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| As part of an effort to centralize and better coordinate efforts on the recruitment and use of volunteers in Baltimore, Mr. Vu Dang has been hired as the City's Chief Service Officer. The new two-year position, funded by a Cities of Service Leadership Grant, is dedicated to engaging residents to volunteer to confront challenges and serve vulnerable people throughout the city.
This is an exciting development for Baltimore. I believe that if we are to move the city forward, we need everyone to be involved. Mr. Dang will ensure that people in every community participate in making Baltimore better, safer, and stronger.
Mr. Dang is a native of Vietnam who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. His family fled to the United States from the communist regime in 1975 and lived in a refugee camp at Camp Pendleton in California. He is a graduate of both the University of Houston and Harvard University, and has national and international experience working with organizations that serve disadvantaged communities.
Most recently, Mr. Dang was Executive Director for the International Rescue Committee in Washington, D.C. Prior to working with the International Rescue Committee, he was Assistant Director for the Carter Center, advising the government of Mali and former President Jimmy Carter on policy solutions and strategic planning. From 1998 to 2000, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea.
Founded in New York City on Sept. 10, 2009 by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and 16 other member cities, Cities of Service is a bipartisan coalition of mayors who have answered the historic Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act's call to action. All coalition members have signed a Declaration of Service, committing to work together to lead a multi-year effort to expand community service and volunteerism by:
- Developing a comprehensive service plan and a coordinated strategy focused on matching volunteers and established community partners to the areas of greatest local need.
- Working with other mayors and elected officials to advance strategies and best practices that accelerate the service movement and produce measurable results.
- Encouraging other mayors to join this national effort to engage our citizens.
- Ensuring that the voice of cities is heard in federal legislative, policy, and program discussions related to service, which will help the country achieve the ambitious goals of the Serve America Act.
In this country, and all over the world, Mr. Dang has devoted his life to the most vulnerable people in our society by bringing them together with much needed resources and putting them on the road to independence. I am convinced that he is the right person to engage the people and foundations of Baltimore to come together behind a common purpose: making our city better, safer, and stronger. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Telephone Discount Lifeline Many households have difficulty paying housing, utility, and telephone bills. LIFELINE is a federal program that helps make telephone service more affordable. Eligible customers may be provided with a discount on either landline or wireless service. Maryland residents who receive TCA, TDAP, SSI, SNAP, PAA, or MEAP/EUSP are eligible to participate.
To receive more information on landline service, call 800-525-0145 or visit www.dhr.maryland.gov/fiaprograms/tellife.php. To receive information on wireless service, contact certified companies directly. Companies that offer wireless lifeline discounts include: Assurance wireless (800-396-2108), Cricket (704-504-2729), SafeLink Wireless (800-977-3768), and Verizon Wireless (800-924-0585). |
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Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grant Funding The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud to announce its Request for Applications (RFA) for grant funding in 2011-12. Grants will support collaborative and innovative programs to reduce breast cancer disparities and mortality across Maryland. Nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and educational institutions in Maryland, with the exception of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, are eligible to apply. For more information or to sign-up for a free grant writing workshop, visit www.komenmd.org or call 410-938-8990. Applications are due by November 15, 2010. |
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Youth-led Community Organizing Project Grants Youth As Resources, Baltimore's youth-led grant making organization, has funds available! Youth (up to age 21) in Baltimore who want to put their community improvement ideas into action are invited to apply for funding. Grants range from $500-$3,500 and are available for community organizing projects created and carried out by young people. Workshops will be held on Saturday, October 2 at 10:30 am and Monday, October 4 at 5:30 pm. Applicants are required to attend one of the workshops and must be represented by one or two youth and no more than one optional adult. Application deadline is on Monday, November 8, 5:00 pm. Registration is required. To sign up for a workshop, or for more information, call 410-576-9551 or email jreeder@bcf.org. |
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Zappa Day and Sculpture Dedication Sunday, September 19, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library Southeast Branch, 3601 Eastern Avenue Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the city of Baltimore honor innovative musician Frank Zappa with the Frank Zappa Sculpture Dedication. The event also marks the 25th anniversary of Frank Zappa's testimony regarding censorship, to the Senate in 1985. The dedication is part of day-long celebration honoring Frank Zappa. Immediately following the dedication, Dweezil Zappa and Zappa Plays Zappa will perform.
For more information and a listing of events, visit www.clearpathentertainment.com/#/Zappa. |
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Street Beat Festival Sunday, September 19, 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Cross Street & South Charles Street We've saved the best for last. Don't miss Federal Hill's biggest festival of the season! Enjoy live music, arts & crafts, food & drink, and Little Ones Lane for kids. Check out the Baltimore Grand Prix official show car on site.
For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org or call 410-727-4500. |
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Constitution Day Symposium: Marriage as a Civil Right Sunday, September 19, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
MICA, Brown Center Falvey Hall, 1301 W. Mount Royal Avenue This Constitution Day, MICA and the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland (ACLU-MD) will delve into the hot topic of marriage equality for same-sex couples. The free symposium features a panel of experts, advocates, and artists. Included on the program will be syndicated relationship columnist Dan Savage and Columbia University law professor Dr. Kendall Thomas.
For more information, click here. |
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BCRP Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, September 22, 7:00 pm
Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park Let your voice be heard! Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month. All are welcome.
For more information, call 410-396-7900. |
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Soup 'N Walk "Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!" Thursday, September 23, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue Discover the gardens and woodland trails at Cylburn during a guided walk focusing on native plants and trees. Enjoy soup and salad from Atwater's Ploughboy. Learn the soup making process, nutritional benefits, and the source of ingredients. Admission is $18 for members, $20 for the general public.
To learn more, call 410-367-2217. |
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Baltimore Book Festival September 24-26
Mount Vernon Place, 600 Block North Charles Street The mid-Atlantic's premier celebration of the literary arts offers well-known authors, local bookstores, publishers, children's writers, storytellers, author signings, crafts, refreshments, and entertainment. Hours are Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm-8:00 pm, and Sunday 12:00 pm-7:00 pm.
For more information, visit www.baltimorebookfestival.com. |
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Community Partnership Night
Friday, September 24, 3:00 pm-11:00 pm The Baltimore Police Department hopes to have a member of the community ride along in every patrol car during its evening shift. All the Districts will also be hosting Open Houses from approximately 6:00 pm-10:00 pm. Residents are encouraged to contact their local police district to participate in the open houses and to sign up if for the ride-along.
For more information, or to get contact information for your local police district, visit www.baltimorepolice.org. |
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Korean Festival Sunday, September 25, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
War Memorial Plaza, 100 N. Gay Street The Korean Society of Maryland and the city of Baltimore present a day-long festival with Korean art and crafts, music, traditional dances, food, and more. The Korean Festival is a part of the 2010 Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festivals presented by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. Admission is free.
For more information, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. |
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Healthy Relationships, Healthy Families Saturday, September 25, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Druid Hill Park, Chinese Pavilion Baltimore Healthy Start hosts this day-long event. Join the 'Rally for Healthy Babies' to draw awareness to the City's high infant mortality rate, the fourth highest in the nation. Highlights of the event also include cooking demonstrations, exercise classes, and a 92Q block party with prizes, contests, and giveaways.
For more information, contact Alma Roberts or Imani Williams at 410-396-7318. |
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Foreclosure Intervention Workshop Saturday, September 25, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Oliver Economic Development Corporation, 1400 E. Federal Street Are you concerned about making your mortgage payments? Come speak with HUD-certified counselors, learn to create and stick to a budget, know your consumer rights and get out of financial trouble.
To register for this free workshop, call Diane Blanchard or Denise Kelly at 443-388-9809. |
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Susan G. Komen Maryland Race for the Cure Sunday, October 3, 6:00 am
Hunt Valley, Shawan Road, East of McCormick Road The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will hold its 18th Annual Race for the Cure. The race is comprised of a competitive 5k, a 5k recreational run, a 5k walk, and a 1-mile family fun walk. 75% of funds raised will go to local programs that offer a comprehensive range of breast health service, from screening and treatment to support services.
For more information, visit www.komenmd.org or call 410-433-RACE (7223). |
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