Volume 3 Issue 6                                                                                                                                                                         February 25, 2017
Letter from Laurie
Dear Friend,

Reflecting on our history as a city and nation, often cultivates a deeper appreciation for the heroes and sheroes whose sacrifices paved the way for today's opportunities. It is also a reminder of our collective responsibility to advance their work for the next generation.

In the past two months, our nation has embarked upon the Civil Rights Movement of the 21st Century. We cannot go forward - divided across racial, ethnic, and gender lines - until we recognize that we are all Americans. 

Despite the divisive policies of the current presidential administration, I am proud that New Yorkers remain united against Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, sexism, and will continue to uphold human rights for all -  including members of the LGBTQ community and gender non-confirming individuals. We will not stand for injustice.  

The 35th Council District is home to a diverse population of New Yorkers whose contributions are invaluable. I am proud to represent the neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant. 

This Thursday, I invite you to join us for "Imagining the Future of Crown Heights through the Eyes of our Youth," which will be an inter-generational panel discussion about the issues and opportunities in Crown Heights, focusing on the youth perspective. This will be an interactive event where parents, children, and young adults can share their thoughts and exchange ideas on the community, Additionally, there will be performances by local youth groups. I encourage you to attend as a family. 

SAVE THE DATE: District 35 Participatory Budgeting Vote Week is March 27 - April 2, 2017.  This year, we have nine projects ranging from improvements in schools, housing, MTA, and streets on the    ballot.  You can vote for up to four projects.  Projects that receive the largest amount of votes will receive capital funding! We are seeking outreach volunteers, poll site workers, data entry assistants, interpreters and translators now through March! All ages 13 and up are welcome to come out and volunteer.

Your input and continued engagement is essential to our progress as a district, city, and state. I hope that you will continue to work collaboratively with my office, exchanging ideas and solutions that will propel us forward and upward. 

Yours in Partnership,
Laurie A. Cumbo
Member of the New York City Council
Legislative Updates
The following bills were introduced or co-sponsored by Council Member Cumbo:
  1. Int  1295: Requiring the dept of cultural affairs to publish information on percent for art projects.* (enacted)
  2. Int 1290: Percent for art advisory panel.(enacted)
  3. Int  1296: Percent for art program 
    ( enacted ) 
  4. Int  1297: Outreach and education regarding public art opportunities. (enacted)
  5. Int  1420: Regulating the use of conducted electrical weapons by the NYPD.*
  6. Int 1449: Naming of 40 thoroughfares and public places, Reverend John Pratt Way.* (enacted, pending Mayor's signature)
  7. Int 1469: Requiring that city-owned buildings and spaces with specific occupancy classifications contain lactation rooms.*
  8. Int  
    1470
    : Establishing an office to prevent gun violence.*
  9. Res 0104:  Require the Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in NYC to issue regular reports on batterer intervention programs. (adopted)
*Council Member Cumbo is the prime sponsor.
Announcements
  1. The Department of Small Business Services'  Neighborhood 360° Fellows program aims to build a network of innovative community revitalization leaders in New York City. The ten-month program pairs community-based organizations with dynamic organizers who take a cross-sector approach to community action. Fellows take on projects that benefit local organizations, businesses, and jobseekers while gaining diverse, on-the-ground experience in economic development, neighborhood planning, needs assessment, and government-community collaboration.
     
    Applications are now open  to be a Neighborhood 360° fellow. Want to learn more about the types of projects a fellow will assist an organization to complete and how to apply? Sign up to attend an information session that will provide an in-depth explanation of fellow requirements, examples of past and upcoming fellows' projects, and a detailed overview on the application and selection process.
     
    ------------------------------
     
    The Department of Small Business Services offers workshops and webinars for staff and board members of community-based organizations on how to manage a nonprofit organization and execute organizational goals. The interactive training opportunities are designed to expose nonprofit leaders and professionals of Community-Based Development Organizations to essential knowledge for nonprofit management and commercial revitalization strategies, and offer opportunities to engage in group activities to brainstorm best practices. Sign up for an upcoming workshop on our Eventbrite page .
  2. The NYC Neighborhood Library Awards is seeking nominations from library patrons across the city. Six winning library branches will receive $20,000 each to use at their discretion. As a community, we can support our local libraries by submitting a nomination online at www.nyclibraryawards.org/nominate/ or in person at any library branch. Nomination forms are available in ten languages and will be accepted until March 13 th.
Upcoming Deadlines: Grants, Housing, Internships, Programs, Scholarships
  1. Friday, March 3: Ladders for Leaders Program
  2. Monday, March 13: 1040 Dean Street Brooklyn, NY (Crown Heights)
  3. Monday, March 13: Summer Aspire Program
  4. Tuesday, March 14: 38 Sixth Avenue Brooklyn, NY (Prospect Heights)
  5. Friday, March 17: Summer Youth Employment Program  
  6. Friday, March 17: Department of Design and Construction Summer Internship Program
  7. Friday, March 17: Free Summer Program at Brooklyn Children's Museum
  8. Monday, March 20: Free Summer STEM Program
  9. Tuesday, March 28: 86 Fleet Place Brooklyn, NY (Downtown Brooklyn)
  10. Saturday, April 15: Brooklyn Navy Yard Summer Internship Program
  11. No Deadline Listed: Girls Who Code Free Summer Immersion Program
 
Connect with Cumbo
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In this Issue
Get Connected to District 35
Are you searching for employment or grants? Wondering about the film or TV production crew on your block? Feel free to visit our blog for more information.
Cumbo in the News
World Hijab Day
On February 1st, we celebrated World Hijab Day. It was an honor to stand proudly with my Muslim family here on the steps of City Hall as well as my Muslims sisters, brothers, and friends worldwide. I thank you for your beauty, wisdom and love for all.
Bereavement Notices
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the affected family and friends. 
 
Doris Bell
Harvey Lichtenstein

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Well Wishes
On behalf of the 35th Council District, I would like to applaud these individuals and institutions on their continued success.
 
Rosemonde Pierre-Louis
Michael Lambert
Pastor Roger Wade
Pastor Richard Bryant
Copyright © 2017. 
 Office of New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo. All Rights Reserved.