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| THE COMMISSION ON EQUITY AND OPPORTUNIY |
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The Commission on Equity and Opportunity is very excited to introduce our very first newsletter! We intend to make it a regular publication highlighting important news and information that affects our communities.
Have information you want to share? Feel free to send your suggestions to improve our newsletter as well as information you would like to see published. Also, when you see us out and about, please stop and say HELLO as we would love to hear from you!
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| STATE COMMISSION CONSOLIDATION |
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The Commission on Equity and Opportunity was created through SSPA 16-3 with the mandate to focus its efforts on the quality of life for members of the African-American, Asian Pacific-American and the Latino and Puerto Rican populations in the state of Connecticut. The commission carries over some of the best components of its predecessors’ legislative mandates which aimed at improving and promoting the economic development, education, health and political well-being of the African-American, Asian Pacific-American and the Latino and Puerto Rican communities in the State of Connecticut. Through best practice models and partnerships with local, state and national organizations, the Commission on Equity and Opportunity will use a cross-cultural lens to inform public policy and involve traditionally underserved populations in the legislative process. In the next year, the Commission will focus on education, economic security and criminal justice in achieving its underlying mission.
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| SUBIRA GORDON SELECTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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Subira Gordon, former Legislative Analyst for the African-American Affairs Commission was appointed to lead the Commission as the Executive Director. Ms. Gordon earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Bates College and her Master of Arts degree in Public Policy from New England College. The Commission’s present staff include: Alok Bhatt, Commission Analyst for the Asian Pacific American Policy Division; Clarisa Cardone, Administrative Assistant; Denise Drummond, Public Information Officer of the Civic Engagement Division; Lucia Goicoechea-Hernández, Senior Special Projects Coordinator of the Civic Engagement Division; Mui Mui Hin-McCormick, Senior Special Projects Coordinator of the Civic Engagement Division; and Werner Oyanadel, Commission Analyst for the Latino Policy Division.
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| The state Department of Public Health’s Lead and Healthy Homes Program, in partnership with CEO’s Commission Analyst for the Latino Policy Division, Werner Oyanadel, produced a lead poisoning prevention educational awareness media campaign targeting Connecticut’s Latino population. Childhood lead poisoning among Latino children is nearly double that of White children. This hazard is especially prevalent in our large urban centers, which is why it is critical to educate our Latino population, a large segment of whom live in our cities, about the importance of lead screenings for children. To learn more about childhood lead poisoning prevention and view the video visit www.ct.gov/plomo or call (860) 509-7299. |
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The National Convention Problem Gambling Conference provided the latest information on problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, responsible gambling, research and recovery. Mui Mui Hin-McCormick, CEO's Senior Special Projects Coordinator of the Civic Engagement Division, discussed preventive measures in problem gambling and presented a unique strategy that CT has developed to reach the Asian Pacific American (APA) population in CT. A collaboration between the CT Council on Problem Gambling, the State of CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services/Problem Gambling Services, and the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission. This project has identified and utilized APA ambassadors to implement evidenced-based and other prevention strategies tailored for outreach to APA communities in CT. For more information about the National Council on Problem Gambling, (NCPG) visit: http://www.ncpgambling.org/.
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| Lucia Goicoechea-Hernández, CEO's Senior Special Projects Coordinator of the Civic Engagement Division and CEO's Denise Drummond, Public Information Officer were invited by the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) to participate in a two-day cultural competency program. The objective of the program was to help participants weed out any subtle biases harbored while working with respective communities on a daily basis. Participants gained a better understanding of the client-provider dynamics. |
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The Center For Popular Democracy People’s Convention was held in Pittsburgh, PA. The event brought together organizers, artists, national progressive voices and community leaders who are driving bold and transformative social change initiatives – to learn, to strategize, and to develop a shared agenda for justice. Alok Bhatt, CEO's Commission Analyst for the Asian Pacific American Policy Division, as well as hundreds of progressive elected officials who are committed to moving an equity agenda inside their city legislatures attended the event. For information on The Center For Popular Democracy visit: https://populardemocracy.org/.
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Crossroads Community Cathedral in East Hartford, CT hosted a community health fair providing free health screenings, prostate exams, dental and eye screenings, and other health and educational services to people in the community. Lucia Goicoechea-Hernández and Denise Drummond along with many other organizations helped to make the health fair a success.
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CEO’s Administrative Assistant, Clarisa Cardone has been busy at work honing her skills by taking advantage of the many in-service training classes offered through Legislative Management. Clarissa plays a critical role in fostering communication and support to our team.
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COMMISSION ON EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY
UPCOMING EVENTS
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POSTAGE STAMP EXHIBIT
September 2, 2016 - 5:30-7:30 PM - Legislative Office Building - Hartford, CT
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, CEO will display the Famous Hispanics on Postage Stamps Collection in the concourse of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, CT. The 2016 new release is in tribute to Jaime Escalante, a Bolivian educator. For information and reservations call (860) 240-1424.
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MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
September 16, 2016 – 5:30-7:30 PM – CT State Capitol – Hartford, CT
CEO is proud to partner with the Mexican Academy of Connecticut and Carlos Hernández Chávez in celebrating Mexican Independence Day by hosting a ceremony to raise the Mexican flag over the State Capitol. The event will take place in the Old Judiciary and the South Lawn of the State Capitol. Please contact the Commission at 860-240-1424 for more information and to reserve attendance.
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ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CELEBRATION
September 24, 2016 - 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Amarante's Sea Cliff - 62 Cove Street, New Haven, CT
CEO will host its Annual Scholarship Awards Celebration at Amarante's Sea Cliff in New Haven, CT. Students, parents, dignitaries and special guests will be in attendance as 12 students are recognized for their academic achievements.
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| AUGUST HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH |
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National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) highlights the importance of vaccinations and to encourage people of all ages to make sure they are up to date on their vaccines. CEO wants to raise awareness about the important role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases. Promote the importance of immunizations . For more information visit NPHIC’s NIAM website.
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During the months of July and August, many Summer Food Service Programs ensure low-income children up to age 18 have access to nutritious meals while school is out. Children with disabilities are eligible through age 21. Nutritious free meals are available at many locations throughout the state. summer-meal locations
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Breast-Feeding Awareness month. Mother’s that choose to breast-feed make an investment in their baby's future and gives their baby a healthy start. American mothers do not breast-feed as much as health experts would like. African-American moms have the lowest rates of all and are half as likely to nurse. http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/NBM
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Tara's Closet is open for those in need. From August 1st -10th, 2016 come shop for clothes at no cost in a boutique-style setting at B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom, 180 Still Road in Bloomfield, CT. To make an appointment contact Patti Weiner atpweiner@jfshartford.org or 860-236-1927 x7129
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