council chairman and his acknowledgement that his family has racked up $50,000 in credit card debt.   Live at 10:00 am.   Streaming live here: http://www.news8.net/.   Replay at 4:00 pm.   View the video here: http://cfc.news8.net/news8/shows/newstalk/index.cfm.

Is punishing parents the best way to address truancy?

In light of the July 8 roundtable on children's mental health at which truancy and dropping out of school became the focus, I would encourage you to look back to a policy analysis on parent engagement and the analysis of TANF parent engagement in education.   Both were written when CM Kwame Brown was considering penalizing TANF recipients for poor school engagement.   Welfare and education advocates alike educated the CM about the real reasons for poor parent engagement (including the failure of schools to make attempts to engage parents) and convinced him there was a better way to achieve the policy and practice goal.

Using data to drive improvements in health outcomes

Earlier this year, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI) released the inaugural County Health Rankings.   This is the first time that the overall health of almost all the counties in the country have been ranked.   DC is included though the data is for the city as a whole. Some of the findings of the report are:

• There were nine air pollution-particulate matter days in DC in 2005.   This means that the air quality was unhealthy for sensitive populations because of the amount of fine particulate matter in the air.
• An average of 11.5% of babies born between 2000 and 2006 in DC were low birthweight meaning that these children weighed less than 5.5 lbs. at birth.
• Twenty-three percent of adults over the age of 18 over the years 2005 to 2008 reported having the social and emotional support they need.   According to the report, "Poor family support, minimal contact with others, and limited involvement in community life are associated with increased morbidity and early mortality.   Furthermore social support networks have been identified as powerful predictors of health behaviors, suggesting that individuals without a strong social network are less likely to participate in healthy lifestyle choices."

RWJF and the university want more out of the report than data.   They want action to improve health outcomes.   Crowdsourcing was the answer.   Through August 6, Community Health Action Forum—an online discussion board—will be open for suggestions on ways communities can use the rankings to improve social, economic, environmental, and behavioral outcomes with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes.

While DC sources report on all the measures as that in the RWJF-University of Wisconsin report, the value of the effort is really in the idea generation and sharing.   So take a look, submit your idea, and vote for ones you like.

Kids are counting on you to address pediatric health issues

From the July 7 DCPCA Health News Alert:

District-wide Pediatric Health Forum:   On May 11, 2010, the Children's National Medical Center, the DC Primary Care Association, and the DC Department of Health came together with you as a group representing several organizations and agencies throughout DC to learn more about pediatric health issues in the District.   During that meeting, we discussed access to health care services and how to move forward as a stakeholder group to improve our children's health.   You spoke, we listened, and the result is a list of the top pediatric health priorities that we will collaboratively address.   Please Note:   These health conditions are in no particular order: Asthma, Mental Health (Developmental Delays and Substance Abuse), Obesity/Overweight, Oral Health, Sexual Reproductive Health (STIs, Teen Pregnancy, HIV), and Violence/Injury Prevention.   It is up to us as a city to work together and develop a strategic approach to accomplish our goals and help make our children healthier.   Click here if we can Count on You to assist in addressing the top pediatric health priorities.   Over the summer, we will convene interest group meetings to begin detailed discussions of the priority pediatric health issues.   The second forum will take place in October; the date is forthcoming so stay tuned.   Thank you.

Transitions

• Jennifer Guste Leonard is now Non-Public Education Strategy Coordinator in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education.   Her email address is jennifer.leonard@dc.gov.   Jennifer is working on all things special education.
• Dr. Carey Wright has been named Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for DC Public Schools.   Details on her background are on the DCPS web site.   Dr. Wright’s email address is carey.wright@dc.gov.
• Sommer Mathis' new phone is (703) 842-1765 and email.
• The new Washington City Paper Loose Lips is Alan Suderman; his email is asuderman@washcp.com.

Donate blood now

DCist's Aaron Morrissey's piece on the current blood shortage is a must read.   The bottom line?   Donate blood now.   Run, don't walk (ok, with this weather, you can walk) to the nearest blood drive or hospital (I donate at Children's Hospital since I am O neg and have/don't have certain blood stuff that teesny weensy sick kids need -- what can I say, I was a poli sci major in college!).   It's easy to find a place to donate--check out this web site.   A final thought from Aaron: "There are cookies and stickers involved -- I'm really not sure what other motivation you need, but I guess if helping save someone's life does it for you, there's that too."

Legal Aid's hours

Legal Aid Locations Hours Flyer 7 1 2010

Political forum, July 21

TDCNA, Neighbors Inc., Brightwood Community Association, and Shepherd Park Citizens Association are sponsoring a political forum for candidates for mayor and council chair on July 21 at 6:30 pm at the Takoma Park Baptist Church (at the corner of Piney Branch and Aspen St NW).   Thanks to Shannon Cockett for sharing this on the TakomaDC Yahoo group.

Expert public testimony on the current homeless crisis in DC

Marta Beresin, a staff attorney at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, testified before the Committee on Human Services (Ward 6 CM Tommy Wells, chair) at June 25 public oversight roundtable on the "Status of the District’s Low Barrier, Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs."   In her testimony, Marta describes the current situation and offers the committee and the Department of Human Services, the agency with responsibility for this issue, specific recommendations to ameliorate the problems.

Public roundtable on mental health and youth violence, July 8

On July 8 at 10:00 am, the Committee on Health (At-large CM David Catania, chair) and Committee on Human Services (Ward 6 CM Tommy Wells, chair) are holding a public oversight roundtable on "Youth Mental Health Programs and Strategies."   The purpose of this roundtable is to hear a preliminary report from Nixon Peabody about its findings related to preventing youth violence (more here).   The roundtable will be open to the public but only invited witnesses will be permitted to provide oral statements.   As of late in the day on July 7, the preliminary agenda included five witnesses from Nixon Peabody LLP:   Senayt Rahwa, Rebecca Friedman, Brian Donnelly, Courtney Lindsay, and Pierce Han.

Committee staff report that the July 8 roundtable is but the first public step in the effort to address the associated problems of mental health and youth violence.   Committee staff will use the summer recess to conduct meetings, interviews, and research to better understand the problems so that an appropriate solution can be developed for the District.

More information, including how to submit a written statement, is in the hearing notice.

Yowza! This is some serious candidate following!

FOCUS has this election year event tracking down!   Check out their calendar showing which candidate is where and when.

Nonprofit news

• Friends of the Earth has moved! They are now located at 1100 15th St NW, 11th Floor, WDC 20005.
• DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’s Brenda Rhodes Miller had something to say after the DOH release of the latest teen pregnancy numbers.   Listen to her commentary on WAMU here (click on one of the icons below "Listen to this feature.")
• The DC Time Bank campaign has kicked off!   Go to the web site to learn how you can participate in this new local economy.
• Legal Aid moved their Anacostia office location to Suite LL-1 at 2041 Martin Luther King Ave SE effective July 1.
• The Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association has a new web site.
• You can now watch Hudson Institute events as they happen via computer by going here www.hudson.org/WatchLive.   For questions about streaming Hudson events, contact Gerardo Pantoja at (202) 974-2421 or send an email.
• Brenda Donald, most recently the Maryland Department of Human Resources Secretary, has been appointed as the vice president of the Center for Effective Family Services and Systems at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where she will formulate national policies for disadvantaged children. Brenda left DC for Maryland in 2007.   While in DC, she was Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families and Elders under Mayor Anthony Williams and director of Child and Family Services Agency.   More on her move to Casey in the press release.
• SOME seeking volunteers for Splash 'N Dash.   The second annual event is being held August 8; volunteers are needed from 6:30 - 11:00 am at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Swim Center to help check in, direct, and time race participants.   Contact Tracy Monson, via email or 797-8806 ext. 1011 to learn more.
• The DC Assembly on School Health Care is winding down operations.   The web site is still live and Jennifer Guste Leonard, former ED, will try to help on issues related to school health; contact her via email.
• Martha's Table recently achieved accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).   The accreditation acknowledges the quality services provided by this nonprofit.
• WEAVE’s great news:   Since the SaveWEAVE campaign last fall, the board and staff have gotten back to basics, engaging in intensive strategic planning, adding board members, providing top quality services, and creatively raising money.   The organization reports that much remains to be done, but the plan in place will set them on the course to rebuild this essential member of the DC community.   More on WEAVE here.

Redesigned DC agency web sites

Some of the recently redesigned DC agency web sites are those belonging to the Child and Family Services Agency, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.

According to a recent piece by DCist's Aaron Morrissey, the new template is “designed to make agencies' online presence simpler and easier to navigate.”   You may recall that CFSA some time ago sought input from providers and advocates about what they wanted in a new web site.   CFSA’s Mindy Good is pleased with the initial roll out but has said that it is still a work in progress.   I have yet to go through the entire site but will soon and you can be sure I will be emailing Mindy with suggestions.

When you visit the sites, you may notice that the URLs have changed.   No worries—you can still use the DC government format (agency abbreviation DOT dc DOT gov) to get where you are going.   And yes, there are still exceptions including the Office of Planning (planning.dc.gov) and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (dcbiz.dc.gov).

Lots of cool events added to calendar

Just added to the calendar at the bottom of the page:

• Building Local Government Support for Good Food on July 15
• Social Media Club Breakfast DC on July 20
• Department of Health School Health Symposium on July 30
• Immigrants and Public Health - Improving Health for All on July 28

Other items added too.   If your organization is sponsoring a child-, youth-, or family-related advocacy event or learning opportunity, email Me the details and I will post the info to the calendar.

Dems election events

• On July 12 starting at 6:00 pm, the Gertrude Stein LGBT Democratic Club is holding its Endorsement Meeting and Forum for the Offices of City Council Chairman and At-Large Member of the Council.   The event is taking place at Town Nightclub (2009 8th St NW).   For more information, contact president Jeffrey Richardson at 491-9517 or via email or visit the web site.
• On July 21 at 6:30 pm (tentative), the Ward 2 Democrats and the Logan Circle Citizens Association will host a Mayoral Straw Poll at the Washington Plaza Hotel (10 Thomas Circle NW).   More information is available from Ward 2 Dems prez Pat Allen at 296-0720 or via email or from the Ward 2 Dems web site.
• On July 24 from 10:00 am - Noon, the Ward 7 Dems are hosting a Mayoral and Council Chairman Candidates Forum and Straw Poll.   The event is taking place at Fort Davis Community Center (1400 41st St SE).   More information is available from Ward 7 Dems chair Lee Wilson at 584-8477 or via email or from the Ward 7 Dems web site.
• The DC Latino Democratic Caucus Mayoral Forum and Endorsement Meeting is being held July 24 at 4:00 pm at Josephine Butler Community Center (2437 15th St NW).   More information is available from DCLC president Franklin Garcia at (703) 338-7095 or via email or from the DCLC web site.

DYRS releases issue brief on juvenile justice system improvements, challenges

On June 28, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) released an issue brief on public safety.   The pub--which is not on the DYRS web site--offers examples of how the juvenile justice agency is doing more to serve young people and their families and at the same time protect the public than has ever been done by the agency before.   The issue brief concludes with the question, "How do we balance the portrayals of young people and crime in the media?"

Thanks to Jason Ziedenberg for sharing the publication on the JJ Google list.

Martha Ross on summer youth employment

Martha Ross of Brookings fame, who has long been concerned with employment of all kinds in DC, submitted a statement for the record for the June 16 roundtable held by the Committee on Housing and Workforce Development (At-large CM Michael Brown, chair).

Tech stuff for non-techies

Here is the latest list of cool tech tools for non-techie types.   I have already tried most out and they are fab; others come highly recommended.   If you have any tools you think others should know about, email me the link.

COH July 2 update

Check out the July 2 Committee on Health update here.  

A Better DC is Possible, July 9

a_better _dc

Council's summer recess

The City Council is on recess from July 15 - September 15.

Free webinars July 2010

Again from Wild Apricot is a list of free webinars for nonprofits.   More than 25 this month!

Emergency Heat Relief to-do list

Summer Packet - FINAL

Got ideas for improving Ward 8?

The Advoc8te, the Congress Heights on the Rise blogger, is asking for REAL solutions to fix the problems in Ward 8.   In the June 23 post If you were the Ward 8 City Councilmember how would YOU improve Ward 8?, The Advoc8te challenged Ward 8 residents to identify ideas to solve problems big and small to address the challenges confronting residents, business owners, and other interested parties.   Post your ideas on the blog.

Ward 1 Candidates Forum

This forum, sponsored by a number of organizations including Fair Budget Coalition, is being held July 29 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the True Reformer Building (1200 U St NW).

Office Hours with Dr. Nyankori

Following a popular Chancellor’s Forum on Special Education, DCPS is hosting an Office Hours meeting with Dr. Richard Nyankori, the deputy chancellor for special education.   This is your opportunity to sit down one-on-one with Dr. Nyankori for five minutes and share your most important questions and concerns and address student service issues.   Meet the deputy chancellor on July 8 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Sharpe Health School (4300 13th St NW).

Community Services Block Grant public roundtable

The Committee on Human Services (Ward 6 CM Tommy Wells, chair) is holding a public oversight roundtable on the District's Community Services Block Grant Program.   The roundtable will be held on July 7 at 2:00 pm in the JAWB.

The District is required by federal law to receive public comment on the city's plan for Community Services Block Grant activities.   The Department of Human Services and the United Planning Organization (UPO) in its capacity as a community action agency, will testify.   The public is encouraged to testify; details about registering and location of the roundtable are in the hearing notice.

Do you live or work in ANC 8C?

If you live, work, own property or a business in ANC 8C, there will soon be a new way to stay connected (via email) with your neighbors about ANC issues, community plans, public safety, etc.   More info about the effort is here.   Congress Heights on the Rise is collecting contact information including what Single Member District you live in.   Email the info today!