Last Saturday, Dec. 13th, 2014 Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez held his first orientation session for immigrants who may be affected by President Obama's executive actions on immigration. At the orientation,  500 families who had pre-registered for the event were assisted and they had a chance to get a one-on-one evaluation of their eligibility by our trained leaders. This Saturday, 500 more families will be helped!

 

At these events the Congressman's staff is assisting families with the following:

1. gathering proof of who they are, proof of relationship to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident (LPR) family member, proof of how long they have been in the U.S.
2. gathering criminal records that they have by collecting their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), FBI criminal background checks, Court Dispositions, Police records.
3. Accessing documents such by bringing main speakers to the events as Consulates, DHS, IRS, Business owners, etc.
4. As well as information on preventing fraud, beware of "Notario" fraud and know your rights!

The Congressman's goal is to work every day to sign up everyone in the City of Chicago and around this country who qualifies for the relief, and protect families. Therefore, the Congressman needs your help, he wants to unite forces to maximize the resources, that we know are limited. Congressman Gutierrez's staff is ready to train leaders.

 

Who is a leader? A leader could be a pastor, business owner, community leader, professor, principal, manager, doctor, and consul, etc. A leader is also a person or a group of people who are ready and willing to educate and help our community in understanding the recent executive actions and to help our community prepare for the application process. 

 

Congressman Gutierrez' staff invites you to be part of this journey and promises to guide you through and teach you how you can help your community. At the training we will teach you how to access resources, how to screen potential applicants and how to organize events.

 

As well as:

* Overall planning (location, capacity)

* Creating flyers

* Outreach (including media)

* Provide materials (screening documents, requirements checklist, fact sheet, etc.) 

* Accessing resources (main speakers, etc)

* Recruiting Volunteers (Family Defenders)

* Recruiting Attorneys (volunteers) c

 

Starting January, 6th, 2015 the Congressman's team will be ready to set up appointments to assist and train you. 

 

Please let us know if you are interested in taking this training by replying to the email noted below

Theresa.Paucar@mail.house.gov or by phone 773-342-0774.

 

Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7347778 and support us every time you shop.

Our offices have been very busy lately. Since Monday, December 15, 2014 was the last day to enroll for people who wanted to get health insurance coverage by January 1st, we have had many consumers come in to see their options. Additionally, on Friday, December 12, 2014, the Affordable Car Act Program's office was visited by a filming crew from Get Covered Illinois to record a video for their website. It was an exciting experience for our staff and it was also a very emotional moment for Roc�o Kanan, our Administrative Coordinator. She had the opportunity to share her success story regarding the Affordable Care Act and the plan she was able to purchase through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

 

Open enrollment period hasn't ended yet! Remember that you have until February 15, 2015 to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace and find an affordable healthcare plan for you and your family. Don't leave it for later, visit our offices now or call 773-227-7794 for an appointment!

The topic of the month in Centro Infantil Daycare is clothes! The students and staff took a little visit to Bubbleland laundromat to see how their clothes get washed and dried, instead of just reading and watching videos about it. They also learned where you put the soap in the washer. They were very excited about learning about the laundromat and how it works.  

El Rescate is preparing for their 1st Holiday Fundraiser to be held Thursday, December 18, 2014 from 6pm to 11PM.  This event sponsored by Norman Belmonte Y Amigos will be held at Antronios Bar in Berwyn, Illinois.  Norman Belmonte whose relationship with El Rescate began when he performed at the 2013 Youth Christmas Party and after engaging with Program Director, Jackie Gonzalez   Norman became impassioned when hearing about the youth at El Rescate being the only Latino LGBTQ program of it's kind in the Midwest.  Mr. Belmonte, an entertainer in the Gay community and in his own persona has lived with some personal struggles.  He decided that he wanted to do something to contribute to our efforts in addressing youth homelessness.   We are very pleased to have Norman Belmonte & friends support El Rescate's continued efforts to alleviate youth homelessness in Humboldt Park and throughout the Chicagoland area. 

Looking for part-time work? The Safe Passage Community Watcher position provides a safe passage for students attending Roberto Clemente Community Academy and William Wells Community Academy.  

 

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and ability to pass crimianal background check to work with children.

 

To apply, please submit a resume to Ivan Vega at ivanv@prcc-chgo.org or apply is person at 2546 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 | (773) 394-4935

November Chicago Magazine "Why Jos� L�pez Stands Between Gentrification and Humboldt Park"

Be sure to pick up the November issue of Chicago Magazine, which features an interview by Puerto Rican Cultural Center ED Jos� E. L�pez conducted by Elly Fishman.

Our production of Julia De Burgos: Child of Water by Carmen Rivera was a success! This production has been a blessing and we have so much to be grateful for on many levels. On behalf of UrbanTheater Company and the cast and crew, we thank YOU! We thank you for your support and for always believing in our work. A special thank you to our sponsors: The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (NMPRAC) and Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC). We couldn't have done this without you. 

Around the world the painful growls awaken children and adults struggle from day to day not knowing when or where their next meal will come from. They savor whatever they can get their hands on, hoping that one day it'll all be over. Then there are people in this world who take advantage of these resources such as water and food. Things that we see as simple, like a can of soup, could make another person's  day.  We tend to get so caught up in our everyday routines that we forget to value the simple things in life. What may seem like not much may mean the world to someone who needs it the most.
One like myself may ask, "Why does world hunger even exist?"  There are a few causes of hunger around the world.  Different causes of world hunger include natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, droughts and many more. Overpopulation, war, and poverty are also causes of world hunger.
There are things that we can do as a society to try to make this situation better. One thing we can do is communicate with our community ideas on how to spread the word.  Another way we can help includes organizing a food drive.  At my school, Roberto Clemente Community Academy, we are organizing a food drive.  We are asking all freshman students to bring in cans or dry food that is not being used or that their family is willing to donate.
In our biology class we have been studying world hunger, watching videos and reading articles about this issue. We also have had discussions and completed worksheets and homework on world hunger. We also brainstormed ideas of what we can do to help this issue. That is where one of the students mentioned doing a food drive at our school, so a few students including myself have been working on organizing a food drive.
The reason that I personally got involved in working to put together a food drive was because of the feeling I got watching other people in the videos that Mr.Holmes showed in class suffer over not having necessities like food, water, and things that are essential for survival.  This experience gave me the passion to want to try to help them out. The more that I have heard and seen about this issue, the more I come to appreciate what I have.  This for me just feels like the right thing to do after watching all of these videos and seeing what these human being are going through.
In conclusion, around the world hunger strikes in the bellies of many, world hunger results from war, poverty, overpopulation, and natural disasters. We need to work together as a whole and work toward bettering this situation. You can help spread the word and donate canned food to help those in need.

A San Francisco Bay Area printmaker, Doug specializes in fund raising, outreach and educational posters. Past collaborations include work with ILWU, Rain Forest Action Network, SF Mime Troupe, ACLU, The Lawyers Guild, CISPES, United Auto Workers, Africa Information Network, Ecumenical Peace Union, ADAPT, Cop Watch, Street Sheet, and Veteran's for Peace. In the late 1980's Doug designed the poster for the Campaign to Shut Down the Lexington Women's Control Unit, led by the Network's predecessor, the National Committee to Free Puerto Rican Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War.

 

The above poster, printed in a limited edition of 75 by the artist, is silkscreened, in Spanish, measures 18x24, and is available for $200 plus shipping and handling.

 Buy Your Holiday Gift Now and Support the Campaign to Free Oscar!

 Email Alejandro Molina at alejandrom@boricuahumanrights.org or Diana Castillo at dianac@boricuahumanrights.org to reserve your copy

On January 6, 2015 La Respuesta magazine and National Boricua Human Rights Network (NBHRN) call on you to act on behalf of the Puerto Rican people's longest-held political prisoner. In honor of the man who has withstood thirty-three years in prison the campaign is called "Birth of a Patriot, Star of a Nation".

 The worldwide campaign calls for 100,000 messages to the twitter accounts of the President, White House, and Justice Department on January 6, 2015, Oscar's birthday and the Day of the Epiphany/ Three Kings, the holiest day in his Puerto Rico homeland. We also call on participants to share "virtual gifts" in the form of photographs, videos, and writings on their social media pages in honor of Oscar's birthday.

 Are you a poet? Artist? Photographer? Chef? Athlete? Dancer? Educator? Student? Health worker? Laborer? Mother? Father? Whatever you are or do, wherever you are, write a post, take a photo, record a video - dedicate a "virtual gift" to raising awareness and building support for Oscar L�pez Rivera.

Post one of your poems, share a picture of your art or photography, cook and photograph a meal, run a few miles and write about it, record yourself dancing, take a selfie with a sign. Get creative and let the world know that you demand the release of Puerto Rican patriot Oscar L�pez Rivera!

This January 6, 2015, on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, or any other platform you use, post using the hashtags #FreeOscarLopez and #Gift4Oscar(#RegaloPaOscar for Spanish-language messages). On Twitter, make sure to tag @BarackObama and @TheJusticeDept so that those with the power to release him hear our demands. We encourage you to begin planning your action to make sure we are all heard in unison on January 6.

Oscar, who was born on Three King's Day, has become the Puerto Rican nation's shining star, able to unite a people facing the divisive effects of a more than one-hundred year colonial occupation. Now, more than ever, the Puerto Rican people have come together in a way that presents U.S. President Barack Obama every reason to exercise his power of pardon and release Oscar. To learn more about Oscar and to read his original essays, visit: larespuestamedia.com/category/oscars-corner/

Let's use social media for social change and send the clear message: RELEASE OSCAR NOW, 33 YEARS IS TOO MUCH!

 

For more info: xavi@larespuestamedia.com;  alejandrom@boricuahumanrights.org

On Thursday, December 11, NBHRN Detroit's Raquelle Seda was interviewed by local artist and activist Christina P�rez-El on her weekly show Breaking Barriers to talk about the current campaign to free Oscar L�pez and the May 30th mobilization in New York to demand his release.  Also on the show were local rappers Thyme and Mudd from 5ELA.  To listen to the interview in its entirety, visit the Urban Nation Radio's website at: urbannationradio.com/live

El congresista puertorrique�o, Luis Guti�rrez, expres� este martes tener fe de que pronto se logre la liberaci�n de Oscar L�pez Rivera, preso pol�tico puertorrique�o con 33 a�os en c�rceles federales cuya excarcelaci�n es respaldada por amplios sectores sociales del pa�s, as� como por los l�deres de todos los partidos pol�ticos.

Guti�rrez, quien est� en Puerto Rico para pasar sus vacaciones durante el receso navide�o del Congreso de Estados Unidos, afirm� que �l y otras figuras trabajan constantemente a favor de la excarcelaci�n de L�pez Rivera, aunque no son gestiones de las que pueda hablar p�blicamente.

"Mire, el pueblo debe tener la confianza de que hay muchos que estamos trabajando para la excarcelaci�n de Oscar todos los d�as, que es una prioridad para nosotros. En estos procesos la discreci�n de las acciones de aquellos que est�n abogando por la excarcelaci�n es important�sima. No voy a hacer una conferencia de prensa cada vez que mando un comunicado o hago una intervenci�n a favor de Oscar, cuando visito con el gobernador a Oscar L�pez, pero eso no se limita a esas acciones. Algunos van a simplemente tener que esperar que se escriba el proceso hist�rico de su excarcelaci�n. Pero yo estoy confiado en que Oscar va a venir un d�a pronto a Puerto Rico", dijo Guti�rrez durante una actividad del Departamento de Estado en el Viejo San Juan.

"Yo tengo completa fe que esta gesti�n del pueblo de Puerto Rico va a ser una gesti�n triunfante. Debes entender que en esta lucha, si no crees que puedes lograr la meta, no la vas a lograr, te lo aseguro. Muchas personas me dijeron en la d�cada de los noventa que no hab�a ninguna esperanza que liberar�n a 11 de nuestros compa�eros. �Cu�ntas veces no vine a Puerto Rico y le dije a reporteros, anclas de televisi�n comentaristas que firmaran nuestra petici�n de que (los presos) regresen ya a casa!", afirm� el congresista.

En 1999, el entonces presidente Bill Clinton indult� a 11 prisioneros pol�ticos puertorrique�os. L�pez Rivera rechaz� en parte beneficiarse de ese indulto porque Casa Blanca no incluy� a todos los presos.

Convicto por sedici�n, debido a sus v�nculos con las Fuerzas Armadas de Liberaci�n Nacional (FALN), L�pez Rivera, de 71 a�os, lleva 33 a�os y siete meses en c�rceles estadounidenses. Tiene pendiente en el Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos una solicitud de clemencia.

"Ahora el pueblo est� m�s sofisticado, m�s maduro, ha sido m�s f�cil el proceso. Yo no hab�a visto un gobernador visitar una c�rcel federal, de seguridad m�xima, para visitar a un prisionero pol�tico. Ese es el alcance de nuestra campa�a y vamos a seguir ampliando la misma", expres� Guti�rrez, aludiendo a la visita de Alejandro Garc�a Padilla a L�pez Rivera en noviembre pasado.

El congresista dio estas declaraciones en un aparte con este medio tras participar de la firma de un acuerdo colaborativo de inmigraci�n entre el Departamento de Estado (DE) y la Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) sobre la reciente orden ejecutiva de pol�tica migratoria. En su intercambio hoy con los asistentes a la firma del acuerdo, Guti�rrez coment� varias de las gestiones sobre pol�tica migratoria que realiz� con el presidente Barack Obama, incluso cenar con el mandatario a d�as del anuncio de la nueva pol�tica.

Guti�rrez no quiso comentar a este medio si en esa cena incluy� el tema de L�pez Rivera con Obama.

"Cuando tienes conversaciones y di�logos con el presidente, tienes que tener mucho cuidado sobre cu�les son los pormenores que t� relatas. Yo puedo relatar la informaci�n de la cena con el presidente porque el presidente hizo la invitaci�n p�blica y dos d�as despu�s le dijo al pa�s y al mundo todo lo que me dijo a m� en esa cena. Cualquier otra conversaci�n que yo tenga concerniente sobre Oscar L�pez Rivera con cualquier persona en el gobierno federal se mantendr� en completa confidencialidad de este servidor", indic� el congresista.

 

El 6 de enero de 2015 la revista La Respuesta y Red Nacional Boricua Pro Derechos Humanos (NBHRN) hacen un llamado a la acci�n pro la liberaci�n del prisionero puertorrique�o que m�s tiempo lleva encarcelado. Esta campa�a en honor al hombre que ha resistido treinta y tres a�os de prisi�n se llama "Nacimiento de un patriota, la estrella de una naci�n".

 

La campa�a mundial espera conseguir 100,000 mensajes a las cuentas de Twitter del presidente y del Departamento de Justicia el 6 de enero de 2015, el d�a de cumplea�os de Oscar y el D�a de los Reyes Magos, el d�a m�s sagrado en su tierra natal Puerto Rico. Tambi�n pedimos a los participantes a que compartan "regalos virtuales" en forma de fotograf�as, videos y trabajos escritos en sus p�ginas de medios sociales en honor al cumplea�os de Oscar.

 

�Es usted poeta? �Artista? �Fot�grafo? �Chef? �Atleta? �Bailar�n? �Educador? �Estudiante? �Trabajador de la salud? �Obrero? �Madre? �Padre? Lo que usted sea o lo que haga, est� donde est�, escriba algo y publ�quelo en las redes sociales, tome una foto, grabe un video --dedique un "regalo virtual" para crear conciencia y apoyar la campa�a en pro de la liberaci�n de Oscar L�pez Rivera.

 

Publique uno de sus poemas, comparta una foto de su trabajo de arte o una fotograf�a, cocine y tome una foto de la comida, corra unos cuantos kil�metros y escriba sobre su experiencia, gr�bese bailando, t�mese una selfie con un cartel ... Sea creativo y deje que el mundo sepa que usted exige la liberaci�n del patriota puertorrique�o Oscar L�pez Rivera!

 

Este 6 de enero de 2015, en Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram o en cualquier otra plataforma que utilice, haga publicaciones utilizando los hashtags #FreeOscarLopez y #Gift4Oscar (#RegaloPaOscar para los mensajes en espa�ol). En Twitter, aseg�rese de etiquetar @BarackObama y @TheJusticeDept para que aquellos con el poder de liberarlo oigan nuestras demandas. Les exhortamos a que comiencen a planificar para asegurarse de que todos seamos escuchados al un�sono el 6 de enero.

 

Oscar, nacido el D�a de los Reyes, se ha convertido en la brillante estrella de la naci�n puertorrique�a, capaz de unir a las personas que enfrentan los efectos divisores de una ocupaci�n colonial de m�s de cien a�os. Ahora, m�s que nunca, el pueblo puertorrique�o se ha unido para presentarle al presidente de Estados Unidos Barack Obama motivos para ejercer su facultad de indulto y para que libere a Oscar. Para obtener m�s informaci�n sobre Oscar y para leer sus ensayos originales, visite: larespuestamedia.com/category/oscars-corner/

 

Utilicemos las redes sociales para lograr un cambio y enviar un mensaje claro: �LIBERE A OSCAR AHORA, 33 A�OS ES DEMASIADO!

 

Para m�s informaci�n, escriba a: xavi@larespuestamedia.com;  alejandrom@boricuahumanrights.org

 

 

El pueblo de Cuba lleva cincuenta y cinco a�os tratando de construir una sociedad diferente  a la que enfrent� la revoluci�n Cubana en 1959 y a la que viv�an la mayor parte de los pa�ses de Latinoam�rica. Fidel Castro ha definido lo que es una Revoluci�n en t�rminos tajantes, como el intento de una naci�n de construir un nuevo orden, para lo cual hay que derrumbar los cimientos del antiguo orden. Es un proceso doloroso y complejo que requiere valor, trabajo constante, vigilancia estricta de los principios en los que se ha de fundar la nueva sociedad y flexibilidad para descartar las pol�ticas que no funcionan y adaptar nuevas estrategias y soluciones a los cambios de los tiempos. En el proceso se cometen errores que obligan a la autocr�tica y a recurrir al pueblo para que los entienda y sugiera soluciones alternas que nazcan de las bases populares y la experiencia de los trabajadores que ofrecen su talento y su esfuerzo para transformar la sociedad en una m�s justa y democr�tica de verdad.

Hace cuatro a�os, en un encuentro en Holgu�n, por la libertad de los cinco y de Oscar L�pez, me dec�a una Cubana que ese proceso de revisi�n y autocritica hab�a comenzado en Cuba sin saber en qu� habr�a de terminar, pero seguros de que se salvar�an las conquistas sociales de la revoluci�n Cubana. Me aseguraba esta compa�era, que el socialismo cubano era sui generis, que se constru�a a la cubana, que no era Bolivariano, ni Sovi�tico, ni Chino, aunque tuviera influencia de todos. El resultado de esas m�s de cinco d�cadas de revoluci�n, es una  sociedad educada, culta, trabajadora, valiente, que sabe reconocer sus avances y trabajar  para superar sus errores, sin copiar a nadie.

Con la liberaci�n de los tres patriotas Cubanos en el d�a de hoy, vemos que la cubana ten�a raz�n. El pueblo tuvo fe en su dirigencia y en la perseverancia de sus principios, para  lograr que el d�a en que esa victoria se alcanzara, sus compatriotas pudieran regresar a la patria que defendieron, a riesgo de su vida y al precio de su libertad, sin que su pueblo tuviera que renunciar a un solo principio de la revoluci�n que inspir� su lucha. Los imperios y las naciones poderosas, saben que tienen la fuerza militar y el poder para aplastar a una naci�n  m�s peque�a, pero saben tambi�n que no tienen, a fuerza de perder su prestigio y su moral en el mundo, la facultad para arrodillar a un pueblo que est� firme en sus valores y en la defensa de su historia nacional, defendida a sangre y fuego. Esa es la lecci�n que nos da y se brinda a si misma Cuba, en este momento en que los patriotas que la defendieron, son arrancados de las entra�as del monstruo, como dec�a Mart�. Los patriotas Cubanos regresan a su patria inc�lumes, orgullosos del pueblo que defendieron y que les reciproc� con su apoyo incondicional y con la perseverancia en la defensa del ideal de construir una sociedad m�s justa e inclusiva para todo Cubano. Falta mucho para completar los objetivos de esa revoluci�n que destruy� el viejo  orden, pero  que a�n labora y se esfuerza en construir un sistema que produzca bienes y servicios para la generalidad de la poblaci�n, a tal grado que permita suplir las necesidades esenciales para garantizar la dignidad de todo ser humano que trabaja y lucha en Cuba.

Nosotros los puertorrique�os, que buscamos conseguir la excarcelacion de Oscar L�pez, tenemos mucho que aprender de la victoria heroica que acaba de conseguir el pueblo Cubano. Tenemos que conseguir la unidad del pueblo, no solo basada en argumentos de compasi�n y de derechos humanos, sino tambi�n en el respeto y la comprensi�n, aunque no se compartan,  de todos los ideales que inspiraron y motivan la lucha de Oscar por nuestro pueblo. El primero, el derecho a la autodeterminaci�n de  los puertorrique�os. Corolario de este, la lucha para descolonizar a Puerto Rico y lograr establecer con EE.UU. una relaci�n de respeto a nuestra personalidad Latinoamericana y caribe�a, as� como a nuestro vern�culo, el espa�ol. De igual modo, la lucha por mejores salarios y empleos dignos para nuestra gente. La garant�a del derecho a la salud, no importa el nivel de ingreso de cada ser humano y el derecho a una educaci�n basada en la libertad del educando, para desarrollar pensamiento cr�tico y v�nculos solidarios con su pueblo. La excarcelacion de Oscar es un imperativo categ�rico para que el gobierno de Estados Unidos pueda demostrar al mundo, que puede ser l�der de causas justas y que respeta la integridad  de las naciones con las cuales pretende tener relaciones amistosas y de respeto mutuo .Hay que reconocer el gesto valiente y justo del Presidente Obama para con Cuba y tambi�n como ejemplo aleccionador para el mundo, de lo que puede conseguirse con di�logo respetuoso, sin  uso excesivo de la fuerza de las armas, que siempre es m�s d�bil, que la fuerza  de la moral. Todas estas lecciones se derivan de la gesta de Cuba y Estados Unidos en el d�a de hoy. Falta que se escuche el clamor justo de nuestro pueblo, de la naci�n Puertorrique�a y Estados unidos se libere as� mismo, excarcelando el paradigma de la libertad, que es Oscar L�pez.

Por: Eduardo Villanueva Mu�oz

Portavoz CDHPR,

17 de diciembre de 2014

YAHOO NEWS

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Authorities have closed a beach in the popular Puerto Rican island of Vieques after finding pieces of inactive munition.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the U.S. Navy has so far removed objects including a projectile and a mortar tail. Officials say none of the objects found pose any danger to visitors. The Playa Grande beach area in the western region of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge remained closed on Thursday.

The U.S. Navy used Vieques as a bombing range from the 1940s until May 2003. It has spent about $220 million so far to investigate and clean those lands.

Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi said Wednesday that Congress is seeking an additional $17 million for cleanup efforts next year.

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