Examining Social Justice in a Post-9/11 World

By: Camilo Mejía 

This past Friday marked 14 years since the September 11 attacks, an event that drastically changed the course of American foreign policy and led to a series of US military interventions throughout the Middle East. The event also changed many aspects of our lives, from people's right to due process, to widespread state surveillance, to the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the public. The Social Justice Table, a network of social justice organizations working to create social change in Miami-Dade County, in partnership with the Institute for Civic Engagement and Democracy (iCED) at Miami Dade College, hosted a panel discussion to consider all the changes that have taken place and to explore community-centered approaches that address national security while preserving people’s right to privacy and redress grievances.

The panel discussion was preceded by a service component organized by iCED and largely driven by Miami-Dade College students who collected non-perishable items and assembled a PB&J sandwich line. The non-perishables were donated to Stand Down, a national organization dedicated to eradicating homelessness in the veteran community, while the PB&J sandwiches were donated to the Miami Rescue Mission, a local shelter serving the greater homeless community since 1922.

“Having a service component to benefit charity groups is a good thing,” remarked Scot Evans, professor at the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development, “… but having a service component followed by a discussion looking into why there is a need for charity is even better.” 

The panel discussion that followed offered participants an overview of foreign and domestic policy changes resulting from the 9/11 attacks, looking into the rationale behind the US invasions and occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq in the context of international law, and the change in state vs public relationship as contextualized by the Patriot Act and other domestic policy changes.

Then the audience got to hear about the first-hand experiences of a local organizer who has been active in the Occupy movement in Miami and other social justice movements, such as the March Against Monsanto and the People’s Climate March. The panelists challenged participants to imagine ways to address safety and security concerns while protecting people’s right to organize and demand positive social change, and the moderator encouraged the audience to join local social justice initiatives.

As always, participants were invited to regroup at a local venue for some unstructured social networking after the panel and group discussions. Around 20 Social Justice Table partners shared food and drink and continued exchanging ideas and information at the social hour.

The next Social Justice Justice Gathering will take place on October 12 at Catalyst Miami, and will provide an opportunity for social justice partners and allies to contribute to the People’s Climate March, happening on October 14, by making signs and banners for the march while enjoying food and drink during our unstructured networking time.

For more information, contact Camilo Mejía at camilom@catalystmiami.org.

This Labor Day: Americans Reflect on Good Jobs

Pictured: Roxy Azuaje

Roxy Azuaje, Public Allies and Youth Manager at Catalyst Miami, was recently invited to participate in the Workshift Rockefeller + Purpose Good Jobs Campaign. We are proud that she was able to share her story on past work experiences and how her current job is the definition of a "good job." 

The Workshift campaign is a national campaign that seeks to change the way Americans think and talk about good jobs in the United States today. In order to build a more equitable, inclusive economy, Workshift is creating a space for workers, communities, employers, and policymakers to join together in a conversation about what it means to create good jobs for all. WorkShift aims to set a new standard for what makes a job a good job that is grounded in the personal experiences and basic needs of the modern American worker.

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Spotlight: Roxy Azuaje
After immigrating to Florida from Venezuela as a young woman, Roxy Azuaje worked in odd jobs — restaurants, nanny, photo assistant, TV production and nonprofits — before securing a full-time position in her field. Now she works as a Public Allies and Youth Manager for a nonprofit in Miami and has good benefits, paid time off, flexibility, and is proud of her job. Having worked across many jobs — both good and bad — Roxy has a unique perspective on the things that are most critical in a job in America today.
“I’m proud in my current job to work with great people that truly care for others. The content of our work helps the community, but the organization itself also believes to do that you need fair and just policies internally. We’re treated fairly, given vacation, and paid time off. My boss really invests in me, both in helping to develop my skills, but also making sure I feel valued.” Roxy Azuaje

To learn more about the Workshift campaign, go to http://workshift.us/. #GoodJobsForAll.

In-depth highlights from Threads Miami

On May 29, 2015, Threads Miami, which was part of a nationwide series of conversations held by the Independent Sector (IS), brought together dozens of leaders from Miami's charitable sector to discuss nine key trends shaping the future of the charitable sector. IS sought to bring awareness to our community about these trends and to start a conversation about how our sector will adapt and react to these trends. IS just released the highlights from our three-hour conversation. In Miami, participants spoke about the need for deeper partnerships among nonprofits, funders, and the community. In sum, there is a desire for "more co-creation."

Read in-depth highlights from Threads Miami
 
Threads Miami was held in the historic and light-filled Coral Gables Museum. The need for collaboration with multiple stakeholders – funders, nonprofits, and community – was a major theme throughout the day. Some participants articulated a need for deeper connections that reflect “relational not transactional” relationships and include “more voices” in conversations about solutions and the future. Several participants described nonprofits today as living through a moment when the old model is broken but the new model has not yet emerged. The old model, they said, is characterized by a challenged funding model, lack of capacity, and superficial relationships with community. The group identified several examples of organizations and coalitions that are addressing these issues, for example by leveraging business and government funding, using innovative technology, and developing community leadership. 

If you weren't able to follow the Miami conversation on social media, be sure to check out Independent Sector's Storify to see what people were sharing online using #ThreadsMIA.

The Affordable Care Act is here to stay

By: Center for American Progress

The Decision:

· The Court voted 6-3 to hold that the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits are available in ALL states.

· The opinion was written by Chief Justice Roberts, who was joined by Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Kagan, and Sotomayor.

· Justice Scalia dissented, joined by Justices Thomas and Alito.

·  The Court’s opinion was based on interpreting the law as written and did NOT rely on Chevron deference.

Read it: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-114_qol1.pdf

What it means in Plain English:

· The opinion is a VERY strong, definitive endorsement of the law.

· The legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act are OVER.

· The opinion concludes that there is only ONE proper interpretation based on the statute’s text, structure, and purpose.

· Only Congress, not a future Republican administration’s IRS, can change the law.

Key points:

· The Supreme Court has spoken – twice. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and it’s here to stay.

·  The Affordable Care Act is working and it’s here to stay. It’s time to stop refighting the battles of the past and time to start building on the success of providing health coverage to more than 16 million Americans and countless benefits and protections to more than 100 million other Americans.

·  It’s time for Republicans and their allies to accept reality. No more frivolous lawsuits. No more wasting time on dozens of pointless repeal votes. No more refusing to expand Medicaid. No more excuses, period.

· Republicans continue to treat the Supreme Court like an arm of the Republican Congress. We hope that in the future, the Court will not allow itself to be drawn into partisan political battles that threaten its legitimacy as an institution and the legacies of the Justices themselves.

The Affordable Care Act is working:

· More than 16 million Americans have health coverage, many for the first time, thanks to the ACA, including over 10 million consumers who are enrolled through the marketplaces.

· 85 percent of consumers who purchases coverage through the marketplace received a tax credit, with the average consumer receiving $272 each month to help them purchase quality, affordable coverage.

· This year, more than 80 percent of consumers using Healthcare.gov could purchase a plan for less than $100 a month or less after tax credits.

· The percentage of uninsured Americans has plummeted, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. According to Gallup, the uninsured rate is now 11.9 percent, a decrease of nearly 35 percent since the ACA’s major provisions went into effect.

· 81 percent of ACA enrollees report that they are satisfied with their plans.

· More than 60 percent of ACA enrollees say that they would not have been able to access or afford care without their ACA coverage.

· More than 100 million Americans who have preexisting conditions can never be denied coverage again, no matter where they get their insurance, thanks to the ACA.

· An estimated 55 million women are benefiting from preventive services coverage, including contraception, with no out-of-pocket costs. The ACA also made it illegal to charge women more just because of their gender, meaning that being a woman is no longer a pre-existing condition.

· 9.4 million seniors on Medicare have saved over $15 billion on prescription drugs since the law’s enactment, for an average savings of $1,598 per person.

· 2.4 million young people have been able to stay on their parents’ insurance until they turn 26.

· The cost of uncompensated care in hospitals was reduced last year by more than $7 billion, thanks to the ACA. If all states expanded Medicaid, it could be reduced by almost $9 billion next year.

· Since the first full year of the implementation of the ACA, we have seen the slowest growth in real per capita health care spending on record. Long-term spending estimates for federal health care spending have been reduced by hundreds of billions of dollars.

Think Progress: The Supreme Court’s Obamacare Decision Is the Biggest Possible Win for the Obama Administration

Public Allies Miami Celebrated the 8th Graduating Class through Presentations of Learning

Public Allies Miami Celebrated the 8th Graduating Class through Presentations of Learning

Twelve AmeriCorps members made public presentations of their learning and leadership experience.

MIAMI – On June 22 and 23, Catalyst Miami hosted the AmeriCorps Public Allies Presentations of Learning at Jungle Island in Miami. During the two-day event, twelve Public Allies made public declarations of how they made a difference in South Florida and grew as leaders before an audience of nonprofit colleagues, friends, family, and prospective Public Allies.

Speakers at this event included The Children's Trust CEO Charles Auslander, introductions from Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation, Florida Immigrant Coalition, The University of Miami, The Children's Movement of Florida, and more. Public Allies Miami received a proclamation in honor of the 8th local graduating class from Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Audrey M. Edmonson, naming Tuesday, June 23, 2015 “Public Allies Miami Day.” 

Public Allies are local young adults who are devoted to making a difference in South Florida. Their 10-month apprenticeships at local nonprofit organizations allow them to hone their leadership skills while gaining meaningful professional experience. Graduating AmeriCorps Public Ally, Kareena Rozier, said, "I now have a deeper understanding of the connections that hold us together and the factors that drive us apart. Of the work I’ve done recently, I feel most confident about becoming a more committed, passionate, and engaged community member."

Public Allies' mission is to advance new leadership to strengthen communities, nonprofits and civic participation. Public Allies is changing the face and practice of leadership in communities across the country by demonstrating our conviction that everyone can lead, and that lasting social change results when citizens of all backgrounds

step up, take responsibility, and work together. 

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Catalyst Miami is a nonprofit organization aiming to build a just and equitable Miami where all residents are meaningfully engaged. Our programs and services empower families and strengthen our communities. Follow us @CatalystMiami.

From Charleston to Ft. Lauderdale: Solidarity Vigil

Press Advisory: Tuesday, June 23rd
Media Contacts: Elizabeth Taveras, lizmarietav@gmail.com, 305-721-9661
Cassia Laham, cassia.laham@gmail.com, 954-562-8263

 

From Charleston to Ft. Lauderdale:
Solidarity Vigil

South Florida Activists host vigil for victims of Charleston Shooting

WHO: Community members and religious leaders, People's Opposition to War, Imperialism, and Racism, Miami-Dade and Broward Green Party

WHAT: South Florida activists host vigil in the wake of terror attack in Charleston, NC

WHEN: Tuesday, June 23rd, from 6:00PM to 8:30PM

WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 W Sistrunk Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

Miami, FL - On Tuesday, June 22nd, the South Florida community will demonstrate its opposition to racism and racist violence. The racially motivated attack that claimed nine lives in Charleston, SC was a national tragedy. The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church that was targeted in Charleston was a historically black church. Vigils are being held throughout the country to remember the lives that were lost that night in Charleston.

These are the names of the 9 lives to commemorate: Reverend and South Carolina State Senator, Clementa Pinckney, 41, employer at the Charleston County Public Library, Cynthia Hurd, 54, Reverend, local high school track coach, and mother of three, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45, Tywanza Sanders, 26, died while protecting other members of his family, Myra Thompson, 59, Ethel Lee Lance, 70, Susie Jackson, 87, Daniel L. Simmons, 74, and Depayne Middleton Doctor, 49.

South Florida takes a stand and unites with communities throughout the country in remembering the victims of this attack, denouncing racism and fighting against the institutions that maintain it.

"Racism will not disappear on it's own, it's our job, the people's job, to eliminate it. The government is doing nothing to make sure black and brown communities feel safe from racist terrorists and vigilantes. So we have to make them listen through united actions like this one," said Cassia Laham, community activist and organizer of People's Opposition to War, Imperialism, and Racism.

We will meet at the African-American Research Library And Cultural Center on Sistrunk Blvd in Fort Lauderdale (corner of Sistrunk Blvd and NW 27th Avenue) for a VIGIL at 6:00pm remembering the victims of the Charleston Massacre. The vigil will be followed by a rally against national oppression and racist violence in the US.

 

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CHN: Immigration Programs Remain Blocked, For Now

On May 26, a panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Department of Justice’s request for an emergency stay of a lower court’s decision temporarily blocking two of the biggest initiatives under President Obama’s executive action on immigration. The circuit court’s decision will keep the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program from being implemented for the time being. It doesn’t mean, however, that these programs are dead in the water; the Fifth Circuit is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the Justice Department’s formal appeal of the district court’s decision the week of July 6. A Texas federal district court judge issued the ruling blocking the implementation of these programs in February while a lawsuit challenging the president’s November executive action made its way through the courts.

Advocates were disappointed with the circuit court’s ruling but believe that expanded DACA and DAPA will ultimately be implemented. The National Immigration Law Center and other advocates have been working hard to remind immigrants that the ruling does not impact the “Dreamer” children who were granted relief from deportation under the 2012 DACA program. The Texas court’s ruling also doesn’t impact the executive action’s direction to immigration agents to focus deportation efforts on felons, not families. The expanded DACA and DAPA initiatives, if allowed to go forward, would mean millions of undocumented immigrants would no longer have to worry about being deported and would be able to come out of the shadows, work legally, get better jobs, pay taxes and stop living in fear.

Stay tuned to the Human Needs Report and CHN’s blog, Voices for Human Needs, for updated information.

To read more from the CHN's Human Needs Report, click here. 

Assets & Opportunity Network Technical Assistance Fund: Strengthening and Integrating Financial Capability in Miami

By: CFED

Catalyst Miami applied to the Assets & Opportunity Network Technical Assistance Fund last year seeking tools and advice to take their already strong services to the next level through staff development and greater integration strategies for their services internally and externally. An Assets & Opportunity Network Lead Organization, Catalyst Miami is a leader in their community for healthcare access and financial capability services. In order to leverage their strengths, build staff competencies and better meet clients where they are, Catalyst Miami sought assistance on:

• ·       Strengthening their onboarding process and training of staff financial coaches
• ·       Mapping potential partners to help fill gaps in services
• ·       Identifying tools to help inform internal planning process to integrate financial capability and healthcare access services

Assets & Opportunity Network staff shared a number of tools and resources from the field with Catalyst Miami staff and walked them through their applicability to help them in their efforts. A few of these resources included:

• ·       Center for Financial Security’s Financial Coaching Training Survey Brief
• ·       CFPB Your Money, Your Goals Toolkit- specifically the community mapping tool
• ·       Planning Guide Community Mapping Tool
• ·       Integration Resources on CFED’s website

For others looking to do this work, here a few other resources may also be helpful to you:

• ·       Integrating Financial Capability Services 101 webinar recording
• ·       Integration brief: Meeting clients where they are
• ·       Integration brief: Gaining and retaining employment
• ·       Asset Funders Network Financial Coaching Report
• ·       Planning Guide for Integrating Financial Capability Services- Coming Soon!

Assets & Opportunity Network staff were able to walk Catalyst Miami through these tools and resources and discuss their applicability to their work. We discussed strategies, lessons learned from the field, and sustainability of their efforts. However, it’s Catalyst Miami’s dedication to this work and their commitment to continuous improvement that makes us confident that they will be successful in refining their financial coaching training process, as well as improving efficiencies for their internal client referrals between their financial capability and health services and with community partners. Since this work, Catalyst Miami and been convening community partners to discuss financial capability service delivery in their community and provide training opportunities with CFPB’s Your Money, Your Goals toolkit. And we’re excited to see what else their able to accomplish!  

Technical assistance efforts such as this one with Catalyst Miami are what make the JPMorgan Chase Technical Assistance Fund unique; by using these individual experiences to extract important, generalizable lessons, we can utilize and share them to continue to build the capacity of other organizations across the field.

Also in This Series

·      New Customizable Fact Sheets Available on 7 Key Asset-Building Strategies

·       Virtual Training Series Expands Communications Capacity of Network Members

·       WORC Explores New Business Options