Mayor Bowser to participate in Ward 3 Dems community dialogue Feb. 10

Mayor Bowser will participate in a community dialogue sponsored by the Ward 3 Democratic Committee Tuesday, February 10 at 7:30 pm.   The meeting will take place at St. Columba's Episcopal Church (4201 Albemarle St NW).

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Celine Ferjeran joins Raise DC

Celine Fejeran, who has spent the past several years working in DC government in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, has moved to Raise DC.   Her new contact info is:

Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives
Raise DC
1201 15th Street NW, Suite 420
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 303-2438 (office)
cfejeran@raisedc.org
www.raisedc.org

Cold Emergency activated January 30 at 9:00 pm

DC government has activated the Cold Plan Friday, January 30.   Additional resources and supports will be made available starting at 9:00 pm.

To get help for homeless individuals, contact the Shelter Hotline via email, uposh@upo.org or (202) 399-7093.    The Shelter Hotline vans, operated by UPO, will transport those interested in shelter to a shelter, should beds still be available, or to a Warming Site, a facility providing food and the opportunity to sleep in a warm place overnight.

Learn more about cold emergencies.

February 2 media briefing previews leg meeting

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson will hold his regular Legislative Meeting media briefing Monday, February 2 at 10:00 am in Room 412 in the John A. Wilson Building.   Mendo will present information on major actions to be taken at the February 3 leg meeting.   Watch the briefing and/or the legislative meeting using the link on the DC Council website.

The draft agenda for the February 3 leg meeting is below.

February 3 2015 Leg Mtg - SoC Version 2

Great news: District, Measured, a new blog from the Office of Revenue Analysis

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer has just launched District, Measured,

the blog of the District’s Office of Revenue Analysis. Here we share our research on economic and demographic trends taking shape in the District of Columbia.

Subscribe to the blog to stay on top of posts.   The most recent posts are The D.C. Tax System's Effect on the Income Gap, Low-wage earners in the District of Columbia, and the previously shared Who stays in the District? Who leaves?.

Look what DC data can do!

Check out these awesome DC maps - transit, food, more - from @youarehereMIT - several use @opendatadc data http://t.co/IgT1f3zLgF #opendata

— DC OCTO (@OCTODC) January 27, 2015

Mayor Bowser's got a new Twitter handle

The DC Mayor’s Office will provide updates from @TeamMuriel. I will provide updates from @MayorBowser. #freshstart

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 29, 2015

Draft witness list for January 30 homelessness roundtable

On Friday, January 30 at Noon, the Committee of the Whole (At-large CM and Council Chair Mendelson, Chair) and the Committee on Health and Human Services (Ward 7 CM Alexander, Chair) will hold a joint roundtable on "Homelessness in the District of Columbia."

The draft witness list is below.

If you can't make it to the roundtable in person, you can watch it online via the DC Council website.

1 30 15 Homelessness Roundtable Draft Wit List

Twitter just got better

How will you use the new Twitter DM group conversation Twitter announced January 27?   According to Twitter,

Private conversations on Twitter are a great complement to the largely public experience on the platform. You might prefer to read (or watch) Tweets but converse about them privately. You might want to continue a public conversation privately with a smaller group, or start one based on a Tweet you saw. Many of you use Direct Messages to reach the people and brands you’re only connected to on Twitter. Whatever the case may be, the ability to converse privately with groups gives you more options for how and with whom you communicate on Twitter.

New! Use Direct Messages to speak privately with a group of up to 20 people. Share Tweets, show emoji & be yourself. https://t.co/8giGhC6OO0

— Twitter (@twitter) January 27, 2015

Let others know how you will use this new Twitter tool in a comment.

Thought you might be interested Thursday

The Public Domain Project, an online space from which you can find and download thousands of historic media files for free, is an astounding resource.   Some examples of what is available:

• Burning Bonus March shacks, 1932
• Wide shot of people working at message center where the teletyped messages are received, decoded and sorted, Washington DC, USA
• "the Causeway," James Parmelee House, 3100 Macomb Street, Washington, D.C.
• 1944 Passover For Members Of The Armed Services In Washington, Dc

(Via 80,000 Media Assets Freely Available Via The Public Domain Project)

Rev. Isaac new director of ORA

News from Mayor Bowser: Rev. Donald L. Isaac, Sr. is new Director of the Office of Religious Affairs. @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 29, 2015

DPR Fun Day Feb. 13

DPR Offers 3rd "DPR Fun Day" on February 13 During DCPS Professional Development Day http://t.co/v01lgFeiYv @DCThriftyMom @susiecambria

— DCParksAndRecreation (@DCDPR) January 28, 2015

Fine tune your voter ed and GOTV efforts

Nonprofit Vote has a terrific year of learning lined up for nonprofits, starting with their webinar series (PDF).   Topics include Nonpartisan guidelines for 501(c)(3)s, Voter registration, and candidate engagement.

Those who can't wait for February should visit the Nonprofit Vote YouTube channel and their resource library.

Contact info for Nikki Peele

Need to get in touch with Nikki Peele?   Here's her new contact info:

Director of Marketing
Building Bridges Across the River @ THEARC
1901 Mississippi Ave SE
Washington, DC 20020
202.889.5901 Office
202.352.6585 Mobile
npeele@thearcdc.org

Fresh Start community input budget fora

On January 27, Mayor Bowser announced community budget engagement fora.   According to the release, below,

"In Fresh Start February, my Administration will continue to focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency," said Mayor Bowser. "We look forward to working with the Council and the public to develop smart solutions to support our key priorities, like investing in education, job training and affordable housing."

The fora will take place:

• Thursday, February 19 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Woodrow Wilson High School
• Saturday, February 21, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, Anacostia High School
• Monday, February 23, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Dunbar High School

The administration is also hosting an open house Monday, February 2 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm during which time all EOM offices in JAWB will be open to the public.

Register for the February 2 open house.   Register for a public engagement budget forum.

Fresh Start Budget Fora

February 5: Women and Leadership roundtable

Virginia Tech's Women and Leadership roundtable takes place Thursday, February 5 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at VT's Alexandria campus (1021 Prince St, 3rd Floor, SPIA Presentation Room, Alexandria, VA 22314).   Sally Kenney, Executive Director of the Newcombe College Institute at Tulane University, will speak.   RSVP for the free event by February 4.

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Materials from January 26, 2015 council meeting on the #dcfy15 budget and spending pressures

View FY15 gap closing ID 1262015 final.pdf

FY15 Pressure Options Ledger

FY 2015 enhancements.

CORRECTION: Committee on Housing and Community Development open house Jan. 29

I posted the notice about the Committee on Housing and Community Development event in error.

DC has a new director of OAPIA!

@TeamMuriel @falcicchio David Do is a great choice to lead the DC Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs Kudos pic.twitter.com/SOAchsGxNz

— Daryl Levine (@daryllevine) January 26, 2015

Connect with MOCRS in Wards 5, 7, and 8

Bowser administration appointments, update

Here's the latest on recent appointments made by Mayor Bowser:

• Key D.C. posts remain in flux three weeks into Muriel Bowser's administration
• Mayor Bowser Announces Senior LGBT Leadership, Joins Mayors for Marriage Equality
• The January 16, 2015 DCR in Tweets, Storified

• Another Bowser appointment: Dionne Burkett is the new Director for the DC Youth Advisory Council @TeamMuriel

  — Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 24, 2015

January 23, 2015 DCR in Tweets

OLA open house Jan. 28

The Office of Latino Affairs is holding an Open House Wednesday, January 28 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.   OLA's office is at the Frank D. Reeves Center (2000 14th St NW, 2nd Floor).   At the event, you will meet OLA's staff including the new Acting Director Jackie Reyes.

People are encouraged to RVSP.   Direct questions to Henry Maticorena via email, henry.maticorena@dc.gov.

Ward 8 community convo about violence recapped

TA: Social media abbreviations

From Buffer is The Definitive List of Social Media Acronyms and Abbreviations, Defined.   If you've wondered what abbreviations such as AMA (Ask Me Anything, usually on Reddit), FWIW (for what it's worth), and FF (Follow Friday) mean, take a look at this.   I'm online a lot but use only a fraction.   Nonetheless, a useful list.

DC youth advocates talk youth online safety and ethics

NEWS: Council meeting on projected budget shortfall Jan. 26

From the DC Council website:

Council to meet on projected budget shortfall

The Council will meet to discuss the projected budget shortfall on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 10AM in the Chairman's Conference Room.

Please contact, Nyasha Smith, Secretary to the Council, with any questions: (202) 724-8080.

Thought you might be interested Thursday

Despite the title, After Words: Atul Gawande, "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End," hosted by Dr. Marty Makary, Johns Hopkins Hospital and University frames end-of-life discussions as much more than health and medicine.

Atul Gawande―general surgeon at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and a Harvard Medical School professor―concludes that while medicine is important, it is not the only framework to use when considering disease and end-of-life options.   Asking people what they want, for example, helps determine an individual's priorities which informs medical and other decisions.

Gawande does a terrific job of explaining the changes which have resulted in more older adults living in nursing homes.   He explains, for example, that extended families are not the norm and have not been for many years.   In order for young people to succeed, they move away, often to cities, for education and work.   This leaves parents and other relatives alone to care for themselves.   Doctors, and nurses, are often called in to help make decisions that families had once made for and with older relatives.   (Gawande's explanation is better; go to minute 4:05.)

I suggest you set some time aside to watch this BookTV program.

Update on #dcfy16 budget development

As expected, the Bowser administration is developing the FY 2016 budget in an environment of slowed revenues (see December 2014 rev estimate down from September).   To meet the projected revenue loss and to allow the mayor to fulfill her commitment to adding $100 million for affordable housing in FY 2016, the budget office needs to find ~$400 million (this includes $50 million for additional Bowser priorities).

To get to the ~$400 million, the Bowser budget team has required all agencies to prepare budget proposals reflecting cuts of 5%, 6%, and 8% based on the original MARCs (which were based on the CSFL).

The Bowser budget team is bringing back the budget hierarchies; they will help agencies, deputy mayors, budget team, and mayor understand where Programs (Divisions) and Activities (Sub-Divisions) stand related to being essential versus nice-to-have.   Also brought back (from the middle of the Gray administration) are BRTs (budget review teams); will likely involve agencies, budget office staff, the appropriate DM, and Mayor.

Housing for All Rally, Feb. 7

The Housing for All Rally, DC is Our Home, takes place Saturday, February 7, 9:30 am - Noon at Calvary Baptist Church (755 8th St NW).   For more information and to register go to the CNHED website.

#dcfy16 budget hearing schedule

The wait is over:   The DC Council has posted the FY 2016 budget hearing schedule.   Key dates: April 2 - Mayor Bowser's proposed budget transmitted to council; April 13 - COW briefing on the proposed budget by Mayor Bowser; and April 15 - May 7 - Public hearings.

Check the council site often as the schedule will change.

FYs 2014 and 2015 performance oversight hearings schedule

The DC Council's schedule for #dcfy14 and #dcfy15 performance oversight hearings is online.   On February 5, the council will hold the briefing by CFO Jeff DeWitt and Mayor Muriel Bowser.   Public hearings take place February 9 to March 13.

Check back often as the schedule will change.

From the DC Council budget office, a look at #dcfy15

(H/t FBC)

School violence prevention forum Feb. 10

An email from Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy:

On February 10th, (10am - 12:00pm) the CEBCP will partner with WestEd to jointly host its 2015 Congressional Briefing on "School Safety and Violence Prevention on Capitol Hill." This briefing brings together leading experts in the field to discuss current research evidence and recommendations for policy and practice in this important area. Registration is free, but required as space is limited. For more information about the speakers and topics, and to register, visit http://cebcp.org/outreach-symposia-and-briefings/school-safety/

Two useful tools

Two tools I love: Gear-Ties and Twurly.

Gear-Ties hold various computer and charging cords together and keep long lamp cords tidy.    They are sturdy and reusable.   Am sure glad Santa gave me more!

A favorite Xmas present. These ties rock! pic.twitter.com/WyflQfB96n

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 17, 2015

I just signed up for Twurly and an enamored.   The tool does as it promises:

No more scanning your Twitter feed just to find the links.

A daily email of links from your Twitter timeline

February 4: Reentry and mental health event

University Legal Services is organizing the February 4, 1:00 - 3:00 pm symposium New Directions in Reentry: What Returning Citizens with Mental Illness Really Need to be Successful.   It takes place at Arnold & Porter, LLP (555 12th St NW, Paul Porter Conference Room).

RSVP to Tammy Seltzer via email (tseltzer@uls-dc.org) or by phone, (202) 527-7044, by January 30.   To request an ASL Interpreter or other accommodations, contact ULS by January 26 via email (tseltzer@uls-dc.org) or by phone, (202) 527-7033.

New Directions in Reentry: What Returning Citizens with Mental Illness Really Need to be Successful

Get ready for summer: A short list of camps

Organizations offering summer camps for kids have started sharing opps.   Here's what we have so far.

DPR Announces #SummerCamps 2015 Reduced Rate Information Fair & Camp Registration Dates - http://t.co/rzjP89aGCj @DCThriftyMom @susiecambria

— DCParksAndRecreation (@DCDPR) January 20, 2015

• National Building Museum's 2015 Summer Camp: For campers entering 3rd through 5th grade.   Registration open.   Learn more about Summer Camp and sign up today.
• River School Summer Camp: Open to all children ages 4-10.   The one-week camps take place during July.   Information is online.

And then there's the Summer Opportunities Camp Fair which takes place Saturday, January 24 from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at The Sidwell Friends School (3825 Wisconsin Ave NW).   Attend and meet overnight camp and teen program representatives and get free advice from Tips on Trips and Camps consultants.

January 20: COW meeting

The Council of the District of Columbia will hold a regularly-scheduled COW meeting Tuesday, January 20 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber.   Deets, including the agenda, are on the calendar page.

Can't make it to the John A. Wilson Building for the meeting?   Watch the meeting online.

OCFO's December 2014 economic and revenue trends report

The OCFO's Office of Revenue Analysis recently released the December 2014 Review of District of Columbia Economic and Revenue Trends.   The report, according to the email announcing the release, "provides a systematic technical presentation of Washington, DC's sectoral, and revenue performance. The first page highlights the major economic news of the month for the District of Columbia."

The report is on the OCFO website.

Have you shared your opposition to the Exelon-Pepco merger?

DC Environmental Network has made its position clear on the proposed Exelon-Pepco merger: Absolutely not.

DCEN and many others assert that the merger would hurt poor and middle class DC residents, would stall the city's energy efficiency progress, and would decimate local control over our electricity.

The good news is that are several opportunities for residents and other stakeholders to voice their opposition to the Exelon plan.   Power DC urges residents and organizations to sign on to the declaration opposing the merger.   Signers on include Brookland Solar Coop, DC Chapter of Sierra Club, DC For Democracy, and DC Tenants' Advocacy Coalition (TENAC).

Power DC also offers merger opponents the opportunity to easily share their view with the DC Public Service Commission via Tell the PSC you oppose the Exelon merger.

The Public Service Commission is holding a public hearing on the proposed merger Tuesday, January 20 at 6:00 pm at the DC Community College (801 North Capitol St NE in the Conference Room).   Learn more and register to testify before the DCPSC.

The DC Council's Committee on Transportation & Environment (Ward 3 CM Mary Cheh, chair) is holding an oversight roundtable on "The Potential Environmental Effects of Exelon's Proposed Acquisition of Pepco" Friday, January 23 at 11:00 am in the Council Chamber (JAWB, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW).   The public is encouraged to testify; hearing and registration details are online.

Testimony tips are on the Power DC website.

Elected officials interviewed

DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG

The January 16, 2015 DCR in Tweets, Storified

Storified: Reactions to the Ward 8 Dems meeting on violence

CHOTR: Jan 22 | Ward 8 Community Meeting to discuss recent violent crime

From Congress Heights on the Rise:

Jan 22 | Ward 8 Community Meeting to discuss recent violent crime
Posted: 16 Jan 2015 12:00 PM PST

In response to the recent violence in Ward 8 involving shootings and homicides, you are invited to meet with Ward 8 residents next Thursday, January 22nd, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Old Congress Heights School, 3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. The meeting is sponsored by the Congress Heights Community Association, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8C, 7th District Citizens Advisory Council, Anacostia Coordinating Council, Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, and the River East Emerging Leaders. The representatives of these organizations are copied in this e-mail.

Please respond to this e-mail if you will be able to attend. If you are in need of further information, please contact me at 202-340-0788. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours for community progress,
Philip E. Pannell
Executive Director, Anacostia Coordinating Council

Get involved with DCPS #dcfy16 budget development

Will you get engaged with DCPS? We don't have a ring but we do have proposals! #budget http://t.co/zPZWZMxUhV pic.twitter.com/9JSeu6jZVl

— DC Public Schools (@dcpublicschools) January 17, 2015

Get involved with DC Public Schools' budget―the detailed how-tos are online but here are the highlights of the four ways to be involved:

1. Go to the new DCPS Interactive Data Center to get a better understanding of local school budgets and school-based data
2. Engage with DCPS online: Engage DCPS is an online forum through which people can provide feedback, submit ideas, and see what others are thinking.
3. Engage with your Local School Advisory Team (LSAT): LSAT meetings are scheduled for January 20, 22, and 27.
4. Host a small group meeting

If you have questions or want more information, contact DCPS via email, ofpe.info@dc.gov or (202) 719-6613.

Recap of the Ward 8 Dems meeting on violence

Ward 8 Dems January 17: Talking violence

The Ward 8 Dems are focusing the Saturday, January 17, Noon to 2:00 pm general business meeting on violence.   The recent double shooting in southeast prompted the move.

Invited speakers: MPD Commander Robin Hoey, 7th District Police Department; At-Large Councilman Vincent Orange; Ward 8 School Board Representative Tierra Jolly; Mary Cuthbert, Chair ANC8C; Tre'ona Kelty, Founder of "Beautiful You Yes You" organization (a youth development organization focused in Woodland Terrace, Ward 8 Grievance Counselors, and community youth.

The meeting takes place at the Anacostia Public Library (1800 Good Hope Rd SE, Conference Room #3).

Skip McCoy retires

Congratulations on your #retirement @johnhmckoy! We will miss you in the office. Don't be a stranger! #endofanera #seeyouonthegolfcourse

— Fight For Children (@Fight4Children) January 14, 2015

Celebrating a gr8 career in service 2 our city! Happy retirement Skip McCoy! Appreciate ya! @Fight4Children @dcpcsb pic.twitter.com/08rOFniaDy

— Kaya Henderson (@HendersonKaya) January 15, 2015

Learn about free tax prep services in DC

Comcast Newsmakers' Yolanda Vazquez recently spoke with Capital Area Asset Builders external relations director Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz about the free tax preparation CAAB and the DC Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign are offering this tax season.

A must-read: D.C. Parenthood: Who Stays and Who Leaves?, a paper by OCFO

D C Parenthood - Who Stays and Who Leaves

CSOSA Reentry Reflection announcements through mid-February 2015

From the latest 6D CSOSA Community Justice Advisory Network newsletter:

CSOSA Reentry Reflection 2015 Announcements

• 1/18/2015 Justice Sunday; Brighter Day Ministries –2525 12th Place, SE; 11:00AM Service
• 2/7/2015 State and Clergy Together Finding Solutions: Allen AME Church 2498 Alabama Avenue, SE; 9:30-1:00PM
• 2/12/2015 A Reentry and DC Office of Human Rights Dialog –D. Height Library 3935 Benning Rd. NE; 6:00PM:-8:30PM
• 2/14/2015 Women’s Symposium Forum - Temple of Praise, 700 Southern Avenue, SE; 9:00AM - 3:00PM
• 2/19/2015 Citywide Reentry Forum - St. Luke Church Community Room, 4923 E. Capital Street, SE; 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Save the date: Homelessness and mental health forum, Jan. 27

Health and Homelessness: Mental Health is the subject of the Tuesday, January 27, 6:30-8:30 pm Street Sense forum and networking event being held at Friends Meeting House of DC (2111 Florida Ave NW).

The purpose of the event is to consider how mental health issues can be a cause and result of homelessness.   The event features Angie Whitehurst, Street Sense Vendor; Michele May, Department of Behavioral Health; Celeste Valente, ULS; and Jake Bowling, National Council of Behavioral Health.   HuffPo's Kate Sheppard will moderate.

RSVP online.

Direct questions to forums@streetsense.org.

CM Grosso: Happy New Year and more

Mayor Bowser's January 16, 2015 public schedule

First on Mayor Bowser's 1/16 public sked is 7:30a interview @fox5newsdc Watch live: http://t.co/VwxDLgTJSs @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 16, 2015

Mayor Bowser's 1/16 sked includes speaking @ Adas Israel 4 Weekend of Tikkun Olam (social justice) http://t.co/JGErbqKapC @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 16, 2015

The rest of Mayor Bowser's January 16, 2015 schedule.

Working lunch to talk online safety for youth Jan. 20

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative is hosting a viewing party and discussion about Disconnected Tuesday, January 20, 12:30 - 2:30 pm at the Collaborative (3917 Minnesota Ave NE).   The Collaborative is providing lunch for free, so come watch and then talk about how adults can help DC's youth safely and responsibly navigate the online world.

RSVPs are required by January 19 at Noon: susie.cambria@gmail.com.

Ward 7 Viewing Disconnected

CM Allen holds presser on early literacy Jan. 16

Ward 6 CM Charles Allen will hold a press conference to introduce an early childhood literacy initiative Friday, January 16 at 10:30 am at Southwest Neighborhood Library (900 Wesley Pl SW).   The goal of the legislation is to make the District a leader in early literacy, to increase access to books for all children, to help parents and adults with low literacy, and to put books in the hands of all District children ages 0-5 years old to jump-start their love for reading and to promote better reading skills.

Following the presser, there will be a children's book reading inside the library in the children's area.

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Nikki Peele heads to THEARC

Nikki Peele of @wcp People Issue fame is leaving Arch Development to become Dir. of Marketing at @THEARC_DC pic.twitter.com/VVftn6EH3q

— Aaron Wiener (@aaronwiener) January 9, 2015

Thought you might be interested Thursday

A man deeply insults Ellen's *and* her marriage. Now watch her fire back. http://t.co/a6YNcUdroG pic.twitter.com/qzArBeIGsn

— Upworthy (@Upworthy) January 14, 2015

TY 2014 DC Earned Income Tax Credit campaign launched

CAAB Launches @DCEITC 4 low-income residents: #EITC info & free #Tax prep http://t.co/ieTubo8my2 @susiecambria @MikeMartinezDC @FreeinDCBlog

— CAAB (@CAAB_GreaterDC) January 14, 2015

This is terrific news for working DC residents.   From the CAAB release:

"The EITC is one of the most effective policy tools for lifting Americans out of poverty. In the District of Columbia, the EITC puts money back in the pockets of working individuals and families, strengthens neighborhood businesses and boosts the local economy," said Rich Petersen, CAAB's Executive Director.

Individuals with income under $35,000 and families with income under $53,000 can benefit from the free tax preparation services. The DC EITC Campaign will run 6 tax sites throughout Washington, DC from early-February to mid-April. Information on location and business hours for free tax services are available on http://bit.ly/1xm8gHF.

SYEP gets a new name

Signed a Mayor's Order to rename @DC_SYEP the Marion Barry Jr. Summer Youth Employment Program #BMOCSucceed pic.twitter.com/fjBRIEeooU

— Muriel Bowser (@TeamMuriel) January 14, 2015

TA: Social media commandments for 2015

It's the beginning of the year and so resolutions abound.   Here are some related to social media.   While not all resolutions, dos and don'ts, and commandments have been published in the new year, all are worthy of attention in 2015.

• 4 Social Media Commandments for 2015 (and Beyond) by SHIFT Communications
• Make social communications one-way only (is a surefire #fail) in The 10 commandments for social media failure
• 10 Social Media Resolutions for 2015 [INFOGRAPHIC] from Adweek is worth printing out and placing prominently by your monitor.
• Social Media New Year's Resolutions for 2015 encourages thinking before you act.
• 7 Tips for Upping Your Social Media Game in 2015 in TIME includes fixing your avatar and updating your bio.   Both are musts.

I'll leave you with my favorite commandment: limit the hashtags.

January 20: Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap

Carrie James will talk about her book Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap Tuesday, January 20 at 12:30 pm.   From the Berkman Center event announcement,

Fresh from a party, a teen posts a photo on Facebook of a friend drinking a beer. A college student repurposes an article from Wikipedia for a paper. A group of players in a multiplayer online game routinely cheat new players by selling them worthless virtual accessories for high prices. In her book, Disconnected, Carrie James explores how young people approach situations such as these as well as more dramatic ethical dilemmas that arise in digital contexts. Based on qualitative research carried out as part of the Good Play Project, Disconnected is an account of how youth, and the adults in their lives, think about— and often don’t think about — the moral and ethical dimensions of their participation in online communities. In this talk, James will share key insights from the book and related work on supporting meaningful and civil dialogue online.

The event will be webcast live.

Mayor Bowser's January 14, 2015 sked

On the mayor's 1/14 sked: Audacity of Hope Book Challenge Google Hangout http://t.co/ceY4XPLCkZ @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 13, 2015

Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. by taking Safe Shores training

Safe Shores is celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by training members of the community how to recognize, respond to, and prevent child sexual abuse.

The training takes place Monday, January 19.   To register, send an email to stewards@safeshores.org.   To learn more about Stewards of Children, visit safeshores.org/stewards-of-children.html.

MLK Stewards Flyer Final

Mayor Bowser appoints new director of OAA

Another @TeamMuriel appt: Mamadou Samba, director, Office on African Affairs

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 13, 2015

TA: Legal Support for Direct Action

Washington Peace Center's Legal Support for Direct Action page includes a bunch of resources for those planning on conducting direct actions.   There are materials for activists (such as knowing your rights), legal support, links, and forms and documents.

WIN event with Mayor Bowser Storified

AG Karl Racine names two senior staffers

OAG Marus Pittman release

Mayor Bowser's January 13, 2015 sked

On Mayor Bowser's Jan. 13, 2015 schedule: Snow Stat Meeting (closed). @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 12, 2015

Mayor Bowser's schedule is found in the EOM News Room.

WaPo switches up education coverage

From FishbowlDC January 12, 2015: WaPo Announces New Education Blog, Makes Changes to Education Team (The Washington Post):

In a memo posted Friday, The Washington Post announced changes to its education team and the introduction of a new blog, "Grade Point," which will focus on higher education. FishbowlDC Susan Svrluga has been named to lead the blog, set to go live mid-January. Svrluga moves to this position from her role as a reporter covering the outer suburbs of Virginia. Emma Brown, previously on maternity leave, rejoins the paper as a national education reporter. Michael Alison Chandler, who had been filling in as a D.C. schools reporter, has been named to the position permanently.

DC Council CAFR hearing scheduled: February 5

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has announced that the Committee of the Whole will hold the first public hearing on the FY 2014 CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, audit) Thursday, February 5 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber.   Per the notice:

The purpose of this public hearing is to receive testimony from government witnesses, including the Executive, Chief Financial Officer, and Inspector General, regarding the results of the Fiscal Year 2014 CAFR. By law, the CAFR must be released by February 2, 2015. Copies may be obtained from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer thereafter.

Only government will speak at this briefing, though the public may submit written testimony:

While this roundtable is limited to oral testimony from government witnesses, written statements from the public will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, Suite 410 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004. The record will close at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

If you can't make it to the Wilson Building for this to-be-hours-long hearing, watch online.

Oversight and budget hearing skeds news

Word from @councilofdc budget office: The council will vote on the oversight & #dcfy16 budget hrg skeds Jan. 20

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 10, 2015

Mayor Bowser's January 12, 2015 schedule

Check out Mayor Bowser's 1/12/15 sked here: http://t.co/WsNeI3vJWk @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 12, 2015

Updated whole wheat bread recipe

I don't blog recipes much anymore, though when I find a good one I do post it on the Recipes page.   But since I was sharing the recipe with a friend, I thought I would update what is online (Susie's Whole Wheat Bread) and share with you.

King on Mayor Bowser's first budget

In case you missed it, here (Mayor Bowser's budget test) is Colby King's take on Mayor Bowser's first budget, #dcfy16.

Reyes appointed OLA director

Missed this news? Mayor Bowser appointed Jackie Reyes as OLA director. http://t.co/6Ax0PpFWo8 @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 11, 2015

Join the virtual National Drug Early Warning System Network

An email from Center for Substance Abuse Research (cesar@umd.edu):

You are cordially invited to become a part of the new National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) Network, a virtual community designed to share timely information on emerging drugs and changing drug use trends.

NDEWS is a NIDA-funded national public health surveillance system coordinated by the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) at the University of Maryland, College Park. NDEWS aims to provide the country with critically needed real-time information about changing drug use patterns. The project will focus on new drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids and designer stimulants, as well as changes in the use of more traditional drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine. For more information about NDEWS, please visit www.cesar.umd.edu.

A key component of NDEWS is the creation of the NDEWS Network, a virtual community of researchers, practitioners, and concerned citizens across the country who will be able to regularly share and discuss information about emerging drugs and changing drug use trends and assist with local NDEWS research.

To subscribe to the NDEWS Network electronic mailing list, send an email to listserv@listserv.umd.edu with subscribe ndews-network name-of-subscriber (where name-of-subscriber is your name) in the body of the email. This email should be sent from the email account that will be subscribed to the list.

If you know of others who would like to join the NDEWS Network email discussion list, please feel free to forward them this email.

If you have any questions about NDEWS or the NDEWS Network email discussion list, please contact us at ndews@umd.edu.

TA: Google adds functionality to forms

Ann Martin points out two things about Google forms.   First, that Google forms have been somewhat limited in the past.   Second, that with some changes, Google forms are now more responsive.

To learn more about how you can add your logo, insert a progress bar, header images, and change fonts, read Ann Martin on Handy New Survey Features in Google Form.

The challenges confronting Mayor Bowser with #dcfy16 development

DC quarter-billion-dollar deficit and promised tax cuts are "Mayor Bowser's Budget Test" (@kingc_i @WashPostDC) Yup: http://t.co/nUMQ8dJBS7

— Mark Lee (@MarkLeeDC) January 10, 2015

Touching: Watch Why This Crossing Guard Breaks Down After He Tries to a Move Parked Car

Read more about the touching gesture in the NationSwell piece Watch Why This Crossing Guard Breaks Down After He Tries to a Move Parked Car.

The January 9 DCR Tweeted

Mayor Muriel Bowser announces more appointments

I am happy to name Brian Kenner, City Manager of Takoma Park, MD, as Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED).

— Muriel Bowser (@TeamMuriel) January 8, 2015

Mayor @MurielBowser Announces Additional Staff Hires http://t.co/Nlj0JeJP0F #freshstart

— Muriel Bowser (@TeamMuriel) January 7, 2015

Mendo on NewsTalk Jan. 8

On January 8, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson appeared on NewsTalk8.   Here's what he had to say:

Talk with CM Nadeau January 10 at Coffee Talk

Ward 1's new CM, Brianne Nadeau, is hosting a regular Coffee Talk Saturday, January 10 from 10:00 - 11:30 am at Coupe (3415 11th St NW).   The Talks are, according to the email invitation, "opportunities for Ward 1 community members to drop by local coffee shops and chat with Councilmember Nadeau one-on-one about issues that matter to you."

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Committee on Ed Open House, Jan. 14

CM Grosso and the Committee on Education are holding an Open House for the committee Wednesday, January 14 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm in Room 116 of the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW).   The event is an opp to meet the CM and the committee staff and to share ideas with them.   RSVPs are not required.   More information is available by calling (202) 724-8105.

Mileage rates for 2015

In December 2014, the IRS announced the 2015 standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes:

• 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, up from 56 cents in 2014
• 23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down half a cent from 2014
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Thought you might be interested Thursday

Here's one perspective on reaching teens.   If you have others specific to DC, share in the comments.

Have you ever wondered how to market to teens? One teen is telling you how! http://t.co/Va0qXs9EnB

— Robin Newton (@robinPRmadame) January 3, 2015

What you can do to help the homeless get warm in the cold

Cold Emergency activated January 7 through January 9

Tonite at 7: Help get the homeless in DC out of the frigid weather - uposh@upo.org or (202) 399-7093 @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 7, 2015

Want to know more about the Cold Emergency @TeamMuriel has activated 1/7-9? It's here: http://t.co/jH7kDZEauG

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 7, 2015

(Updated 1/7/15, 8:15p)

Updated DC Council listing (1/7/15)

Council Listing - 2015 (1/7/15 pm update) by Susie Cambria

DC Council 101

Today's 1st meeting of the new Council is now behind us. Here's a quick "Council 101" primer on some of our lingo http://t.co/uxSd41FRE9

— Council of DC (@councilofdc) January 6, 2015

Read the latest CFNCR report on the City Fund

Right before Christmas, Mayor Vince Gray sent to the DC Council the October 2014 City Fund Semi-Annual Report (go to Bill History tab).   The CFNCR report summarizes the grantmaking process, provides a cursory look at analytics, and lists the awardees and grant amounts.   The bulk of the 68-page report is made up of awardee profiles.

Somewhat startling was the revelation that 20 organizations which applied for City Fund funding and were awardees did not have their Charitable Solicitation License or Charitable Exempt License.   This raises all sorts of questions, such as are these organizations applying for other grants without the licenses in place?   How do they receive funding if they do not have them?   If I were prepping the council for oversight hearings coming up in February, I would put this issue at the top of the list.

Mayor Bowser's January 7 sked

Wondering what Mayor Bowser has on her Jan. 7 sked? It's here: http://t.co/DHvic1lTlA @TeamMuriel

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 7, 2015

Tech tip on permanent URLs

Did you know that you can get the permanent URL from a link in a newsletter by removing the question mark and all text after it?

Transform this:

http://aea365.org/blog/ann-martin-on-handy-new-survey-features-in-google-forms/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+aea365+%28AEA365%29

to this

http://aea365.org/blog/ann-martin-on-handy-new-survey-features-in-google-forms/

to get a more stable, long-lasting link.

AU's Books That Shaped America in 2015

American University continues Books That Shaped America in 2015.   Upcoming books include Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman, Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett, and Common Sense by Thomas Paine.

Sessions start with discussions about the book of the month and then go well beyond the focal text.   Discussions are led by an AU faculty or staff member.   Participants are encouraged, but not required, to read the featured text.   Attendance is free and reservations are not required.

Books That Shaped America is a project of American University and engages residents in talking about books that have helped shape American society.   The project is co-sponsored by the American University Library and the Humanities Lab at American University.

CP 21 DC Council directory

(Document updated 1/5/15 pm)

Council Listing - 2015

Two new views on Mayor Bowser and the FY 2016 budget

Omitted: Where will DC cut spending due budget deficit? "9 Economic Development Questions Facing @MurielBowser" @OConnellPostbiz @DCSmallBz

— Mark Lee (@MarkLeeDC) January 5, 2015

If you missed the news, the OCFO released the latest revenue estimates in December 2014.   Here are some links to get you up to speed:

• December 2014 rev estimate down from September
• What the revenue estimate means according to @mikedebonis

ICYMI: Inauguration & Swearing-In Ceremony, 1/2/15

Another journo moves from WCP to WaPo

As I countdown my final days at @wcp to start my new gig over at @washingtonpost, I'll be sharing some of my favorite covers.

— Carey Jordan (@YoCarey) January 5, 2015

WCP introduces key @MurielBowser housing appointments

Let @aaronwiener introduce you to Muriel Bowser's housing and development team. http://t.co/4ILisodq3A

— Sarah Anne Hughes (@wcpsarah) January 5, 2015

CM Silverman announces staff appointments

Silverman Staff

Spread the word: Ward 2 education meeting Jan. 13

Join us for @CardozoEC feeder school discussion. Jan 13, 6:30pm at Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th St NW @21CSF @susiecambria

— Ward 2 Ed Network (@Ward2EdNetwork) January 5, 2015

An interesting find via Hacker News

I found Diary of a little girl in old New York on Hacker News.   The HN comments about the diary are interesting and some provide links to other historical documents.

HSEMA's Geldart staying on

Yay, @DC_HSEMA 's director Chris Geldart is staying on to work in the @MurielBowser administration!

— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) January 3, 2015

January 6, 2015: DC Council leg meeting

The DC Council will hold the first Legislative Meeting of CP 21 Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber.   If you can't make it to the Wilson Building, you can watch the meeting streaming live.

Bunn enters race for empty Ward 8 seat

Sheila Bunn former Gray staffer told me today she's running for the Ward 8 DC council seat @wusa9 @SEDCScoop pic.twitter.com/rbC3M7J2O6

— bruce johnson (@brucejohnson9) January 2, 2015

@mikedebonis It's official! N honor of my dad & the ward that raised me I'm ready 2 continue 2 fight 4/on behalf of the Great Ward 8. #Ward8

— SBunn for Ward 8 (@SBunnWard8) January 3, 2015

@brucejohnson9 @wusa9 @SEDCScoop It's official Bruce! #SheilaBunnforWard8 is ready to continue to work for my Ward. pic.twitter.com/hDSH0z5LVg

— SBunn for Ward 8 (@SBunnWard8) January 3, 2015

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The January 2, 2015 DCR Storified

Bowser, Henderson and Lanier on Meet the Press Jan. 5

We'll have a special panel of the 3 women who run DC: Mayor @MurielBowser, Chief Lanier & Chancellor @HendersonKaya. pic.twitter.com/DRmnbnJcSy

— Meet the Press (@meetthepress) January 2, 2015

TA: Start the year off right. Mastering the thank you.

Whenever you feel appreciation for people, let them know. That’s it. Just do it.

Read more about thanking people for their help, commitment, passion, support (fill in the blank): Sheila B Robinson on the Importance of Saying Thank You.

For a local example of how an organization has shown its thanks to donors, check out A great way to use Twitter.