October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month! |
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As virtual school continues and so does everything that comes with it – in-home learning spaces, increased screen time, reconfigured after-school activities, changing social dynamics and parental expectations – navigating the uncertain educational world can be daunting for our youth. If bullying is added to the mix, there could be serious, often life-threatening ramifications. This is why, in 2013, the District put together the Citywide Bullying Prevention Program within the Office of Human Rights. The program, in partnership with Child Trends, aims to reduce incidents of bullying across the city by emphasizing prevention and implementing appropriate procedures when incidents occur. The groundbreaking, citywide approach – moving beyond just in-school policies and procedures – makes it one of the most unique and far-reaching government bullying prevention programs in the nation. You can find helpful tools on our website, there are links to the Know Your Policy portal for parents and guardians, teacher tips, and a best-practices guide to responding to incidents of bullying.
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Trait of the Month: Political Affiliation |
This protected trait makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on belonging to or supporting a political party. For more information or to file a complaint, visit our website; ohr.dc.gov.
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Like every election year, it is critical that you exercise your right to vote. If you have any hesitations about voting during the coronavirus pandemic, you can also vote by mail. According to the DC Board of Elections, all active registered voters will be sent a Mail-In-Ballot at their registered address beginning the first week in October. For more information, click the link below.
This election, DC will be voting for:
- President and Vice President of the United States
- Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the District of Columbia
- At-large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia
- Ward Member of the Council of the District of Columbia (Wards 2, 4, 7 & 8)
- United States Senator
- United States Representative
- At-Large Member of the State Board of Education
- Ward Member of the State Board of Education (Wards 2, 4, 7 & 8)
- Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners
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Become a Human Rights Commissioner! |
Interested in volunteering as a Commissioner on the DC Commission on Human Rights? The Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA) recruits talented and innovative individuals to serve on Boards and Commissions which have key roles in advising District agencies and programs. The DC. Commission on Human Rights currently has vacancies for three-year terms. |
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) |
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DVAM is a chance to raise awareness of the issues of relationship violence and to work on preventing the harm from it. The DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV), an organization focused on ensuring that domestic violence is eliminated in the District, commemorates DVAM each October through their Spread Love DC campaign, which sparks conversations about healthy relationships and engages young people, community leaders and advocates in crucial prevention work to end violence before it even begins . Be sure to get involved by spreading the word, wearing purple (October 22nd) or by attending virtual and distanced events. The public health emergency imposes a new set of difficulties for victims/survivors of violence; DCCADV has compiled COVID-19 resources for victims/survivors and their families. Click the link button below for more information.
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Last year, the DC Council voted to have Columbus Day renamed to Indigenous Peoples Day to combat the misleading narrative that Columbus "discovered" the New World. Celebrate this year on October 12th! |
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Dear DC Residents, Stakeholders and Partners,
I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits. We are now seven months into this public health emergency and wanted to commend you all for doing your part by staying home, wearing your masks, and practicing social distancing. As the season changes, it is important to take care of yourself. Visit coronavirus.dc.gov for useful information and resources.
Among the many areas to promote awareness and observe this month, we are also still celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which extends through October 15. As a Latina, I am excited to see the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs celebrate by highlighting Latinx people throughout DC government on their social media platforms. As a first-generation resident, it is inspiring to see so many Latinx colleagues working to make a difference in our communities. #SomosLatinosinDCGov!
Additionally, I am very encouraged by Mayor Muriel Bower's commitment to building a more inclusive city. She recently awarded $2.4 million in grants under the Immigrant Justice Legal Services (IJLS) grant program, providing funding in FY21 to 19 community-based organizations providing legal assistance and services to immigrants living in the District.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, DC!
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Michelle M. Garcia, Interim Director
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DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov
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