The Chinatown Coalition (TCC) is a community coalition whose goal is to integrate public and private resources to strengthen families and neighborhoods by coordinating the delivery of services, and convening community stakeholders to address the issues that impact the health and quality of life in the Chinatown and Boston Asian community.

TCC is seeking an experienced community builder with strong communication and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the Asian American and/or Chinatown community, demonstrate strong problem solving skills, a self-starter and team player with the ability to meet multiple deadlines and facilitate relationships with multiple stakeholders. A B.A. degree in a related field is required with a minimum of 3 years experience in community-based work. This position is part-time with the potential to become full-time if funding allows. The full job description is posted here.

Please send cover letters and resumes by September 24 to:
The Chinatown Coalition
C/O Boston Chinese Evangelical Church
249 Harrison Ave. Boston, MA 02111
jobs@tccboston.org

Team HBV at Harvard recently launched The Liver Health Project (TLHP) and is teaming up with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England, Harvard Medical School Students, and physicians from three leading Boston hospitals to coordinate a joint effort to screen Asian patients for hepatitis B (HBV). Quest Diagnostics is also supporting The Liver Health Project by providing the diagnostic testing services needed to screen for the disease free of charge.

WHO: Team HBV at Harvard

Quest Diagnostics

Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA)

Physicians from Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital

Harvard Medical School Students

WHEN: Saturday, August 7, 2010

10:00am – 2:00pm

WHERE: Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA)

90 Tyler Street

Boston, MA 02111

WHY: Hepatitis B (HBV), one of the leading causes of liver cancer, is known to disproportionally affect Asian-Americans. In fact, as many as 1 in 10 Asian Americans is infected with hepatitis B.  This disparity is clear in the Boston Public Health Commission’s recent statistics indicating Asian-Americans represent 50% of new chronic hepatitis B cases, but only 10% of the total population in Boston. Hepatitis B is also a global health concern, with approximately 350 million people worldwide living with a chronic infection of the disease.

For more information on the screening program, please visit here or contact harvard@teamhbv.org.

TCC Meeting Notes: Thursday, July 8, 2010

9:30 AM, meeting at BCNC, 4^th floor conference room.

Attendees: Aaron Michlewitz, Barbara Rubel, Chien-Chi Huang, Chin-Wen Lee, Chutze Chou, David Sokoler, Debbie Ho, Elaine Ng, Enoch Liao, Fred Bennett, Howard (Sampan), Janice Wong, Kate Chang, Kenny Wong, Megan Cheung, Nancy Eng, Natalie Ornell, Pamela Lee, Samuel Tsoi, Shawn Ta, Sherry Dong, So Yee, Sunny Schwartz

I. Refreshments, Welcome, Introductions

II. A-WAY (Allies Working with Asian-American Youth), Shawn Ta, Vicky Yue

-          Currently in process of strategic planning. Organizations active in A-WAY include AACA, CPA, CSO, Capay, ATASK, PBHA, BCNC, and others mentioned at meeting.

-          Received a grant for technical assistance from Boston Capacity Tank to re-evaluate mission, goals, and values to better reach Asian Pacific Islanders youth in Chinatown & greater Boston.

-          Meets 3^rd Thursday of the month at BCNC

-          Hoping Executive Directors can support youth workers

-          Get list of groups for A-WAY and their list-serv for TCC

III. Organizational Update: Chinatown Main Street, Debbie Ho

-          Employ only 1 person (Executive Director), the rest are volunteers.

-          Reported on business growth in Chinatown. 300 businesses today compared to 170 businesses in 1998.

-          Programs

• Program to improve storefront by using federal funds to match $2500 for approved projects
• Programs to keep Chinatown streets clean
• Host Chinatown Main Street Festival on Sunday, July 11

Working with city & BRA to install Chinatown map kiosk in Philips Square area of Harrison Ave.

IV. State Representative Aaron Michlewitz

-          To inform Representative of events or issues, contact Blake Weber at (617) 722-2488.

-          District rep for 10 neighborhoods, including Boston & Chinatown.

-          Legislative highlights:

• Passed Education Reform bill, positioned ourselves for funds for Obama’s Race to the Top program
• Passed Green Ticket Bill which gives cities/towns abilities to collect fines for unpicked up trash on property by rolling unpaid fines onto property tax bill for following year.

-          Legislative goals:

• Passing bilingual ballots
• Proud we turned in a balanced budget, even though we had to cut so much
• Look at health care cost containment for small businesses now that SBs mandated to provide insurance for full time workers. Considering plan where SBs can apply for group insurance.

-          On Casinos: I voted in favor. Ran campaign on the phrase “Not automatic ‘no’” because sees we’re in a revenue crisis. Gambling in our culture is unavoidable. MA residents spend money gambling in other states then come back to MA and we bear social costs. Trying to recoup those costs.

-          Wants to be accessible to citizens, be a regular presence in neighborhoods

V. Announcements, Updates, and Kaffeeklatsch

A. Preview of next meeting’s topics: No August meeting for TCC.

B. Other Announcements

-          Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE) 18^th Annual Meeting & Dinner on Friday, September 24, 6-9pm @ China Pearl.

-          USCIS National Children’s Art Project depicting theme “We Are America”. For more info see http://www.uscis.gov/childrensartproject.

-          Janice Wong, Tisch Scholar, announced this was her last meeting for her year as a Tisch Scholar, and another student may be joining TCC meetings in the future. She also made these announcements:

Request for Applications to be a Host Site for CPS Scholars

The CPS (Citizenship and Public Service) Scholars program is a leadership development program for undergraduate students at Tufts University. The program brings selected Tufts students into the community to work on projects at nonprofits, schools and government agencies. The CPS Scholars program is a flagship program of the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service. An ideal Scholar project addresses a community identified need, has a begin/end date, and is a learning opportunity about community work. Deadline for proposals has been extended to JULY 15, 2010. Please see attached documents and contact Melissa.Defreece@tufts.edu for more information.

The Asian American Resource Workshop is now accepting submissions for the 2010 Boston Asian American Film Festival!

The 2010 Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF) is dedicated to supporting Asian American films, filmmakers and audiences through opportunities to educate, interact, and engage the Greater Boston community with content relevant to Asian American community and culture. We are seeking narratives, dramas, comedies, shorts, documentaries, animations, music videos and experimental films.

The 2010 Boston Asian American Film Festival will be held in late October/early November 2010.

Early bird Deadline –Friday, July 16, 2010 @ 5:00pm

Regular Deadline –Friday, August 14, 2010 @ 5:00pm

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 9, 2010 @ BCNC 4^th floor Conference Room.

TCC Minutes
Thursday, June 10, 2010
9:30 AM, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, 4th floor conference room

In attendance: Alex Zhang, Barbara Rubel, Chin-Wen Lee, Chutze Chou, David Moy, Enoch Liao, Felix Arroyo, Kate Chang, Kun Chang, Kye Liang, Natalie Ornell, Sherry Dong, Stephanie Chin, Sue Kim, Sunny Schwartz

I. Refreshments, Welcome, Introductions

II. City Councilor Felix Arroyo, at-large city councilor

- Updates:

• Firefighters issue – after 4 years of some worse relations, saw union give back over 40 million.
• Focus on youth & youth development issues. Proud to coach young kids. Seeing programs for youth being cut.
• Focus on libraries, youth, summer jobs.
• Issue on banking. Arroyo believes Boston funds should only go to banks that invest in Boston.
• Coalition starting around asthma.
• Lesson government officials need to learn is not fiscal realities, but making process and timeline more reasonable.

- Hear issues for Chinatown:

• Elderly concerns.

III. Parcel 24 Update, Alex Zhang, Asian Community Development Corporation

- Called in. Prepping to go in and apply for Department Neighborhood Development funding round (just for rentals). Still hoping for 50% affordable. Will go through community again to ask for support.

IV. TCC Staffing Discussion

- Wrote grant to CTF to increase capacity. Elaine wrote grant but some good input from Exec.
- Might delay start to fall, OK’d by Bill Moy.
- Please give Exec input on drafting and structuring staff.
- David Moy’s comments (CTF)

• Money almost gone
• BRA ok’d supporting some EEC and other operational grants with another approx. million dollars.
• Trust probably meets only 2x / year.
• Coming out with proposed RFP for community input

- David Moy’s comments (Hyams)

• Bigger push for broader community-wide partnerships in recent years.
• But Chinatown doing that for years since 1990 but largely unknown by private funding community.
• Encourage Chinatown to go out there.

V. Announcements, Updates, and Kaffeeklatsch

1. Preview of next meeting’s topics
2. Safety Committee (via Barbara Rubel)
3. Other Announcements

• Saturday, June 26, 1-3pm – Final Master Plan meeting to announce results.
• TCC on break in August.

Next meeting: Thursday, July 8, 2010 @ BCNC 4^th floor Conference Room.

Sustainable Chinatown is a new project to advance green building strategies and awareness, promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and improved waste management strategies to Chinatown businesses.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct outreach to Chinatown businesses
• Develop print and electronic marketing materials
• Organize group educational sessions
• Coordinate with green building consultants and Boston Redevelopment Authority experts
• Follow up with businesses one on one to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, or waste management upgrade
• Provide detailed information to businesses on how to make upgrades, rebates, and return on investment benefits
• Track energy saving improvements made by businesses

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bi-lingual English/Chinese required
• Experience working with business community
• Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and/or waste management techniques for buildings

Salary: Approximately $25,000 for half-time position. Health benefits included.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to:

HR Department
Asian American Civic Association
87 Tyler Street, 5th floor
Boston, MA 02111

Email: hr@aaca-boston.org

Asian American Civic Association is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

In attendance: Pamela Lee, Janice Wong, Richard Goldberg, Norman Eng, Kun Chang, Lian Yu, Megan Cheung, Teresa Wong, Alex Zhang, Lisette Le, Sunny Schwartz, Sue Kim, Fiona Yu, Elaine Ng, Kye Liang, Sherry Dong, Dennis Lui, Samuel Tsoi, Steven Chin, Angela Sun, Chutze Chou, Chin-Wen Lee, Kenny Wong

I. Refreshments, Welcome, & Introductions
II. Boston Chinatown Storefront Library, Leslie Davol
-Opening Wednesday, October 14th, 4-6 PM
-Amy Cheung is the day-to-day program manager
-Opens on Thursday, October 15th for regular operations
-Hours of operation are presently Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM to 6 PM and Friday-Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM.
-Interns from the Simmons Graduate School of Library Sciences will be active in the library.
-More information can be found at http://www.storefrontlibrary.org

III. TCC Discussion Topic Brainstorming
-Discussion led by Enoch Liao on the following subjects to be used for future TCC meetings in the next year. Discussion was in the format of speaking in smaller groups for several minutes and then presenting to the full meeting body.

-What are one or two issues you are facing in your work in Chinatown?
• Current economic conditions
• Heath education / outreach
• Being aware of grant opportunities / stimulus $
• Advocating for projects such as a library difficult, funding for such
• Difficulty in recruiting bilingual staff
• Outreaching to Boston residents due to funding considerations
• Customer service on the T
• Effective collaboration to avoid overlap/competition, pooling of resources
• Strategy forums / joint planning
• Going green: Saving energy and providing jobs/training in the sector
• Job training for English learners
• Organizations having a stronger presence in Chinatown

-How could another member of Chinatown or TCC really aid you in your work in Chinatown?
• TCC newsletter for hiring/outreach
• Providing collaboration platform for agencies
• Spreadsheet of training/ESL opportunities / Chinatown Educational Pathway
• Guest speakers from Chinatown
• Physical space
• Coming together and implementing vision
• Participation in each others’ events
• Bringing constituents to the table on issues
• Word of mouth information
• Twitter feed
• Coordinated website
• College access
• 2010 Census (for February, due to forms sent in March)

IV. BCEC and Parcel A Update, Pastor Steven Chin

-Overview of BCEC’s present state. In present building since 1979, which was designed for 250.
-Currently, church is using an Annex, Newton campus, Quincy Elementary School, and Quincy Upper School as additional locations to provide services to more than 1000 church members.
-Received tentative designation from the BRA for an equal land swap with the BRA on Parcel A
-$Current projected building to be a four-story construct, tentatively designed in 2007 with an estimate of $18M budget for overall project.
-$8.4 million in pledges over three years since spring 2009

V. Adult Education and Workforce Development, Richard Goldberg and Sunny Schwartz, AACA

-WIA Formula grants are provided to those in need, dislocated workers, and youth workers (including summer grants), comprising of $2.7B of the stimulus.
-For green jobs, City of Boston applied as a bloc, including AACA, the grant application serving a ‘puma’ district, specifically Blue Hill Avenue.
-AACA has secured grant funding for Boston residents in an English for Employment program that would run Monday – Friday from 1:00-5:00, a total of 540 hours of lessons. It starts November 16th and is SBL 4, for advanced beginner/starting intermediate level of English.
-There are specific trade programs for advanced beginner/starting intermediate English comprehension for office skills, building maintenance, and automotive repair.
-For more information on the training programs, contact Wendy Huang at (617) 426-9492, x251
-Funding was provided to AACA for an employment center that provides services including resume writing and critique and job search classes, which runs until at least October of 2010. For more information, call Elena Kuyun at (617) 426-9294, x218

VI. Announcements, Updates, and Kaffeeklatsch
A. Preview of next meeting’s topics

B. Safety Committee (via Barbara Rubel)

Barbara Rubel not present.

Other announcements:

Sue Kim announced that the Harrison-Albany Strategic Planning Study Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 28th at 6:15 PM @ East Newton Street, the Franklin Square House.

Elaine Ng announced that the 40th Anniversary celebration of BCNC will be held on Saturday, November 7th from 3:30 to 7:00

Kye Liang announced that the Chinatown Master Plan Phase I conclusion meeting will be on Thursday, October 29th at 6:00 PM, to be held at the Metropolitan Building’s Meeting Room.

Angela Sun is seeking community leaders as speakers for monthly training meetings for the directors of Phillips Brooks House Association’s Chinatown programs. Contact asun@fas.harvard.edu.

For information regarding the application process, please send an email request to chinatowntrust@gmail.com.

Funding is limited to one grant in a 12-month period.  Final reports can be submitted with incoming applications from 2008 grantees. 2009 grantees are not eligible to apply.

The deadline is 5 pm on November 6, 2009. Please submit one original and one copy, to

William Moy, Chair

Chinatown Trust Fund Committee

c/o Boston Redevelopment Authority

One City Hall Square

Boston, MA  02201

Please join us for a ceremony celebrating the opening of the Chinatown Storefront Library

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Lion dance, brief remarks, and open house

Chinatown Storefront Library
640 Washington Street
Boston, Massachusetts, 02111

RSVP: info@storefrontlibrary.org or (617) 275-8117

About the project: www.storefrontlibrary.org/about/
Sponsors: www.storefrontlibrary.org/about/sponsors/
–
Chinatown Storefront Library
640 Washington Street Boston MA 02111
(between Essex and Beach Streets)
Newspapers, magazines, books for children and adults, and computers.
Storyhours, author workshops, nature programs, and more.

Regular Hours starting Thursday October 15, through December 2009:
Tuesday – Friday 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

More information and schedule of events: www.storefrontlibrary.org or call (617) 275-8117.

In attendance: Andrea Talis, Sue Kim, Kerry McGowan, Richard Goldberg, Kye Liang, Leslie Davol, Sam Davol, Dennis Lui, Kate Chang, Norman Eng, Lydia Lowe, Samuel Tsoi, Chutze Chou, Barbara Rubel, Janice Wong, Shirley Mark, Enoch Liao, Sherry Dong, Megan Cheung, Chin Wen Lee, Kun Chang, Bill Moy, Kaili Xu

I. Refreshments, Welcome, & Introductions
II. Boston Storefront Library Update, Leslie Davol
-Opening October 15th at Archstone
-Will be at the space that was formerly occupied by the W Hotel staff fair at the base of the Archstone Building on Washington Street, approximately 3,000 square feet in size.
-Library modules presently on display at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
-The workstation area will have Pen Power styluses in order to allow for Chinese input.
-It is examining programs presently such as a story hour run by BCNC.
-Currently accepting donations in the form of both materials and cash, materials in the form of browsable items such as non-fiction, current/recent periodicals, and children’s books.
-Hours are Tuesday to Friday 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
-Details can be found at http://www.storefrontlibrary.org/.

III. H1N1 Information and Discussion, Dr. Shira Doron, M.D. Tufts Medical Center Division of Geographic Medicine & Infectious Diseases

-Large affects people under the age of 24 and persists in warm weather, unlike the typical flu.
-Has a 1-7 day incubation and infects from 1 day before to roughly 7 days after a fever.
-Spreads through respiratory droplets, cough/sneeze (6 foot range), physical contact, and inanimate objects (for a few hours).
-Businesses should prepare contingency plans in case of such absences, update sick policies, and allow parents to stay home with sick children.
-People should stay home until 24 hours after the fever resolves.
-In the workplace, signage/reminders of hygiene etiquette, tissues, no-touch trash receptacles, always-available hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes available to employees can be helpful. Disinfect high-touch areas such as communal computers/phones, elevator buttons, and door handles.
-Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for children, people who work with children, those who are pregnant or over 65. One cannot get the flu from the vaccine, though the safety of the flu vaccine is uncertain.
-The CDC recommends flu vaccines for children over 6 months of age. Expect daily health checks on students. Staff and children should stay home until 24 hours after resolution of the flu. Expect some school closures.

IV. TCC Discussion Topic Brainstorming
-What is important to your organization right now?

Action Item: Postponed until October meeting due to time constraints.

V. Announcements, Updates, and Kaffeeklatsch
A. Preview of next meeting’s topics
B. Safety Committee (via Barbara Rubel)

Other announcements:

-Andrea Talis from Tufts Medical Center announced a Clinic Research Education Day called Aware for All on Saturday, October 3rd, running from 10 AM to 2 PM to be held in the main atrium of Tufts Medical Center at 800 Washington Street. Events include health screenings, workshops, and exhibits. For more information, call (877) 633-4376 or visit http://www.awareforall.org/boston.

-Richard Goldberg of Asian American Civic Association released a ‘final’ draft of English as a Second Language (ESL) opportunities available in Chinatown, the Chinatown Educational Pathway chart.

-Kye Liang announced a Chinatown Master Plan meeting slated for Wednesday, September 30th, to be held from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Metropolitan Meeting Room.

-Flyers were distributed for the 24th Annual Oak Street Fair run by Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, which will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 11 AM to 3 PM. It will be at the Josiah Quincy School Playground and Oak Street. Events include a watermelon eating contest, children’s performances, health/dental screenings, games/activities, and Wally the Green Monster. For more information, call (617) 635-5129 or visit http://www.bcnc.net. In addition, there is a health fair on the same date at 10 AM to 2 PM at the Tufts Medical Center Atrium. Further details will be posted on the TCC website.

Next Meeting: Thursday, October 8, 9:30 AM @ BCNC 4th floor Conference Room

Join us for:
• The opportunity to speak with nurses and physicians and discuss ways to improve your health and the health of your family
• Information on heart disease, eye problems, asthma, high blood pressure and more
• The chance to learn about available job opportunities
• Free health screenings

Saturday, September 26, 2009
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Atrium Lobby
800 Washington Street

Community Health Fair