Volume 3 Issue 7                                                                                                                                                                         March 23, 2017
Letter from Laurie
Dear Friend,

New York City women are 'unbought and unbossed.' From Lady Liberty to the Fearless Girl, we continue to stand tall - shattering glass ceilings that have for far too long hindered our progress towards gender equity. Throughout history, women of all ages and backgrounds have allowed their voices to echo throughout the city and nation for equal pay, opportunities for career advancement, and representation. 

As Chair of the Committee on Women's Issues and Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus, I was proud to honor women of distinction - throughout this month -  who embody courage, strength, confidence, and a strong determination to change their communities. I also want to pause to recognize many of the unsung sheroes reading this e-newsletter who continue to lead by example, inspiring all of us to strive for higher heights, 

From reproductive healthcare to services under the Violence Against Women Act,  the Trump Administration is working diligently to undermine all of the incredible progress we have made over the last century with budgetary cuts. As we celebrate Women's Herstory Month, we are reminded by current events that the fight for equality and justice on behalf of girls, women, the LGBTQ community, and gender non-conforming individuals must continue.

In observance of A Day Without A Woman, I organized the New York City Council Women's Caucus members on the steps of City Hall for an hour of action to recognize the economic and societal value of "women's work." We were joined by several male members of the City Council and everyday New Yorkers to learn about the critical role women play in professions that put people first. Public Advocate Letitia James; Maya Wiley, Counsel to the Mayor;  Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union; and Sonia Ossorio, president of the National Organization for Women of New York, who led and joined small group conversations immediately after the rally.

I encourage you to get involved with the community-based organizations that are on the front lines - empowering others, advocating for human rights, and bringing an end to all forms of discrimination. Get involved today, join a huddle!
  
Yours in Partnership,
Laurie A. Cumbo
Member of the New York City Council
SAVE THE DATE
  1. District 35 Participatory Budgeting Vote Week is March 27 - April 2, 2017.  This year, we have eight projects ranging from improvements in schools, housing, transit, and streets on the  ballot.  You can vote for up to four projects.  Projects that receive the largest amount of votes will receive capital funding! We are seeking outreach volunteers, poll site workers, data entry assistants, interpreters and translators now through March! All ages 13 and up are welcome to come out and volunteer.
  2. Our State of the (35th) District is May 18, 2017. This is your opportunity to learn about the incredible legislative accomplishments and budget victories won by Council Member Cumbo on behalf of the 35th Council District.  
 
Legislative Updates

The following bills were introduced or co-sponsored by Council Member Cumbo:
  1. Int 1481: Requiring all NYPD officers to receive sensitivity training to assist them in responding to victims of gender-based street harassment and sexual assault.*  
  2. Int 746: Preventing the unauthorized practice of immigration law.
  3. Int 748: A local law to amend the New York City Charter, in relation to drug strategy.
  4. Res 1393: Calling upon President Trump to fully fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts & the National Endowment for the Humanities.
  5. Res 1411: Re-affirming the Council of the City of NY's commitment to promoting civil rights, reproductive rights, criminal justice reform and combating climate change.* 
  6. Res 1414: Establish an American Museum of Women's History as a part of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
*Council Member Cumbo is the prime sponsor.  
 
Upcoming Deadlines: Fellowships, Employment, City Exams, and Surveys
  1. Friday, March 31: Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). If you are a NYC youth between the ages of 14-24 who is looking for valuable work experience and earning money this summer, please complete the SYEP application and take the first step to landing your dream summer job.
  2. Friday, March 31: The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is seeking to understand the needs of the City's cultural field as part of city's first ever comprehensive cultural plan CreateNYC: A Cultural Plan for All New Yorkers. CreateNYC is incorporating robust public input, and specifically, we want to hear YOUR ideas as an artist, arts administrator, or cultural worker. Your input is extremely important and will inform the recommendations for CreateNYC. All information collected will be kept anonymous.Click here to complete the CreateNYC Artist and Cultural Worker Survey.
  3. Friday, March 31: CreateNYC wants to know how your audience, constituents, and partners experience culture in your daily life, and what their desires and priorities are for the future cultural engagement. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey and share it with your friends, family, and neighbors! Click here to complete the CreateNYC Cultural Participation Survey.
  4. Friday, March 31: The John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service is the first student fellowship with the City devoted specifically to emergency management. The program provides 10 graduate students in the New York City area with the opportunity to complete a nine-month, paid fellowship in an agency of New York City government or a nonprofit organization.
  5. Deadline Varies: Interested in public service? Every month, the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services posts civil service examinations open to the public and city employees.
 
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In this Issue
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Are you searching for employment or grants? Wondering about the film or TV production crew on your block? Feel free to visit our blog for more information.
Cumbo in the News
Women's Herstory Month Celebration at City Hall

In our capacity, as co-chairs of the Women's Caucus at the City Council, we have had the opportunity to advocate for some of our city's most pressing issues affecting women and families. During  our Fourth Annual Women's Herstory Month Celebration, we recognized women leaders in the labor movement who have shown great leadership and whose work has made a positive impact on our city. Meet this year's  honorees:  http://bit.ly/2o9a8XI .
Young Women of Color Empowerment Forum on Education

Thank you to the YWCA Brooklyn for allowing me the opportunity to meet, exchange and share stories with a group of incredible young women that are making herstory. #womenlead
Copyright © 2017. 
 Office of New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo. All Rights Reserved.