Policy/Advocacy

The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

PO Box 51243
Boston, MA 02205

Phone: 

(617) 684-5736

Email: 

massachusetts@chapters.glsen.org

Website: 

http://glsen.org/chapters/massachusetts

Mission: 

 

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is a national organization making schools safer for ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, we work to educate teachers, students, and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike.

We recognize that forces such as racism and sexism have similarly adverse impacts on communities, and we support schools in seeking to redress all such inequities. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community.

We welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools.

GLSEN Massachusetts (formerly GLSEN Boston) has been serving Eastern Massachusetts for over 15 years. In the past three years alone, we have trained 1100 youth, 1200 teachers, and 45 schools whose classrooms include more than 13,000 students. Our work focuses on three overarching goals: programming, advocacy, and community organizing.

Mass. Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC)

Phone: 

617-778-0519

Email: 

info@masstpc.org

Website: 

masstpc.org

Mission: 

 

Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is an advocacy, education, and community-building organization that works to end discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.  This includes working towards the empowerment of all persons who have been, are being, or might be deprived of equal rights and/or fair treatment because of their gender expression or identity. MTPC is a fiscally sponsored 501c3 non-profit with one full-time staff, active Board, dedicated volunteers, and statewide chapters. MTPC does not engage in campaign or electoral politics.

The Theater Offensive

Phone: 

(617) 661-1600

Email: 

info@thetheateroffensive.org

Website: 

thetheateroffensive.org

Mission: 

 

The Theater Offensive’s mission is to form and present the diverse realities of queer lives in art so bold it breaks through personal isolation and political orthodoxy to help build an honest, progressive community.

PHILOSOPHY

Our work provokes vibrant discussion about the realities of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Through social gatherings, soirees, workshops, and post-show discussions, the organization transcends traditional theater boundaries and opens new avenues of understanding, awareness and inclusion within queer communities as well as outside of them.

Location

565 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 
Created: 
09/13/2012

Hispanic Black Gay Coalition

Phone: 

617-487-HBGC (4242)

Website: 
Mission: 

Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) is one of few non-profit organizations in Boston dedicated to the unique and complex needs of the Black, Hispanic and  Latin@ LGBTQ community. Founded in 2009, we work to inspire and empower Latin@, Hispanic and Black LGBTQ identified individuals to improve their livelihood through activism, education, community outreach, and counseling.

Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) es una Organización en Boston dedicada a server y unir a la comunidad LGBTQ Afro Americana y Latina. Trabajamos para inspirar y fortalecer individuos de la comunidad, LGBTQ Afro Americana y Latinos, para mejorar sus vidas a través del activismo, educación,  y consejeria.

Location

HBGC Boston
485 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02118
United States
Created: 
09/11/2012

Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) Initiative

Phone: 

(617) 534-2304

Fax: 

(617) 534-4688

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Grove Hall Peace Council: Meets last Wednesday of every month, except on holidays, August and December. 
Meets 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Family Resource Room at the Lilia G. Fredrick Pilot Middle School. For further info contact Nicole N. Flynt at Project R.I.G.H.T. (617)-541-5454 ext 105

Bowdoin Geneva VIP: Meets 1st Wednesday of every month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Bowdoin Street Health Center. Call Susan Young, Bowdoin/Geneva VIP coordinator at (617) 754-0023 for more information or email Syoung4@bidmc.harvard.edu.

Mission: 

The Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) Initiative aims to prevent violence and promote positive youth development in the City of Boston through a commitment to active and genuine collaboration between youth, residents, community organizations, and city agencies. VIP seeks to implement conflict resolution and peer mediation skills training in schools and community centers, develop a youth-driven social marketing campaign, support community mobilization efforts in five high-need neighborhoods, and ensure access to out-of-school time opportunities for youth.

The neighborhoods are: Bowdoin St. / Geneva Ave.; Grove Hall; Morton St. / Norfolk St.; Orchard Gardens and ----? 

Location

BPHC Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative
1010 Massachusetts Avenue 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
United States
Key Partners: 

City of Boston, Boston Public Health Commission, Bowdoin Street Health Center (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center), Dorchester Safe Neighborhood Initiative (SNI), 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Contact the Office of Neighborhood Services to learn about Violence Prevention in your community. 

Do you want to get your child into safe after school programs?

Are you concerned about a student who is skipping school or has dropped out?

Are you looking for a job for youth or adults?

Do you need health insurance, want to find a doctor or have a health question?

  • Call The Mayor's Health Line  at 617-534-5050. We speak your language and the call is confidential.

Do you want to make your streets clean and safe?

Do you want help with a tight budget?

  • If you are at risk for homelessness or if you are having trouble providing food for your household, call the Shelter Commission at (617)-635-4507.
  • If you are at risk of having no heat in your home, call the No Heat Line at (617)-635-5322.
  • If you are a homeowner facing foreclosure on your home, contact theDepartment of Neighborhood Development at (617)-635-3880
  • If you are a renter and are having major difficulties with your landlord, contact the Rental Housing Resource Center at (617)-635-4200
  • If you need help with your taxes, call Boston Tax Help at 617-918-5275
Key Programs Offered: 
  • Neighborhood Peace Councils: Residents can join with local business, community leaders and city department staff to identify and address safety concerns
  • BPHC youth development specialists in each neighborhood assist w/ the coordination of social support services for youth and their families
  • Health Centers in targeted communities serve as nexuses for anti-violence programming
  • Liasions at various city departments respond to identified community concerns.
Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Created: 
05/17/2011

Boston Community Partnerships for Children

Phone: 

(617) 635-6538

Fax: 

(617) 635-6519

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

                      Contact Coordinator

Mission: 

The Boston Community Partnerships for Children exists to ensure access to a high quality early educational experience, regardless of setting, for all of Boston's children and their families.

The Boston Community Partnerships for Children works to ensure that parents and families of children ages 0-8 have access to quality child care. Community Partnerships brings together all sectors (center based, family child care, head start and public schools) of the early childhood community in Boston to make child care better and more affordable.

Currently, the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) funds the work of the Community Partnerships program through annual grants. Boston uses its annual grant to improve the quality of care offered by participating providers. All providers are welcome to join their neighborhood cluster and participate.

Location

Boston Community Partnerships for Children
443 Warren Street Suite 4
Dorchester, MA 02121
United States
Key Partners: 

Boston’s CPC Governing Council has 28 members who are representatives of parents, public schools, Head Start Programs, private center-based preschool programs, family childcare systems and independent providers, and community based organizations. The Boston Public Schools is the fiscal lead agent for the partnership.

Boston Public Schools, Fiscal Agent; ABCD, Associated Early Care and Education, Boston Alliance for Early Education, Boston Association for the Education of Young Children, Child Care Choices of Boston, College Bound Dorchester, Countdown to Kindergarten, East Boston Social Centers, Head Start (East Boston, South Side), Old South Preschool, Parent-Child Home Program, ReadBoston, more.

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

----------

Key Programs Offered: 

Neighborhood Cluster Agents: Local planning and coordination are critical components to our work. Since Boston is a large city with various needs in each neighborhood, we have created Neighborhood-based clusters. At the cluster level, one agency serves as neighborhood cluster agent and convenes meetings, coordinates cluster plans and activities, represents the cluster at citywide Community Partnerships Council Meetings, reports back to cluster members on citywide programs and activities, and acts as business agent for the cluster. 

Dorchester
Neighborhood Cluster Agent: Mary Kinsella 
Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester
1135 Dorchester Avenue - Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: (617) 288-7120 

Mattapan
Neighborhood Cluster Agent: Lillie Searcy
Mattapan Family Service Center 
535 River Street
Mattapan, MA 02126
Phone: (617) 298-1785 x201 
Fax: (617) 298-6902

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

Boston CPC

Created: 
05/04/2011

Partnerships Advancing Communities Together (PACT)

Phone: 

(617) 748-3100 OR (617)343-4410

Mission: 

The mission of PACT is to increase community safety in neighborhoods by developing a comprehensive strategy that improves collaboration and effectiveness among public safety agencies, city agencies, state agencies, social service

In July 2010, the City of Boston announced its new initiative to combat gang violence by working with the families and neighbors of the area’s most dangerous offenders. Partnerships Advancing Communities Together, also known as Boston PACT, arose out of the increase in random, senseless youth violence where more and younger innocent bystanders were being shot and killed in Boston. PACT has identified 200 to 300 of the city’s some 3,500 gang affiliates, and has distributed the list of high-risk individuals to law enforcement and social service agencies so that the groups can work together to support the individuals, their family members and neighborhoods. The hope is that, through social and financial support, the community along with city, state and federal officials can provide incentive to draw people out of gangs or keep them from joining in the first place. 

Key Partners: 
  • Boston Police Department
  • Boston Public Schools
  • Boston Public Health Commission
  • Boston Center for Youth and Families
  • Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
  • Executive Office of Health and Human and Services (EOHHS)
  • Department of Youth Services
  • Mayor's Office
  • Governor's Office
  • Suffolk District Attorney's Office
  • United States Attorney's Office
  • Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS)
  • Probation
Key Programs Offered: 
Youth Outreach
  • 90% of youth identified by BPD as most likely to be a victim or perpetrator of a violent crime are connected to a trained youth worker
  • Targeted outreach focused on PACT youth who are attending an educational program, participating in job training or working.
  • Initial efforts to identify and support younger siblings of PACT youth

Community Safety Task Forces

  • Academy/Bromley/Egleston
  • Dudley Square
  • Grove Hall
  • South End
  • Washington Street Corridor

Other Resources
– Housing
– Training capability
– Funds for programs and activities
– Specialists / technical assistanc 

Created: 
04/29/2011

Haitian American Public Health Initiatives

Phone: 

(617) 298-8076

Fax: 

(617) 296-1570

Website: 
Mission: 

HAPHI is a minority run, non-profit agency dedicated to providing members of the Haitian-American community in Metro Boston with culturally and linguistically accessible information and services to improve their health and wellbeing. Located in Mattapan, HAPHI was founded in 1989 by a group of Haitian-American health care professionals to address pressing public health issues confronting Boston's Haitian community. HAPHI has grown tremendously and today provides a comprehensive range of prevention, education, and direct service programs to Haitian-Americans from the greater metropolitan area of Boston. Several of its programs serve Haitian Americans throughout New England.

Location

1464 Blue Hill Ave
Mattapan, MA 02126
United States
Key Partners: 

 

New Routes/Twa Zanmi

The Twa Zanmi (Three Friends) Project brings together three partners to address stigma associated with mental illness in the Haitian community. The partners include the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), a joint program of the University of Massachusetts Boston and the world-renowned Children’s Hospital Boston, the Haitian American Public Health Initiative (HAPHI) and Camera Mosaique, a weekly educational TV Show produced by the Haitian Media Network. Twa Zanmi is conceived as a community-directed television program) that will follow the lives of three recent Haitian immigrants who experience depression and anxiety as a result of relocation and the accompanying social isolation, loss of identity, and separation from family and friends.

Mutual Assistance Association (MAA Coalition)
The MAA coalition is made up of over 12 Community Based Minority Organizations. The mission of the coalition is to promote solidarity and collaboration among grassroots Community Based Minority Organizations (Combs) serving refugees and immigrants to provide and strengthen a voice for these communities in Massachusetts.  The MAA Coalition is committed to advocating for their communities through capacity building,  leadership development, and addressing needs through the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

Key Programs Offered: 

 

English as a Second Language (ESL)
The adult Education Program currently serves 40 students in any given day through 2 classes from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The low intermediate level meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the intermediate level meets Tuesday and Thursday. The lack of available adult education classes is very obvious in Mattapan. The Adult Education Program emphasizes the establishment of linkages with local adult education and skills training programs, employers, colleges and universities, to ensure a continuum of services for learners and to facilitate "next steps" for program graduates. This includes developing referral relationships and formal collaborations.

Citizenship project
Currently HAPHI is providing citizenship classes on Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The current citizenship class has a bilingual curriculum that includes a naturalization process overview and units on personal, application, and general questions; American History; Government; Elected Officials; how to fill out the N400 application form; the interview process; and civic participation. 

HAPHI assists students through the entire process providing class instruction,  advocacy with the INS or referral to legal services, and mock interview tutoring. Student materials include a bilingual textbook, N400 application forms, and an interview practice audiotape. We encourage students to be independent and take charge of their naturalization. In class, students are instructed on how to complete the N-400 application forms and then they fill out their own N-400's. Audiotapes make it possible for students to practice at home on their own.

Civic Engagement Initiative (CEI)
The goal of CEI is to integrate voter education into HAPHI’s current programs, register participants to vote; solicit volunteers to conduct Voter registration drives; design neighborhood campaign; hold workshops on voting and educate on why it is important to vote; conduct drives at supermarkets, stores, intersections and community events; and continue to recruit and train volunteers. The project also provides training for community residents, staff and volunteers on civic engagement during annual meeting.

Program to Enhance Elder Services (PEERS)

PEERS Program conducts community outreach, advocacy, referral and others education and support services for elders. The overall program objectives are to strengthen the existing coordination and collaboration between refugee and elder services providers in Boston to address unmet needs of refugees and asylees  60 years of age or older who have not yet attained citizenship status. 

Services Objectives:

  • To identify refugee elders who have lost, are at risk of losing, or are ineligible for SSI and/or other federal benefits;
  • To assess their service needs;
  • To develop individualized service plans in conjunction with these refugees;
  • To provide them with transitional social services including access to emergency food, shelter and medical care as needed;
  • To promote intergeneration  connection between refugee elders and their grandchildren;
  • To link the refugee elders to employment and volunteer opportunities that promote leadership and enhance independent living;
  • To refer them to other needed services; and,
  • To provide them with naturalization services in order to maintain their eligibility for benefits and address long-term self-sufficiency nee

MA Medicare/Medicaid Outreach and Education (MORE) Program 
The program is designed to improve access to quality health care services among limited English proficiency (LEP) Haitian elders by increasing knowledge, awareness among LEP Haitian elders. The general goal of the program is to make hard to reach LEP Haitian elders aware of their eligibility for benefits and provide them with information about Medicare and Medicaid: abuse, fraud and errors.

Neighborhood Walk Program
The Neighborhood Walk Program is designed to encourage community members to walk together to improve their health.

Food Distribution Services

HAPHI works with Greater Boston Food Bank and provides limited food distribution to its clients and the larger community.

Created: 
04/29/2011

Haitian-Americans United

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

P.O. Box 260440
Mattapan, MA 02126 

Phone: 

(617)298-2976

Email: 
Mission: 

The Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) is a non-profit organization founded in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to improve the quality of life for Haitians and Haitian-Americans through education, Community Empowerment and cultural development, using an approach where participation and unity are strongly favored.

Location

10 Fairway Street, Suite 218
Mattapan, MA 02126
United States
Key Partners: 

Haitian American Public Health Initiatives, 

Key Programs Offered: 

 

Gala Photos

Haitian Independence Day Gala

The Haitian Independence Day Gala is an annual event organized by the Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) 

[More]


Gala Photos

Toussaint Louverture Scholarship Fund

Haitian General Louverture (1743- 1803) rose from slavery to become one of the most accomplished military genius and diplomat of his time. This fund helps promising Haitian and Haitian-American students to achieve a higher level of education. 

[More]


Haitian Heritage Month

Haitian Heritage Month

Visit the Haitian Heritage Month website click link below. 

[www.haitianheritagemonth.net]


Flag Photos

Flag Raising Ceremony

Every year on May 18th, the H.A.U. inc. is proud to raise the Haitian flag in front of Boston's City Hall in remembrance of our freedom. 

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Parade Photos

Haitian-American Unity Parade

The Haitian-American Unity Parade is one of several events celebrating the Haitian Heritage Month (May 1-31.) It's a multi-block procession that travels straight up Blue Hill Avenue and ends on Talbot Avenue . 

[More]

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

HAU

Created: 
04/29/2011

Weed and Seed

Mission: 

Weed and Seed, a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), is an innovative, comprehensive multiagency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization. Weed and Seed is foremost a strategy—rather than a grant program—that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang violence.

The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" violent criminals and drug abusers and public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to "seed" much-needed human services, including prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration programs. A community-oriented policing component bridges the weeding and seeding elements. 

Key Partners: 

Dorchester's Weed and Seed Sites:

Grove Hall Safe Neighborhood Initiative (Project RIGHT, Mass Housing, Boston Police District B-2 & additional partners) to reduce crime, improve the quality of life, and to increase the efficiency of local criminal justice operations within the Grove Hall area. Meets 2nd Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Grove Hall Community Center on Geneva Avenue. Contact Michael Kozu (617-541-5454, ext. 5 mkozu@projectright.org) for details. Grove Hall is a graduated Weed and Seed site.

Washington Corridor/Talbot Weed & Seed, Safe Neighborhood Initiative: Washington/Talbot Weed & Seed group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The location changes monthly. Boston Police District B-3 attends these meetings. W&S information is mostly communicated via email. To be added to the email list, contact Paul Malkemes (617-929-0925; paul@tbpm.org).

Created: 
04/12/2011
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