Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Dear Friends,

The Brazilian Women’s Group is proud to announce that Brazilians in Massachusetts have become the largest group at naturalization ceremonies, outnumbering Dominican Republicans, the second largest group, by 6%.
USCIS data for 2011 also show that the number of Brazilians acquiring citizenship in Massachusetts grew 18% over 2010 data and 16% nationwide, bringing the total of Brazilians naturalized citizens in the U.S. in the last decade to 64,292. In Massachusetts, Brazilians represent almost 10% of all naturalized citizens in 2010.

“We have no doubts that these numbers will translate into more Brazilians voting. Indeed we call all Brazilians who are American citizens to make sure they are registered voters,” said Heloisa Maria Galvão, Executive Director and co-founder of the BWG. She added: “Our community can no longer be described as “invisible”. Massachusetts Brazilians are the largest in the United States and the economic and cultural contribution we bring to the region is visible from the State House to every corner of the state where Brazilian small businesses help to vitalize the state’s economy.”

Wednesday April 25, 2012 is National Day of Action Against SB 1070.
Stand Up for Immigrant’s (Human) Rights

10 AM Rally and Press Conference at the State House against the criminalization of immigrants and community leaders. Join Centro Presente, the Brazilian Women’s Group, the Brazilian immigrant Center, and many other organizations, in a vigil and protest while the Supreme Court hears arguments in the Arizona SB 1070 case. At 3:30 pm Protest, steps of the State House, organized by the Student Immigrant Movement.

Call your legislator, call Mayor Menino, call Governor Deval Patrick and ask them not to allow Massachusetts to become Arizona.

Check out our photos!

Check the BWG Facebook for great photos of the 10th Brazil’s Week at Harvard and Vida Verde trainings.

BWG on the Air Waves

Estação Mulher, the Brazilian Women’s Group radio show.
Every Saturday, 11 AM - 12 PM at WJDA 1300 AM.
Interviews, opinion, ideas, an open dialogue with our community. Be a part of Estação Mulher! Call in to participate live (617-884-1388). Tune in or listen on line at www.wjda1300am.com. Click here to listen to past radio shows. "Estação Mulher" is partially funded by a grant from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI).

Free Family Legal Clinic

Thursday, April 26, 2012 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm
At Brazilian Women's Group - 569 Cambridge Street, Allston
With Attorney Hannah Krispin on family/domestic relations issues and immigration. Sponsored by the Brazilian Women’s Group and Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers – MAPS. By appointment only, please call 617-787-0557 ext. 14-15.

May 1st March

On Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 join thousands of workers to celebrate International Worker's Day and continue to fight for the rights of all workers. The march starts at 2:30 pm in East Boston, walks through Chelsea, and continues to the big rally in Everett beginning at 4pm. March with the Brazilian Women's Group and support workers’ rights! Read the May 1st Coalition Message. View flyer.

Free Worker's Rights Clinic

Every Wednesday | 4 pm
At Brazilian Women's Group - 569 Cambridge Street, Allston
In partnership with Jobs with Justice, Justice@Work, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers and Greater Boston Legal Services. By appointment only. Please call Lucimara Rodrigues at 617-787-0557 ext. 14-15.

Vida Verde "Natural Cleaning" Workshop at WILD

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Encuentro 5| 33 Harrison Ave, 5th Floor, Boston
The Brazilian Women's Group and the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) Institute invite you to attend a free "Natural Cleaning" workshop. You'll learn how to make safer cleaning products for your home or business. Childcare available. Light Refreshments served. In English with Spanish and Portuguese interpretation. Event Sponsors: the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives, the Dominican Development Center, the Brazilian Immigrant Center, MataHari: Eye of the Day.
Information: susan@wildlabor.org or call 617-426-0520 or call the Women’s Coop at 617-787-0557 ext. 14 or email vidaverde@verdeamarelo.org. View flyer.

Survey

Racial Identity and Mental Well Being among Brazilian Immigrants
Northeastern University researchers are conducting a confidential research study with Brazilian immigrants of both sexes residing in the Allston, MA area. If you are a first generation immigrant between the ages of 18 and 64 and are interested in participating, please contact Tainah Michida at t.michida@neu.edu or call 617-901-5641. Volunteers will receive $10 for their participation. The focus group will take place at the Brazilian Women’s Group, Allston, MA and should last for approximately 90 minutes.

7th Vida Verde Women’s Cooperative Anniversary Celebration

Save the date!
Saturday, May 19, 2012 | 7PM
At American Legion Marsh Post #442 – 1 Gerrys Landing Cambridge,MA 02138.
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at door. More details to follow.

Child Care Subsidies: Eligibility and Other Issues

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012 | 10 am
At Brazilian Women's Group - 569 Cambridge Street, Allston
Child Care Subsidies: Eligibility and Other Issues, with Naomi Meyer, Senior Attorney, Welfare Law Unit Greater Boston Legal Services. Who is eligible, steps to obtain child care, getting full-time vs. part-time care, the child care wait list, eligibility issues for immigrants. RSVP: 617-787-0557 x 15 or mulherbrasileira@verdeamarelo.org. Free and open to providers. In English. View flyer.

ESL Classes

Harvard student Ryan Mahoney volunteers as a ESL teacher at the BWG. For more information on beginner and intermediate classes call Junior Catão at MAPS, 617-864-7600, or Schuyler Pisha at BIC, 617-783-8001 ext. 114.

Community Room

Do you need to use a computer? The BWG and MAPS have a community room equipped with four computers.
Walk-ins are welcome during business hours or call for more information at 617-787-0557 ext. 15.

The Brazilian Women's Group