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"A More Equitable and Inclusive Montgomery County"
County Executive Marc Elrich
August 1, 2019 - Issue 136
NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
Making Sense of the Census - What Nonprofits Can Do and a Q&A with County Government

Nonprofits have an important role to play in engaging diverse communities to complete the Census. Nonprofit Montgomery will host a meeting on August 6th, which will be an opportunity to:

-- learn more about the 2020 Census;

-- dialogue with County leaders about participation and the fear generated by a potential citizenship question;
--find out about resources available to help nonprofits get the word out. 


Mobilizing our community around the 2020 Census is critical for representation and the allocation of resources on which nonprofits and communities depend.

Diane Vu, Director of the Office of Community Partnerships and the 2020 Census team will answer questions and provide information about how nonprofits can get involved.

Tuesday, August 6, 

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 pm
The Leadership Hub, 

6010 Executive Blvd. Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852
Register here.


Job Opening

The Montgomery County Council is in search of a self-motivated, highly organized individual to serve as the Clerk of the Council. The Clerk is a member of the Council management team and works closely with the Executive Director, Council President and other Council staff to ensure that the Council's policy, fiscal, and statutory goals and objectives are met. READ MORE>>>

Community Advocacy Institute  

The Community Action Board's 
Community Advocacy Institute 
provides residents with the 
opportunity to learn and utilize 
basic advocacy skills. Participants   must attend monthly workshops  and complete an advocacy project 
(testifying before County Council  or submitting a letter to County  Council) in order to graduate from  the program. Applications are due 
August16.  Click here to apply.
Participants must be Montgomery County residents with a combined  household income of $55,000 or less.

Welcoming Week

The Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL), the Takoma Park Mobilization group, and other community stakeholders are coordinating a project for Welcoming Week (September 13-22). This event, sponsored by Welcoming America, is an initiative to build strong connections across communities and affirm the benefits of making everyone feel like they belong. The local project invites individuals, organizations, and groups to adopt a door and describe how they work to open doors with their neighbors. Doors will be placed in strategic locations throughout the county. If you are interested in participating, please complete this form.

March in the 81st Annual Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade

Are you interested in participating? The City of Gaithersburg is looking for community groups and other organizations to march in this historic parade. It's a great way to be involved in the community and to get your group noticed, plus your unit might even win a special award. Organizations and individual volunteers are also needed to distribute program booklets, assist with the parade line-up and participate as characters in the parade. Click here for details.

The Future of Our Workforce

Join Governor Hogan for the 2019 Maryland Governor's Business Summit, featuring dynamic keynotes and sessions delving into one of the most important topics for businesses today - workforce.

Speakers will share innovative approaches, partnerships and more to diversify, attract, train and develop their workforce. Find out what workers want, best practices on workforce development, and how to keep your workforce engaged. 

September 20 | 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

Click here to register.

75 Objects + 75 Stories

In celebration of its 75th anniversary in 2019, Montgomery History is bringing long overdue attention to its extraordinary collection of artifacts to help tell the story of Montgomery County's storied past.

The resulting online exhibition, 75 Objects + 75 Stories , highlights some of the most iconic, treasured, and idiosyncratic objects from the collection.

Festival Guide 2019
 
Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring holds Sunday festivals through Labor Day. Click here for the full schedule of events.

Heritage Montgomery
 
Check out the Summer 2019 Heritage Report to learn more about the organization's projects and events.

Montgomery College Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) Fall Registration Opens July 22nd

Montgomery College Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) offers non-credit courses in multiple disciplines for individuals 50+, but anyone is welcome to register. There are over 34 new fall courses including Ashkenaz: The Jews of Eastern Europe; Treasures of Washington, DC art museums; Expanding Vocabulary-Building Memory and more. Daytime, evening and weekend courses are available at multiple locations. Individuals 60 and over pay fees only; tuition is waved. Click here for registration information.

Fight Acts of Hate and Bias

Communities United Against Hate (CUAH) is launching a year-long training series to engage the public around the issue of hate crimes and bias related incidents. The series is free and will feature quarterly themed modules addressing different aspects of hate and bias. Each module will culminate in a town hall, bringing together attendees, policy-makers, and other stakeholders to discuss key takeaways. For more information, click here.

Celebración 20

Save the date for Identity's Celebración 20, an evening to celebrate 20 years of Latino youth reaching their highest potential. The event will be on September 26, 2019 at Universities at Shady Grove. Click  here  for more information.

City of Gaithersburg Hosts School Supply Drive

Donations sought through August 31. For more information, click here.

Online Conferences for Nonprofits

The Nonprofit Learning Lab is offering online conferences on a variety of topics during August. Click here for more information.

Pre-K/Head Start Applications

Montgomery County Public Schools Prekindergarten/Head Start Programs are now accepting applications for next school year for low-income children who will be 4 years old by September 1. Applications are taken Monday through Friday at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, MD 20852 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

More information is available at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org or call 240-740-4530.

Upcoming Small Business Training and Workshops 

Wherever you are with your business, taking it to the next level requires you to think differently and leverage a new set of resources. Learn more  here  about a wide variety of offerings and opportunities.

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
County Executive Signs Promoting Community Trust Executive Order
The County's tradition of building and maintaining a safe and inclusive community for our residents is a core value. We have been working hard to provide resources for and answers to the many questions from our concerned community about immigration issues. Visit the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center to access useful information and check back regularly for ongoing updates as well as more information and resources. 

County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Nancy Navarro "want the people of Montgomery County to know that our law enforcement and other support agencies will continue to follow local laws, rules and regulations. As a matter of policy, we do not inquire about anyone's immigration status to support immigration enforcement, nor do we conduct immigration raids or investigations. It's also important to know that the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation does not accept individuals into custody from ICE and it does not detain individuals beyond their release date. We also encourage residents to seek help from organizations that provide legal assistance and advice so individuals will know their rights if they are stopped or detained by ICE." Read the full statement here in English and Spanish

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed the Promoting Community Trust Order on July 22 with full support of the County Council and community leaders. The Promoting Community Trust Order "reaffirms current County policy and improves community security by ensuring that immigrant and otherwise vulnerable communities can engage with County departments, including public safety departments, with assurance that such engagement will not be used to assist in civil immigration enforcement or a federal discriminatory practice." (From the County website).

We are here to serve all of our residents. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our staff if we can ever be of service. You can find our contact information here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/partnerships/contact/bios.html .


Cảm Ơn (Thank You),
signature image
Diane Vy Nguyen-Vu 
Director, Office of Community Partnerships
2020 CENSUS
Montgomery County Complete Count Committee

On July 11th Montgomery County's Complete Count Committee convened for the second time to discuss 2020 Census education and outreach strategies.

County Executive Marc Elrich offered opening remarks that focused on the importance of this decennial to the county and its residents. Maryland State Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins gave an update on the progress of State of Maryland's 2020 Census Complete Count Committee. Representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau provided a "Communicating Census Solutions Workshop" and an outline of the Census Bureau's 2020 job recruitment and online application process.

The County's CCC Subcommittees will continue to meet to develop targeted outreach strategies over the coming weeks and months to reach hard-to-count communities. 

US Census Bureau Jobs 
Join the 2020 US Census team in Montgomery County! Click here for flyer. Visit 2020census.gov/jobs or Apply Online Here ! 

2020 Census jobs provide:  Starting salary at $21.00 - Flexible hours -- Weekly pay -- Paid training

For more information or help applying, please call 1-855-JOB-2020 (English).
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Meet the New OCP Community Managers/Liaisons

Arwa ElBoraei
Middle Eastern Liaison 
Shawn Ellis
2020 Census Manager

Jessy Mejia Terry
Latino Liaison

Yi Shen
Asian Liaison

Please welcome the new OCP Community Managers/Liaisons
. Click here to read more about them. For a full list of OCP staff, bios and contact information, visit the OCP website.
New Resources for Immigrants in Montgomery County

The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center has created new resources to inform immigrants of their legal rights, help them prepare for emergency situations that may arise, and to let them know where to find help in Montgomery County. The new resources include:

Montgomery County's Immigrant Rights and Resources Handout - Currently available in English and Spanish (additional languages forthcoming)
  • ICE emergency hotlines, "Know Your Rights" information, and how to prepare for ICE raids
  • Where to go for help in Montgomery County
  • Detachable "Know Your Rights" wallet card
Updated Immigration FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and Toolkit -  Currently available in English and Spanish
  • Detailed discussion on immigrant rights and how to prepare for possible ICE raids      
  • Resources in Montgomery County, including mental health resources and information for parents
  • Information on the Montgomery County Police Department's policy on cooperation with ICE

Updated List of Immigration Legal Service Providers in Montgomery County

  • Free and low cost legal service providers that offer immigration services

Visit the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center's website to access the materials above and for additional resources on "Know Your Rights," family preparedness, legal services, and more.

Mark your Calendar for English, Citizenship, and Basic Computer Classes!

The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center offers free and low-cost classes in Wheaton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, White Oak, and East Silver Spring. Learn basic computer skills, practice your English, or prepare for the citizenship exam with us! We can also connect you with many other county resources - and we can help you in any language.

Registration for fall classes will begin in early September. See the dates on this flyer.

Please check out our website for registration dates and more details. Find us on Facebook at GilchristImmigrantResourceCenter or call us at 240-777-4940
August Workshops and Information Sessions

> Free Legal Services Provided by Pro Bono Program
  • The Pro Bono Program provides FREE LEGAL SERVICES to low-income county residents in civil cases.  The Pro Bono Program provides two means for residents to receive free services - at a legal advice clinic or through the client intake line for referral to an attorney volunteer for direct representation. Click here for information in English. Click here for information in Spanish.
     
  • The Pro Bono Program is committed to helping the residents of Montgomery County, MD.  Individual circumstances may vary and income cases we may not be able to assist everyone.
     
  • The Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program Legal Clinics continue to meet twice a month throughout Montgomery County (Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center & Germantown meet only once a month). Each of our clinics are staffed by attorneys versed in different areas of practice including Immigration. 
           Please note that the east county clinic that meets the 1st Thursday of every month has two       
           Immigration attorneys to address inquiries regarding Immigration.
  • For further information please make sure to read the brochure. Or call the Pro Bono Program at 301.424.7651 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday.
>Free Immigration Clinic hosted by AYUDA 

Get a one-on-one meeting with an attorney. Ask immigration questions. This is a brief advice and referral clinic. If you meet with an attorney, the services you receive will be limited by time, expertise, and the information you provide. You will receive advice that is specific to your situation, but the attorney you meet with will not represent you after the clinic. Click  here for flyer.
  • When: SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2019, 2:00 P.M.
  • Where: ST. CAMILLUS CATHOLIC CHURCH (CAMILLIA ROOM), 1600 ST. CAMILLUS DRIVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20903
Language Access: Please call ahead if you need a sign language interpreter. We serve clients in all languages. Send an email to  [email protected] or call (202) 243-7315 with any questions.

>Free Citizenship Application Workshop Hosted by APALRC

The APALRC will host a free, Citizenship Application Workshop  on Saturday, August 3rd from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library. At this workshop, attendees can expect to receive free one-on-one assistance in completing the paperwork to apply for naturalization/ U.S. citizenship.  This workshop is open to all regardless of country of origin or nationality. Assistance with Fee Waiver, Reduced Fee, and Medical Exception applications will also be provided, as applicable. We encourage everyone who is interested in attending this workshop to register in advance either online or by calling  202-706-7135. Click here for information in English.
 Click here for information in Russian.

>Citizenship Information Sessions Presented by Montgomery College and Catholic Charities

Are you a legal, permanent resident preparing for the U.S. citizenship test and interview? Come to an
information session and discover how Montgomery College and Catholic Charities may be able to help
you for free! Information sessions: August 6th at 6 p.m. and August 10th at 9 a.m. 
See  website for more information.

>Free Citizenship Preparation Classes in Montgomery County

Montgomery College (MC) provides FREE citizenship preparation classes throughout Montgomery County, including locations in Rockville, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. Multi-level classes are funded through a grant from United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) at various schedules to meet the needs of learners. Please check the MC Citizenship website for more information or call 240-567-8839.

>Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Baltimore 

KIND Baltimore Quick Topics Training: Asylum and SIJS-based Employment Authorization 
Wednesday, September 11, 2019, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST 
Please join KIND Baltimore for a Quick Topics Webinar on applying for asylum and SIJS-based Employment Authorization. Topics include eligibility, key components of the Form I-765, and compiling the application packet. Time will be allotted for Q&A. Dial in Information: Join from Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:  https://zoom.us/j/117934011 or by telephone, dial by location: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 117 934 011 Learn more and register here.

Resources for the immigrant community are available at: https://supportkind.org/resources/know-rights-information-ice-raids-parentscommunityattorneys/ and include the key document  KIND Memorandum: Advice and Preparation for Clients in Case of Possible ICE Enforcement Activities, and attachments in English and Spanish:
  • KIND Tips - If You Encounter ICE
  • KIND Family Preparedness Plan 
  • ILRC Family Preparedness Plan 
  • ACLU Know Your Rights wallet card  
  • NILC Bilingual "Red" Card (to present to ICE)
Language Services and Financial Assistance

>Language Services by Ayuda 
Do you provide services to Maryland victims of crime? Do you ever need a spoken or sign interpreter to communicate with the victims whom you serve? The Language Access Program at Ayuda can provide you with professionally trained, trauma-informed interpreters at no cost (because of funding from the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention). Please write to i [email protected] with "Maryland Victims" in the subject heading to learn more and to add your organization to the list of those that will receive services.

>Financial Assistance for Citizenship Application Fees offered by CASA
CASA, in partnership with Montgomery County, is offering financial assistance to those who are eligible to apply for citizenship but cannot afford to pay the application fee. Residents of Montgomery County who earn less than 300% of the federal poverty guideline may qualify for a scholarship in the amount of $150 or $300 to help pay the application filing fee. Interested applicants should call (240) 560-2272 for more information.  Flyers are available in English and Spanish .  Note: Low-income individuals seeking to apply for citizenship may also be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee through USCIS.
ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS
Upcoming Meetings of County Executive's Ethnic & Faith Advisory Groups
African Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG)  will meet on  Thursday, August 8, 2019 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. These monthly meetings are open to the public.  To stay updated on AAAG's latest events and opportunities, please visit www.facebook.com/Africanaag , Instagram: @Africanaag, Twitter: @Africanaag
Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) will meet at the Silver Spring Civic Building on Tuesday, September 10th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) will meet on Monday, August 19th, 7:00 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library in the 3rd floor Mediation Room. Youth and adults are welcome. Please contact Debbie Trent at [email protected] for more information.
Interfaith Community Advisory Group Meetings:
  • Wednesday, August 7 -- Racial Equity and Social Justice Core Group Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Room 331, Rockville Memorial Library
  • Thursday, August 8 -- Faith Community Working Group (FCWG) Steering Committee Meeting, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Room 331, Rockville Memorial Library
  • Friday, August 9 -- Interfaith Leadership Consultation Meeting, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Room 331, Rockville Memorial Library
  • Monday, August 19 - Education Committee Meeting, 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Room. 331, Rockville Memorial Library
  • Wednesday, August 28 -- Religious Land Use Working (RLUWG) Group Meeting, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Upcounty Regional Office
Local Organizations Recruiting for AmeriCorps

More than 75,000 people annually across the United States serve nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups through AmeriCorps, an intensive service work program often referred to as the "domestic Peace Corps." Locally, several organizations are now recruiting AmeriCorps members to help tackle a variety of needs in our community.

Check out the Volunteer Center's latest newsletter for details about service positions with CASA, the Choice Program at UMBC, Community Mediation Maryland, EveryMind, the Maryland Conservation Corps, Project CHANGE Montgomery, and Volunteer Maryland. And to find new opportunities try this search on our site with the keyword "Americorps"

All AmeriCorps members are paid a living allowance stipend throughout the course of their service. They may also be eligible to receive an educational award at the end of their service and student loan deferment during their service.
AFRICAN COMMUNITY
Save the date 

September 5, 2019
African Heritage Month - Proclamation Day, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910

September 14, 2019
Cameroonian Doctors Association - Free Community Health Fair, Silver Spring Presbyterian Church (SSPC),  580 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, MD 20901

September 21, 2019
Pan-African Festival 2019 - 10 YEAR Jubilee, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
My Brother's Keeper Hosts Charity Golf Classic 


On Monday, July 1st, the Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and DC chapters of My Brother's Keeper (MBK) co-hosted the inaugural My Brother's Birdies Charity Golf Classic at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. My Brother's Keeper is  an initiative that was launched by President Obama in 2014 and is now a project of the Obama Foundation.

This event brought together leaders in the business, athletic, entertainment, and political arenas for fellowship on the golf course and to raise money and awareness for MBK in support of local DC area programs that work with young men and women of color through mentorship, college readiness, job creation, and reducing gang violence. More information on the event is available here.
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Xi'an Sister Cities Delegation


On Thursday, July 18, County Executive Marc Elrich met with a delegation from Xi'an, China led by the director of the Xi'an Foreign Affairs Office. Montgomery County established a Sister City relationship with Xi'an in 2014. The County Executive was joined by Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Montgomery College Dr. Sanjay Rai, Montgomery Sister Cities Chair Bill Nance, OCP Director Diane Vu, Asian Liaison Yi Shen, Spiros Balntas, Director of Business Recruitment, Economic Development Corporation and representatives from the Northwestern Chinese American Association of Greater Washington (NCAAGW). The discussion focused around mutually beneficial goals in economic development, education, healthcare and cultural exchange.  The Xi'an delegation was very interested in Montgomery County's strong health and bioscience industries.  For more information on Montgomery Sister Cities, please visit montgomerysistercities.org.

County Executive's Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Business Advisory Group


On the evening of Monday, July 22, 2019, several AAPI business leaders met for the first time as the County Executive's AAPI Business Advisory Group.  County Executive Elrich briefed the advisory group members with findings from the 4Business listening tours and changes are already being made in the way the County does business.  He also laid out his economic development strategies going forward and asked for input from group members.  Advisory group members provided suggestions and will reconvene with follow up actions at the next meeting.

2019 Asian American Literature Festival
 
Saturday, August 3, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Four events will be held at the Library of Congress celebrating Asian American literature during the second day of a city-wide, three-day festival.

Click here for more information and to register. For a full schedule of festival events, click here.
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY 
From Emancipation to Caribbean Independence

CAAG, the Caribbean Research and Policy Center, and C-PAC will present "From Emancipation to Caribbean Independence," a lecture by Dr. Franklin Knight, Professor of History Emeritus, Johns Hopkins University. The event will be held on Thursday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fenton Room at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD. To view the invitation and RSVP, click here.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY 
July Update

The Executive Committee of the Faith Community Advisory Council presented their stewardship reports on the Religious Land Use, Neighbors in Need and Faith Community Working Groups to County Executive, Marc Elrich. Special Assistants, Debbie Spielberg and BB Ortero, and Director of the Office of Community Partnerships, Diane Vu were also present.  

The Executive Committee ranges from Anglican to Zorasterian and seeks to represent the needs and interests of 767 faith communities in Montgomery County. Their mailing list exceeds 5,000 that grows through workshops ranging from security to advanced care planning; intercultural dialogues on racism and bias; partnerships with government and nonprofits working on hunger, healthcare and welcoming refugees; coordinating interfaith responses to acts of violence; and engaging faith communities in caring for our environment.  

The County Executive expressed appreciation for their service and asked them to help the County care for its homeless this winter, as its largest shelter has been closed due to an environmental health problem; work with faith communities in addressing the need for more affordable housing; and engage more faith communities in climate solutions.

Left to right: Dr. Agarwala, Rabbi Gerry Serotta (Executive Director of IFC), Rev. Kaseman

Dr. Richa Agarwala was presented the Rev. Clark Lobenstine Bridge Builders Award by Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman at the Washington National Cathedral. This was part of the Annual Bridge Builders Award program of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan  Washington (IFC) that included Msgr. John  Enzler, CEO of Catholic Charities, and the Rev. Dr. Carole Crumley for service with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Washington National Cathedral.  

Dr. Agarwala is a Senior Scientist in the National Biotechnology Center at NIH, Outreach Coordinator for the Chinmaya Mission, Co-Chair of the Education Committee for the Faith Community Working Group, liaison for the Hindu American Foundation for the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitian Washington, facilitator for the Multicultural Dialogues on Racism and Bias, board member of the Montgomery County Faith Alliance on Climate Solutions, and Chair of the Unity Walk on the "Highway to Heaven" in Montgomery County.

Rev. Kaseman commended Dr. Agarwala as "an amazing bridge-builder, crossing lines of ethnic, racial and faith differences, and creating a more pluralistic, equitable and resilient community."


The third annual Community Memorial Service included elected and appointed officials, faith leaders, nonprofit staff, and volunteers remembering our homeless sisters and brothers who have died in the past year. Everyone experienced the heart of Montgomery County during this time of reflection, sadness, appreciation for the preciousness of life, and rededication to ending homelessness in Montgomery County.  



LATIN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Salvadoran-American Day Festival and Latino Health Fair

The Salvadoran-American Day Festival and Latino Health Fair will be held on Sunday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Montgomery College (Rockville Campus Parking Lot) at 51 Mannakee Street.  
 
The festival will include the Annual Latino Health Fair co-sponsored by the County's Latino Health Initiative as part of the "Ama Tu Vida" (Love Your Life) campaign. Salvadoran food, crafts, and music by local and international bands will be featured along with community and educational resources. 

On July 30, Montgomery College-Rockville Campus Vice President and Provost Dr. Kimberly Kelley joined County Executive Marc Elrich, Consul General of El Salvador Ena Peña, Montgomery County Latino Health Initiative representatives, and COTSA President Francisco Ramirez (COTSA is the umbrella group of Salvadoran hometown associations), to discuss the event.
MIDDLE EASTERN COMMUNITY
Upcoming Event

On Wednesday, August 14th at 6:30 p,m., the American Turkish Friendship Association and Rumi Forum will hold an Interfaith Discussion on Religious Freedom and Minority Rights and Eid al-Adha Reception at their office: 6470 Dobbin Rd., Suite C, Columbia, MD, 21045.To RSVP, click here.  

Updates




The American Muslim Senior Society held its Office Inaugural event in Silver Spring on June 30th. Pictured above are County Executive Marc Elrich, Gaithersburg City Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, Interfaith Community Liaison Mansfield Kaseman, American Muslim Senior Society Chair Mona Negm, activists and community leaders .

At its July 8th meeting, MEAAG held a community conversation on racial equity and social justice.   Officer Sherif  Almiggabber of the Montgomery County Police Department and Song Hutchins of the Asian Pacific  Advisory Group provided additional insight.

Arwa ElBoraei (right) receives her official MEAAG tee shirt from Debbie Trent.
      

On July 11th, OCP Director Diane Vu introduced Ms. Arwa ElBoraei, the new Middle Eastern American Liaison, at the Complete the Census Count Training Session at the Executive Office Building Auditorium. 

MEAAG member Sahar Fahmy (righti) and African Affairs Advisory Group Chair
Rashida Bright attended the "New Legacy - Contemporary Art of Egypt" exhibit at Falls
Church Arts, featuring 11 renowned Egyptian artists. 


On July 16th, the Gaithersburg Rotary Club  featured guest speaker Nadia Hashmi
(pictured above,  second from left). She is an Afghan American pediatrician, former candidate for Maryland's Sixth Congressional District, a
best-selling novelist, and a friend of MEAAG.

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