Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Dear Friends,

The Brazilian Women’s Group commends President Barack Obama for strongly advocating for Congress to act on the DREAM Act and immigration reform in his State of the Union. As time has proved, though, the President’s pledges have not translated into real action so far. Year after year the President has asked Congress to introduce, vote and pass the DREAM Act and an immigration reform bill that would fix the broken system now in place. Yet, legislators have not responded to the President’s pledge.

The Brazilian Women’s Group urges President Obama not to wait for Congress to act but act himself on the DREAM Act and make it reality for hundreds of young men and women who, as the President acknowledged, are the future of the country. The Brazilian Women’s Group regrets, however, that President Obama continues to speak about the importance of immigration enforcement, after four years spent increasing the deportation of immigrant workers with no criminal record. The Brazilian Women’s Group pleads with President Obama to help to make the country a better and fair place for all of its citizens. Economic equality and fairness cannot happen while thousands of hard working workers are being exploited, persecuted and oppressed.

Free Family Legal Clinic

Thursday, January 26, 2012 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm
At Brazilian Women's Group - 569 Cambridge Street, Allston
With Attorney Hannah Krispin on family/domestic relations issues and immigration. Sponsored by the Brazilian Women’s Group and Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers – MAPS. By appointment only, please call 617-787-0557 ext. 14-15.

Free Worker's Rights Clinic

Every Wednesday | 4 pm
At Brazilian Women's Group - 569 Cambridge Street, Allston
In partnership with Jobs with Justice, Justice@Work, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers and Greater Boston Legal Services. By appointment only, please call Lucimara Rodrigues at 617-787-0557 ext. 14-15.

Vida Verde Training

Friday, January 27, 2012 | 7 p.m.
At Brazilian Women's Group - 569 Cambridge Street, Allston
Free and open to the public. $5 donation suggested.
RSVP: 617-787-0557 ext. 14 or vidaverde@verdeamarelo.org.
Vida Verde Women’s Co-Op offers a series of training on the risks of cleaning with chemicals and how to make natural cleaning products that protect yours and your clients’ health and the environment. Help to make this change happen. Be a part of it. To schedule a training in your school, church, home or neighborhood call 617-787-0557 ext 14 or email vidaverde@verdeamarelo.org. Vida Verde trainings are funded by a University of Massachusetts’ Toxic Use Reduction Institute grant.

Free Citizenship Clinic

Saturday, February 4, 2012| 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
At SEIU Local 615 - 26 West Street, 2nd Floor, Boston
Registration and information call Junior Catão at MAPS - Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers at 617-864-7600.
More information.

May 1st March

Mark this date in your calendar: Tuesday, May 1st, 2012. March for immigrant's rights. More details to follow.

Become a BWG Member

Join us! Your participation helps make us a stronger organization in advocating for the rights of immigrants, and helps us better serve the needs of our community. You will also receive information and invitations to participate in events, trainings, campaigns and more! More information.

Job Opportunities

The Framingham Public School is looking for a Long Term Substitute Science Teacher. Applications available here. See these and other job descriptions here.

Live Well Project

Are you a Brazilian woman living in the U.S for up 10 years, between the ages of 20 and 55, with a child age 2 to 12 and reside in Somerville? “Live Well”, a New Immigrant Health Project aimed at promoting healthier life styles might be good for you. The John Hancock Center at Tufts University is a partner in this project. For more information call the Brazilian Women’s Group at 617-787-0557 ext. 15, or Joyce Padua at 617-816-1915.

ESL Classes

If interested, contact Ruth Alves at 617-787-0557 ext. 14 or email vidaverde@verdeamalo.org to register or schedule testing.

Health Insurance Assistance

Dayanne Leal, from Health Care for All, is on call to answer questions regarding the new health insurance mandates. Call 617-787-0557 ext. 14, leave your name, phone number and question(s). Dayanne will get back to you within 48 hours.
MAPS – Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers – also helps with the application and renewals in all MAPS offices. For appointment and information, please call Paula Bronzoni at 617-787-0557 or Carlos Cruz at 508-872-2652.

The Brazilian Women's Group