Boston Citation for BAA - Dr. Linda Nathan!

Dr. Linda Nathan, Founder and Co-headmaster of the Boston Arts Academy accepts the Toastmasters District 31 Communication & Leadership award from 2009-2010 District 31 Governor, Sherri Raftery at the D31 Spring Conference on Saturday May 15, 2010 - Hilton Hotel in Dedham, MASS.

I was soooo very proud to have the honor of presenting Dr. Linda Nathan - Founder and Co-Headmaster of the Boston Arts Academy with the District 31 Toastmasters Communication & Leadership award.

It was well deserved award, and she did a remarkable job at speaking at the luncheon. Linda was able to sign her books The Hardest Questions Aren't on the Test - Lessons From An Innovative Urban School and sign them for folks.

I spoke with her about bring public speaking courses to the Boston Arts Academy to help students learn how to frame their messages in a professional way.

If you would like to purchase her book - all proceeds go right back into the school!





Carol R. Johnson, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools “With heart, compassion, and a magnifying glass, Linda Nathan takes us into the world of an urban high school, with its daily trials, defeats, joys, and victories. By broadening the lessons learned from the successful Boston Arts Academy, she is providing a service to educators everywhere. Everything from the achievement gap to parent elections to professional learning communities gets examined. This book does not shy away from raising questions, encouraging self-reflection, and ultimately opening minds – all while drawing on the power of the arts to engage, inspire, and achieve greatness.”


Larry Lucchino, President/Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Red Sox “Linda Nathan has written a remarkable book. Boston Arts Academy is an urban public high school just across the street from Fenway Park. So I get to see first hand, young people from every neighborhood in the city who greatly benefit from the approaches so clearly espoused by this innovative educator. With over 90% of graduates consistently going on to college (many the first in their families to do so), the results speak for themselves. ”




Keith Lockhart, Conductor, Boston Pops Orchestra“Linda Nathan takes a courageous look at our deteriorating educational system, and offers innovative solutions. Our “teaching for the test” system, designed to even the playing field for our young people, has instead so often marginalized those who don’t fit into the “multiple choice” scenario. Linda makes a case for reaching each student on his or her own terms, using an arts-based curriculum that unlocks the creative thinking and capacity for self-expression that such an approach nurture. The results are thought-provoking and inspiring.”


http://www.bostonartsacademy.org/Pages/index


http://kellylowenstein.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/linda-nathan-teaches-us-about-schools-hardest-questions/



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfG1RMuUE44

May 2010 Toastmasters Testimonials!

"Did you think up the Take Center Stage?

What a perfect "slogan" for Toastmasters!!! Very creative - and perfect"!

Isabell VanMerlin, Rumney Marsh Club 8431

Photo L-R Taken by Don Saracen

Ronald Couming, Assistant to the District Governor, Sherri Raftery, DTM, 2009-10 District 31 Governor, Taking Center Stage as we promoted the District 31 Prison Clubs during the Spring 2010 Conference on Saturday May 15, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in Dedham, MA

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Sher, "I think you know this, but you have done a very unbelievable job as DG. I'm very impressed with your leadership and extremely hard work for D31. You should be very proud of yourself". Dan Barrett, 2009-10 District Public Relations Officer

"Saturday (May 15, 2010) was truly a great day and you were amazing... true leader in every way! I will REALLY miss working with you next year"! Mindy Milman District 31, Area F4 Governor


"What an awesome conference, though! Thanks so much for putting it together-it was a pleasure to attend and I'm so grateful for all your hard work"! Best, Area D Governor, PDG, Ruth Levitsky

"Sher,You have had a great run with TM and could see you going national. Of course along with joining us at NSA"! Best Don Saracen, Toastmaster, NSA Board

"Fantastic conference, Sherri. you're in the home stretch now. a great year as president- you will be hard to follow and beat" :-). Susan Tordella-Williams, Renassaince Club President, D31 Spring Conference Contest Master

"I can feel the pathos and ethos ooze through your posts. It is a joy to see - good luck in the next stage of your Toastmasters journey." Phil Holberton

"Sherri, you do not merely "Take Center Stahe"; You ARE CENTER STAGE.." Christian Margrave, D36 Division Governor

"Hi Sherri, I wanted to send a quick note saying how great it was to meet you after so many emails back and forth over the past couple of years. I enjoyed the conference and look forward to sharing the experience with my club in Hanover tomorrow. Thank you again for the invitation to present and I hope to have the opportunity again in the future. Excellent conference and contest". Stacey Shipman, Honver Club. Feel Good Living
http://www.staceyshipman.com/

"Sherri, You did an absolutely phenomenal job,...you did awesome...awesome...unbelievably awesome"! Area B Governor Yvette Moquin

"You've also been great with the members. No matter what question you were asked or how busy you've been, you sent back an e-mail that addressed the concern of the member. This is the type of caring and concern that I would expect from a District Governor. You're gonna rock on Saturday. Proud that we'll be serving together. Partners in crime again"!-- Ben Lappen, Lt. Governor of Marketing, Lt Governor of Ed & Training Elect

May is National Foster Care Month

"As a former foster child of several different families, I can share that even though those placements were not permanent homes, I am thankful for the temporary care they were able to provide during my formative years".
Sherri Raftery, M. Ed., 1977-1989 resident/client of THE HOME, 2008 The Home Honoree, 2010 The Home Board of Ambassadors

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_success_sherri

"There is a great need currently for caring foster caregivers in Massachusetts. The Home is actively recruiting foster caregivers for its Intensive Foster Care program". http://www.thehome.org/

May is National Foster Care Month!

Every day, some 513,000 children and youth are living in foster care because their own parents can't take care of them. We must address the needs of these children, who need a stable and secure home until they can either return to their parents or establish a lifelong connection to a nurturing adult.

National Foster Care Month in May provides an opportunity for people nationwide to get involved as foster parents, volunteers, mentors, employers, or in other ways. It's also an opportunity to show our appreciation for the dedication of the foster families who care for these children and youth, and the social workers who support them.

Foster Care Month originated in 1988 when the National Foster Parent Association persuaded then-Senator Strom Thurmond to introduce a resolution to proclaim May as National Foster Care Month. The first President Bush issued an annual proclamation during each year of his presidency, providing an impetus for state, county, and city proclamations. The main focus of the early efforts was appreciation and recognition of the tremendous contributions of foster parents nationwide.

The Foster Care Month partnership now comprises 14 national organizations. CWLA invites you to recognize May as National Foster Care Month. Join us in making this a time to recognize and celebrate those who make a difference in the lives of children in the foster care system.

For more information on how to get involved in National Foster Care Month activities, visit www.fostercaremonth.org, or check out the Foster Care Month Toolkit for ways you can show recognition for foster parents and social workers, tools for reaching out to reporters, materials for working with businesses and elected officials, fact sheets, and more.

http://www.cwla.org/programs/fostercare/fostercaremonth.htm


Foster Club
http://www.fosterclub.com/

Foster Care Month
http://www.fostercaremonth.org/Pages/default.aspx

The Home for Little Wanderers - Foster Care

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_foster

MAPP TRAINING

MAPP TrainingMAPP (Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) Training is a multi-session 24 hour course to foster or adopt a child from the Department of Children and Families http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_foster_MAPP

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Foster Care

This article is about the modern child welfare system of placing children in state custody in the homes of temporary caregivers. For the social practice of children being raised by families not their own, see Fosterage.

Foster care is the term used for a system in which a minor who has been made a ward is placed in the private home of a state certified caregiver referred to as a "foster parent".

The state via the family court and child protection agency stand in loco parentis to the minor, making all legal decisions while the foster parent is responsible for the day to day care of said minor. The foster parent is remunerated by the state for their services.

Foster care is intended to be a short term situation until a permanent placement can be made:[1]

* Reunification with the biological parent(s)

* When it is deemed in the child's best interest.
* Adoption

* Permanent transfer of guardianship

President Barack Obama's Proclamation April is National Child Abuse Month

"When the child next door is maltreated, we all suffer. Every American has a stake in the well-being of our Nation's children. They are members of our communities, and they are our future"..."Together, we can ensure that every child grows up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect". Barack Obama, XLIV President of the United States of America

The White House - Office of the Press Secretary

By the President of the United States of AmericaA Proclamation 212 # 8355

When the child next door is maltreated, we all suffer. Every American has a stake in the well-being of our Nation's children. They are members of our communities, and they are our future. National Child Abuse Prevention Month provides the opportunity to underscore our commitment to preventing and responding appropriately to child abuse. This month, we emphasize the importance of understanding child abuse and the need for all Americans to help families overcome this devastating problem.

The tragedy of child abuse may afflict American children in different ways. Abuse may occur physically, sexually, and emotionally. Child neglect, another form of child maltreatment, may occur physically and emotionally. Understanding the forms of child abuse is critical to preventing and responding to maltreatment.

A well-informed and strong family is the surest defense against child abuse. To help educate and strengthen families, community members can offer their time and counsel to parents and children who may need assistance. For example, parent support groups provide an organized forum for assistance. More informally, community members may simply offer a helping hand to families under stress. More information about what families and communities can do is available at www.childwelfare.gov/preventing.

Civic organizations and government also have an important role to play. Civic groups offer essential support through education, assistance to those at risk, and treatment for victims. Government at the local, State, and Federal level must provide funding for services, conduct public education projects, and enforce child abuse laws.

As we recognize that we all suffer when our children are abused, that we all benefit from mutual concern and care, and that we all have a responsibility to help, more American children will grow up healthy, happy, and with unlimited potential for success.


Now, Therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2009, as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage all citizens to help prevent and respond to child abuse by strengthening families and contributing to all children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 6, 2010.

APP NOTE: The above note by the National Archives is incorrect since this proclamation was filed with the Office of the Federal Register on April 3, 2010.

Citation: John T. Woolley and Gerhard Peters, The American Presidency Project [online]. Santa Barbara, CA. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=85940.

A PROCLAMATION

Our children are our most valuable resource, and they need our support to thrive and grow into healthy, productive adults. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our unwavering commitment to protecting children and responding to child abuse, promoting healthy families, and building a brighter future for all Americans.

Every child deserves a nurturing family and a safe environment, free from fear, abuse, and neglect. Tragically, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse threaten too many children every day in communities across our Nation. Parents, guardians, relatives, and neighbors all share a responsibility to prevent these devastating crimes, and our government plays a critical role as well.

My Administration is committed to helping future generations succeed. We are focused on engaging parents in their children's early learning and development, ensuring the safety and well-being of all families, and creating opportunities for all Americans. We are also partnering with Federal, State, and local agencies to better coordinate early childhood services and improve the lives of young children and their families.

Together, we can ensure that every child grows up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect.

I encourage all Americans to visit: www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing to learn what they can do to stop child abuse in their communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2010 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

http://www.examiner.com/x-32119-Akron-Abusive-Relationships-Examiner~y2010m4d19-President-Barack-Obamas-Proclamation-for-National-Child-Abuse-Month

Walk for HAWC!

Definition of Domestic Abuse - Domestic abuse is a system of coercive behaviors used by adults or adolescents to establish and maintain power and control over a partner or family member

Ways You Can Participate in the Walk For HAWC

Walk - bring your family, children and friends! Strollers, bicycles, roller blades, and pets are welcome too!

Register a team with five or more of your family members, friends, or co-workers. Captains, order your personalized team shirts by April 7!!

Sponsor the Walk for HAWC: sponsorships range from $250 to $5,000.

Volunteer with more than 100 other people to ensure a successful event. You can help with walk route set-up, registration, children's activities, crowd control or post walk assistance.
Create a virtual team if you are unable to attend the walk or complete the 5 miles. Contact Alicia at 978-744-8552 for more details.

Sponsor a walker. All money raised goes to HAWC's domestic violence programs and free services.

Help promote the Walk! If each HAWC supporter recruited one team and one sponsor we will reach our goal! Here are some ideas of people you know who might want to join our efforts to end domestic violence.

Create your own online fundraising page so friends and family can safely donate with a credit card!

Download the Walk Pledge Sheet and Brochure so you can start fundraising "offline!"
Why We Walk Sunday April 25, 2010Registration 11am; Walk 12 noonOld Town Hall, 32 Derby Sq. Salem, MA

By participating in the Walk for HAWC, we lend our voices to the thousands of others who are making domestic violence their business.

Each year, hundreds of families turn to HAWC for help. The moneywe raise is used solely to meet the needs for our services.

HAWC is committed to raising public awareness about domestic violence.

Each year, the Walk for HAWC raises over $150,000 to provide life-saving services for victims of domestic violence and their children on Massachusetts’ North Shore. Join thousands of North Shore residents who are making domestic violence their business.

If you, or someone you know is being abused, call:HAWC's Hotline 1-800-547-1649

April - National Child Abuse Prevention Month!

As a former victim of child abuse and neglect I ask What are YOU doing to help stop child abuse?


http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_success_sherri


...There are MANY ways to get involved! Take a stand - TODAY!

"April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. Learn more about the history of the month, see examples of Presidential and State proclamations, and find strategies for engaging communities and supporting families".

List of Partners http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/printer_friendly.cfm?rs_id=21&rate_chno=19-00044

History of National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Increasing public awareness of the need to ensure the safety and welfare of children led to the passage of the first Federal child protection legislation, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), in 1974. While CAPTA has been amended many times over the years, most recently by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, the purpose of the original legislation remains intact. Today, the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal agency charged with supporting States, Tribes, and communities in providing programs and services to protect children and strengthen families.


In the early 1980s, Congress made a further commitment to identifying and implementing solutions to child abuse. Recognizing the alarming rate at which children continued to be abused and neglected and the need for innovative programs to prevent child abuse and assist parents and families affected by maltreatment, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives resolved that the week of June 6-12, 1982, should be designated as the first National Child Abuse Prevention Week. They asked the President to issue a proclamation calling upon Government agencies and the public to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.


The following year, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since then, child abuse and neglect awareness activities have been promoted across the country during April of each year. The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN) within the Children's Bureau coordinates Child Abuse Prevention Month, providing information and releasing updated national statistics about child abuse and neglect each April.


In 1989, the Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse had its early beginnings as a Virginia grandmother's tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse. The Blue Ribbon Campaign has since expanded across the country, and many wear blue ribbons each April in memory of those who have died as a result of child abuse. In other communities, special fundraisers are held to support prevention activities and treatment facilities for victims, and candlelight vigils are held as a remembrance. Most recently, the focus has shifted toward a more positive message of celebrating "blue ribbon" individuals, organizations, and communities who have done much to prevent child abuse and neglect.
In Title II of the CAPTA amendments of 1996, the Children's Bureau was charged with identifying a lead agency in each State for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grants. These grants support the development, operation, and expansion of initiatives to prevent child abuse and neglect, as well as the coordination of resources and activities to strengthen and support families to reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment. CBCAP grantees within each State often take a leadership role in coordinating special events and preparing materials to support Child Abuse Prevention Month. Regardless of their role, CBCAP grantees are required to report annually on their Child Abuse Prevention Month activities.


In 2003, as part of the 20th anniversary of the original Presidential Proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, OCAN recast the National Child Abuse Prevention Initiative as a year-long effort. This initiative was launched at the 14th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, which was devoted to the theme of prevention. A national press conference there was the setting for the release of the publication Emerging Practices in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

The expansion of the Child Abuse Prevention Initiative was consistent with priorities of the Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. OCAN and Child Welfare Information Gateway (formerly, the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information) partnered with the broader child abuse prevention community to raise awareness of the issue through a variety of tools, resources, activities, and public awareness events. Many of these materials have been made available in print and on the web to related Federal agencies, organizations, and concerned citizens in communities nationwide.

In 2004, there was emerging consensus among national child abuse prevention organizations and related Federal agencies that building public will for child abuse prevention required engaging the public in efforts to strengthen and support families and enhance parenting skills. Building on this national momentum, OCAN shifted the focus of its child abuse prevention resources to incorporate a family strengthening message promoting parenting and community support. Today, the Child Abuse Prevention Initiative is an opportunity for communities across the country to keep children safe, provide the support families need to stay together, and raise children and youth to be happy, secure, and stable adults.

MSPCC - Together Against Abuse!

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

"Let's work together to protect the children of the Commonwealth,keep them safe with their families, and provide them with an opportunity to thrive".

Guest Speaker Lisa D.
“Enough is enough.” With a history of profound abuse and neglect, Lisa was not going to let the cycle of abuse and neglect repeat in her own family. A 35-year-old mother with four children, she sought help from MSPCC for her youngest through our Worcester abuse victim program last summer. She and both her youngest two boys receive clinical and family support services. With the help of MSPCC staff, Lisa and her family are healing and are breaking this cycle once and for all.

MSPCC cordially invites you...Together Against Abuse Thursday, April 15, 2010Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel606 Congress Street ~ Boston, MA 022106 PM Reception ~ 7 PM Dinner(Business Attire)

 

For more information on the corporate sponsorships, please click hereor contact Emily DiMaggio at 617.587.1587 or edimaggio@mspcc.org

https://www.mspcc.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=513

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History:

On April 23, 1878 the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was incorporated"...for the purpose of awakening interest in the abuses to which children are exposed by...parents and guardians, and to help the enforcement of existing laws on the subject, procure needed legislation and for kindred work..."

Since its inception, MSPCC has contributed to the advancement of child welfare. In addition to direct services, the Society has been instrumental in putting dozens of laws on the books regarding everything from abandonment to custody to support. Through MSPCC's efforts, adoption processes have been streamlined and foster care better regulated. Government programs have been instituted that strive to ensure children's well-being with regard to housing, nutrition, health care, and education. And perhaps most importantly, a new awareness of issues such as abuse and neglect has taken hold on all levels of society.

We've also adapted to the changing times and never shied away from taking controversial positions. From our 1903 decision to shift the focus of child protection from rescue to prevention, to stepping forward as the first secular organization to call for the Archbishop's resignation in response to the recently-exposed sex-abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, MSPCC has been there for what we believe. It is this sense of the possible that has made MSPCC such a dynamic and effective organization during the past 131 years.

For a closer look at the history of MSPCC, click here for a timeline of MSPCC and Child Welfare Milestones from 1878 - present.