March 2024

MASS Flash Newsletter

Hi everyone, March is here and we're excited for everything it has to offer. March is Development Disabilities Awareness Month as well as Women's History Month. We can't forget about celebrating St. Patty's Day, no matter how you celebrate it we'll be wishing you the best of luck in all that you do.

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We held our first statewide meeting last month and it was a HUGE SUCCESS, and we're looking forward to more of them. You can find statewide Drop-ins and Regional Meeting information on the MASS Events Calendar, as well as in your regional and rainbow section at the bottom of this newsletter.


This month we'll also be going to the statehouse for for the 46th Annual Legislative Reception. The theme for the reception this year is "Reaffirming Our Commitment to Those in Need.".


We are excited to advocate with you in 2024!

Kamisha's Corner

Hello everyone, this month we are going to be talking about two topics that are related to empowerment. Which is, Black History Month that we recognized in February and Women’s History Month that we celebrate this month. We want to bring to light how far we have come as a nation and community. 


Some of you who may not know what Black History Month and Women’s History Month are about, they are about Civil Rights leaders trying to make the world a better place. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. was a Civil Rights activist and he led one of the biggest marches in history. The “I Have a Dream Speech” was a very important focal point in how the world began to change. Martin Luther King Jr. wanted people of color to have the same rights as white people. He helped people of color start voting as well. He was a leader, and showed other people how to fight peacefully for change. He could’ve led a normal life but he thought it was important to fight for change, and gave up his life to help people understand. 


When it comes to Women’s History Month there are a bunch of women that played a big role in history. Such as Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and Harriet Tubman. For those of you who may not know, Rosa Parks was the one who thought it was unfair for white people to sit in the front of the bus, while black people were told to sit in the back of the bus. She decided to start a boycott in hopes to bring about equal rights. These women sacrificed their lives to bring equal rights to the forefront. I feel inspired by these women, but who wouldn’t?


In society because of the way I look, I might be taken advantage of. For example, whenever I see non-accessible streets I am reminded by these women and their work. Everything should be accessible for everyone. It’s important to appreciate what these women fought for, and what they went through to get to where we are today. 


- Kamisha 

 

MASS is Hiring

A woman works remotely.

Check out these opportunities to support self-advocate driven programs in Massachusetts:


Self-Advocate Peer Trainer - Part Time


Lead Regional Program Coordinator - Part time to Full Time Available

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STATEWIDE DROP-IN MEETING

Statewide Drop-ins are on the Second Thursday, and Fourth Wednesday of every month. Statewide Drop-in meetings are open to self-advocates from all the Massachusetts Regions and Massachusetts Rainbow groups. This is an opportunity for self-advocates to work together across regions, have fun, and support one another.

Meeting Dates for Statewide **Register via Eventbrite**


Thursday, March 14 from 5:30pm-7:00pm

https://SelfAdvocateDropInMass.eventbrite.com


Wednesday, March 27 from 4:30pm-6:00pm

https://SelfAdvocateDropInMass.eventbrite.com

Statewide Drop-In

SAVE THE DATE: MASS CONFERENCE October 26, 2024

Save the date for the MASS 26th Annual Self-Advocacy Conference on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA! This will be a fun-filled and busy day of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking!

26th Annual Self-Advocate Conference
 

LOCATION

Best Western in Marlborough, MA
 

DATE AND TIME

10/26/24 10:00am - 10/26/24 5:00pm US/Eastern
 
This will be a fun-filled and busy day of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking!
I'll Be There!
Maybe
I Can't Make It
Learn More About Our Annual Conference
Learn More About Sponsoring

The 46th Annual Legislative Reception

Please join us as we co-sponsor the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) and The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 for the 46th Annual Legislative Reception. The theme for the reception this year is "Reaffirming Our Commitment to Those in Need."

Learn More and Register

The 2024–2025 Gopen and Crocken

Memorial Fellowship

The Barbara Wilensky Gopen Memorial Fellowship and Allen C. Crocker Family Fellowship are part-time fellowship programs. Fellows work independently for up to 20 hours per week on projects of their choice and attend trainings and events to learn about disability advocacy, services, and policy. 


How can I learn more about the Gopen Fellowship?

You can attend a webinar on Wednesday, March 13 at 12:00 to ask questions and learn more about the Gopen Fellowship. You can register here. We will record the webinar. You can watch the recorded webinar on our website after April 1.


Both fellowships begin in July 2024 and end in June 2025. Fellows can work remotely, but they must be Massachusetts residents.


The Barbara Wilensky Gopen Memorial Fellowship is for Massachusetts residents with developmental disabilities. Read more information about the Gopen Fellowship and learn how to apply!


The Allen C. Crocker Family Fellowship is for Massachusetts residents who are family members of people with developmental disabilities. Read more information about the Crocker Fellowship and learn how to apply!


The deadline to apply for both Fellowships is April 12, 2024 5:00pm. Please share widely with your networks!

Learn More and Apply Today
 

SAVE THE DATE

20TH ANNUAL MASSACHUSETTS WEST REGION SELF ADVOCACY CONFERENCE

Please join Massachusetts West Region as they celebrate 20 years of learning and connecting at the Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference!


Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel in Springfield, MA.

Learn More and Register Today

REGIONAL + RAINBOW UPDATES

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METRO REGION

Meeting Dates for Metro **Register via Eventbrite**


Regional Meeting: Tuesday, March 19 from 6:00pm-7:30pm

https://metro-regional-meeting.eventbrite.com

PDF - Metro Region Update - March 2024

NORTHEAST REGION

Meeting Dates for Northeast **Register via Eventbrite**


Regional Meeting: Wednesday, March 20 from 4:00pm-5:30pm

https://northeast-regional-meeting.eventbrite.com

PDF - Northeast Region Update - March 2024

SOUTHEAST REGION

Meeting Date for Southeast **Register via Eventbrite**


Thursday, March 28 from 6:00pm-7:30pm

https://southeast-regional-meeting.eventbrite.com

CENTRAL REGION

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.


Meeting Dates for Central:


Regional Meeting: Tuesday, March 12 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-90


Regional Meeting: Tuesday, March 26 from 3:30pm - 5:30pm

https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-91

PDF - Central Region Update - March 2024

Rainbow Group

Meeting Dates for Rainbow:


Topic Day - Tuesday, March 26 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/rainbow-group-meeting-62

We want to hear from you!

Is there anything exciting happening in your life that you are just itching to talk about? Want to share it with the world?!


If so, great because I, Kamisha Heriveaux, am always on the look out for interesting events, your hobbies, and topics that interest you - so please don't hesitate to reach out!


I can't wait to hear from all of YOU! Have a great day and keep on reading!

~ Kamisha

info@WeAreMASS.org

Questions? Email info@wearemass.org

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