Some thoughts on redistricting

Redistricting has taken the main stage this past week here in Boston. Here's a quick media re-cap of coverage and then some additional information so you know how you can help. For background information on why redistricting is important and an explanation of the basics, check out Tim Davis' great analysis from over a year ago.

For starters, the key to the coalition's entire is to stand as a unified front to advocate on behalf of multiple communities. To that end, the coalition settled on the theme, "Don't Crack 2, Don't Pack 4," which breaks down to reference the cracking of South End in District 2 and the packing of Black and Latino voters in District 4.


So, now to answer a few questions I've gotten over the past few days.

• Yes, the city council did pass the map filed by Councilor Linehan. 
• Yes, we are encouraging others to call on Mayor Menino to veto the map. 
• Yes, you can help by calling 617-635-4500 or emailing mayor@cityofboston.gov to urge Mayor Menino to VETO the map.
• No, none of the maps submitted by the council come close to truly un-packing district 4 while not cracking district 2.
• No, the proposed map by Councillor Yancey does a weak job of not diluting minority voting strength; while it does continue to pack his very district.
• Yes, the map passed last week by the city council does pack District 4
• Yes, work is underway to research legal options and possible outcomes

 Media Coverage

• Boston Globe Letter to the Editor: Mayor Menino must veto redistricting plan
• Boston Globe's Editorial: Mayor Menino should veto flawed redistricting plan
• BNN News: Advocates Criticize New Boston City Council Map
• Tu Boston: Concejo Municipal aprobó mapa de redistribución distrital 
• WBUR/Radio Boston: Boston City Council Votes On New Redistricting Plan
• Boston Globe: In a 7-6 vote, districts for Boston City Council changed despite fear minority voters will lose clout 
• Boston Herald: Controversial redistricting plan splits City Council
• Univision: Grupos en Boston Rechazan Mapa de Redistribucion Electoral
• Dorchester Reporter: Menino weighs Council's redistricting proposal, notes District 4 'packing'
• South End News:  Communities of Color prepared to sue city over proposed map
• Dorchester Reporter: Threat of lawsuit hangs over City Council redistricting vote

Youth business plan competition sponsored by Brockton Workforce Investment Board

The Brockton Workforce Investment Board is organizing its first Youth Business Plan Competition.

Youth ages 16-21 from Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman can explore starting a business and gain knowledge of entrepreneurship. Cash awards of $100-$500 for winning teams, along with support in launching their business! More information at www.bawib.org or contact Kystel Love at klove@bawib.org.

Deadline for submissions is March 30, however, youth participants are working with adult sponsors and Youthworks staff to develop their plans NOW.

Leadership Development and Civic Engagement Fair

Are you looking for a professional development opportunity or a meaningful opportunity to build relationships with peers from across the city?

Then attend EPIP’s upcoming event showcasing Boston’s various Leadership Development and Civic Engagement Programs to be held at City Year on May 16, 2011. Boston offers a range of leadership development and civic engagement programs. Come hear first hand from the various types of programs in a career fair setting.

Join representatives from the Arts & Business Council's Business on Board program; Boston Cares’ Civic Leadership Institute; Boston Center for Community and Justice’s LeadBoston program; Boston University's Institute for Nonprofit Management and Leadership; the Environmental Leadership Program; the Future Boston Alliance; Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Program & Boston's Future Leaders; and, the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Boston’s Leadership Development and Civic Engagement Fair

Date: Monday, May 16, 2011, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Location: City Year National Headquarters, 287 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

RSVP: alnorthrop@statestreet.com

EPIP Boston (Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy - The Next Generation of Grantmakers)
The goal of EPIP nationally (www.epip.org) is to strengthen the next generation of grantmakers and advance the field of philanthropy. The Greater Boston chapter works toward these goals by sponsoring professional development events and networking opportunities in the local area, hosting monthly lunch discussions, and publishing a regular newsletter with upcoming programs of interest, research from the field, local job opportunities, and news from EPIP national. Recent programs have included: a Career Workshop, a small group discussion on Leadership and Innovation, a Social Entrepreneurship Panel, and a volunteer event at the Greater Boston Food Bank.

URL: http://www.epip.org/networking.php

Boston Public Library Compass Roundtable

You are invited to a Boston Public Library Compass Roundtable

Join a conversation with Boston Public Library staff and learn more about the library’s strategic planning process.

These roundtables are for all residents, citywide, and the conversation is about the whole Boston Public Library, systemwide. Topics include: a review of the Compass process to date, an introduction to the Compass Principles, and an interactive exercise on outcomes.

• Wednesday, June 1, Adams Street Branch, 690 Adams Street in Dorchester, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  
• Monday, June 6, Connolly Branch, 433 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  
• Thursday, June 9, Orientation Room, Central Library in Copley Square, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  

URL: www.bpl.org/compass