Monday, December 28, 2015

Final 2015 Crime Stats: Claims of Rising Crime Overblown, Evidence Shows

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Final 2015 Crime Stats: Claims of Rising Crime Overblown, Evidence Shows
As year-end crime statistics come in, data from America’s largest cities show crime overall was roughly the same in 2015 as in 2014, and in fact is projected to decline by 5.5 percent, according to an analysis of crime trends from the Brennan Center for Justice.
The analysis, an update to a November preliminary study projecting 2015 crime data, shows that reports of rising crime nationwide are overblown and not supported by the available data.
Using statistics through December 23, 2015, a team of economics and legal researchers released updated data providing near-final crime numbers for 2015 from the nation’s 30 largest cities.
“The average person in a large urban area is safer walking on the street today than he or she would have been at almost any time in the past 30 years,” wrote Matthew Friedman, Nicole Fortier, and James Cullen in Crime in 2015: A Preliminary Analysis. “Although headlines suggesting a coming crime wave make good copy, a look at the available data shows there is no evidence to support this claim.”
Among the updated findings:
·        Crime overall in the 30 largest cities in 2015 remained roughly the same as in 2014. In fact, our projections show a decrease of 5.5 percent, meaning the crime rate will remain less than half of what it was in 1990.
·        The 2015 murder rate is projected to be 14.6 percent higher than last year in the 30 largest cities, with 18 cities experiencing increases and 7 decreases. However, in absolute terms, murder rates are so low that a small numerical increase leads to a large percentage change. Even with the 2015 increase, murder rates are roughly the same as they were in 2012. Since murder rates vary widely from year to year, one year’s increase is not evidence of a coming wave of violent crime.
·        A handful of cities have seen sharp rises in murder rates. Just two cities, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., account for almost 50 percent of the national increase in murders. These serious increases seem to be localized, rather than part of a national pandemic, suggesting community conditions are a major factor. The preliminary report examined five cities with particularly high murder rates — Baltimore, Detroit, Milwaukee, New Orleans, and St. Louis — and found these cities also had significantly lower incomes, higher poverty rates, higher unemployment, and falling populations than the national average.
The preliminary report, released in November, examined month-to-month and year-to-year crime numbers using data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments. The authors concluded that rhetoric around a “crime rise” should not stand in the way of federal, state, or local reforms to improve our justice system and reduce prison populations.
Read more about the Brennan Center’s work to reduce mass incarceration.

January 2016. FREE Entrepreneurship Training Classes & Business Start-up Support

This program is also being provided to high school and college students.

Sales and Margin Entrepreneurship Program


FREE Entrepreneurship Training Classes & Business Start-up Support

Location:    The Hive 2.0
                        1231-B Good Hope Rd SE
                        Washington, DC 20020
                         www.thedchive.com
                                          www.thedchive.com

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Sales and Margin and The HIVE 2.0 in special partnership with Samaritan Ministry of
Greater Washington and Industrial Bank are offering the Sales and Margin
Entrepreneurship Program for the MLK Avenue & Anacostia Corridor!

The purpose for the entrepreneurship training program is to help aspiring entrepreneurs
from underserved communities in Greater Washington, especially those that live in
Anacostia/Ward 8, fulfill their entrepreneurial calling while taking next steps to improve
their lives and revitalize their communities.

OTHER DETAILS
· Class Time: 6 - 9pm, Tuesdays starting Jan. 26th 2016
· Course Duration: 7 consecutive weeks
· Start-up Support: Business start-up support starts immediately after the
conclusion of the 7 – week course.
· Start-up Support Duration: Weekly for 3 months. The goal is for participants to
generate a living wage from their business.

· Note: There is a cost for each student’s learning materials

Interested individuals can get involved by contacting Coach Nic:
Dominic (Coach Nic) Colbert.  Chief Coach of Entrepreneurial Training & Small
Business Development
Sales and Margin
1231-B Good Hope Rd SE
Washington, DC 20020
@SalesCoachNic    dmcolbert@salesandmargin.com    salesandmargin.com   202.468.6133

Provided and supporting by:      


Friday, December 18, 2015

Operation HOPE and ForUsAll Partner to Offer Critical Retirement Benefits to Underserved Small Business Owners and Employees

http://www.operationhope.org/pressrelease/nid/1869

Home/In the News/Press Releases/Press Release
December 17 2015

Operation HOPE and ForUsAll Partner to Offer Critical Retirement Benefits to Underserved Small Business Owners and Employees

OAKLAND, CA -- December 17, 2015 - Operation HOPE (HOPE) announced today that the organization has partnered with ForUsAll on a new initiative that will offer retirement planning education and resources  to small business owners seeking a 401(k) solution for their employees.
The partnership will bring a viable solution to employees of these small businesses, who otherwise would not have saved for retirement an option to now do so. With five out of six small businesses not offering a 401(k) plan to employees, that leaves 56% of Americans without a retirement plan at work.
“Working together with ForUsAll we will achieve a mutual goal of providing opportunities designed to bring financial dignity to both employees of small businesses as well as the small business owners themselves,” said Market President Northwestern Region for Operation HOPE, Tyrone Cosey.
- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/pressrelease/nid/1869#sthash.5wDhFkPU.dpuf

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Small Business Expertise Sought to Help Solve Homeland Security Challenges

http://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2015/12/14/small-business-expertise-sought-help-solve-homeland-security

Small Business Expertise Sought to Help Solve Homeland Security Challenges

Release Date: 
December 14, 2015
For Immediate Release
DHS Science & Technology Press Office
Contact: John Verrico(202) 254-2385
Washington D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced it is seeking proposals from small businesses to address technical challenges in homeland security.  Beginning December 16, 2015, DHS will accept proposals for its upcoming Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program FY 16.1 joint solicitation which covers 13 technical areas from two DHS organizations, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO).
The Pre-Solicitation notice for DHS SBIR FY 16.1, is published in FedBizOpps.gov (Solicitation Number: HSHQDC-16-R-00012) and details topics, descriptions and technical contacts for the pending solicitation.
S&T is seeking technical solutions in 10 topic areas while DNDO is focusing on three topic areas. These are organized under the following titles:
  • Security Systems Video/Audio Interoperability Device – sought by S&T
  • Applicability of Blockchain Technology to Privacy Respecting Identity Management – S&T
  • Malware Prediction for Situational Understanding and Preemptive Cyber Defense  – S&T
  • Autonomous Indoor Navigation and Tracking of First Responders – S&T
  • Internet of Things Low-Cost Flood Inundation Sensor – S&T
  • Low-Cost, Real-Time Data Analytics for Underserved EMS Agencies – S&T
  • Real-Time Assessment of Resilience and Preparedness – S&T
  • Using Social Media to Support Timely and Targeted Emergency Response Actions – S&T
  • Blockchain Applications for Homeland Security Analytics – S&T
  • Remote Identity Proofing Alternatives to Knowledge Based Authentication/Verification – S&T
  • Smartphone/Smart device Toolkit for Virtual and Actual Radiation Detection, Identification, and Localization – DNDO
  • Plastic Composite Based Scintillators for Multi-Signature Radiation Detectors – DNDO
  • Portable Linear Accelerator (linac) for Active Interrogation Systems for Radiological Gamma Isotope Source Replacement – DNDO
“It is vitally important that we cast a wide net to find highly innovative solutions to the Nation’s homeland security challenges,” said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers. “We know that America’s small businesses are creative problem solvers and engines of innovation and we want to hear from them. We encourage eligible, U.S. small businesses to explore the topic areas presented in this funding opportunity and submit proposals that capture their best thinking.  We are particularly interested in receiving proposals from under-represented groups, such as women-owned small businesses and socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses.”
The S&T topics in the joint solicitation are developed by S&T program managers and generally address DHS needs.
Proposals submitted to this joint solicitation are due no later than 2 p.m. ET on January 20, 2016.  All offerors must submit proposals through the online proposal submission system at https://sbir2.st.dhs.gov.
For more information about the DHS S&T SBIR Program visit the program portal: https://sbir2.st.dhs.gov
The DHS S&T SBIR Program was initiated in 2004 with the goal of increasing the participation of innovative and creative U.S. small businesses in federal research and development programs and challenging industry to bring innovative homeland security solutions to fruition.
Review Date: 
December 14, 2015

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Webinar: Dec. 16, 2015. Partnership Resources to Help Prepare Houses of Worship for Emergencies


Webinar: Partnership Resources to Help Prepare Houses of Worship for Emergencies

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to invite you to a webinar to help connect faith-based and community organizations with federal government tools, resources, and partners to help prepare their houses of worship for all hazards, including active shooter incidents. Access resources, recorded webinars, trainings and more today at www.fema.gov/protecting-houses-worship

This webinar is a collaborative effort between the DHS Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, a center of the White House Office of Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, and FEMA.

Title: Partnership Resources to Help Prepare Houses of Worship for Emergencies  

Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Time:  2:00 - 3:15 p.m. (EST)

How to Join the Webinar:

This link is also contained in the invitation below, “Adobe Connect Registration Web Link.”

This webinar will offer closed captioning.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

CERT Program Management. Start your program. Under community control.

Special Note: 

Establish a 4 person team in your community to attend both Program Manager and Train-the-trainer courses to establish your CERT Team of 20 or more individuals.

Many jurisdictions CERT Teams, management and coordination are under local law enforcement control.
Local law enforcement are one of the tools, and entities to coordinate your training, and response to disasters\emergencies.  

Control your CERT TEAM.  Utilize 'UNIFIED COMMAND' to hand-over incident command upon their and Fire\EMS arrival.

Contact your local Emergency Management Office\Agency to sponsor your application for training.

BEMA


Course Name:
E0427 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program Manager

March 3-4, 2016    (with Train-the-Trainer course)
May 12-13, 2016    (with Train-the-Trainer course)
June 24-25, 2016    (with Train-the-Trainer course)
August 18-19, 2016    (with Train-the-Trainer course)
September 29-30, 2016    (with Train-the-Trainer course)
This course prepares participants to establish and sustain an active local CERT program.
Course Name:
E0428 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train-the-Trainer

February 29-March 2, 2016
May 9-11, 2016
June 20-22, 2016
August 15-17, 2016
September 26-28, 2016
This course prepares participants to deliver FEMA’s CERT Basic Training course.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Situational Awareness. Mental Health, HIV\AIDS drugs during and trauma following disasters

     FYI...

         Individuals under mental healthcare treatment, and individuals prescribed 
         psychotropic medication must also consider an adequate supply 
         during times of disasters.

         Additional consideration for CDC Stockpile or 'Push Packs'

         BEMA

Emergencies and HIV/AIDS

People living with HIV need to plan to stay safe and healthy during a natural disaster or other emergency.  An emergency  may make it harder for you to take your HIV medications or have access to your health care providers or your pharmacy. To avoid interruptions in HIV treatment or access to medications, you should always have a 10–14 day supply of all your medications on hand and take other precautions.  Learn More >>
HIV/AIDS Ribbon

FDA approves vaccine for use after known or suspected anthrax exposure

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new indication for Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed to prevent disease following suspected or confirmed exposure to anthrax bacteria. The vaccine’s new use is approved for people 18 through 65 years of age in conjunction with recommended antibiotic treatment. Anthrax disease, especially the inhalation form, is often fatal if not promptly treated. Learn More >>
Anthrax

Disaster Distress Helpline

If you are feeling distressed in the wake of a disaster or tragedy, like the violence in San Bernardino, having someone to talk to can help.  SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.  Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.  Learn More >>
Person talking on the phone

Planning for & responding to mass shootings: Resources for emergency medical professionals 

In the wake of a mass shooting, like this week's tragedy in San Bernardino, being ready to quickly and effectively get people the care they need saves lives.  If you are an emergency medical professional, check out these lessons learned, tools and promising practices that can help you plan for and respond to a mass shooting.  Learn More >>
Ambulance


Join the Conversation on Meeting Next-Generation Challenges in Medical Countermeasures

Safe and effective drugs, vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics help us tackle a wide range of public health threats from emerging infectious diseases to terrorist threats. If you are interested in helping the nation prepare for these threats, register today for the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise Stakeholders Workshop on January 6-7, 2016. Learn More >>
Pill in hand

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

TimeBank. Start a New TimeBank

http://timebanks.org/get-started/start/

Start a New TimeBank

Here is a great introductory video to get you started:

Starting a TimeBank is an exciting process, but requires a lot of thought, planning, commitment, and solid hard work. TimeBanks share the same core principles and practices, and at the same time are each one is unique because they reflect the communities that create them.
Creating and maintaining a TimeBank is an on-going process. Needs lots of teamwork! Your members will create your TimeBank’s personality.
To help you and your community create a new TimeBank we have made a list of the typical steps that new TimeBanks find helpful. These steps will give you a good overview. For a start-up toolkit with detailed information relating to each of the specific steps, go to the TIMEBANK KNOWLEDGE COMMONS. This TB Knowledge Commons has been put together by a group of truly dedicated TimeBankers who spent months collecting the vast amount of how-to information created and used by TimeBanking pioneers and leaders. They have organized that information and posted it in a forum that allows people to comment on what they find particularly helpful.
Creating the TB Knowledge Commons — so that our site and others could access the wealth of materials that TimeBankers around the world have generated– was a labor of love and a great achievement. We hope that you will add your comments as you use it.

1. Beginning the journey:

  • What’s your passion? — How will your TimeBank relate to that?
  • Who will help and support you?
  • Who do you see joining when it’s up and running?
  • Who will you ask to join the start-up team?

2. Imagine the possibilities with your partner or team:

  • Learn more about TimeBanking
  • Contact existing TimeBanks through the TBUSA online directory,Facebook, etc.
  • Consult TBUSA how-to materials.
  • Brainstorm with friends and supporters.
  • Share the ideas and get feedback.
  • Enjoy the dreaming!  (This is a really important process.)

3. Create a “make it happen” group of champions:

  • Get buy-in from those who will help your TimeBank succeed.
  • Determine who will take on needed roles.
  • Create an action plan for first steps, including outreach for TB members.
  • Plan out possible costs and income sources (however small).
  • Write up policies and procedures (can be informal).
  • Learn what on-line software can do for you – Community Weaver Demo site.
  • Plan your use of traditional or online social media.
  • Decide when you’re ready for real time.

4. You’re in real time now: Making it happen:

  • Create a flyer or brochure for members.
  • Start the outreach (go to local meetings, knock on doors, talk to friends, neighbors — all of that.)
  • Prepare a members’ handbook and orientation materials.
    – > Here is a Member Orientation Training Guide on how to run an orientation based on the Arroyo S.E.C.O Network of Time Bank‘s guide.
  • You could make a web site and/or make a social media page of your choice.
  • Get access to a TimeBank software, and prepare it for your new TimeBank. To learn more about Community Weaver  the online TimeBank software and to request that we set it up for your TimeBank, please click here.
  • Set up your traditional and/or online social media.
  • Send out invitations to your first gathering.
  • Make sure that the finances and admin are sorted out and will be taken care of.
  • Perhaps start a newsletter.

5. Go public, hold your first meetings:

  • Start with a TimeBank launch event, hand out information, flyers, newsletters.
  • Sign up your first new members.
  • Hold an orientation for new members.
  • Are you good to go with handling the money and admin?
  • Begin exchanging at the orientations and other events.

6. As it begins:

  • Help members set up offers and requests.
  • Set up/celebrate the first exchanges.
  • Hold regular orientations for new members.
  • Plan for regular events for members (potlucks, group exchanges.)
  • Seek out opportunities for targeted group activities.
  • Watch that you’re TimeBank is good with handling the money and admin.
  • Celebrate as you go.

7. Keep Going and Growing:

  • Keep true to the core values: Assets, Redefining work, Reciprocity, Community, Respect.
  • Keep those core values ever in mind — we can’t stress this enough.
  • Find, nurture and support your champions inside and out.
  • Strive for your TimeBank to be leaderful, and truly owned by its members.
  • Take care of the money and admin. (Yes, it will always be there…..)
  • Remember that your TimeBank will become a source of hope, comfort and community in this challenging day and age.
So there you have it!  It’s a lot of work.  Start where you are.  Look for others who will join you on this journey. Build a team to spread the work load and to envision the future together.

TimeBank USA Affiliates

TimeBank USA  affiliated TimeBanks are members of the TimeBank USA network. While there is no formal membership, we do invite TimeBanks in the network to contribute to the learning of others. We provide an infrastructure to share resources and to work together. TimeBank USA holds regular calls for TimeBank leaders to share their knowledge, and works with TimeBank leaders nationwide and internationally to expand the practice of TimeBanking.
We provide Community Weaver, an open source software that TimeBanks can use to share their member’s offers and requests with each other and to track their exchanges and hours exchanged.
To learn more about Community Weaver the online TimeBank software and to request that we set it up for your TimeBank, please click here.
Do you have more questions?  See our Frequently Asked Questions for more help.

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