"We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that freedom which only asks what's in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense."

—Barack Obama

We’re thrilled to launch season three of In the Arena with NOW, featuring community trailblazers who are transforming systems through advocacy and empowerment.

In the first episode, Reimagining Parent and Family Leadership, we speak with Josette Williams—advocate, activist, and director of the Countdown to Kindergarten program at Boston Public Schools. A founding member of Vital Village Networks, Josette shares her journey from childhood social justice experiences to her work advancing community access to essential programs.

A passionate self-advocate since age eleven, Josette strives for inclusivity in decision-making and currently works with Boston Public Schools to revise curriculum and improve practices. She is also the inaugural recipient of the Unsung Hero Award for her outstanding contributions to the Vital Village community.

You can listen to the full Season 3, Episode 1 podcast with Josette and host, Ronda Alexander, at the link below.

Join us Tuesday November 12 from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm ET for an interactive and collaborative group visioning session focused on peer-led strategies to promote advocacy. This co-design process will create space to identify group priorities, build consensus on advocacy strategies, skills, and approaches to advance equity for children and families that the Peer Learning Cluster (PLC) community would like to explore in 2025. We will also discuss additional leadership opportunities for PLC members.

We invite you to join our next GROWBABY Research Roundtable Seminar on Thursday, November 14th, at 9:00 am ET, led by Professor Catherine Davies and their team from the United Kingdom. We will learn about the My First 1000 Days project that aims to improve the development and language trajectory of underserved children in Leeds through dyad group care programming.

For questions, contact Clare Viglione, Research Director at growbabyresearch@bmc.org.

Connect with others who are passionate about birth equity and maternal health in the community! Come and meet the GBBEC Servant Leadership team, provide guidance on their strategic priorities, and get involved in the next steps.

Register on Eventbrite to be a part of this important conversation and help us work towards a more equitable future for birthing individuals in Greater Boston.

Join us to explore intergenerational programming and its role in strengthening the fabric of community, improving health outcomes across generations, honoring ancestral traditions, and promoting collaboration and well-being with our children, families, and neighbors.

Co-hosted with:

• Suzeth Dunn Dyer, MS, MA | Community Impact Associate, VVN | Director of Community Life, Boston, TCBINC
• Legneira Anderson, Guna Yala Indigenous community in Panamá | Montessori teacher, Abundant Life
• Rosangela Fuentes, Community Life Manager, The Community Builders
• Marisela Valero Hernandez, Community Life Coordinator / Founder, Planeta Vital podcast
• Blanca Sierra de Price, Community Life Manager, The Community Builders | Intergenerational Community Garden advocate

Applications are open for the 2025 Community Food Systems Fellowship

Applications are still open for our 2025 Community Food Systems Fellowship Program! This national fellowship is intended for local leaders working to advance just and equitable community food systems. Applications close November 8th, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET.

Apply using the online form, or use this link to nominate someone who may be a good fit. You can also learn more by reading the 2025 Request for Applications and FAQ on our website.

Now Accepting Applications for the National Birth Justice Fellowship

Applications are now open for the National Birth Justice Fellowship! This 18-month fellowship supports local changemakers who are actively engaged in initiatives aimed at reducing health inequities and injustices experienced by birthing families, particularly among populations that have been historically marginalized. Be part of building a national, community-led birth justice network. Applications close on Friday, November 22nd.

November Children's Mental Health Storytimes

Join Vital Village Networks and the Boston Public Library for weekly My’Self’ in the World Children’s Storytimes, Thursdays from 3:30 - 4pm ET on Zoom. Plus, access pre-recorded Storytimes on the Vital Village Calendar and through the Eventbrite registration link below.

Join the GROWBABY Research Network

Growbaby (GRoup Wellness Visits for BABies and FamilY) Research Network is a national learning community dedicated to the advancement of equitable healthcare systems to maximize child and family wellbeing. If you are interested in group care or in becoming a member of the GROWBABY Research Network, we invite you to complete the 1-minute membership registration form. Membership is free, and you will gain access to group care and research resources, networking opportunities, presentations, training and grant opportunities, and more.

Join host, Loretta Ross for this opportunity to be together as we talk about the implications of the outcome of the election. Regardless of who wins, understanding the potential impact to our communities is crucial. Join the conversation on Friday, November 8th! This conversation will provide a foundation fort shared understanding, allowing us to strategies collectively for the challenges and possibilities that may arise in the months to come. 

This event has a minimum cost of $5 per ticket. Friday, November 8, 2024 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm ET on Zoom.

Learn about cold weather safety at this free workshop with Boston Public Libraries and instructor Maria Tuman from Brigham and Women’s Hospital Injury Prevention and Outreach.

Registration is required! Monday, November 11, 2024 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm ET on Zoom.

With the year coming to a close, in this workshop hosted by Mothers for Justice and Equality participants will explore various methods for practicing gratitude in their daily lives, such as journaling, mindfulness techniques, and expressing appreciation for others. Participants will also learn the positive influences gratitude can have on mental health, relationships, and well-being. Click here to learn more and to register. Registration is required.

LiFT is a safe space and community for those facing barriers after incarceration. The community meets regularly to share meals and build relationships with supportive allies. The goal of the program is to find and create opportunities for people striving to turn their lives around. This event happens on a bi-weekly basis on Thursdays. Learn more and research a spot. Registration is required.

Reconnect with community members during this night for gathering and live storytelling. This night promises to take you through a range of human experiences filled with laughter, tears, and truth. Included in the evening will be food, refreshments, and prizes. This is a free event, and all proceeds will go to charity. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite!

Join the Federation for Children with Special Needs as they host an evening of sharing resources on community support, networking, learning, and community building. There will also be a raffle and pizza. Other attending organizations will be the Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF), Public Safety, YMCA, and more. This is a free event, no registration required.

OYEA is seeking Mayor's Youth Council Program Coordinators to manage the facilitation of the day-to-day functions of both the Boston Mayor's Youth Council and the City of Boston Participatory Budgeting Process known as the Youth Lead the Change (YLC) program. These positions will provide direction to three young adult positions, helping to ensure the ongoing success of both civic engagement programs within the Office. This position is full-time requiring 35 hrs/wk, paying between $53,468-$79,560 annually. A high school diploma is preferred but not required. Learn more and apply.

Join the Office of Workforce Development for their 3rd annual Apprenticeship Fair, where you can discover apprenticeships available in Boston to help you forge a pathway to success. Industries include hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, and construction. Registration is required! Learn more and register using the online form.

Bring your friends and family to this unique volunteer opportunity during the holiday season! In this 90-minute, family-friendly packing shift, you will assemble bags of holiday food items to be distributed directly to families in neighborhoods including Dorchester, Quincy, Lowell, and Roxbury. Registration is required. Learn more and register.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 1.5 hour shifts available from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm ET

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center | 415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210

Meet with Kirstein Business Library staff member and get help at this online drop-in on the fourth Thursday of every month. To learn more, click here.

Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET on Zoom

Fourth Thursday of Every month. No registration required.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a 2-dose schedule of the 9vHPV vaccine is as effective as a 3-dose schedule of the 9vHPV vaccine among women ages 16-45 years. The information obtained from this research will help medical providers understand more about how to improve vaccination regimens.

• You will receive a total of three HPV shots across the span of 6-12 months.
• You will complete two brief surveys when you first sign up for the study and will complete and additional survey at either month 7 or month 12 of the study.

You May be Eligible if:

• You are 16-45 years old and eligible for the HPV vaccine.
• You are scheduled and/or eligible to receive the HPV vaccine as part of your regular medical care here.
• You are a current/non-BMC patient

Participants receive:

• Qualifying participants will receive a total of $180 in study cards, which may be used like a credit card.

Please call (617) 851-1537 if you are interested. Or email: HPV@bmc.org.

Learn more and register.

Housing insecurity in Greater Boston is a complex issue. Presently families make up 70% of the unhoused population in Greater Boston, compared to the national average of 28%. While the media often focuses on visible encampments, community members and advocates are actively working to identify and tackle the broader root causes of housing insecurity, housing shortages and discrimination, through innovative and inclusive and family-centered approaches.

Community Driven Solutions

Vital Village Networks Community Data Workgroup and Ambassadors conducted a community housing survey, gathering insights on solutions proposed by residents and stakeholders to address housing challenges:

• Rent Control: Seen as crucial in protecting low-income residents from escalating housing costs, rent control aims to maintain affordability in a rapidly changing market.
• Housing Advocacy: Local advocacy groups are pivotal in supporting individuals facing housing crises by offering legal aid, resources, and guidance, empowering residents to navigate housing systems more effectively.
• Holistic Support Services: Accessible financial assistance, mental health support, and educational programs provide pathways to stability for those experiencing housing insecurity. Comprehensive services—including medical care, job training, and social engagement opportunities—are essential for sustainable housing solutions and quality of life improvements.
• Immediate Housing Solutions: As housing demand grows, there is an urgent need for temporary and permanent housing options to address the needs of individuals in shelters or temporary accommodations.

These community insights highlight the power of collective action and resident-driven solutions in tackling housing insecurity across Greater Boston.

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Reference: Homelessness in Greater Boston. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bostonindicators.org/reports/report-detail-pages/homelessness_and_housing

Vital Village Networks is a network of residents and agencies committed to maximizing child, family, and community well-being.

www.vitalvillage.org