MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION 12114/00

George Pillsbury (Boston VOTE), Trinh Nguyen (Office of New Bostonians), Felix Arroyo Jr. (Councilor Chuck Turner's.office), Gibran Rivera (La Alianza Hispana), Malia Lazu (Boston VOTE), Madhulika Khandelwal (UMass Boston), Tom Louie (Massachusetts English Plus), Rev. Che~g Imm Tan (Office of New Bostonians), Steve Meacham (City Life), Hiep Chu (NCAS), Kathy Brown (Boston Tenant Coalition), Lydia Lowe (Chinese Progressive Association), Amy Leung (Chinese Progressive Association), Evonne Yang (Chinese Progressive Association)

1. General Discussion The Coalition will focus on more immediate issues of the language barrier and other access barriers, with a long term goal of social change. Redistricting - Census 2000 information will be available online 4/01. This data will be used for redistricting, which Boston VOTE is working on. As almost everyone in the coalition does work in areas that will be affected by redistricting, we will discuss this further in January.

2. Updates Community Hearings- Originally, Boston VOTE, La Alianza Hispana, and Councilor Turner were talking with Councilor Feeney and working to hold hearings in January about voter access (language and cultural barriers, lack of candidate choice, why people don't vote, etc.) Because of the City Counc~ 's schedule, the hearings will be postponed until Marh 1, 2001. There is potential to expand the hearings to other communities (ie Chinatown), CPA can pull this together. CPA will work with Boston VOTE, La Alianza Hispana, and any others on this issue. There was some discussion on expanding the scope of hearings to include focus groups throughout the City. The Office of New Bostonians is currently doing a voter survey which includes random phone calls, focus groups, and interviews with community workers; they will target the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Haitian communities. The data will be used to calculate the t percentage increase in voter turnout, to document effective strategies in increasing voter turnout, to document voting efforts and civic participation, and to make recommendations on increasing civic participation. Proposal Points- Nicolas and Kathy met to discuss the proposal framework and project mechanisms, and Kathy presented some questions to the coalition that we need to discuss at the next meeting: -need to find the main language groups in the city to have interpreters on-call . -plan for special arrangements for other language groups as needed -consider expanding translation to other meetings, such as pubHc health, zoning, etc. -ideally identify a qualified person to coordinate and maintain within each body needing translation (City Council, etc.) -consider translators-- certified? draw from CBO's and train them? -written materials translated at hearings? This seems to be a big step -- maybe further down the road? what is currently realistic and useful? -consider the mechanisms needed: ordinance? executive order? lawsuit? etc. There will be public accommodation issues (Civil Rights issues) Also, who/what body will monitor compliance? handle complaints? how about the ADA act/sign language? Talking with the City- There is a need for interpreters in City departments, but it is difficult to document the precise numbers. Need data for how often translation is needed, what languages, etc. A possibility is to push the City to purchase one or two sets of translation equipment as a pilot, and see how many departments request interpreters. This would help document the need for the interpreter system. Tom, Evonne, and Cheng Imm will meet with Ann Hess (Chief of Staff, Boston City Council) and Councilor Turner's office to discuss the interpreter system, and the planned rewiring of the Council Chamber to see if it is feasible to install wiring needed for the interpreter system at the same time. We might consider pushing for both portable and permanent systems.

NEXT MEETING: JANUARY 11, 12:00-2:00, at CPA. The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increased political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, with a long term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of miltilingual ballots and access t0 the political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registration and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities. Our immediate focus is to advocate that a simultaneous interpreter system be made available at public meetings of the City Council, School Committee, and other agencies of the City of Boston to allow immigrant communities a voice in public policy.

NEXT MEETING: January 11, 2001; 12:00-2:00 at the Chinese Progressive Association lunch provided, small dontion requested to cover food costs

AGENDA:

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Discussion on redistricting

3. Discussion on translation system proposal

4. Brief updates on other work areas Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 5:52:18 PM From: Pittsburghsports Subj: update for sound system To: MAEngPius

Tom,. tJ I just got another call from Terry Hanr;~ey. Based on his preliminary research, he thinks that a portable system is more feasible and practical. He has found a combination that would allow for 8-1 0 languages to be translated simultaneously on a transmitter to receivers (like the portable system we discussed today) for a similar cost to the figures this morning. He recommended that we consider using rechargable batteries, which run approx $10 per battery This will save $$ in the long run, he doesn't think we need the infrared system. The permanent system is more difficult logistically. There are sound clarity problems b/c interpreters will not be able to move around, and there will most likely not be an isolation booth. He thinks that we can purchase a "bay station" which will hook up to the existing Chamber sound system. This station can transmit to interpreters, and can also serve those who are hard of hearing. Terry didn't give many details for this, as it would be expensive and he thinks it is impractical.

/..- ~ w ] t«r·~·r11 ekt4~~ ~11 d ~~ L.. ~L.t.R ~ sew~ ;..... ~ ~ ~·d In City Council City of Boston

Order of Councillors Chuck Turner and Charles YanceY, DAVIS-MULLEN, HONAN, HENNIGAN, ROACHE, SCAPIC CHIO, RO SS J a nuary 30. 2001

\VHEREAS: Yotebiegistration and vot~r participation rates have fallen across the city of Boston in every neighborhood o,·cr the course of the last th irty years; . ' and · ) .i WHEREAS: Simplified voter registrat~on techniques have helped to increase voter registration in many neighborhoods, but has not increased the rates of voter participation; and i I \VHEREAS: Voter participation will ~trengthen accountability on the part of elected o fficia l s~TH E REFORE BE IT ~: ~ p ORDERED: That th ed~oston·- City Couiicil~ hold two public hearings in different parts of the City. to enable and encourage residents and organjzations to attend and give their perspective as to why residents don't vote, as well as, give suggestions as lo what the Mayor and the City Council c:J.n do to increase voter participaLiun. BE IT FURT HER

ORDERED: That representatives from the Mayor's Office, the Office of Neighborhood Services and the Election Commission shall be invited to answer questions, address concerns and respond to suggestions for change in election procedures and/or election equipment from those in attendance. The general public will be invited and notice of said hearings will be published in the City Record.

. .. : ·: ""'\ In City Council City of Boston

·. Order of Councillors Chuck Turner and Charles YanceY. DAVIS-MULLEN, HONAN, HENNIGAN, ROACHE, SCAPICCHIO, ROSS January 30.2001

\VHEREAS: Yotebtegistration and vott:r panicipation rates have fallen across the city of Boston in every neighborhood o\·cr the course of the last thirty years; ~ and .· ) ·I WHEREAS: Simplified voter registrat!on techniques have helped to increase voter registration in many neighborhoods, but has not increased the rates of voter participation; and I

WHEREAS: Voter pa~icipation will ltrengthen accountability on the part of elected officials'tTHEREFORE BE IT · ~ ,!

'· . ORDERED: That th~)oston City Couhcil hold two public hearings in different parts of the City.. to enable and encourage residents and organizations to attend and give their perspective as to why residents don't vote, as well as, give suggestions as to what the Mayor and the City Council can do to increase voter participation. BE IT FURTHER

ORDERED: That representatives from the Mayor's Office, the Office ofNeighborhood Services and the Election Commission shall be invited ~o answer questions, address concerns and respond to suggestions for change in election procedures and/or election equipment from those in attendance. The general public will be invited and notice of said hearings will be published in the City Record.

• • I'. ;

... ·-. _,-. ... · :· . The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increased political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, with a long term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of multilingual ballots and access to the political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registration and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities. Our immediate focus is to advocate that a simultaneous interpreter system be made available at public meetings of the City Councit School Committee, and other agencies of the City of Boston to allow immigrant communities a voice in public policy.

NEXT MEETING: Friday, February 9,2001,12:00-2:00 at the Chinese Progressive Association lunch provided,.small donation requested to cover food costs

AGENDA:

1. Welcome and introductions

2. Brief update on redistricting

3. Discussion on translation system -strategy discussion -timeline -administrative budget update for translation system -connection with March City Council hearings

4. Next Steps MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION minutes, 1/11/00

Ron Bell (Dunk the Vote), Kathy Brown (Boston Tenant Coalition), Hilary Burger (Latino Health Institute), Amy Leung (Chinese Progressive Association), Lydia Lowe (Chinese Progressive Association), Tom Louie (MA Eng Plus, MIRA), Trinh Nguyen (Office of New Bostonians), George Pillsbury (Boston VOTE), Evonne Yang (Chinese Progressive Association), Myriam Zuber (MIRA).

1. Redistricting George gave a summary of the redistricting issue. Massachusetts will draw new district lines for all 10 Congressional seats and districts, for both State Reps and State Senators based on the Census 2000 figures, which will be available on April1. Currently, the House districts seem pretty reasonable, but the State Senate and US Congress districts are more questionable. Goals for the State Senate districts: 1) create 3 all-Boston Senate districts; 2) no "packing"- no district with greater than 80% minority; 3) no "cracking"- do not divide up neighborhoods. Goal for the US Congress districts- create one more district which is more representative of Boston (ie, expand the 8th Congressional District into Boston) The campaign around redistricting will be unifying, and will demand "Boston districts for Bostonians." The 2001 City Council elections will still use the current districts. Timeline: January through March- cities and towns do "simulations" for drawing new precincts. April through July- cities and towns draw new precincts based on population, and State Legislature begins planning for redistricting. August through November- Legislature begins redistricting for Congress and State legislature; public hearings, possible law. Discussion to be continued.

2. Translation System Proposal We discussed Kathy and Nicolas' proposal framework. Prevalent languages that will have on-call interpreters will be determined by the Census. All public meetings should have translation available, including but not limited to the BRA, zoning board, neighborhood meetings, etc. Translation should be scheduled one week in advance, and at least 4 people need to request the translation in order for it to be provided. Translation should be guaranteed for major languages and "best effort" for others. The Office of New Bostonians can coordinate the interpreter pool, and oversee the development and qualifications of interpreters. A permanent system does not seem feasible, cost-wise, so the best bet seems to be a portable system. A rough estimate of the equipment cost is attached, and is approximately $25,000 to provide 100 people with interpretation in 10 languages simultaneously.

3. Next Steps a. Strategy- how will we proceed with implementation? Approach City Council, Mayor? In tandem? Who will be more responsive? Check on Civil Rights requirements as translation may already be required for certain meetings. Tom will investigate the possibilities and we will discuss strategy at the next meeting. b. Logistics- requirements for interpreters? Mandatory training by the City, code of ethics, a terminology manual to be provided for interpreters? Budget for all of this? The Office of New Bostonians will investigate this.

NEXT MEETING: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, at CPA, 12:00-2:00. Lunch provided, small donation requested. BUDGET FOR INTERPRETER SYSTEM, CITY HALL

Interpreter system parts: 1. Transmitter (either portable or stationary) -portable serves approx 50 people, radius of 40 ft. -stationary serves over 200 people, radius of over 200 feet 2. microphone for interpreter 3. receiver for individuals needing translation 4. headphones for individuals needing translation

Possibilities for interpreter system:

Permanent system • logistical difficulties: need to rewire inclividual seats in chamber, build isolation booths for interpreters, link with existing Chamber sound system • would also serve hard of hearing individuals • prohibitively expensive, cost depends on existing sound system in City Hall, etc.

Portable Infrared • higher sound quality • twice as expensive as transmitter system (approx $50,000 for 10 language capacity for 100 people) 1 ~1\J-\- iv1Lwtt;~ $LjJ,euV-'"" (,{)~ o? ;v'l~pre{M Portable Transmitter • 8 to 10 simultaneous language capacity • slight reduction in sound quality, but still acceptable • most economic option

PROJECTED COST below for a portable system which can provide interpretation for 100 people in 10 languages simultaneously. Equipment for each additional person over 100 needing translation would cost $175.00 per person. An additional stationary transmitter and microphone cost $540.00 per language. An additional portable transmitter and microphone cost $486.25 per language. Interpreter cost is calculated at $40/hr, 3 hrs/mtg, 12 hrs/month, or 150 hrs/year per language, for a cost of $6,000 per language. Cost for ?languages would be $42,000 I year.

Item Cost p er unit Total cost Portable transmitter (translator) $ 362.50 5@ $ 1,812.50 Head microphone (translator) 123.75 5@ 618.75 Portable receiver 165.00 100@ 16,500.00 Portable headset 10.00 100@ 1,000.00 Stationary transmitter (translator) 427.50 5@ 2,137.50 Microphone (translator) 112.50 5@ 562.50 Rechargeable batteries for system 20.00 100@ 2,000.00 Battery recharger 200.00 Interpreters 40.00/hr 42,000.00

TOTAL COST $66,831 25 MINUTES, 2113/01 MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION Jeff Arp (Mass Mon Politics Project), Kathy Brown (Boston Tenant Coalition), Helen Hui (Chinese Progressive Association), Malia Lazu (Boston VOTE), Tom Louie (MIRA, Mass English Plus), Lydia Lowe (Chinese Progressive Association), George Pillsbury (Boston VOTE), Councilor Turner, Talya Weisbard (Irish Immigration Center), Evonne Yang (Chinese Progressive Association)

1. Redistricting: -there will be a statewide meeting/redistricting hearing concerning Boston on March 20, 6-9 PM? (Boston VOTE will confirm the time) at Roxbury Community College. There will only be 4 public hearings and Boston is one of them. The committee needs to hear a strong united voice at the hearing. Key figs: Boston pop is 600,000, and the avg pop for a Senate seat is 150,000. Discussion on message we want to convey: Boston should have 3 seats, based on population. Shouldn't be chopped up, need to keep COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST together. Race can't be only criteria. Threat of lawsuit will hang over the hearing as well, Boston can sue if districted poorly.

2. Strategy discussion for Interpreter System: -Probably it makes sense to start with City Council, since Mayor had lukewarm reaction (That's City Council's business!) and it will be more possible to use this election year to work with City Council. At same time, we can keep an open line of communication with Mayor's office, which will be important fo r real implementation and budget allocation. -Try to get as much City Council support as possible, sponsor a City Council resolution (target for early March?) and get a meeting with the Mayor before the budget is announced in early April. (Can we plan for a show of power in April?) -Ask Rev. Cheng Imm Tan to set up a meeting with the Mayor together with representatives of different communities, not a huge mobilization, but key leaders--maybe try to connect with some Menino machine people also. -start a City-wide petition campaign to support the interpreter system. -How are people looking at this issue in relationship to movement-building around immigrant community empowerment and political visibility? This is an important goal as well as getting our foot in the door by winning a translation system.

Timeline of Activities we can piggyback off of, use as buildup: -Boston Vote Electoral Reform Hearings 3/1, 6:00- 9:00pm at Freedom House in Roxbury early April in Dorchester or Chinatown? -Petition as organizing tool, that can be circulated citywide in the course of other organizing. -Some kind of big public event--April town meetings or some kind of popular, media event, timed for budget time (begins first or second week of April). -MIRA Immigrant Day at State House April 3 (?) -Other State House hearings- Education, Housing, etc. -Boston Tenant Coalition -housing lobbying meetings with City Councilors, will raise the translation issue -CPA/CPC -Chinatown City Council hearing on election reform and translation issue (or could be more focused on redevelopment issue) - la te Spring/ early summer(?) -Early Fall- Immigrant Communities' Citywide Council Candidates' Forum? (before voter reg deadline in October) -Important Dates: Primary 9/25, Final Election 11/6

3. Who are we missing? Let's do outreach push to these (and any others we think of) -Haitian community (Tom) -GBJO -Cape Verdean community - talk to John Barros at DSNI -EBECC? -Brazilian Immigrant Center (Tom) -Viet AID -Hyde Square Task Force (Malia) -City Life (Kathy) -JP Neighborhood Development Corp. (Kathy) -APAAC (CPA) -St. Marks Church (North Dorchester - Andrea Shepard) -St. Peter's (Bowdoin St.) -Boston Center for Independent Living (Robert Snearson 338-6665) -CAPAY

CPA will draft a Fact Sheet and Petition for the outreach push. Interpretive Services Budget d)G-66 ~ . :1z>,l,~ ~w>a - v _ ~0 \ . p)Y ~sJ-P f~-t,-r'~ · vJ ltb

Interpreters' cost oF(,call for 0 Haitian 1 o 0 Cape Verdean Creole Chinese Spanish Vietnamese Portuguese Russian

Administration costs: phone. fax. internet. etc. $2,000

Total BUDGET FOR INTERPRETER SYSTEM, CITY HALL

Interpreter system parts: 1. Transmitter (either portable or stationary) -portable serves approx 50 people, radius of 40 ft. -stationary serves over 200 people, radius of over 200 feet 2. microphone for interpreter 3. receiver for individuals needing translation 4. headphones for individuals needing translation

Possibilities for interpreter system::

Permanent system • logistical difficulties: need to rewire individual seats in chamber, build isolation booths for interpreters, link with existing Chamber sound system • would also serve hard of hearing individuals • prohibitively expensive, cost depends on existing sound system in City Hall, etc.

Portable Infrared • higher sound quality • twice as expensive as transmitter system (approx $50,000 for 10 language capacity for 100 people)

Portable Transmitter • 8 to 10 simultaneous language capacity • slight reduction in sound quality, but still acceptable • most economic option

PROJECTED COST below for a portable system which can provide interpretation for 100 people in 10 languages simultaneously. Equipment for each additional person over 100 needing translation would cost $175.00 per person. An additional stationary transmitter and microphone cost $540.00 per language. An additional portable transmitter and microphone cost $486.25 per language.

Item Cost per unit Total cost Portable transmitter (translator) $ 362.50 5@ $ 1,812.50 Head microphone (translator) 123.75 5@ 618.75 Portable receiver 165.00 100@ 16,500.00 Portable headset 10.00 100@ 1,000.00 Stationary transmitter (translator) 427.50 5@ 2,137.50 Microphone (translator) 112.50 5@ 562.50 Rechargeable batteries for system 20.00 100@ 2,000.00 Battery recharger 200.00

TOTAL COST $24,831.25 Boston Increasing voter participation in Boston through non-partisan OTE voter outreach, training, and education.

To: Boston VOTE sites and Friends From: Malia Lazu Re: City Council Hearings on Election Reform Date: March 17, 2001

51 What an amazing hearing we had March 1 • Over 90 Bostonians came down to discuss ideas around making our election process more accessible and user friendly.

20 people testified at the Hearing on barriers they face and suggested solutions: )> Powerful testimony was heard from Chinatown residents speaking out on the lack of explanation on the voting system and the lack of perceived lack of interest elected officials have for their neighborhood. )> Gibran Rivera from La Alianza Hispana, pushed the city councilors to look at the high cost of running for city government and support a system of public campaign financing to allow more candidates a chance to run. )> Tito Jackson of Dunk the Vote spoke out for more "user-friendly" elections. He noted the rudeness and lack of training of pollworkers unnecessarily intimidated and confused many voters. )> Others such as Rose Arruda and Sean Daughtry called for same day voter registration that is used in 6 states to allow voters to register and vote on Election Day.

In addition to the testimony, everyone also got a chance to use the computerized voting machines, which had ballots in 7 languages including Spanish and Chinese.

City Councilor Chuck Turner hosted the meeting as Chair of the Redistricting Committee. Council President Charles Yancey, Councilor Mickey Roache and Councilor Mike Ross also attended and spoke. Election Commissioner Nancy Lo addressed the barriers the election department faces around keeping up the voter list and the need for a budget to update the machinery.

The next hearing on Election Reform will be April 12th in Chinatown, The Quincy School 885 Washington St. at 6:00 pm. Boston City Council and Boston VOTE will draft a report summarizing policy suggestions. There will be a final hearing to discuss the report and work towards implementing policy. Thank you for all of your support and work towards making our elections more accessible. I hope to see you in Chinatown.

Downtown Office: 37 Temple Place · 5th Floor · Boston. MA 02111 Tel: 617-542-8683 Fax: 617-451-7895 Roxbury/Dorchester Office: c/o Freedom House •14 Crawford Street · Dorchester, MA 02121 Tel: (617) 442-6870 Fax: 617-442-6735 Website: www. bostonvote.org E-ma1l: vote@bostonvote .org Facsimile Transmittal

Chinese Progressive Association Tel. No. (617)357-4499 Fax No. (617)357-9611 33 Harrison Avenue, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02111

Date: d }l'=l- I 0)

Attention: l R l ~ ~\

From: B/DYJ V\.~--

Number of pages (including this cover): ~ INTERPRETER SYSTEM BUDGET

Item Cost Per Unit Total Cost

Equipment Cost

Portable Transmitter (translator) $ 362.50 $ 5@ 1,8 12.50

Head Microphone (t ranslator) 123.75 5@ 618.75

Portable Receiver 165.00 150@ 24,750

Portable Headset 10.00 150@ 1,500.00

Stationary Transmitter (translator) 427.50 5@ 2,137.50

Microphone (translator) 112.50 5@ 562.50

Rechargeable Batteries for System 20.00 150@ 3,000.00

Battery Recharger 200.00 I@ 200.00

Administrative Cost

Fff Staff Coordinator 37,000.00

Benefits (at 35%) 12,950

Equipment (phone, fax, postage, etc.) 2,000

*Interpreters (7 most common languages) 42,000.00

Interpreters (additional languages) 3,000.00

TOTAL 131,531.25

*Interpreter cost is calculated aL $40/hr. 3 hrs/meeting. 12 hrs/month, or 150 hrs/year per language, for a cost of $6.000 per language.

*After initial year is which equipment is purchased, Lhe system cost per year wil l be $96,950. Office ofN ew Bostonians City of Boston • Massachusetts

Thomas M. Menino Rev. C heng lmm Tan Mayor of Boston Director

March 8, 2001

Lydia Lowe Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue 3rd Floor Boston, MA 021 11

Dear Lydia Lowe:

Thanks to you and 230 other community agencies and individuals, last year's Boston Votes 2000: New Bostonians Civic Participation Campaign successfully registered more than 5000 new voters. Together, we highlighted the leadership of Boston's diverse cultural and linguistic communities, and shared our organizing/political strength to begin debunking the myth that our communities are civically apathetic. Let us build on our success in this year's New Bostonians Vote 2001 Civic Campaign.

The New Bostonians Vote 2001 Campaign will focus on helping members of our community to better understand the significance of their voice, increase participation in the civic process and local elections through a focused education and training campaign. Like last year, this campaign would involve the collaboration of all Participating Agencies and Individuals under one banner for Standouts and voter registration during 1 Voter Registration Week (Week of October ls). New Bostonians Community Day will occur on Wednesday, October 17, 200 l. This event, coordinated by representatives from city depmiments and community members, will provide an opportunity for Greater Boston's ethnic communities to come to City Hall, learn how city government works, and how to better access its services. It will also be an opportunity for city departments to build connections with the diverse communities of Boston. New Bostonians Vote 2001 together with New Bostonians Community Day will help solidifY the gains made last year by continuing to help our communities Lmderstand the significance of their voice in helping shape City government policies.

What is the Citywide New Bostonians Voter Registration Campaign? Many agencies and individuals in Boston are already doing voter registration. The Citywide New Bostonians Vote 2001 Campaign would enable these agencies and individuals to make a bigger impact by coming together under one banner, and bringing

BOSTON CITY I !ALL · ONE CITY HALL PLAZA · ROOM 803 · BOSTON • MASSACHUSETTS 0220 I • 6 17/635-2980 • FA X 617/635-4540

31 in new organizations to tackle the issue of voter registration. A citywide media and education campaign will be launched to support these efforts, promote their visibility and encourage members of our diverse communities to participate in the civic process and register and vote.

If you are already doing voter registration, or are pari of another voter registration campaign, I encourage you to continue your good work, and join the New Bostonians Vote 2001 Campaign as well. We ask you simply to keep your voter registration count, and sign up for at least 2 Voter Registration Slots during the New Bostonians Vote 2001 5 Campaign week (week of October 1 \ 2001), and organize community members and your constituents to come to New Bostonians Community Day (Wednesday October 17, 2001) at City Hall. If you have not started voter registration yet, it is not too late to join this campaign. We will provide you with materials and training to meet your needs.

As an Individual, you may participate in this campaign by registering 5 or more of your of your friends, neighbors and members of your community who are citizens. Registration forms will be sent to you in a language of your choice. We suggest that you keep your voter registration count through a database, or by photocopying registration forms. Keeping track of the cotmt this way will help to verify the count, and keep the ONB connected to registered voters who may need assistance to participate in upcoming elections. Please, send us a list of the people you have registered as soon as possible so that we can back up our numbers.

Every voter registered by Participating Agencies and Individuals before October 17, 2001 will be counted towards the grand total, to be announced on New Bostonians Community Day at City Hall on Wednesday, October 17.

Participating in the Cityw ide New Bostonians Vote 2001 Campaign: Participating Agencies: Pmticipating agencies are organizations that are involved in this citywide voter registration effort, a11d are committed to coming together under one banner during Voter registration Week. These agencies could be doing voter registration work already, or could be new to the field. These agencies would: 1) Commit to doing voter registration. 2) Keep count of the number of voters registered. 3) Recruit other individuals, groups and agencies to do voter registration. 4) Participate in New Immigrant Voter Registration Week. 5) Participate in New Bostonians Community Day at City Hall.

What do you get as a Participating Agency? • Training to do voter registration • Materials on voter registration and civic pm·ticipation • Joining with other immigrant groups to make a much larger impact. • Gain visibility and voice on behalf of your community. • Empowering your community to be participants. Individuals: 1. Commit to doing voter registration. 2. Keep count of the number of voters registered. 3. Recruit other individuals to do voter registration. 4. Participate in New Immigrant Voter Registration Week. 5) Participate in New Bostonians Community Day at City Hall.

What is the New Bostonians Community Day at City Hall? At the end of the Voter Registration Campaign, the ONB will host a New Bostonians Community Day at City Hall on Wednesday October 17, 200 I. This event is aimed at increasing community members' understanding of how city government works, and highlighting New Bostonians' civic participation. During New Bostonians Community Day, members of our diverse cultural and linguistic communities will be invited to City Hall to:

1) Showcase New Bostonians Voter Registration results, 2) Engage in discussions with the Mayor and Depa1iment Heads, 3) Participate in City Council Sessions, and discussions with City Councilors, and 4) Recognize New Bostonians' contributions in community building, including leadership and participation in ONB's working groups, and New Bostonian Voter Registration Campaign.

We are making strong progress in building a more inclusive city, but there is still work to be done. Let us continue to build on this momentum to encourage the increased civic involvement of our communities.

The time to act is now. I urge you to JOin us in partiCipating in the Citywide New Bostonian Vote 2001 Campaign as a Participating Agency or as an Individual. Please fax the enclosed form to the ONB by Thursday, March 15, if you are interested in attending this meeting.

Thank you and I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Cheng Imm Tan Director Mayor's Oftice ofNew Bostonians Voter Registration Campaign

Fax to: Office of New Bostonians Fax Number: 635-4540 Phone Number: 635-2980

Lydia Lowe Name: ------Agency/Address: Chinese Progressive Association , 33 Harrison Ave 3/Fl, Boston 02111 1 Phone Number: ___C_6_1 7_) __ 35_7_-_4_49_9 __ _ Fax Number: fil7) 357- 9611

I/My organization would like to join the New Bostonian Vote 2001 Citywide Voter Registration Campaign as a:

x Participating Agency Please contact me with more information

--Individual Please contact me with more information

Please R.S. V.P bv Apri/2, 2001.

I!We are forwarding the name/s of the Individual/sand/or Agency/ies below who may likely participate in the New Bostonians Vote 2001 Campaign. (Add another page if needed). Facsimile Transmittal

Chinese Progressive Association Tel. No. (617)357-4-!99 Fax No. (617)357-9611 33 Harrison Avenue, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02111

Date:

Attention:

From:

t-;umber of pages (including this cover): )

Comment(s):

.• ..., %£~~~ ~~~ Jea.u ~. ~~ CJP/~~-/tJPCJ

G LORIA L. FOX COMMITTEES REPRESENTA TIVE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS 7TH SUFFOLK D ISTRICT PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION ROOM 167. STATE HOUSE V IC E CHAIRMAN TEL. (617) 722-2692 E-Mail: [email protected] JOIN

DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

GLORIA L. FOX JOHN O'CONNOR LOIS G. PINES

PUBLIC HEARING MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2001 7:00P.M. ·

Roxbury Community College Media Arts Building 1234 Columbus Avenue Roxbury, MA

BE INVOLVED IN SETTING THE DIRECTION AND AGENDA FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY

For more information call, (617) 722-2692 ~A. it it-t Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue, 3"1 Floor, Boston, MA 0211 I Tel. (61 7) 357-4499, Fax (61 7) 357-9611. e-mail: CPPA Bostonra;.aol.wm

TO: David Moy, BCNC 635-5132 Rev. Tom Lee, BCEC 426-0315 Betty Lam, NEMC 636-8891 Bruce Pulleyblank, ACDC 482-3056 Bill Moy, CNC 342-7906 Jane Leung, YES 482-3620 Kun Chang, Golden Age 542-2110 Beverly Wing, TCC 451-0727 Barbara Rubel, Tufts 627-3383 Richard Chin, YMCA 426-1313 Vivian Huang, AA Bank 695-2875 Suzanne Lee, JQS 635-7778

FR: Lydia Lowe

RE: Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition and Upcoming City Council Hearing

3/21/01

Thursday, April12, 6:15pm will be the first City Council hearing to be held in Boston Chinatown! The hearing, part of a series sponsored by the City Council in various communities, will be focused on the question of how to increase political access and participation. Hope you can be there and help spread the word.

Related to this--CPA is part of a Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition wruch is asking that the City of Boston provide multilingual access to all public meetings held by the City Councit School Committee, Boston Redevelopment Authority, Licensing Board, etc. through the establishment of a cost-effective interpreter system. Please join the coalition at whatever level you are able (see enclosed check list) and help us to circulate petitions in support of this issue.

Thank you!

for justice, democracy m1d equality The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increased political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, wilh a long term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of multilingual ballots and access to the political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registration and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities. Our immediate focus is to advocate that a simultaneous interpreter system be made available at public meetings of the City Council, School Committee, and other agencies of the City of Boston to alJow immigrant communities a voice in public policy.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 27,2001,12:00-2:00 At the Chinese Progressive Association Lunch provided, small donation requested to cover food costs

-we will be talking about the hearing in April! STAFF MEETING 03.15.01

CPA'S ORGANIZING PRIORITIES ORGANIZING FOR CHINATOWN'S FUTURE

1) FIGHT BIG DEVELOPMENT 2) BUILD POLITICAL CLOUT 3) GROW CHINATOWN

(focus on Liberty Place?) (focus on multilingual access) (Parcel C--short-tenn monitoring)

(target developer or City?) (Spring--push for interpreter system) investigation and block meetings swnmer/fall: voter education -increase affordable housing (Liberty Place only 5% affordable) use election season focus on library? other? to publicize Chinatown demands

-jobs build community consensus/support (Millenium, Lincoln Place?) longer-term: multilingual ballots get to decision-makers and $ develop timeline

ONGOING PROGRAM WORK

WORKERS CENTER ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM CHINESE YOUTH INITIATIVE -Coffee Hour English/workshops -ESUCitizenship classes CYI Committee, work on campaign -Workers Center Committee -help new immigrants learn US society -publicize and prep summer internship -organizing for workers' rights, mainstream job access -longer-time immigrants naturalize -activities and workshops -jobs petition campaign -tutoring -combine "identity", social, activism -service: workers' rights, job search -voter registration and "civic participation" -develop new young leadership

DROP-IN SERVICES MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITIES

RESIDENT ORGANIZING -strengthen Chinatown residents' voice over neighborhood issues -develop CRA, tenant associations as new community forces -develop new democratic leadership -protect and grow working class, family conununity STAFF MEETING 03.15.01

I. Sum up CPA Banquet -feedback -what did we gain from banquet? how could we have done better? ll. Staffing Situation/Plan -Tian Min gone, Evonne to leave in April -hope to hire 1-2 new staff as soon as possible (talking to Kye, Stella) -What does this mean for us? 1) need to clarify what is expected of staff in general 2) need to clarify our overall division of labor and how best to utilize people 3) need to look at their specific responsibilities-which we can just divide among ourselves 4) need to identify where we can cut back or ways we can streamline our work

EXPECTATIONS OF STAFF: l) Become familiar with our goals, the issues and players involved in your work area. Take the time to observe, ask, and learn. 2) Prepare/propose a workplan based on these goals, for discussion at staff meeting and with constituents 3) Take responsibility for implementing the workplan and revising it as needed 4) Report regularly on progress at staff meetings and raise questions that you need help on or need discussed 5) If you don't know or aren't sure, please ask! But if you are clearly following our plan, don't feel you need to have Lydia check off everything you do. 6) Although everyone has work priorities, CPA is a small organization and we need to help each other out as well, especially for big events, campaigns, etc.

DIVISION OF LABOR (refer to other sheet) 1) Which area should be your primary focus? OU1er? 2) How will your work support the organizing priorities? 3) How can we connect our ongoing program work to our organizing priorities?

TIAN MIN RESPONSIBILITIES: EVONNE RESPONSIBILITIES: -coordinate Coffee Hour calendar -coordinate Adult Ed registration, records, evaluation -bulletin boards, flyers, Chinese press -update/copy curricula, tapes, etc. -work with Workers Center Committee -fundraising proposals for CYI, Adult Ed, research new funding sources -coordinate Chinese document work -keep updated info on naturalization procedures (counsel workers about workers' rights problems) -lead Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition (organize workers around jobs campaign) -coordinate voter registration and voter education activities -work with Amy on CYl plans

WAYS TO STREAMLINE OR CUT BACK? -rotating service shifts (MTW, rotate one English, one Chinese speaker each day) -ideas for better utilizing Kay's help? utilizing Roddy as CYl volunteer once a month? -focus aU program areas on our main organizing priorities (set limits to other work of program areas such as job search help, organizational support for resident groups, tutoring expansion, etc.) Thu, Mar 22, 2001 6:56 PM

Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition to articulate a broad and visionary agenda for change. We are coming together and calling for a system that is more responsive to our great City,s new face. This is New Boston, asking our Mayor and our City Council to stand with us in support for a simultaneous translation system to be used at all public hearings. We are calling for support of this first, basic and powerful step; a step that will further open up space s for democratic action, enabling our communities to lift up their voices and become an integral part of the vibrant democracy that has defined Boston from the birth of our Republic.

-----Original Message----- From: Lydia Lowe [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2001 1:44 PM To : [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Op Ed idea

Hello, Gibran. I was wondering if you would be interested in doing a joint op-ed piece to submit to the Globe? I think if we act quickly, we might be able to grab the media interest in Asians and Latinos coming off of the new Census info. And a jointly written piece by CPA/Alianza just might grab their attention.

I started working on a piece, but it needs to be developed a little more. Could you add/comment? It is currently 257 words--can go up to 600 words for Globe opinions.

GROWING COMMUNITIES NEED TO BREAK THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

The news is out: Boston is changing. With the release of early figures from the 2000 census, we now know that the Latino population in Massachusetts has grown by 60 percent and the Asian and Pacific Islander population by a whopping 67 percent. Last week, we learned that "salsa is now more popular than ketchup. • This week, we can learn that "ketchup• (derived from the Chinese word for tomato sauce) is a Chinese American invention. The population is changing, but why are our institutions lagging behind? To gain a political voice, our communities need change. We need a change in political redistricting and campaign financing, cumbersome voter registration practices, and the annual purging of the City's voter lists. An additional obstacle for immigrant communities is the language barrier. As a modest first step, a coalition of community groups is proposing that the City of Boston purchase simultaneous interpretation equipment and provide on-call interpreters for any of its public meetings. Mayor Menino has already established an immigrant affairs office known as the Office of New Bostonians. By allocating an additional $65,000 in the City budget this spring, that office could set up and administer such a system. One in four Bostonians today is foreign-born. Immigrant taxpayers need equal access to a City Council meeting on public safety, a School Committee meeting on MCAS, or a hearing on neighborhood zoning. It sounds like a good deal to us: only $65,000 to help the City's diverse immigrant communities break the language barrier.

Page 2 of 2 Thu, Mar 22, 2001 6:56 PM From: Gibran Rivera To: 'Lydia Lowe' < [email protected] > Date: Thursday, March 22, 2001 1:06PM Subject: RE: Op Ed idea

Lydia,

Great Idea!!! Attached are my additions (as part of the whole text), I am also pasting them on to the email, in case this is how you prefer. Let me know what to do next.

Gibran

GROWING COMMUNITIES NEED TO BREAK THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

The news is out: Boston is changing. Wi th the release of early figures from the 2000 census, we now know that the Latino population in Massachusetts has grown by 60 percent and the Asian and Pacific Islander population by a whopping 67 percent. Last week, we learned that •salsa is now more popular than ketchup.• This week, we can learn that "ketchup• (derived from the Chinese word for tomato sauce) is a Chinese American invention. The population is changing, but why are our institutions lagging behind? To gain a political voice, our communities demand institutional change, we are calling for systemic change. We need a change in political redistricting and campaign financing, a change in cumbersome voter registration practices, ancient voting machines, and the annual purging of the City's voter lists. Most important in New Boston,s agenda for change is the imperative of addressing the language barrier, by far the largest obstacle for immigrant communities and their participation in the social, economic and political life of our city. As a modest first step, a coalition of community groups is proposing that the City of Boston purchase simultaneous interpretation equipment and provide on-call interpreters for any of its public meetings . Mayor Menino has already established an immigrant a f fa i rs of fice known as the Office of New Bostonians. The allocation of an additional $65,000 towards this goal in this spring,s City budget would allow the Office of New Bostonians to set up and administer such a system. In this day, when one in every four Bostonians is foreign-born, immigrant taxpayers need equal access to a City Council meeting on public safety, a School Committee meeting on MCAS, or a hearing on neighborhood zoning. It sounds like a good deal to us: only $65,000 to help the City's diverse immigrant communities begin to break the language barrier. we are mobilizing for change, we are building communities and we are looking forward to increasing our engagement in Boston,s civic life. Immigrant communities, filled with a desire to give back to the City that has become our symbol of hope, face innumerable obstacles to accomplishing this dream. Starting with the language barrier, we also face the overburdening obstacles of poverty and the difficulties of adapting to a new culture even as we struggle to preserve our own. These obstacles keep us from full participation in public life, short- circuiting our role in the democratic process, the very process meant to enable us to wage the battle against the obstacles we face we have come together, in places like La Alianza Hispana and The Chinese Progressive Association, through coalitions like Boston VOTE and the

Page 1 of 2 NAR-2'3-2001 Hl: 34 City of Bosto'1 517 535 4540 P.02/ 03

New Bostonians Vote 2001 Organi%ing Meeting 3/22/200110:30am·12noon Minutes

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, April 5th, 10: 30am Piemonte Room

We met as a group to continue discussion on: l) Voter Education ~trategies including Outreach and Publ ic1ty. 2) Update on Recruitment 3) Establish t imeline of act ivit ies.

Update on Training curriculum development: Some materials nave been collected. A committee was put together to further develop the training. A progress report will be given at the next meeting.

Recruitment. rnvitation letters to recr uit participatihg agencies have been sent out , together with reply f orms. Please fax your forms in asap. Committee members agreed to help with recruitment and took r ecr~itment lettus with them to be passed out to other agencies.

Other Education and outreaeh strate9ies. Posters and Visibility: • Update Brochure • T-Shirts (for st andout volunteer.s) • Post ers: Revise t o include dates and t imes for election • Use P5As f rom last year again (with modifications)

OuTreach and Publicity: • Get ethnic medio ihvolved • Get materials and conduct wor kshops at (1) the Public Health Commission mon'thly management meet ings, (2) libraries, (3) Boston Housing Authority (through Tenant Tas k Force), (4) Chur ches, (5) Multilingual Placement and Education Center, and (5) ESOL and citizenship classes. These will be great outlets for us to distribut e mat erials and solicit collaborations and support • Media outreach commit t ee was formec and will be meeting Friday march 30 in room 803. Commit tee will report back at the April 5'h meeting. t1AR- 29- 2001 10: 35 City of Boston 617 635 4540 P.03/03

Strategies for Voter Education: • Compile education and training materials • Distribute and c:onduet trainers to providers, community groups, Adult Education and ESOL classes • Strategize on how to motivate residents to vote

Immediate Materials Needed to Distribute to CBOs: • Posters • Brochures • Registered Voters Form in all languages • Letters of Recruitment • Top 10 Reasons to Vote flyers in all languages • New Voters Information • How to Vote Notebook (by BostonVote)

The Voter Education Subcommittee is meeting on March _28 to discuss content and focus areas of the curriculum.

Tentative Time:Lfne::

End of April Posters and Brochures Mid May/June Curriculum Training Materials Completed Mid/End June Invite participating agencies to train -them on the use of educational materials. Give out posters and other educational materials. June-October Ongoing voter registration September Kick off for New Bostonians Voter Registration week. ln Wk October Standouts and New Bostonians Voter Registration Week

TOTAL P. 03 *"it~i'- CIIiJiese Progressive Association 33 Han·ison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02111 Tel. (617} 357-4499, Fax (617) 357-961 I. e-mail: CPPA Bostonrapo/.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: March 26, 200 l Lydia Lowe (617) 357-4499

GROWING COMMUNITIES SEEK TO BREAK THE LANGUAGE BARRlER

Early reports from the 2000 census revealed that the Latino population in Massachusetts has grown by 49 percent and the Asian American population by a whopping 68 percent. In metropolitan Boston, whites are no longer the majority. Community activists are hoping this new demographic information will give legitimacy and momentum to their demands.

A group of community leaders and organizations, calling themselves the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition, has proposed that the City of Boston purchase simultaneous interpretation equipment and provide on-call interpreters for any of its public meetings. The proposed interpreter system would allow immigrant residents or community agencies to make an advance request for interpretation. Attendees would receive simultaneous translation through a simple headset and portable, hand-held receiver.

Community organizations have already used such a system when bringing constituents to City Council hearings, allowing residents from Chinatown and Jamaica Plain to participate in discussion of affordable housing policies. Coalition leaders say that a simple and cost-effective system would allow immigrant business owners to communicate with the licensing board, parents to participate in School Committee meetings, or residents to voice their concerns on neighborhood zoning.

"Boston is changing," said Coalition member Malia Lazu. "The question is how our city's political leaders and institutions will respond to that change."

Immigrant community leaders point to the language barrrier as one ofthe greatest obstacles to immigrants' participation in civic life. One in four Bostonians today is foreign-born. "Immigrant taxpayers are revitalizing neighborhood businesses, rehabilitating housing, and re­ energizing local schools," said Evonne Yang of the Chinese Progressive Association. "Yet the same people are denied access to basic information, services, and a role in public discourse because they are still struggling to learn English."

Coalition organizers are working with City Councilor Chuck Turner to introduce a resolution to the City Council next month. At the same time, they are hoping to gain the mayor's support to allocate funds to the Office of New Bostonians, an immigrant affairs office launched by Mayor Menino last year, in order to set up the interpreter system. Coalition organizers also plan to utilize a city council hearing in Chinatown on April 12 as an opportunity to highlight their proposal.

"It only requires a small allocation in this spring's budget," said Yang. "But this would be a powerful first step in welcoming immigrant communities' contributions to the city." - 30-

for justice, democracy and equality We want greater political access! Our voices must be heard!

Members of immigrant and minority communities are taxpayers and have the right to participate in our society. We support the call for the City of Boston to provide an interpreter system at public City meetings so that all people can have a political voice on issues that impact them.

NAME ADDRESS TELEPHONE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

1 .

please return to the Chinese Progressive Association, 33 Harrison A venue 3/F, Boston, MA 021 I I.

Te1ehpone (6 17) 357-4499. or FAX (617) 357-961 I .Ail.il-t' Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue. 3nl Floor, Boston, MA 02 111 Tel (617) 357-4499, Fax (61 7) 357-9611. e-mail- CPPA Bostonapol com

TO: Michelle Brooks & Eli Nunez, BPON 373-8924 Jean-Marc Baptiste, HAPHI 296-1570 Lucia Colon, CHSC 889-0559 Thelma Watson, Fed. Dorchester Houses 265-6020 Diane Casey, Christine James ABHB 782-3736

FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: Mutilingual Voting Rights Coalition DATE: 3/27/01

FIVE (5) PAGES TOTAL

Hello, fellow Hyams grantees--how are you doing?

The Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is calling for the City of Boston to provide interpretation at all public meetings sponsored by the City, whether it be City Council, School Committee, BRA, Public Health, etc., by purchasing simultaneous interpretation equipment and developing a pool of on-call interpreters for major language groups.

I know you are all busy, but please lend your support in whatever way you can. A checklist is attached. You may endorse, circulate petitions, send letters, or attend targetted events/meetings.

April 12 (Thursday) will be a City Council hearing in Boston Chinatown at which we will highlight this demand. Hope you can attend. We also could use the loan of additional interpretation equipment (headsets and receivers) to handle the translation needs that night. Call me if you can help (Lydia 357- 4499).

Thanks!

for justice, democracy mrd equality INTERPRETER SYSTEM BUDGET

Item Cost Per Unit Total Cost

Equipment Cost

Portable Transmitter (translator) $ 362.50 $ 4@ 1,450

Head Microphone (translator) 123.75 4@ 495

Portable Receiver 165.00 100@ 16,500

Portable Headset 10.00 100@ 1,000

Stationary Transmitter (translator) 42.7.50 4@ 1,710

Microphone (translator) 112.50 4@ 450

Carrying cases for equipment 119.65 4@ 478.60

Miscellaneous 1,142.40

-repair/maintenance, batteries, extra rental o:ets

Administrative Cost

Pff Staff Coordinator 18,500

Prr Benefits (at 35%) 6,475

Equipment (phone, fax, postage, etc.) 2,000

*In terpreters (7 most common languages) 14,000

Interpreters (additional languages) 800

TOTAL 65,000

*Interpreter cost is calculated at $40/hr, 50 hours per year per language group

*After initial year is which equipment is purchased, the system cost per year will be $42,916. BUDGET NARRATIVE

Equipment Cost • Two types of transmitter: stationary and portable

• Both types are "portable" (easily carried by hand)

• "stationary'' transmitter is more powerful and can transmit clearly in a 200 foot radius (a large ballroom) and can broadcast to over 200 people

• "portable" transmitter is for smaller meetings, can transmit clearly in a 40 foot radius to 50 people

• one transmitter can broadcast one language (one interpreter needed)

• receiver consists of receiver box and headset (like a Walkman)

Administrative Cost • The Office of New Bostonians will house the interpreter system

• Pff Staff coordinator is responsible for administration and coordination of system, including: - scheduling -monitoring -record keeping/tracking use of system -coordination and referrals -manage interpreter pool (recruit, maintain, qualification criteria, train) with CBO's -administration

• most commonly used seven languages as identified by the Office of New Bostonians: -Haitian -Cape Verdean Creole -Chinese -Spanish -Vietnamese -Portuguese -Russian

• salary is the city average

• benefits are mandatory 18 CITY SURVEY TRANSLATION SERVICES*

CITY Do you offer any Just council meetings or How long How How much How much Whose budget? type of translation all bearing/ meetings? have you often do did the does it cost for your council been doing you use equipment for meetings? it? it? cost? translator? Chicago, IL Yes, Translator sits Hearings by appointment Over 11 yrs Not often NIA NIA Committee that has the with constituent in only. On site only. hearing. (Committees audience. (Appointment made with have individual Councillor's office.) budget.) San Yes, Device Council Meetings on site. Approx. Not often Around $90-120hr Council Francisco, By request. 2 years $4,000. (20 CA earphones and device) Los Angeles, Yes, same as device Both hearings and Approx. Not often Had $150-250hr Council at first, now CA used for hearing meetings. On site only. 7yrs equipment Clerk impaired (Councillors want it for hearing available off site too.) impaired.

*The following city's were interviewed and do not use translation services: Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD, Denver, CO***, Detroit, MI, Houston, TX** ***, lndjanapolis, IN, Miami-Dade, FL, Portland, OR**, Richmond, VA, Seattle, WA, Tallahassee, FL**, Dallas, TX, New York City, NY, Buffalo, NY, New Orleans, LA**

**Houston, Portland, Tallahassee, and New Orleans all have close caption. ***Denver and Houston offer agenda on web sight in different languages.

)> Source: Phone survey from December 27, 2000- December 28, 2000. Contacted City Council and City Clerk Offices. Survey conducted by City Council Central Staff. Fri, Apr 6, 2 001 1:21 PM

From: [email protected] To: < lydia@cpaboston .org > Date: Monday, April 2, 2001 10:02 PM Subject: Fwd: [aapip-ma] FW: Developments affecting A PAs

From: "Eugenia Wang" Date: Mon, 02 Apr 2001 10:04:19 -0400 To: "aapip-ma" Subject: [aapip-ma] FW: Developments affecting APAs

From: Srancey To: [email protected] Subject: Developments affecting APAs Date: Wed, Mar 28, 2001, 10:32 AM

Washington Post, March 23, 2001, p. AOS.

Multilingualism Plan Panned

More than 30 House members, most of them Republicans, have urged President Bush to overturn a Clinton administration proposal asking federal agencies to plan to provide interpreters and literature in multiple languages. After taking office, Bush blocked a variety of proposed rules, including some agency plans for complying with Clinton's order to help people with "limited English proficiency.• Rep. Bob Stump (R-Ariz.) said in a letter to colleagues that "the United States should encourage all individuals united by one government to join in a single language," not pay for multilingual services.

Dear friends and colleagues:

FYI. Please pass along to interested parties. In my work to increase access of Asian Pacific Americans to essential government services in the District of Columbia, I know that culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services are critical to fair access. There are now over 330,000 APAs in the Greater Washington DC area, almost the same number as Hispanic Americans. In D.C., over 2/3 of the small business licenses are owned by APAs but less than 2% of the workforce are APAs. For example, there is no front-line employee at the Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs who speaks an Asian language. This, in spite of their own figures showing that ~0% of Mom and Pop stores that sell beer and 30% of liquor stores are owned by Korean Americans. Recently, we convinced Mayor Williams to do a 12 age~cy survey assessing the capacity of the District agencies to serve the APA corrrnunity and as a result, the agencies are now mandated to come up with an Agency Action Plan that address the access barriers identified in the survey.

Contact your representatives and let them know how you feel about these

Page 1 of 3 Fri, Apr 6, 2001 1:21 PM issues. Go to www.house .gov and get the contact information of your representative and the cosponsors of the bill . Contact David WU's office, he is the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus, 202-225-0855 tel, 202-225-9497 fax, [email protected]. Work with the national and local APA groups who are addressing these developments. Please get involved!

Also below is an article about the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming review of the Adarand decision.

Thanks.

Warm regards, Francey Youngberg (703) 660-9166

To provide that Executive Order 13166 shall have no force or effect, and to prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes. (Introduced in the House)

HR 969 IH

107th CONGRESS > > 1st Session > > H. R. 969 > >To provide that Executive Order 13166 shall have no force or effect, and to >prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes. > > IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES > > March 8, 2001 > >Mr. STUMP (for himself, Mr . PAUL, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr . ROHRABACHER, Mr. >NORWOOD, Mr. RILEY, Mr. DOOLI'ITLE, Mr. COBLE, Mr. BARTLE'IT of Maryland, Mr . >KING, Mr. TRAFICANT, Mr. GOODE, Mr . EVERE'IT, Mr . DEAL of Georgia, Mr. >BAKER, Mr. GOODLA'ITE, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. ISTOOK, Mr . CRANE, Mr. CALLAHAN, >Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. HOSTETI'LER, Mr. RYUN of Kansas, Mrs. >ROUKEMA, Mrs . CUB IN, Mr. COLLINS, Mr . HEFLEY, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. HANSEN, >and Mr. BURTON of Indiana) introduced the following bill; which was >referred to the Committee on Government Reform > > > A BILL > >To provide that Executive Order 13166 shall have no force or effect, and to >prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes. > > Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the >United States of America in Congress assembled, > >SECTION 1. NULLIFICATION OF EFFECT OF EXECUTIVE ORDER . > > Executive Order 13166, 'Improving Access to Services for Persons with >Limited English Proficiency• (August 16, 2000; 65 Fed. Reg. 50121), is null

Page 2 of 3 Fri, Apr 6, 2001 1:21 PM

>and void and shall have no force or >effect. > >SEC. 2. PROHIBITION AGAINST USE OF FUNDS FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES. > > No funds appropriated pursuant to any provision of law may be used to >promulgate or enforce any executive order that creates an entitlement to >services provided in any language other than >English .

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A62312-2001Mar26.html Court to Review Affirmative Action The Supreme Court, reopening the question of affirmative action, agreed yesterday to refine its view of whether federal programs intended to help minority businesses amount to reverse discrimination against whites. The justic~s will hear the latest challenge to a highway construction program that offered incentives to big companies to hire subcontractors owned by racial minorities. This is familiar ground for the court, which drastically limited the scope of federal affirmative action programs in 1995. The court's 5-4 ruling stopped short of killing affirmative action programs, but said such aid must be narrowly tailored to meet a compelling government interest. At the time, it was assumed that few affirmative action programs could meet that test. The 1995 case and the one the court accepted yesterday involve the same small, white-owned Colorado guardrail installer, Adarand Constructors Inc. Adarand sued in 1990, saying that the program was unconstitutionally based on race. At issue now is a revised version of the contracting program, which Adarand says still gives its competitors unfair advantage.A federal appeals court ruled last year that the revised program met the Supreme Court's constitutional test, called •strict scrutiny.• Congress provided strong evidence that minority businesses suffered intentional discrimination in highway construction bidding, the appeals court said. Adarand then appealed anew to the Supreme Court. Several lawyers who keep tabs on the Supreme Court suggested the court's conservative majority intends to reverse the decision of the lOth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.Ordinarily, the court does not take a case just to decide whether a lower court essentially did as it was told. The court could issue a narrow ruli~g ~t would send the case back to the lOth Circuit with instructions to try it again. Or, as with the 1995 case, the court could narrow the boupdaries of acceptable affirmative action programs.The court could also take the bolder step it didn't take earl ier, and effectively eliminate such programs. But John Elwood, a close student of the court who was a law clerk to Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, said that is unlikely.

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Page 3 of 3 SAVE THE DATE April 1 Z, ZOO 1

WHAT: City Council Hearings on Voter Participation and Election Reform

WHERE: The Quincy School 885 Washington St.- Chinatown

WHEN: Thursday, April12 6:00pm- 8:00pm Refreshments will be served ,/See new computerized voting machines! ,/Come and talk to councilors about what will help you vote. ,/Hear about ideas to make voting more user-friendly.

Sponsoring organizations: Dunk the Vote, MIRA La Alianza Hispana, The Chinese Progressive Assoc., SYBB, Boston Youth Organizing Project Bost'L.nl.. RSVP to Boston VOTE· 542-8683 yoTE Agenda: City Council Hearing, April12, at the Quincy School in Chinatown:

6:00-6:20

-Councilor opens hearing

-welcome and introductions:

David Moy, Agency Director, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center

Suzanne Lee, Principal, Josiah Quincy School

6:20-~~Testimony

1. Marie Moy, Co-chair of the Chinatown Resident Association, on disenfranchisement

2. Robert Snearson, Boston Center for Independent Living, on disabled access

3. Eugene Schnaberg, SYBB, on youth inclusion

4. Alice Leung, Chinese Youth Initiative, on language access (interpreter system)

5. Tse Ngar Cho, resident of the Stearns in Chinatown, on voter education

6. Kin Chung Lam, Chinese Progressive Association and South End resident, on

redistricting

7. Gerthy Lahens, Haitian Women's Group and GBIO, on language and cultural issues

8. Mary SooHoo, Chinatown Safety Committee

9. Pastor Tom Lee, The Chinatown Initiative, on community planning

10. Melvin Poindexter, the Democratic Party I\ . ~-\e~~) 11tfr 7c.3&--8:00 Elected Officials, Councilor closes hearing

l . Rep. Gloria Fox

2. Cheng Irnm Tan, Office of New Bostonians

3-:- open ceg±mor ['ff!Rxxu ;;;Hu~H~ sfteet) -~ 'liA/ \ 4. Councilor closes hearing We need a political voice! Do you think your vote "doesn't matter?" Do you have opinions on housing, schools and redevelopment?

Would translation at public meetings and bilingual voting materials make it easier for you to participate ? Come to the first ever City Council Hearing in Chinatown and tell your elected officials how our communities can have a stronger political voice! City Council Hearing on Political Access Thursday, April12,_2001 Quincy School Cafeteria 6:15- 8:00 childcare provided

?ff~~~ -tif , l+ tta lt ~A 1J.r ~1"< 617) 357-4499 ~ fit± fJU!Jl.l( 617) 542-8683 4t f.? $1:1. ~ : Sponsoring Organizations: Bosto_n VOTE, Dunk the Vote, MIRA, La Alianza His pan a, Chinese Progressive Association, State of Young Black Boston, , Boston Youth Organizing Project For more information, or if you would like to tesufy, please call the Chinese ProgreSSive Association at (617) 357-4499 or Boston VOTE at 542 - 8683. ~ 1r, ·>G 't ~ 1=r mG aq * -t­ ~ 1r, aq ~± I& ·>G 't -t.~ ~ Jli i{3

~~tt-~*k~J~~&~-~~~~--~~*~~~t o

~*~~k•*~~M~~~*h-*~,~~~~a~~~·~~~ 1r1{(.]~~' 1?•J-hra~4L~~' ~~~~i-' ~.iElM;t~M~r~~~ · ·· o

*~ag~~k~~~~{(.J~4~~ o #~~~~AA~A- ~~~*~ ~-ft.!~~~ag~;f1-j:-$rt;f.±.-t- o ~1F,~1g~~-ff~*~; ~~fi-JA~lk; ~~it ·ti% & ; ~o J~; 1e {(.] r..~ ~ ·· · -t &. Ji-.tt fJ ~ ~ 1r, a9 o FAX: 635-4540 TO: Rev. Cheng Imm Tan FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: Statement for Thursday Kick-off

Serene Wong will attend from our staff. Here's a brief statement below:

The Chinese Progressive Association is proud to have been a part of Boston Votes 2000.

Last spring, we involved a core of high school-aged youth in going to elderly housing projects to do voter registration and help people with census forms. We also worked with community groups such as the Mass Pike Towers Tenant Association, Chinatown Resident Association, Mason Place and Stearns Tenant Associations, Asian Community Development Corporation and the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center to do voter registration activities.

Over the summer, we organized building-based voter registration sessions in six housing developments in Chinatown. We also set up tables to do voter registration on the street for several days and at the August Moon Festival. Altogether, we registered over 400 voters--mostly first-time voters living in Chinatown.

After registering these voters, we knew that our job didn't end there. In the fall, we held a series of voter education workshops at seven locations throughout Chinatown to let people know what was on the ballot, going over lists of candidates and ballot questions, explain what would happen when they went to the polls, and show them how to operate a voting machine.

As a result of our work, the major polling place for Chinatown, the Josiah Quincy School, showed a 25.5 percent increase in voter participation during election 2000, compared to the previous presidential election!

It was particularly historic that so many immigrant voters for the first time made choices on the whole range of ballot questions, from dog-racing to tax cuts. Multilitagual Votitag Rights Coalitiota c/ o CPA, 33 Harrisot1 Avet1ue, f hird Floor, Jostot1, MA 0!111

La Alianza Hispatta May 1, 2001

Allston &righton Pevelop11mlt Corporatiott Hon. Maureen Feeney Asian A 111 erica~~ Studies. UMau/Jostott Boston City Council

Asiatt Pacific A111erica~~ Agetlda Coalition One City Hall Plaza Boston, MA 02201 Jostott ChillatOWtl Neighborhood Cettter Dear Councilor Feeney: &ostotl rettatlt Coalition

&oston von I am writing on behalf of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition, a group of organizations and individuals who have come together to &razilian ltMtMigratrt Cetrter call for multilingual access to all public hearings and meetings spon­ sored by the City of Boston.

Chinese Progressive Association At a time when one in four Bostonians is foreign-born, we cannot afford to leave limited English-speakers outside of the public realm. Chinese Yotrth Initiative Immigrant taxpayers are making important contributions to our city and their participation needs to be welcomed. City Ufe/Vlda Urbana

PUtlic fhe Vote We hope that the Boston City Council will pass a resolution to estab­ lish an interpreter system which can be utilized by the council as well Irish ltMtMigrafiott Cetrter as various city departments, and we look forward to working with your office on requesting a modest amount of funding to make this a Latino Heal1h IIISfitute reality. We have scheduled a meeting with Mayor Menino for Friday, Massachusetts £nglish Plus May 25, at 3:00pm to discuss this proposal and hope that you might be able to join us at that meeting. We will contact your office to see if MIRA Coall1i011 you might be available. Thank you.

National Coal11iott of Advocates for Studetrts .A.itlt.t- Cilinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue, 3nJ Floor, Boston, MA 02 111 Tel. (61 7) 357-4499. Fax (617) 357-9611. e-mail: CPPA Boston a uol com

4 s-- I - 16?<;

TO: George Pillsbury FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: 4/ 12 hearing expenses 4/ 20/ 01

EXPENSES FOR 4/12 HEARING

Childcarc $ 50.00

*Interpreters (3 x 87.50) 262.50

Pre-hearing translation (glossary of terms) 25.00

Refreshments 39.00

TOTAL $ 376.50

*Altho ugh we had three people on the translation team, only two actively provided the interpretation that evening. 1 suspect that the third person, whom I just mailed a check to, might return the check, making this total $175.

If Boston VOTE can cover refreshments and one of the translators for a total of $126.50, that would be appreciated.

for justice, democracy and equality City Council Hearing, April 12, at the Quincy School in Chinatown --~------~~----- 6:15- 6:30

-Councilor Turner opens hearing

-Welcome: David Moy, Agency Director, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center Suzanne Lee, Principal, Josiah Quincy School

6:30- 7: 45 Testimony

(Councilor Turner will ask city councilors and English speakers to put on their headphones for Chinese testimony.)

1 . Kin Chung Lam, Chinese Progressive Association (language and redistricting)

2. Bark Jew Huey, Stearns resident (voter education)

3. Henry Yee, Chinatown Resident Association (officials need to hear residents)

(Councilor Turner will ask if there are additional people who wish to testify in Chinese, then will begin English testimony.)

4. Marie Moy, Chinatown Resident Association (disenfranchisement)

5. Robert Snearson, Boston Center for Independent Living (accessibility)

6. Eugene Schnaberg, State of Young Black Boston (youth inclusion)

7. Gerty Lahens, Haitian Women's Group & Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (language and cultural issues)

8. Alice Leung, Chinese Youth Initiative (youth and first-time voters)

9. Rev. Tom Lee, The Chinatown Coalition (need City-community collaboration)

10. Mary SooHoo, Chinatown Safety Committee

11 . Melvin Poindexter, Democratic Party (affirmative action for party caucuses)

12. Open Testimony

7:45- 8:00 Elected Officials and Election Commissioner

1. Rep. Gloria Fox

2. Rev. Cheng Imm Tan, Office of New Bostonians (may need to leave early)

3. Election Commissioner Nancy Lo

4 . City Councilors April 25, 2001

Lydia,

Thanks for sending me a check for the 4/12 city council hearing, but I will have to send it back to you. First of all, 1 didn' t expect to be paid for the translation. Besides, I really didn't perform any service that evening. It was Cheri who did all the work. In fact, I wanted to apologize for not being able to stay or offer to take over the translation. Before the hearing, I had a drink with my colleagues. During the hearing, all of a sudden, 1 felt very sleepy and was not able to concentrate. So I felt that it was best to have Cheri translate for the whole session.

It was too bad that only Chuck Turner was there. But I thought the communjty turnout was great. Thanks to CPA' s tireless community organizing efforts. Campaign to Protect Chinatown A collaborative project of the Asian American Resource Workshop, the Chinese P1·ogressive Association, and tl1e Ham; H. Dow Memorial Legal Assistance Fund 33 Harrison Avenue 3'd Floor, Boston MA 02111 phone: 617.426.0643 fax: 617.451.7252

April25, 2001

Councilor Kelly One City Hall Square Boston, MA 02201-1007

Dear Councilor Kelly,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with the Boston Tenant Coalition about the affordable housing crisis in this City. I appreciate your honest assessment of the housing situation and perspective. I am also pleased to learn of your likely support for a simultaneous interpreter system at City-hosted public hearings and meetings, provided you receive a cost estimation of the system. I think you would agree that such a system would be mutually beneficial to both the City administration and the non-English speaking citizens of Boston.

I want to take this chance to follow up on the meeting and infom1 you that a number of Chinatown organizations and residents would be very interested in meeting with you. We welcome the opportunity for more in-depth conversation about quality of life issues in Chinatown than has been possible at some of the larger community meetings and events. Lydia Lowe of the Chinese Progressive Association will be contacting you shortly to set up a time for a meeting.

Should you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 617.426.0643 or [email protected]. We in Chinatown look forward to meeting with you soon.

Sincerely,

Director

Cc: Lydia Lowe, Chinese Progressive Association Henry Yee, Sik Lun Yan, and Marie Moy, Chinatown Resident Association MultiliHgual VotiHg Rights CoalitioH c/o CPA, 33 Harrison Avet1ue, fnird Floor: ~oston, MA 01111

May 1, 2001 ta Alianza Hispana

Allstott Mghton Vevelopllletft Corporatio11 Hon. Charles Turner Asian A111erican S1Udies. UMass/~oston Boston City Council One City Hall Plaza Asian Pacific Al!lerica~~ AgU!da Coalitio11 Boston, MA 02201

~os1lln Chit~atowll Neighborhood Cetrter Dear Chuck: ~os1lln f e.mtrt Coaliti011 I am writing to thank you for your presence at the recent City ~osto tt von Council hearing held in Chinatown on April12, and for your efforts on behalf of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition.

At a time when one in four Bostonians is foreign-born, we cannot afford to leave limited English-speakers outside of the public Chi11ese Progressive Associatio11 realm. Immigrant taxpayers are making important contributions Chinese Yolltlllnitiative to our city and their participation needs to be welcomed, whether it is parents attending a School Committee meeting, business City Ute/ VIda Urba~~a owners coming before the Licensing Board, or residents testifying on zoning or neighborhood issues.

Irish ht1111igm1io11 Cemer We hope that the Boston City Council will pass a resolution to establish an interpreter system which can be utilized by the council lati 11o Health IIIS1ttlrte as well as various city departments. We have arranged for a meet­ ing with the mayor to discuss allocating a modest amount of funds Massachusetts ft~glish Plus in the City budget for this purpose, and hope that you will be able MIUCoalitio11 to join us. The meeting is scheduled for May 25 at 3:00pm. We will be in touch with your office to check on your availability. Natio~~al Coalitio11 of Advocates fo r S1Udmts Thank you.

Viema 111ese A111erieall llli1iative tor Vevelopl!letft SAMPLE LETTER FOR MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION

May 7, 2001

Hon. Thomas M. Menino Mayor of Boston One City Hall Plaza Boston, MA 02201

Dear Mayor Menino:

lam writing on behalf of MY ORGANIZATION to express support for the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition's proposal for a simultaneous interpreter system for public meetings of the City of Boston.

One in four Bostonians today is foreign-born. Many members of our community are parents, residents, business owners, and taxpayers who want to contribute to our neighborhoods and schools but whose participation is obstructed by limited English proficiency. Evidence of immigrants' desire to participate can be seen in the record voter turnouts in last fall's election. We applaud your establishment of the Office of New Bostonians in recognition of the changing population and changing needs of Boston residents, and we hope that the next step can be to ensure multilingual access to all public meetings sponsored by the City.

The proposal calls for the purchase of simultaneous interpretation equipment and establishment of a pool of interpreters in major language groups of the City. This is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to address an issue of tremendous importance to the neighborhoods of Boston. We hope that you will act now to allocate a modest amount of funds for such a system in the City budget.

Thank you for your concern and leadership on this important issue.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION 05.08.01

The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increased political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, with a long-term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of multilingual ballots and access to the political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registration and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities. Our immediate focus is to advocate that a simultaneous interpreter system be made available at public meetings of the City Council, School Committee, and other agencies of the City of Boston to allow immigrant communities a voice in public policy.

AGENDA

1. Updates -4/12 hearing -additional endorsements - BCNC, DSNI -City Council resolution

2. Meeting with Mayor 5/25, 3:00pm a) Goals b) Confirmed community attendees - additional? limit? Tom Louie, MIRA Coalition and Mass. English Plus Lydia Lowe, Chinese Progressive Association Malia Lazu, Boston VOTE Kathy Brown, Boston Tenant Coalition Hillary Burger, Latino Health Institute Hiep Chu, Viet AID City Life/Vida Urbana Fausto DaRocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative Rev. Groover, Black Ministerial Alliance Michelle Brooks, Boston Parent Organizing Network c) City Council members as part of Mayor meeting or separate? d) letters to Mayor from other community groups/leaders

3. Next steps for coalition? Next meeting? MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION 05.08.01

The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increased political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, with a long-term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of multilingual ballots and access to the political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registration and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities. Our immediate focus is to advocate that a simultaneous interpreter system be made available at public meetings of the City Council, School Committee, and other agencies of the City of Boston to allow immigrant communities a voice in public policy.

AGENDA

1. Updates -4/12 hearing -additional endorsements - BCNC, DSNI -City Council resolution

2. Meeting with Mayor 5/25, 3:00 prn a) Goals b) Confirmed community attendees - additional? limit? Tom Louie, MIRA Coalition and Mass. English Plus Lydia Lowe, Chinese Progressive Association Malia Lazu, Boston VOTE Kathy Brown, Boston Tenant Coalition Hillary Burger, Latino Health Institute Hiep Chu, Viet AID ~NcAS ~~~~· /City Life/Vida Urbana Fausto DaRocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative Rev. Groover, Black Ministerial Alliance Michelle Brooks, Boston Parent Organizing Network c) City Council members as part of Mayor meeting or separate? d) letters to Mayor from other community groups/leaders

3. Next steps for coalition? Next meeting? ~A.it.it-t- CitiJtese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue, 3rt1 Floor, Boston, MA 02111 Tel. (617) 357-4499, Fax (617) 357-961/, e-mail: CPPA Boslon'a;aof.c:om

TO: John Barros, DSNI FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition May 8, 2001

ATTACHED INFO- THREE PAGES TOTAL.

for justice, democracy and equality MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION 05.08.01

The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increased political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, with a long-term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of multilingual ballots and access to the political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registration and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities. Our 1mmediate focus is to advocate that a simultaneous interpreter system be made available at public meetings of the City Council, School Committee, and other agencies of the City of Boston to allow immigrant communities a voice in public policy.

AGENDA

1. Updates -4/12 hearing -additional endorsements - BCNC, DSNI -City Council resolution

2. Meeting with Mayor 5/25, 3:00pm a) Goals b) Confirmed community attendees - additional? limit? Tom Louie, MIRA Coalition and Mass. English Plus Lydia Lowe, Chinese Progressive Association Malia Lazu, Boston VOTE Kathy Brown, Boston Tenant Coalition Hillary Burger, Latino Health Institute Hiep Chu, Viet AID City Life/Vida Urbana Fausto DaRocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative Rev. Groover, Black Ministerial Alliance Michelle Brooks, Boston Parent Organizing Network c) City Council members as part of Mayor meeting or separate? d) letters to Mayor from other community groups/leaders

3. Next steps for coalition? Next meeting? Clrmmttm of rht•IJotJni lknt.tmin fl. nrk" May21,2001 Fonner f'uhli>her

Ms. Lydia Lowe l'n·>idclllmtd Executive D irector

Cl11d E.n'

245 ~ummcr Street Dear Ms. Lowe:

SUttC 1401 Today's youth are presented with more obstacles than ever before when it 617 -624·8000 comes to staying on the right track. As a United Way youth serving agency, f'ax:6 1 7-1124·911~ you help children overcome these hurdles and set them on the road to a bright future.

Grt'IIICr ,\'nrtlt Slum: ( IJiin•

215 ""''bury Street United Way would like to recognize these young individuals for the strength Sunc 2()<) and determination it takes to change the course of their lives and move Peabody, MA 0 196(l-2·HXJ towards success. Starting in the Fall of2001, we will be selecting five youth

97!1- 535-9756 (between the ages of 13 and 18) to receive United Way Certificates of rax: 97$ 5.\5-lJ 179 Achievement. These individuals will be trained to speak at one of United Way's Leadership Events. At the event they will be personally honored and presented with their award by our leader, Marian L. Heard. Scouth!.\1.-trot•~·

Sincerely, ~~~{)~ Senior Director, Community Education and Volunteer Training

HDS/ljn

w\vw.uwmb.org / it .it-t- Chinese*A. Progressive Association 33 Hcu·rison Avenue. 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02111 Tel. (617) 357-4499, Fax (617) 357-96!1. e-mail: CPPA Bostvnra,,aol.c.:om

TO: Hon. Francis M. Roache FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: MVRC Meeting with Mayor Menino 5/23/01

Just confirming that the meeting with Mayor Menino is scheduled for this Friday, May 25, at 3:00pm in his office at City HalL Also attending will be City Councilor Chuck Turner, Rev. Cheng Imm Tan of the Office of New Bostonians, and Election Commissioner Nancy Lo.

Community attendees: Michelle Brooks, Boston Parent Organizing Network Kathy Brown, Boston Tenant Coalition Emilia DePina, Cape Verdean Task Force Raymond Chajuste, Haitian Amer Public Health Initiatives Fausto Da Rocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center Hillary Burger, Latino Health Institute Hiep Chu, Vietnamese American Initiative for Development Malia Lazu, Boston VOTE Tom Louie, MIRA Coalition and Massachusetts English Plus Lydia Lowe, Chinese Progressive Association Magalis Troncoso, City Life/Vida Urbana

Below is a proposed agenda:

1) Introductions and purpose of the meeting

2) Present proposal for multilingual access to public meetings

3) Discussion, questions, and next steps

for justice, democracy and equality ~A.it.itt- Chinese Progressive As.5ociation 33 Harrison Avenue, 3rJ Floor, Boston. MA 02111 Tel. (617) 357-4499. Fax (617) 357-9611. e-mail. CPPA Boston a aol com

TO: Michelle Brooks, Boston Parent Organizing Network (617) 373-8924 Kathy Brown, Boston Tenant Coalition (617) 737-3290 Emilia DePina, Cape Verdean Task Force (617) 427-8047 z.16 -Js:ro Raymond Chajuste, Haitian Amer Public Health Initiatives (617) 23:8 00'6

Fausto DaRocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center (617) 783-8001 1 5hl-110lfjM. Hillary Burger, Latino Health Institute (617) 350-6901 Hiep Chu, Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (617) 357-9549 . ~ocwe:t+Blm ·k rvt i •risteriai :: Alliance... Malia Lazu, Boston VOTE (617) 451-7895 Tom Louie, MIRA Coalition and Massachusetts English Plus (617) 350-5499 Magalis Troncoso, City Life/Vida Urbana (617) 524-3555 FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition MEETING WITH MAYOR MENINO 5/23/01

The meeting with Mayor Menino is scheduled for this Friday, May 25, at 3:00 pm in his office at City Hall. Also attending will be City Councilor Mickey Roache, City Councilor Chuck Turner, Rev. Cheng Imm Tan of the Office of New Bostonians, and Elections Commissioner Nancy Lo.

We would like everyone from our community delegation to first meet at 2:30pm downstairs in the third floor lobby of City Hall, so that we can touch base before the meeting. Please bring any outstanding signed petitions or organizational support letters with you that day.

Below is a proposed agenda:

1) Introductions and purpose of the meeting (Lydia)

2) Present proposal for multilingual access to public meetings -concept and estimated budget (Tom) -petitions and support letters (Lydia) -describe our experience using equipment at council meetings (Kathy) -connect this issue to multilingual voting rights generally (ballots and voting machines - Malia) -stress importance with examples from our communities (a ll)

3) Discussion, questions, and next steps

for justice, democracy alld equality MEETING WITH MAYOR MENINO May 25,2001

Community Attendees: VEmilia DePina, Cape Verdean Task Force I -~ ~<.j_jlltf Michelle Brooks, Boston Parent Organizi~g ~etwork 31.3-7S1S"" 3r'3 ~ ([ ~athy Brown, Boston Tenant Coalition '6F!-J 1-)r- 37....10 fi{aymond Chajuste, H aitian American P blic ~ealth Initiatives @fJ)~1g~80U Aausto Da Rocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center l6/t) rg3-ga:J1 4mary Burger, Latino Health Institute (6F1-)?S"o-~ / ?5D-61D{Jc;<. vtiiep Chu, Vietnamese American Initiahve~r;o Development (~If) lf.3.H'ffl1 llov.--ei'6tA4¥,Black Ministerial Alliance ~{1- 'IL/S... 'l.1S"~ (I A1alia Lazu, Boston VOTE t;rr)fq1.-~

TO: Elisania Nunez, Boston Parent Organizing Network (617) 373-8924 Kathy Brown, Boston Tenant Coalition (617) 737-3290 Emilia DePina, Cape Verdean Task Force (617) 427-8047 Raymond Chajuste, Haitian Amer Public Health Initiatives (617) 296-1570 Fausto DaRocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center (617) 562-1404 Hillary Burger, Latino Health Institute (617) 350-6901 Hiep Chu, Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (617) 357-9549 Malia Lazu, Boston VOTE (617) 451-7895 Tom Louie, MIRA Coalition and Massachusetts English Plus (617) 350-5499 Magalis Troncoso, City Life/Vida Urbana (617) 524-3555 ....-

FROM: Lydia Lowe

RE: Thank you, everyone!

5/29/01

Thanks to everyone for participating in the meeting with Mayor Menino last Friday as part of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition. He made a commitment to find the money in the city budget, so let's keep monitoring the situation and make sure that it happens!

I would like to ask everyone to do one more thing this week--to take a few minutes to write a short note thanking the Mayor for the meeting and for his commitment. I think it could only help us to have a bunch of letters following up the meeting. Also, if your organization has not yet formally endorsed the coalition, please complete the attached checklist and fax it back to us! Thank you!

for justice, democracy and equality Jj!:A.i1i'!i" Chinese Progressive Association 33 Han·ison Avenue. 3'd Floor, Boston, MA 02111 Tel. (617) 357-4499, Fax (617} 357-9611, e-mail: CPPA [email protected]

June 1, 2001

Hon. Thomas M. Menino Mayor of Boston One City Hall Plaza Boston, MA 02201

Dear Mayor Menino:

On behalf of the Chinese Progressive Association and the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition, I would like to thank you for meeting with us on May 25 to discuss the issue of multi! ingual access to public meetings and hearings sponsored by the City ofBoston.

As we discussed that day, setting up a system for simultaneous interpretation at public meetings is a small and relatively "easy" step, but one which carries tremendous significance for Boston's growing immigrant communities. In the same way that establishing the Office ofNew Bostonians demonstrated your recognition of this growing population, your leadership on this issue will signal that immigrant taxpayers are welcomed into the public discourse and set a precedent for other cities to follow.

We look forward to working with the appropriate departments to publicize the availability of this service and to share our experience to help make it work. Thank you again for your commitment to this important access issue.

Sincerely, ht{L_ ~diaLowe Director cc: Nancy Lo Rev. Cheng Imm Tan

for justice, democracy and equality A STATEWIDE MEETING ON ELECTION REFORM & VOTING RIGHTS

~ Develop a Statewide Voting Rights Agenda

~ Develop a Statewide Voting Rights network to promote a voting rights agenda

)..- Create joint action plans to address barriers

)> Share resources and information on voting rights, voter mobilization and election issues

WHEN: _Friday June 1 -~-~9:0(}~~-=- 4:0~Q"-~m-~_~ WHERE: Worcester Crowne Plaza Hotel

Sponsoring Organziations: i,.Oiste?, Chelsea Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Neighbor to Neighbor, Dunk the Vote, Coalition for a Better Acre, Voter Power/Boston VOTE, La Alianza Hispana and Access Strategies Fund

Seating is limited, please call Malia Lazu (617)542-8683 to RSVP. •""~"'~ '\>. * * • ~...:...-.."' "-~-• '''SEF- 1 25 - Pe8607923 Bostt..nl.. 37 Temple PI sttt F1 3 0 2 6 I QQ ,. 3 3 O A P R 1 1 0 1 3 , I. 6 M.A11EO f n~ t>• "' Qt~ !WI 0 2 1 1 1 yoTE Boston, MA 021n 617-542-VOTE

Voting Rights lydia lowe Election Reiorm Chinese Progressive Assn ------·- 33 Harrison Ave. 3rd Fl Statewide Meeting: June 1st Boston, MA 02111 Paoit lot 3

CEP Boston Tel: 542-8683 Fax: 451· 7895

FACSIMILE COVER PAGE

To: Lydia Lowe From: Boston VOTE Fax#: 617-357·9611 Fax#: 617-451-7895 Company: Chinese Progressive Assn Tel#: 617·542·8683

Subject: Sent: 06/19/2001 at 7:43:00 PM Pages: 3 (including cover)

MESSAGE:

Wmfax PRO Cover Page to provide the full three months' health coverage which is normally required in a plant closing. ~'age 2 o':

To: Boston VOTE sites From. Malia Lazu and Ron Bell Re: Site visits Date: June 18, 2001

Boston VOTE wants to see you-

./Boston VOTE will be doing a marathon site visits Monday, July 9th through Friday July 13th .

./We want to talk to you for 15 minutes to find out what you need for voter education and registration the 2001 elections .

./Please fill out the attached site form and fax it back by July 1st 617-451-7895 with the best time for us to drop by.

We will also bring voter registration forms to update your site kit, I know a lot of your organizations are doing community events during the summer, please bring your Boston VOTE voter registration boxes to register the community. Dear Seantor Lynch:

We are a group of workers who were laid off on Friday June 15 from Power-One Internation, an eletronic manufacturing plant in Allston. Power-One will shut down its Allston plant this Fall, and divided its workforce into two groups for layoff, 120 workers who were laid-off last Friday and 30 workers in September. We are among the July group. Some of us have worked for Power-One for five years or less, we are receiving only 2 weeks of severance pay. Some of us worker for Power-One for more than ten years, we are only receiving four weeks of severance pay. Some of us have not reveive our time-and-half for overtime worked. In addition, there is no bonus goven to us, whereas, the September group who are in the same work position as us, are receiveing three to six months of severance pay in addition to one thousand dollars of severance. In May, over seventy of us organized a one-hour work stoppage, and confronted mannagement about the tmequal severance package offered to the two group of workers. ln reponse workers were threathened with termination, arrest, elimination of severance pay, and denial od unemployment insurance. We have endured many injustices while working at Power-One, including rampant favoritism, unpaid overtime, flutuating piece-rates, and other problems. Our from the Power-One management include: 1) improved and equitable severance and bonus packages 2) packages awarded according to seniority 3) no cutback in five sick days 4) full payment of earned overtin1e 5) a full three months of continued health coverage After we have organized pickets and seek legal assistance, the mangament acknowledged that workers do have the right to organize and met with the workers representatives on June 8th. However, the company's reponse was that they will offer no bonus, no additional severance beyond 2-4 weeks, the five sick days, and 6-8 weeks of continued health insurance (also based on seniority). They will investigate the and pay any unpaid overtime. We are only demanding fair and equitable treatment from Power-One, and owed over-time and 3 full months of health coverage which are owe to us legally. Power-One denies that they owe the workers three months of health coverage because their company is international and the company head-quarters mis based in California, Massachusetts laws does not apply to them. Power-One can afford a better severance package for us, it is a global cooperation, ranks as the 6th largest power conversion equitment manufacturer in the worls, with operation in China, Mexico, Singapore, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republics, Ireland, Australia, Slovakia, and other locations in the US. It annual sales for the year 200 totaled $511 million and listed by Forbes as one of the top 200 companies for its profitability. As residents of your district, we are writing to ask for your support. We are organizing another picket on Wednesday, June 20, 4:00 - 6:00pm in front of the factory at 20 Linden Street in Allston, we hope that you can bwe there to support us. We also hope that a letter, phone call, or request to meet with the plant manager or director of human resources might bel p to pressure Power-One to improve severance packages and aoste..nL FAX BACK# 617-461-7896 yOTE Site UPDATE FORM

OrganUation ______

Executive Director ------ContactfStaff Liason ------

Street Address ------City ------St [\ll.<\. Zip ______Phone ______Fax ______

" ' rb Site ______Email ______

Ho~ofOperation ______

Please check some possible ways your organization \\ould like to integrate voter r~gistration/and or voter education:

Adult Education ____ Athletic Leagues

GED/ESL __ Computer C.-1asses

__ Special En·nh ___ Support Groups

__ Conunwtity Meetings Ctient Intake/Members

Other

POSSIBLE DATE TO MEET WITH BOSTON VOTE (Please Check)

AM PM

Monda~· July 9th

Tuesda)7 Julv 10th \Yednesllay July 11th Thursday July 12 111

Frida~· July 13tb ~~~~qm~~~~m~~~~m~~•*m•~~~·~~~~~~~­ ~~f.f - @0*l!r~ 0

• =g:w~nt!l Jrn ~ ~~ ~ i~ {@ -t 8 5t 8/;J =g: ~ ~ niJi o

• Em!!~ 11~ .... ,

• :15d&~~~~ ~~=+AB•£M~o~W·~-~-~~o

• r~J5B:;@"tt!M!\WrmBAA ~~-~~E~ffiMo -~E~EB~~~~--~~~0 CEP Boston Tel: 542-8683 Fax: 451-7895

F A C S·l M I L E C 0 V E R P A G E

To: Evonne Yang From: Boston VOTE Fax#: 617-357-9611 Fa x#: 617-451-7895 Company: Chinese Progressive Tel#: 617-542-8683

Subject: Sent: 06/19/2001 at 7:43:00 PM Pages: 3 (including cover)

MESSAGE:

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•~-~~h~§~~-~~--~~-·~~~~~-~~~&~~-m~ ~ ~hhtJJ ~n flfl ~A JjJ: 31. - 1~ ~~~a. B'-1 ~ ~ • o To: Boston VOTE sites From: Malia Lazu and Ron Bell Re : Site VIsits Date: June 18, 2001

Boston VOTE wants to see you-

/Boston VOTE will be doing a marathon site visits Monday, July 9th through Friday July 13th .

./We want to talk to you for 15 minutes to find out what you need for voter education and registration the 2001 elections.

,(Please fill out the attached site form and fax it back by July 1st 617-451-7895 with the best time for us to drop by.

We will also bring voter registration forms to update your site kit, I know a lot of your organizations are doing community events during the summer, please bring your Boston VOTE voter registration boxes to register the community. W~~ : #d±~ • .~~ • .15~~9 • ~J.L~~{lffl • 1!QJ~\"(Clai reCroghan)

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John Shayeb, Mass. AFL-CIO Hon. Brian Honan, City Councilor for Allston Russ Davis, Jobs With Justice Tom Louie, MIRA Coalition Juan Rodriguez, Allston-Brighton CDC (617) 787-3874, gonzalez@a lls ton brightoncdc.org Fausto da Rocha, Brazilian Immigrant Center (617) 783-8001 Rev. Cheng Imm Tan, Office of New Bostonians

BULLHORNS Mobilization for Survival (617) 354-0008 - Wells UNITE Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition clo CPA, 33 Harriso., Ave.,ue, fhiird Floor; Josto.,, MA Ollll

July 9, 2001

Dear Friends: la Alianza Hispana

AUstonlkighton Vevelop111ent Corporation Summer is here, and city elections are fast approaching. It is time for the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition to regroup and make plans for Asian A111erican Stvdies. UMass/&orton the fall.

Asian Pacific A111erican Agenda Coaliti011 The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize &oston Chinatown Neighborhood Cetrter for increase political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, with a long-term vision of social change. &oston f enallt Coalition Last fall, MVRC launched the call for multilingual access to all public &oston von meetings sponsored by the City of Boston. We developed a detailed &razilianl111111igra11t Center proposal for an interpreter system, working with Rev. Cheng Imm Tan of the Office of New Bostonians and City Councilor Chuck Turner. We organized a petition drive, lobbied the City Council, highlighted our demands through a series of City Council hearings on voter access and Chinese Progressive Association through the media, and held a meeting of immigrant community lead­ Chinese Vollth Initiative ers with Mayor Menino to discuss the proposal.

City Ufe!Vida Urbana At our meeting with Mayor Menino on May 25, the Mayor agreed to City purchase of interpreter equipment and provide staff coordination Vunk the Vote of an interpretation system, setting a timetable of late summer/fall to

Irish l111111igration Center get the system up and running. latino Health lnstiMe We would like to invite you to participate in a meeting to discuss next steps for the coalition. The meeting will be held: Massachusetts English Plus Tuesday, July 17, 200 I MIRA Coalition 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm National Coaliti011 of Advocates for Stvdents at the Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue, Third Floor Viet11a111ese A111ericanlnitiative for Vevelop111em' (corner of Harrison and Beach in Boston Chinatown)

Please RSVP in advance to Lydia at (6 17) 357-4499 (or email [email protected]), and let us know if you would like us to be included in our takeout lunch order. We hope to see you there! Sin:L ~ ia Lowe Multili"gual Voti"g Kights Coalitio" clo CPA, 33 Harrisot1 Avet1ue, fhird Floor; ~osto t1 , MA Ot111

July 9, 2001

Dear Friends: La Alia11za Hispa11a Summer is here, and city elections are fast approaching. It is time for Allsto11 Srighto11 Vevelo p~t~ettt Corpora'lio 11 the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition to regroup and make plans for

Asia11 A~t~eri can Studies, UMass/ ~oston the fall.

Asian Pacific A~t~erican Agwda Coalition The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increase political access and political power for immigrant and Soston Chinatown Neighborhood Ce~er minority communities, with a long-term vision of social change. Soston f wa~ Coalition Last fall, MVRC launched the call for multilingual access to all public &osto 11 von meetings sponsored by the City of Boston. We developed a detailed proposal for an interpreter system, working with Rev. Cheng Imm Tan &razilia11 l ~t~~t~ igra~ Ce~er of the Office of New Bostonians and City Councilor Chuck Turner. We Ca~t~paigll to Protect Chinatow11 organized a petition drive, lobbied the City Council, highlighted our demands through a series of City Council hearings on voter access and Chi~~ese Progressive Associatio11 through the media, and held a meeting of immigrant community lead­

Chi11ese Yollth l11itiative ers with Mayor Menino to discuss the proposal.

City Ufe/Vida Urba~~a At our meeting with Mayor Menino on May 25, the Mayor agreed to City purchase of interpreter equipment and provide staff coordination of an interpretation system, setting a timetable of late summerI fall to get the system up and running. Irish l ~t~111igrafio11 Cwter

Latino Health IIISfittrte We would like to invite you to participate in a meeting to discuss next steps for the coalition. The meeting will be held: Massachusetts f11glish Plus Tuesday, July 17,2001 MIU Coaliti011 12:00 noon-2:00pm National Coalitio11 of Advocates for Students at the Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue, Third Floor Viettla~t~ ese A ~t~ ericall l11ifiative for Pevelop~t~ent (comer of Harrison and Beach in Boston Chinatown)

Please RSVP in advance to Lydia at (6 17) 357-4499 (or email [email protected]), and let us know if you would like us to be included in our takeout lunch order. We hope to see you there!

SincerelYt ~/-- ~dia Lowe MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION July 17, 2001 Meeting Agenda

The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increase political access and political power for immigrant and minority communities, with a long-term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of multilingual ballots and access to the political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registration and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities.

I . Introductions

2. Multilingual [nterpreter System

-any updates from City Hall

-Coalition followup needed

3. Next Steps: how can immigrant communities become a stronger political force?

-redistricting report

-activities for this fall's City elections Multilingual ~o t i ng Rights O,alition (MVRC) Monthly Bulletin September Issue

ThE' pLrpose of the M.1lti 1nguel Vo,ng Rights Coalitor Is to organl:e lor increase pot1tlcel access and politcal pov.'er for lmmigra-n and minority cormunit!es. with a long-!enT" VIsion of social change To th1s end. we will work on the ;ss.Jes cf mulbhngual ::~alots end access to the po'iticel systen. re'istricting anc po 1tica representation. voter reg1strslion and voter education. and developMent and prcrroticn of a polit cal agenda for our cOI'Mluruties.

Preliminary Efec:tion Day. Remind your residents and community members to vote on Tuesday, September 26, 2001 for the Preliminary Election Day.

Tu esday Sept 11th is the Primary for the 9th Congressional District: The 9th Congressional o :strict includes parts of the neighborhoods including Dorchester, South Boston. Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Jamaica Plain. The primary will determine the Democratic and Republican candidates to replace the late Congressman Joe Moakley.

Msrch for Democracy. Sunday, September 16th will be a March for Democracy from Lexington to the Boston Common -- or any part in between -- in support of the clean election law. The march starts from Dudley Square. Roxbury to Boston around 3 PM . Contact [email protected] or 617- 451-5999 for more information.

Community Preservation Act (C PA): The Boston Tenant Coalition, Allston­ Brighton CDC , City LifeNida Urbana. and Chinese Progressive Association are all working on the campaign to support the Community PreseNation Act (CPA). a referendum question on affordable housing, open space, and historic preseNation. This is a great opportunity to link political participation with the concrete issues we care about. So far, we've found that people are eager to sign the initiative petition and it has helped us to register many new immigrant voters. The deadline for signatures is September 25th! ! For information about the campaign, go to www.bostoncpa.org

Redistricting Meeting: Boston VOTE, the Chinese Progressive Association, and Allston-Brighton CDC are cosponsoring an informal meeting on redistricting , specifically focused on looking at the state representative district lines in the Allston-Brighton area. We will be meeting at Allston-Brighton CDC on Thursday, September 13, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

New Bostonians Voter Registration Week: Participating Agencies and individuals of the campaign across the City will conduct intensive voter registration and stand outs under the same banner during the New Bostonians Vote 2001 Voter Registration Week from October 1st- October 7 th. This will unify and solidify immigrants' voices in Boston, and show city government that immigrants care about policies/issues affecting their neighborhoods. To see how you can help or volunteer information, please contact the Mayor's Office of New Bostonians at 617-635-2980. rhe MVRC Monthlf Bulle~ 1 n 1s 1ssued ever.; month :o Inform residents about poht,cal and educatio:al act1vi!1es or 1ssues affecting 1mmigrant commun1ties I' y::>u would Lke to share your updates, please senj them to Tnnh NgJyer, [email protected]'1 com no later than 3 days before the beg1rn1ng of each month.

MVRC Part'lers. Asian Pacific American Agenda CoalitiOn (APAAC)-Boston VOTE-Chi'lese Progressrve Association (CPA)-Insh lmm1grat1on Center (IIC)-La:ino Health Institute-MI RA CoalitiOn-Boston Tenant Coaht on-Campaign To Protect Chmatow'1-C1ty Llfe/La V1d a Urbana-La Alianza Hlspana-MassachJsetts English Plus Coa!ition- Nat anal Coalition Of Advocates for Students (NCAS)- As1an Arnencan S~ud1es Department/UMass Boston Multilit1gual Votit1g Kignts Coalitiot1 elo CPA, gg Harrisot1 Avet1ue, Third Floor: ~ostot1, MA Otlll

The purpose of tlze Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for increased political access and political power for immigrant la Alia11za Hispa11a nnd rninority communities, with a long-term vision of social change. To this end, we will work on the issues of multilingual ballots and access to the Allsto11 ~righto11 Vevelopl'Kel'lt Corporatio11 political system, redistricting and political representation, voter registra­

Asfa11 A!'Kerfca11 Studies, UMass/~osto11 tion and voter education, and development and promotion of a political agenda for our communities. Asia11 Pacific A!'Kerica11 Age11da Coalitio11 Our immediate focus is to advocate that a simultaneous interpreter system be made available at public meetings of the City Council, School &osto11 Chi11atow11 Neighborhood Cet-tter Committee, and other agencies of the City of Boston to allow immigrant communities a voice in public policy.

&osto11 VOTE November 5, 2001 ~razilia11 lt'Kl'Kigrat'tt Cet-tter Dear Fri.ends:

Ca~paig~ 10 Protect Chi~atow~ The Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition has Chi~e s e Progressive Associatio~ scheduled to regroup on:

Chi~ese Youth l~itiative FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9

City Ufe/Vida Urba11a 12 :00 - 2:00 pm at the Chinese Progressive Association Vu~k the Vote 33 Harrison Avenue, Third Floor

Irish l~111igratio11 Cellter Please RSVP to (617) 357-4499 or Lati11o Health 11\Stitute [email protected] and we wi.ll include you 1n our take-out lunch order! Massachusetts £11glish Plus Proposed Agenda: MII?.A Coalitio11 1) updates on the Ci.ty's multilingual interpreter

Natio~~al Coalttio11 of Advocates for Studellts system 2) followup needed? Viet11a111ese A~erica~ l11ltiative for Pevelop~ellt 3) reports from member groups on redistricting, voter education and registration work, electoral reform report, etc. 4) next steps? Hope to see you on Friday! I ; .._ !If/'t.__1 -- Cydi.a Lowe CPA Campaign Evaluation

What worked, What didn't, What did we learn?

1. Field organization f(e_-/VfnvJ ent/1! l< ~ - J: '7 A. signature gathering · k l!..V JILl-/ f~ft€M (. (f B. presentations at local and issue specific meeting? . . ;/:36 __ ~d-1 "'-?lif:1 C. voter ID calls , ~b 1....-[ 0~ ~ I U;<-. 0 D. dear friend cards i. )~ ,. . .) ~ ~ 1 ~ E. GOTV effort M ~Vj~ L4~1 ,:(. ),_1 j F. poll covera?e l[l ~ ~ J<"..- 141, #h 1 ./ ~, . I {/>aNt ~ G. other ~ IP>"") /1 .k"' ,Jn & '-- ~ Iff"tJ~ Constituencies Wr.%, _,f I!0 aJ Jur wrJ r J::: (Jf.lk A. housing organizations 6~ U ~ B. environm_ental org~niz_ations 1 llt ?_7 - 5b .K' (j1 J ~ C. preservation orga~IZattons ~- w 'f to ' ) :o D. lab~r unio~s..-W~~~~.uJ_W.Vf~? · 'i( ldJJ~{ Clxlfr E. semors --1/+,.., ~~~ ~~SAc_ 1

F. ga~ ~nd lesbian or~anizations 1 J J t1. 11 /1.. ~ 3.2-'j~~j) G rehg10us _ .- VV'V './ (J congregat10ns -#.s4-~~"'r. 1 lft?v{ ~ H. others lrf.tW;~~ J . f, /Ari _ { 41 fJ,oDD j__.~tfrc_ - ,~v ,fl; flL ~ L- /V/t._, ~~ 3. Fundraising ~ 1fOvfJJO :T _tJ 1 .-1- / r'~j/C4artl A grassroots _..- ;fl!t_-t..lro./ /rM't.:' II;, 31-1J fo L_~ til\ ~ ~~ · WP.>'Jb" '!j:- B. corporate - f2t A r tryt•v,, i)t... '<><'-' ) i ~ g ~~:~lions - _-Jlj Jllv 1 U- 1w-

4. Media/Message :S 4r Y0 1iJ ~ .

A. clarity of our message B. effectiveness of our message C. getting our message out

5. What's Next? ~t~!Jiff

A. Immediate issues:

• Coherent analysis and response to questions about what we accomplished, where we are as a result of the campaign • Response to questions re: will we put CPA on the ballot again in 2002 • Response to GBCC lottery idea

B. Thanking people who helped

• postcards or calls to people who we have not clearly identified as a member of an active coalition member.

• thank you's to constituency groups that didn't attend weekly meetings

C. Organization building and outreach

D. Research on our next campaign(s)

6. Meet again in early 2002?

7. Other issues

'· • A it it 't" I :r.. A .J.. Ph t · ~· Chinese Progressive Association/Workers Center 33 Harrison Avenue, 3"' Floor, Boston, MA 0211/ Tel. (617) 357-4499, Fax {617) 357-961/, e-mail: CPPA Bostonla,,ao/.com

FAX: (617) 635-2343 TO: Felix Arroyo, Jr. FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition 116/01

Address List

For a broader list of immigrant groups, contact the MIRA Coalition at (617) 350-5470, or the Center to Support Immigrant Organizing at (617) 742-5165. They have pretty extensive lists.

for justice, democracy and equality CPA!MPTA 33 Harrison Ave , 3rd Fl. Boston. MA 02111 617-357-4499

1. What did your organization do in the New Bostonians Vote 2001 Campaign?

Voter registration Yes w NoD

Civic participation, Yes E:J No 0

Voter turn out? Yes [f( Noo

2. How many people did you register? ,L{?, ?h~ l/41!:-~ rbs~r-,ifJtJ 1 - I ~- I l Vt.i'. fJ.j_l i () lc(.+ l j ~-.;

3. How was the New Bostonians Vote 2001 Campaign helpful to you?

New Bostonians Video Yes 0 NoM

Voter information kit (~.of) Yes UJ/ No 0 Standout signs Yes c{ Non

Registration cards Yes uz(' Noo

Voices Registration cards Yeso No ~

4. Will your organization be doing throughout the year:

Voter registration Yes~ NoD

Civic participation Yes G1/

Voter turn out again Yes~ NoD MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALTTION NoYember 9. 2001 l'v1eeting

Present: Lydia Lowe. Amy Leung. & Helen Hui (Chinese Progressi"e Association), Evonne Yang (Greater Boston Legal Services), Atiya Dengleben & George Pillsbury (Boston VOTE), Madhulika Kbandelwal (UMass/Boston Asian American Studies). Trinh Nguyen (Office of New Bostonians).

UPDATE ON MULTILINGUAL INTERPRETER SYSTEM: The City of Boston has purchased simultaneous interpretation equipment, which is now in the possession of the Office of New Bostonians. Although a significant number of units of equipment were purchased (close to 200?), there was no line item for interpreters or for administrative staff. The coalition will schedule a followup meeting with Rev. Tan. We suggested setting up a Community Advisory group to work with ONB on developing policies and plans for the use of the equipment, continuing to advocate for paid interpreters and adminislrative staff. and to develop outreach/publicity plans. Tom, Kathy, and Lydia had previously volunteered to be part of this follow up team; Trinh will check with Rev. Tan about her schedule.

OTHER REPORTS ON RELATED ISSUES: At 36% citywide, vurnout was up 12% from 1999. A lot of community activity con tri bu ted to this increased turnou l; the Election Department also implemented some changes such as sandwich boards across the city. Although the Community Preservation Act lost citywide, it won in the wards and precincts where neighborhoods are organizing around gentrification and overdevelopment, which is also where the campaign had a field organization . At last count, Felix Arroyo had won fifth place, but Consalvo will call for a recount.

MYRC BULLETIN: Trinh has been volunteering to put together this email bulletin of important dates and news related to linguistic minorities and immigrant political participation. She will continue to do this if people can email her monthly dates/updates as well as help to get the bulletin out to your contact lists. It was suggested that we contact the bilingual ed coalition to let them know they can use the bulletin to communicate their updates as well and to distribute it to their contacts. Lydia will contact them.But it was defeated in West J-

Roxbury, which had a high turnout of 51 %. and j n some other . ~ traditionally conservative neighborhoods.

Redistricting- The State Senate proposed district map is significant, changing Lynch's district into one which is no longer dominated by South Boston and moving Chinatown into a different district. The House map will be challenged in court by Chelsea, because the map divides Chelsea and East Boston in a way which divides and dilutes the _Latino vote. It also will be challenged by Cambridge. because a Cambridge state rep seat which has historically been a minority seat (currently Barrios') was eliminated. The City Council redistricting will happen next year some time. Chuck Turner has been working on proposing a change to consolidate Hyde Park and West Roxbury neighborhoods into one district, and to bring Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, and Mission Hill into a district. Another possible change might be to move Chinatown into District 8 (Ross' district). A coordinated Latino and Asian lobbying and media effort could make it difficult for the City Council to oppose these changes. But generally the core weapon in the redistricting struggles has always been to sue.

Electoral Reform - Boston VOTE released a report on electoral reform, with a series of recommendation coming from the city council hearings. People who would like a copy should contact Boston VOTE. Some of implementation items MVRC should particularly work on include: 1) purchase of computerized voting equipment which can handle various languages, voice voting for the deaf, etc., 2) a multilingual sample ballot to be mailed to all voters in advance of the election. We will try to coordinate with Boston VOTE, which will be working on followup action to the report. Trinh also has drafted a report on immigrant voter participation, which has some good recommendations for improving political access. Because of some questions about the data, the report is not being officially released yet but is circulating as a draft for discussion.

Bilingual Ed - No one at the meeting bas been part of the bilingual ed coalition that has been meeting regularly, but it was mentioned that we should coordinate more closely with this group, and also should let them know about our MVRC email bulletin, so that important bilingual ed dates can be included and it can be sent to their lists as well as ours. l\TEXT STEPS: Follow up on City interpreter ~ystern. set up Community Advisory group for ONB. Continue to put out the monthly .MVRC email bulletin. Work with Boston VOTE on language-based elecLoral reform issues such as new voting equipment and multilingual sample ballots. We may want to facilitate a coming together of Asian and Latino groups interested in the Boston city council redistricting

Based on the above plan, we will plan to hold MVRC meetings once every 2-3 months, or more as J- -~

MVRC COALITION - 12 . 20.01

Present : Kathy Brm·m (BTC\ , Amy L~ung (CP.:;.) , At.iya :::>angleben (Bos-:on VOTE), Tom Louie (JvHRA), Sam Lowe 1CPA) , l-:ielvin Poindex"Cer (Demo ?arty , Gerthy Lahens (La Nuestra CDC), Margarita Poles (La Nuestra CDC) , Lydia ~owe (CPA).

FOLLOWUP ON CITY INTERPRETER SYSTEM : 1) Letter to the t'-1ayor from MVRC thanl:ing him and asking for interpreter $ (Tom will wri~e it . We should look for a chance to talk to the Mayor in person also.) 2) Mayor ' s State of the City address - Cheng Imm is making the suggestion that he use this as a time to showcase the interpreter system . 3) Work with City departments - Memo and outreach from ONB , each department should designate a contact person . We should also put in community requests for interpretation and monitoring in our issue areas . -Target a few key hearings, such as the School Committee meetings on restructuring . We should talk to BPON and other groups about this . BTC will work on housing hearings and follow up on different housing groups/coalitions . (Tom will follow up on parent organizing hearings ; Kathy will talk to BPON.) CPA will be focusing on BPA and Zoning Board hearings related ~o Chinatown development . Redistricting hearings also (Soston VOTE, CPA, etc. ) 4) Corrununity Outreach - Send !YlVRC mailing announcing the system and encouraging people to utilize it . fKathy, Atiya will work on mail1ng, Atiya will write it . ) Send out in mid-January; use ONB ' s list of community groups .

OTHER UPDATES: -Gubernatorial Forum scheduled for May 15, tentatively at the Reggie Lewis Center . Meeting on 1/14, 3 : 00 pm , a~ the Urban League, 88 Warren Ave . in Dudley Square, of the planning group: Boston VOTE, Urban League, Mattapan Coalition, APAAC . The goal is to allow communities of color to have a more visible role in the gubernatorial race . Contact Melvin Poindexter for more information (617) 817-3401 . - Democratic Sta-ce Caucuses are coming up for the convention, the week of February 2 . Melvin will be sending information out about these in order to increase minority delegates . -Ballot question to eliminate bilingual educati on is very serious. A committee called Parents for Choice includes a lot of advocates, unions , etc, which has a lobbyist that is trying to fundraising for staff. More community groups need to get involved . For more information or to volunteer, contacct Jane Lopez (META) at (617) 628- 2226 or Lee Valentine (Mass . English Plus) at (617) 457- 8885 . - Statewide redistricting work is coming to a c l ose, being followed up by a lawsuit against the House map . Boston VOTE has a plan to i nitiate a Boston redistricting coalition out of a 1/31 citywide meeting on voter outreach for 2002 .

Return to our plan to meet quarterly. Next meeting : Friday, March 22, 12-2, at CPA Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition c/o CPA 33 Harrison Avenue, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02111

February 1, 2002 La Allanza Hispana

Allston Brighton Lydia Lowe Development Corporation Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Ave. 3rd Fl Asian American Studies, Boston, MA 02111 UMASS/Boston

Asian Pacific American Dear Lydia: Agenda Coalition Greetings and Happy New Year from the Multilingual Voting Rights Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center Coalition (MVRC). The MVRC was formed a year ago by community organizations dedicated to increasing political access and political power of Boston Tenant Coalition the linguistic minority communities of Boston.

Boston VOTE We are pleased to announce that we have gained significant ground working with Mayor Menino through the Mayor's Office of New Bostonians. This Brazilian Immigrant Center followed a campaign by the MVRC calling for multilingual access to all public meetings sponsored by the city of Boston. That campaign included a petition drive, the issue being highlighted at a series of City Council hearings Campaign to Protect Chinatown sponsored by City Councilor Chuck Turner on voter participation and electoral reform, an article in the Boston Globe, and culminated with Chinese Progressive Association immigrant community leaders meeting with the Mayor.

Chinese Youth Initiative The city has purchased interpreter equipment that can be requested by community-based organizations for use at public hearings and meetings City LifeNida Urbana sponsored by city agencies or the City Council or School Committee. This equipment, used with interpreters allows a meeting to be held in several Dunk the Vote different languages simultaneously. We encourage you to ask city agencies or bodies to use this equipment and provide interpretation at meetings where it is needed! In order to request to obtain the equipment please contact or have the Irish Immigration Center city agency or body contact Armando Silva, Office of New Bostonians, at 617-635-2980. Latino Health Institute Unfortunately, the city did not designate funding for interpreters. While the Massachusetts English Plus Office ofNew Bostonians has a volunteer pool of interpreters, we believe that having paid interpreters is essential to using the equipment to maximum MIRA Coalition capacity. When you place your call to request the equipment, please place a call to 617-635-4500 to urge the Mayor to approve funding for translators. National Coalition of Advocates for Students

Vietnamese American Initiative for Development MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION March 22, 2002 Meeting

Present: Kathy Brown (BTC), Atiya Dangleben (Boston VOTE), Juan Gonzalez (Allston Brighton CDC), Sam Lowe _(CPA), Helen Hui (CPA), Yolanda Fan (CPA)

FOLLOW UP ON CITY INTERPRETER SYSTEM: 1) A letter to the Mayor from MVRC thanking him and asking for funding for interpreters still needs to be written. After this letter is written and sent, there needs to be some additional follow up to confirm that he has received our letter. Instead of sending this letter first to Cheng Imm, to be forwarded to the Mayor, we will forward the letter directly to the Mayor. On this score, Atiya volunteered to contact Tom Louie of MIRA to see if he has worked on a draft of this letter. If not, she will draft one and circulate it via email for review. The letter will be faxed or mailed directly to the Mayor. 2) Atiya Dangleben and Amy Leung did a MVRC mailing announcing the system and encouraging people to utilize it. 3) Kathy volunteered to call Armando of the ONB to find out how many times the translation equipment has been requested and used. 4) Atiya volunteered to follow up with Tom Louie on requesting use of the equipment for parent organizing hearing. Kathy volunteered to contact BPON. 5) Everyone needs to be reminded that this equipment is available, and should be requested often. We need to show that there is a great demand for it. 6) Kathy also volunteered to ask Armando about the status of the paid interpreters pool and the volunteer interpreters pool. 7) Juan volunteered to compile a list of interpreters who are also familiar with the equipment. He would like names of people who could be added to this list to be emailed to him. 8) After the letter to the Mayor has been written and sent, and after follow up calls have been made, a follow up meeting needs to be set up with Cheng Imm after the next MVRC meeting. CPA will try to set up this meeting around the week of May 13. 9) The new target date for the letter to the Mayor is April 12. Follow up calls need to be made by April29. The next MVRC meeting will be Wednesday, May 8, from II a.m. to I p.m. at CPA. 10) Kathy will send out a follow up letter to the City Council. She will need stationary listing MVRC groups emailed to her by Amy. 11) There needs to be a general update by emai I. We wi U all be responsible for emailing this update to our respective distribution lists.

OTHER UPDATES 1) Redistricting: Atiya reported that the Boston Redistricting Coalition (BRC) has met. However, the City Council redistricting committee has not met yet. It will meet in mid-April, and it will start discussions with Chuck Turner's map. Maureen Feeney is chairing this committee. The BRC will meet again at the end of April. Atiya will email information about this. · 2) Gubernatorial Forum: There is a forum scheduled for May 15, at 6:30 p.m., at Roxbury Community College. So far, O'Brien, Reich, Birmingham, and Tolman have confirmed. Grossman has not confirmed yet. This event should focus on urban i~ues. 3) City Council Hearing in Chinatown: Sam will look for the Boston Globe City Weekly article by Rick Kahn asking why city councilors failed to show at the city council hearing in Chinatown. Sam will fax this article to Atiya.

Next meeting: Wednesday, May 8, 11-1, at CPA Multilingual Voting f\ights _Coalition c/o crA jj tlarrison Avenue, Third Floor, 5oston,·MA 021 I 1

May 23,2002

Mayor Thomas M. Menino Allston (),ighton Mayor.'s Office Development Corpo,ation One City Hall Plaza Boston, MA 0220 1 Asian American Studies, U MASS/()oston Dear Honorable Mayor Menino,

( Asian F adtic American Agenda Coalition On behalf of the memb~rs of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition (MVRC), we want to thank you for your support for nelping Immigrants ()oston Chinatown Neighbo,hood Center to access City services and the establishment of a ·pqrtable interpreter syste1n in the Office ofNew Bostonians. MVRC represents community­ ()oston Tenant Coalition based agencies in the cit)! that are dedicated to promoting better access to th~ voting booth and civic participation for immigrants and non-English ()oston VOTE speakers,. MVRC represents a broad coalition of community and advocacy agencies in the City, such as La Alianza Hispana, Chinese ()raz.ilian )mmig,ant Center Progressive Association, Boston VOTE, the Allston Brighton CDC, and City Life/Vida Urbana. . We are writing to ask for y9ur further suP.pOrt to Campaign to f'rotect Chinatown 'provide in the City budget, a part-time staff person to coordinate outreach and the use of the system and the recruitnient of translators, and Ch1nese f'rog,essivc Association the compensation for the 'interpreters when they are used at City hearings. Chinese Youth Initiative In order tO better promote and also support the interpreter program at City Hall, we need to have the'additional resources allocated in the City budget. We understand that as of March of this year, the equipment was Dunk the Vote used twice at City hearings and 8 other times at community meetings. While this is a big step forward for the City, we feel the equipment is Irish lmrn.gration Cente' underutilized relative to the potential demand. Having the City helping to pr~mote the availability of the equipment, to both city agencies and Latino Health Institute the communities, and having dedicated funds to pay for translators wjll go a long way to he!p increase the usage of the equipment. The MRVC Massachusetts l_nglish f'lus is committed to helping in this effort. We have already sent a mailing out to several hundred community orgai1izations about the new system MIR.A Coalition and how they can access it We will continue to work on getting the word out and coordinating efforts with the Office of New Bostonians in National Coalition of Advocates fo, Students this work. Our goal is to have the equipment use_d as widely· as possible to enhance immigrants' access to City hearings and meetings. We know Vietnamese American Initiative: for Development you share this goaL

As you know in our original discussion with you last summer, you felt that the overall cost of our proposal for tlie translation system, including compensation for translators and a pat1-time staff, was not unreasonable. We understand your current budget constraints, but we want to hear from you to see if this is indeed possible for FY' 03. Multilit1gual Votit1g Rights Coalitiot1 c/o CPA, gg Harrisot1 Avet1ue, fhird Floor; Jostot1, MA 0!111

August 27, 2002

Dear Friends: La Alia 11za Hispatta

Allsto11 Jrighto11 Vevelop111etlt Corporation The Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition would like to invite you to a special meeting to discuss three important issues concerning multilingual political ac­ Asian A111erican Studies, UMass/ !Josto11 cess.

Asiat~l'acifie A~t~erican Agetlda Coaliti011 The purpose of the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is to organize for in­ 'oston ChillatoWII Neighborhood Cettter creased political access and political power for immigrant and minority com­ munities, with a long-term vision of social change. Last year, we focused on ~sto ll retlalft CoalitiOII the issue of multilingual interpreter services at public meetings and hearings, resulting in the City's purchase of simultaneous interpretation equipment last fall.

We hope to schedule another meeting with Mayor Menino to discuss three im­ Ca ~t~paig n ro l'rcmct Chilla'IOWtl portant multilingual issues: I) the campaign against the Unz Initiative this fall Cape Verdea n Task Foree 2) improving multilingual voting access with the purchase of new vot­ Chi11ese Progreuive Association ing machines 3) continuing to improve multilingual interpretation systems at public Chi11ese Votrth Initiative hearings

Ctty \Jfe/Vida Urballa Even if you don't have time to join our ongoing coalition meetings, please come to this one-time preparation meeting to participate in planning for our meeting with the mayor.

Irish httltligration Ce.~ter Wednesday, September 4 \.ati110 llealth IIU'titute 12:00 - 1:30pm Massaehusetts £11glish !'Ius at the Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Ave., 3rd Floor MIRA Coalitio11 Boston Chinatown (corner of Harrison and Beach, in the UNITE building) Tel. (617) 357-4499, Email: [email protected] Natiollal Coaliti011 of Advocates for Studetlts

Vietlla~t~ese A~t~ ericanlnitiativeforPeveloplllent Please RSVP to be included in our chip-in, take-out lunch order.

Hope to see you next Wednesday! Tue, Aug 27, 2002 12:49 PM

From: Lydia Lowe < lydia@cpaboston .org > To: MVRC Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2002 2:24 PM Subject: MVRC meeting minutes

The Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition met 8/7/02.

Present: Atiya Dangelben, Tom Louie, Kathy Brown, Lydia Lowe. Several others were busy with proposals that day.

FOLLOWUP ON INTERPRETATION SYSTEM: The City is unevenly using the interpretation equipment. It is being well utilized in communities which are well organized, such as in Chinatown development meetings and in JP housing-related meetings. But in other cases, the system is not utilized, or the public is unaware that interpretation could be made available. We need to keep spreading the word to community groups that they can request interpretation from the City. We also will ask to meet with Rev. Tan to get her assessment of how the system is being used and to see how we can improve usage. We will look for an opportunity to follow up with the mayor to explore the possibility of an administrative staff to coordinate the interpretation system for the future.

MULTILINGUAL ACCESS AND VOTING EQUIPMENT: Boston VOTE has been working on the issue of new voting equipment and promoting electronic voting equipment as the best way to increase access for language minorities and for the disabled. But the Election Commission is trying to buy Scan-tron equipment instead. There will be a City Council Hearing on the subject on September 24, 5:30 pm.

LANGUAGE RIGHTS MEETING WITH MAYOR: We decided to ask Mayor Menino for a meeting to discuss language rights issues with immigrant community leaders/reps. In preparation, we will call for a broader meeting of immigrant/language rights groups on Wednesday, September 4, at 12 noon at CPA. We will explore the potential for such a meeting with the mayor with Tony Barros of Office of Neighborhood Services and with Rev. Tan of Office of New Bostonians.

Issues we would like to discuss with the mayor: 1) The Unz Initiative - How can he help to defeat it? 2) City Interpretation System - Thank him, and how can we keep improving usage? 3) Multilingual Voting Access - What new voting equipment would best promote access?

Broader meeting of immigrant/language rights groups to prepare for a meeting with the mayor: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 12:00 noon at CPA, 33 Harrison Ave., 3rd Floor Call (617) 357-4499 or email ([email protected]) to RSVP in advance so we can include you in our shared takeout lunch order.

Tom will find out whether any such meeting is already being planned by anti-Unz campaign, or if we can work together. He will also talk to VACA, Brazilian Immigrant Center, Somali Development Center, English Plus, and Oiste. Kathy will talk to JPNDC, Hyde Square TF, City Life, and Tony Barros. Atiya will talk to Haitian Multiservice Center and Boston VOTE members. Lydia will talk to CSIO, VietAID, Allston-Brighton CDC, EBECC, Cape Verdean TF, and mail all MVRC members.

Page 1 of 1 Wed, Sep 4, 2002 3:18 PM From: Lydia Lowe To:MVRC Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2002 3: 18 PM Subj ect: Notes from 9/4 MVRC Meeting

MULTILINGUAL VOTING RIGHTS COALITION (MVRC) MEETING 9/ 4/ 02

Present: Lee Valentine and Tom Louie (Mass English Plus), Kathy Brown (Boston Tenants Coalition), Orson Moon (Asian Pacific American Agenda Coalition), Mario Davila (American Friends Service Committee), Lydia Lowe (Chinese Progressive Association), Lorial Crowder (CIRCLE, UMass/Boston), Miwa Tanabe and Eric Chin (CAPAY), Fausto Mendes da Rocha (Brazilian Immigrant Center), Geor ge Pillsbury (Boston VOTE), Henry Yee (Chinatown Resident Association)

BACKGROUND : The MVRC formed to focus on the issue of multilingual political access, initially pushing for multilingual access to public meetings and hearings in the City of Boston. After a ser ies of organizing activities and a meeting with the mayor last year, the City purchased simultaneous interpretation equipment and has begun using this at public hearings/meetings. However, there is no funding for administrative staff or for hiring interpreters. We would like to see at least a fund for hiring interpreters, and we need to continue publicizing the system to immigrant communities so that people know that they can request translation. At last meeting we talked about requesting another meeting with the mayor on multili ngual access issues. Other big issues this year are the Unz Initiative to eliminate bilingual educati on and the planned purchase of new voting equipment, which opens up the possibility of multilingual balloting through new computerized equipment. We have not sufficiently researched to advocate for one particular type of equipment, but can advocate that the language access issue be a priority consideration in the purchase, and that a community and technical advisory group be set up to work with the City.

LINKING WITH ANTI-UNZ CAMPAIGN: The Anti-Unz campaign is still coming together, and has not had a strong field organi zation. Some political consultants have been hired whose focus has been primarily on message development. They have decided NOT to focus on the issue of bilingual education. Three points of the campaign message have been: 1) don't sue teachers, 2) the initiative will be too costly, and 3) bilingual education has already been reformed bY the legislature. The message that mobilizes immigrant communities will probably be somewhat different/stronger . We may also want to emphasize the issue of educational choice, which resonates for parents, and the issue of countering xenophobia. When Tom talked to the anti-Unz campaign about meeting with Menino, they did not seem to have taken any steps toward this other than sending a letter to request his endorsement. We will follow up to schedule a meeting with the anti-Unz campaign prior to the Menino meeting, and urge them to connect more with community groups in developing a field plan. Tom will try to set up this meeting, and also invite Cambridge and JP/Hyde Square groups which have been doing grassroots work around the Unz Initiative in their communities. we also need to notify as many community non-profits as possible that they can openly campaign No on Question 2, because endorsement of a ballot campaign is equivalent to lobbying for the purposes of tax laws, and allowable for 501(c)3 organizations so long as they don't spend 20% of their total budget.

MEETING WITH MAYOR: We will approach both Tony Barros (Mayor's Latino Liaison) and Rev. Cheng Imm Tan (Office of New Bostonians) for help in setting up the meeting, also invite Nancy Lo because we are dealing with the voting equipment purchase question. Kathy will follow up with Tony, Lydia will follow up with Rev . Tan. Lydia will get the letter to the mayor sent off; signers will be Fausto da Rocha, Juan Leyton, and

Page 1 of 2 Wed, Sep 4, 2002 3:18 PM

Lena Deevey in addition to Lydia, so as to not have too much focus on Chinatown, since they are fighting the mayor over development right now. We'll notify everyone to meet again when we get a date for a meeting.

Page 2 of 2 Mayor's Office of New Bostonians City of Boston • Massachusetts

Thomas M. Menino Rev. Cheng lnun Tan Mayor of Boston Director September 2002

Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition C/o Chinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue, Third Floor Boston, MA 02111

Dear Friends,

I'm writing in response to the letter you sent Mayor Thomas M. Menino regarding the portable interpreter system in the Mayor's Office ofNew Bostonians.

Thank you for helping to reach community organizations to let them know about the interpreter system at the Mayor' s Office of New Bostonians and how to access it. We have publicized the system internally with all city departments, with the City Council as well as in our newsletter, which reaches several thousand people.

Since the beginning of this year, the interpreter equipment has been used 39 times by city departments and the community. On an average the equipment has been used once a week. We are very pleased that more and more city departments as well as community organizations have been using the equipment to reach the diverse residents of Boston.

I recently spoke with the Mayor regarding the part-time staff and compensation for translators. This is still on the Mayor's list of things he would like to do, but it is currently not a priority because of the state budget cuts.

Thank you very much for your concern and follow up. We look forward to continue working with you to ensure better access and fuller participation of the diverse communities of Boston.

Yours sincerely, v:-cc~ Reverend Cheng lmm Tan Director

BOSTON CITY HALL • ONE CITY HALL PLAZA • ROOM 803 • BOSTON • MASSACHUSETTS 02201 • 617/635-2980 • FAX 617/635-4540

·~31 .f.A;Mi1!t- cllinese Progressive Association 33 Harrison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 021 I I Tel: (61 7) 357-4499 Fax: (617) 357-9611 www.cpaboston.org

FAX: 635-2950 TO: Tony Barros, Office of Neighborhood Services FROM: Lydia Lowe RE: Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition letter DATE: 9/18/02

TWO PAGES

Attached is the letter to the mayor just sent out by the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition. I was told by Kathy Brown and Willy Rodriguez that you might be able to help us follow up on our request?

I am also mailing you some other materials from our past year's work on getting the interpreter system into City hearings.

Thank you in advance for your help.

for justice, democracy and equality OUR VOICES MUST BE HEARD! Political access for our communities!

The Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition (MVRC) is organizing for increased political access and power for immigrant and minority communities.

Our 1mmediate focus is to call for a simultaneous interpreter system, provided by the City of Boston, at public meetings of the C1ty Council, School Committee, and other Ciry agencies to allow our communities a voice in public policy.

Civic participation is a cornerstone of democratic process. Immigrant taxpayers- both citizens and non-citizens - have the right to participate in our society. We want to advocate for better schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and other issues that directly impact us.

YVhy do we need an interpreter system? One in four Bostonians is currently foreign-born

• Many communities are facing housing crises. Yet City Council meetings on affordable housi ng are held in English Our communities deserve a voice!

• 35 percent of students in the Boston Public Schools are immigrants. They and their parents need a voice in our schools!

• Many communities are facing maJOr redevelopment projects in their neighborhoods. Yet Zoning Board meetings on development projects are held m English. Our communities deserve a voice!

• Voter turnout in immigrant and minority communities in the Boston area was at record highs for the Presidential Election in November 2000. People WAl\TT to be part of the political process and have thei r voices heard.

What's the simultaneous interpreter system? The system consists of portable translation equipment and a pool of on-call interpreters. Groups needing translation at public ciry meetings can request it in advance, allowing interested individuals to participate more fully in the democratic process.

For more information, contact the Chinese Progressive Association at (617) 357-4499. 33 Harrison Avenue, 3/F, Boston, MA 021 11

Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition Members (partial listing): Asian American Studies Program, UMass Boston Asian Pacific American Agenda Coalition (APAAC) Boston Tenant Coalition Boston VOTE Brazihan Immigrant Center Campaign to Protect Chinatown Chmese Progressive Association Chinese Youth Initiative Dunk The Vote La Alianza Hispana, Inc. Latino Health Institute Massachusetts English Plus MIRA Coalition National Coalition of Advocates for Students VtetAID Community Organizing Initiative Join the Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition!

___ I'd like more information. Call me so that we can meet!

___limy organization want to endorse the coalition.

___ .limy organization will come to future planning meetings.

___limy organization will send a representative to meetings with elected officials.

___limy organization will circulate the petition in our community.

___!/my organization can mobilize our constituency for targeted events.

___Other (publicize translation issue through ongoing work, etc.)

Name Tel.

Organization Fax

Address email

Mail this f01m to the Chinese Progressive Association, 33 Harrison Avenue 3fF, Boston, MA 02111. Call us at (617) 357-4499, fax us at (617) 357-9611, or email us at [email protected]. CHINESE PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION'S VOTING RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

This spring/summer, the Chinese Progressive Association launched a Chinatown voter registration drive, beginning at the Mason Place and Stearns elderly housing developments, then moving on to Tai Tung Village, Mass Pike Towers, South Cove Plaza East, and several days of street tabling in Chinatown. By the registration deadline, we had registered 366 new voters in this predominantly immigrant community. In the weeks leading up to election day, CPA mailed out bilingual information to each of these new voters in English and Chinese, summarizing the platforms of the presidential candidates and the pro and con positions for each statewide ballot question. This bilingual voter information is also being distributed through the community and published in the community press. Bilingual voter education workshops are also being held at the CPA offices, the Josiah Quincy Elementary School, Mason Place, the Stearns, South Cove Plaza East, and Mass Pike Towers. These workshops will introduce new voters to what is on the ballot, what to expect when they show up at the polls, and how to use the voting machine. The City of Boston Election Commission has provided the CPA with a mock voting machine panel for this purpose. During this same period, the CPA launched a series of brainstorming discussions to develop an organizing campaign for increased voter access and political clout for Boston's immigrant communities. The fledgling coalition hopes to promote the idea of the City of Boston providing interpreter services at Boston City Council and School Committee meetings, and to lay the groundwork for a longer-term push for multilingual ballots following the release of Census 2000 information. On November 7, a multilingual staff of volunteers trained by the Asian American Studies program at UMass/Boston will conduct an Asian American voter survey in three precincts of Chinatown, Dorchester, and Lowell, in order to document the demand for multilingual voting information. The Multilingual Voting Rights Coalition is inviting immigrant community leaders to an initial meeting at the Chinese Progressive Association on Thursday, November 16. ASIAN AMERICAN VOTER 36 20-29 years SURVEY 26 30-39 years 4 40-49 years Boston Chinatown 6 50-59 years Ward 3, Precinct 8 5 60-69 years Polling Place: Quincy School 46 did not .respo~ November 6, 2000, 7 am- 8 pm Survey staff: --~ - - - ''\ Hong Bui Language Assistance: Chun Hei Chan 148 need language assistance to Lily Chan understand voting procedures Karen Chen 155 need ballots translated into Helen Hui own language Way Kyi Amy Leung Presidential: Tom Louie 180 voted for Gore J Lydia Lowe 11 voted for Bush Tian Min Mo 4 voted for an independen/ Jennifer Nguyen candidate Dino Rattamasone 22 declined to state Natalie Truong t \ ,f\'l·~·~ \_ 1 (I d l\ Har Yee Wong TOTAL VOTERS AT QUINCY Evonne Yang SCHOOL: 1,059 y.-10/~"-.. \4-,\ - ( T-otal 6f 2T/ respondents. / , 1\0(h( 17 1>1 rvu.t) 5()0 vv~) 26 were born in the US 191 are immigrants - UiLh (PI// Bos-4., Ckc-j,.,"' ¥ tsr:-%~) Ages: 44 20 to 40 years old #'.) qJ [ lilt(#, (7+ 91 . 37 40 to 60 years old tf 41 131 60 years and above vo+us f-- JCfq& fKJrk.1l~f~/Jp"' 5 did not respond 0 5 CtM-,'V'f ~ 1>-n Do you speak English: 29 well ri£n 300K ILt- 79 little 50 none 3 did not respond

Years in the US 14 less than 10 years 54 10-19years M~~Q~~~~ ~ 2000~11 ~ ~j:"i[Wjj~j\:~Q~{iff~~~ Nonpartisan Survey of Asian Voter s November 2000 Asian American Studies Program, University of Massachusetts Boston

i'lJH33~~ I 00 Cl Your ethnicity/language ______

4~~ Age:(~ - ~ checkone)20-40~_ 40-60~- 60~l?l__t _

{fjJB~tl::J~ : ~~US-born_ t~g an immigrant_ (?£;::;;~ Years in the US --~) i'lJ\~OOm~~~1}g? When did you become a US citizen? ______

{1]\~ - ~~~~@B~? When did you first vote? _____

{1]\~~~~1~ Do you speak English W..QJwell _ • QJJ?l_ OK_ • 08'f little_ • 1'1! none_

~=~~~ffl~~~Cl*~~~-~~~~~?~Y~_·/f'~No _ Do you need language assistance to understand voting procedures? w=~~-~~~D•mw®~=?HY~_·/f'~No_ Do you need ballots translated in your own language?

{f).§ ll:t ~ ~ cp • 1t ~ rc5J ~ ~~ {11~ ~ 6: ~ ~ ? In these elections, what issues were most important for you? ~~Education _ • ~~~~Healthcare _ • m~Taxes_ • ¥{@Other-- - --

{f~~~mc:p • i~~ J' in this election, you voted for : R.±~ Democrats _ • ~ffi~ Republicans_ • ~ll~ Independents_ ' ~@ Other_

{1]\~] 33~-{!Ql~ffiit ? Which Presidential candidate did you vote for? ~m Gore _ • f59* Bush _ • ~1t!3 Other_

{1]1~828~~33~ - {fQJ~~? You are registered in which party? R.±~ Democrat_ • ~ffi~ Republican _ • 3iilil\ Independent_' ~@Other_

§~g{1]1trg~f§j ! Thank you for yourtime!

[Polling Site ______Town/Neighborhood ______.l

Translated by Chinese Progressive Association INTERPRETER SYSTEM BUDGET

Item Cost Per Unit Total Cost Equipment Cost Portable Transmitter (translator) $ 362.50 $ 4@ 1,450 Head Microphone (translator) 123.75 4@ 495 Portable Receiver 165.00 100@ 16,500 Portable Headset 10.00 100@ 1,000 Stationary Transmitter (translator) 427.50 4@ 1,710 Microphone (translator) 112.50 4@ 450 Carrying cases for equipment 119.65 4@ 478.60 Miscellaneous 1' 142.40 -repajr/majntenance, batteries, extra rental sets

Administrative Cost Pff Staff Coordinator 18,500 P!T Benefits (at 35%) 6,475 Equipment (phone, fax, postage, etc.) 2,000

*Interpreters (7 most common languages plus ASL) 16,000 Interpreters (additional languages) 800

TOTAL 67,000

*Interpreter cost is calculated at $40/hr, 50 hours per year per language group

*After initial year is which equipment is purchased, the system cost per year wi ll be $44,916. BUDGET NARRATIVE

Equipment Cost • Two types of transmitter: stationary and portable

• Both types are "portable'' (easil y carried by hand)

• "stationary" transmitter is more powerful and can transmit clearly in a 200 foot radius (a large ballroom) and can broadcast to over 200 people

• "portable" transmitter is for smaller meetings, can transmit clearly in a 40 foot rad ius to 50 people

• one transmitter can broadcast one language (one interpreter needed)

• receiver consists of receiver box and headset (like a Walkman)

Administrative Cost • The Office of New Bostonians will house the interpreter system

• Prr Staf'f coordinator is responsible for administration and coordination of system, including: - scheduling -monitoring -record keeping/tracking use of system -coordination and referrals -manage interpreter pool (recruit, maintain, qualification criteria, train) with CBO's -administration

• ln addition to Amelican Sign Language, the most commonly used seven languages as identified by the Office of New Bostonians: -Haitian -Cape Verdean Creole -Chinese -Spanish -Vietnamese -Portuguese -Russian

• salary is the city average

• benefits are mandatory ~ 1r1.;c. 'Nh~1f mG aq~{f­ ~ 1r1 aq ~± ~ .;c. -m; ~~ ~ $l #; am••~*~AT8~a~-~~~~--~~*~~~t o

~-~~~-~~~Mt~~*-•~~ , ~~a~4~$~•~~a 1P1lr.J 1F-t- , 1!~ ~4 ~ $ t-~' ~~~ ~ -t , rfl~M ~n,, ~r, ~~ ··· o rfl~~~~~-~~~~~**• o ·~~~~MftA- ~~~*~ ~ - J.i!~~~~•*~~~~±-i- o ~1r1tt1~~~*~*~; ~~iAAfslk; or~J.t~l±.%£; ~!t~~r.. ,~···ittm:.~JtfJ~a1r1a9 o J ~1r1d o.J\ ,fw 1! A~ reu\J~ OUR VOICES MUST BE HEARD! ... 3.;e. ~ ~--. v~\\bvt- v~1) -t:J Vt!J- l -t tf P fo/[twvr J.At!r lt ~- Political access for our communities! -"" 'r1u-\f'\ £Mt ® ~i tt ~:r-~ ~.-~ w~. tt-h~~ We are organizing for increased political access and power for immigrant and minority communities.

Our immediate focus is to call for a simultaneous interpreter system at public meetings of the City Council, School Committee. and other City agencies to allow our communities a voice in public policy.

Civic participation is a cornerstone of democratic process. Immigrant taxpayers - both citizens and non-citizens - have the righ t to participate in our society. We want to advocate for better schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and other issues that directly impact us.

Why do we need an interpreter system? • One in four B ostonians is currently foreign-born.

• Many communities are facing housing crises. Y et City Council meetings on affordable housing are held in English. Our communities deserve a vo ice!

• 35 percent of students in the Boston Public Schools are immigrants. They and their parents need a voice in our schools!

• M any communities are facing major redevelopment proj ects in their neighborhoods. Y et Zoning Board meetings on developmen t proj ects are held in English. Our communities deser ve a voice !

• Voter turnout in immigrant and minority co mmunities in the Boston area was at record highs for the Presidential Election in November 2000. People WANT to be part of the political process and have their voices heard.

What's the simultaneous interpreter system? The system consists of portable translation equ ipment and a pool of on-call interpreters. Groups needing translation at public city meeti ngs can request it in advance, allowing interested individuals to participate more fully in the democratic process.

For more information, contact the Chinese Progressive Association at (6 I 7) 357-4499. 'E:. Asian Pacifi c American Agenda Coalition .113 oston Tenant Coalition ~ fBoston VOTE >/Campaign to Protect Chi natown \(:hinese Progressive Association \'4Cily L1fc/La Vida Urbana t~) 1"'1 Irish Immigration Center E La Alianza Hispana v~ Latino Health Jnstitute -Mfl-gsachusc l!s English Plus M MIRA Coalition ? National Coalition of Advocates fo r Students J' V\ The Office of New B os ton ia n ~ Y\ UMass/Bos10n As1an American Studies Department t;. ~Nt-4W ~