Welcome

A statewide coalition is organizing a rally in support of youth jobs on Wed, April 21.  Meet at Government Center at 11:30 am for a rally and march to the state house.  The timing is critical to put pressure on legislators to restore state funding for summer teen jobs programs.  Turnout is key and the goal is 1,000 supporters.  Organize your youth, bring friends, get creative...make your voice heard!

Hear from State Representatives Gloria Fox and Marie St Fleur how we can advocate more effectively for the continued health and well being of our communities. 
Tues, April 20 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Twelfth Baptist Church, 160 Warren Street in Roxboury.  With the legislature preparing a budget with more than $1 billion in cuts, the services we rely on for our communities to function - schools, libraries, youth programs, summer jobs, public transit - are all facing substantial cuts.  Flyer attached.

Boston Capacity Tank youth conference will take place on Monday, May 24 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm at Northeastern University.  The purpose of the conference is networking, learning about best practicies for positive youth outcomes, and accessing tools and resources useful to work with youth.  Additional details are available from the "Listen to Truth, Learn to Solve" conference website.

The Boston Ten Point Coalition is sponsoring a conference at UMass Boston on April 24, 8-4:00 with free lunch. Thirty-five churches (committed, with 16 more possibles) will be coming together to learn about "Resurrecting Our Future" in regards to highest-risk youth in the city and what churches can do on their own and with community partners to stem the violence. Public invited. It will be held in the Campus Center. Contact 617-524-4331 for further information.

ABCD 2010 Summerworks Kickoff event - Thursday, April 15 from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.  See flyer for details.
** To participate as a resource table, contact Josi Chapman, chapman@bostonabcd.org.

The Boston Youth Service Network monthly meeting is Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 pm.  We are meeting at 555 Amoery Street in Jamaica Plain, near the Green Street T stop (PIC Office).  The agenda includes an update on advocacy meetings, discussion around implementing a recently awarded Hyams grant to support public policy and youth engagement work, and planning for the May 19 youth voices showcase.  Please confirm you will attend (heidi@bysn.org or 617-488-1348).  Lunch will be available.

Youth Transitions Task Force is scheduled to meet on Fri, April 16 from 8:30-10:30 am at PIC Jamaica Plain office (555 Amory).  The meeting will feature a presentation of the newly released report on teen pregnancy and dropping out.  Expecting Success: How Policymakers and Educators can Help Teen Parents Stay in School includes research and recommendations.  There will also be an update on the Circle of Promise, Re-Engagement Center and new programming initiatives.  Contact Kathy Hamilton, Youth Transitions Director, with questions or to RSVP (kathy.hamilton@bostonpic.org). 

Teen Empowerment's 18th Annual Youth Peace Conference will take place on Sat, May 8 at the Jeremiah Burke High School, from 12 Noon to 4:30 pm.  They hope you consider using the conference as an opportunity for your students  to learn about important social issues and gain a deeper understanding about their lives and how they can improve their school and community.  Contact Teen Empowerment about how to involve your students (Sheri Bridgeman at Sheri@teenempowerment.org or 617-442-4684).