Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Mark Your Calendars for April, May, June 2022. Fiscal Year 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program Technical Assistance Webinar Series and Other DHS Resources

 All webinars will cover the same content.


INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR SERIES

Fiscal Year 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program Technical Assistance Webinar Series

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, invites faith-based, community, and nonprofit organizations to participate in upcoming webinars regarding the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP provides funding support through a competitive process for facility hardening and other security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist attack and promotes emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration between public and private community representatives, as well as state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.

FEMA and its partners are committed to providing quality customer service to all nonprofit organization stakeholders, including socially vulnerable, underserved, and under-represented communities. As such, and building on last year’s efforts, GPD is offering the following informational NSGP webinars for all nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the FY 2022 NSGP priorities, eligibility, and application process.

Each webinar will present the same content, including:       

  • Physical Safety/Security: Vulnerability Self-Assessment Information and Tools
  • NSGP Overview: Eligibility, Allowability, and Administrative Requirements
  • FY 2021 NSGP: Summary Recap and Lessons Learned
  • FY 2022 NSGP: Quick Start Guide - Application Assistance
  • Open Forum: Moderated Question and Answer Session

Date

Time (ET)

Adobe Connect Registration Link

4/21/2022

9AM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/esbyls4x82k7/event/registration.html  

4/26/2022

2 PM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/erlgjkwottbz/event/registration.html

5/12/2022

1 PM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/ezu2u8im9mwa/event/registration.html

5/17/2022

2 PM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/ewlm5ew3omx6/event/registration.html

5/20/2022

3 PM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/ev7t7sqlktza/event/registration.html

5/25/2022

3 PM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/etu06elrl1z2/event/registration.html

6/2/2022

3 PM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/en4cs3niyj2a/event/registration.html

6/9/2022

1 PM

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/e920nt9sm8q8/event/registration.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Please share this invitation and webinar schedule above broadly.

Additional information related to the NSGP can be found at   www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security. The vulnerability self-assessment tool, as well as other helpful safety and security information for nonprofit organizations, can be found at the Hometown Security website at www.cisa.gov/hometown-security.

Due to the potential number of participants and the limited capacity of online meetings, the webinar will open 10 minutes prior to the published start time of each event. Prior registration is required.

Please only register for the webinar(s) you plan to attend to ensure others have a chance to register and participate. If you are unable to join or the event is at capacity, please join the next available offering.

All webinars will cover the same content. The free Adobe Connect app is not required to join or participate in the webinar, but participants are welcome to download and use it.

It is recommended that participants use the desktop app as opposed to the mobile app to more easily access materials. If you choose to utilize the app, please ensure you have completed the installation prior to the webinar. 

If you have any questions regarding these webinars, or require special accommodations, please contact FEMA-NSGP@fema.dhs.gov.


Black Emergency Managers Association International

Washington, D.C.  20020


 

bEMA International

Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)

 

A 501 (c) 3 organization

 

 

 

 

 

“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today.  We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.  In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late.  Procrastination is still the thief of time.  Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. 

 This may well be mankind’s last chance to choose between chaos or community.”

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Where Are We Going From Here:  Chaos or Community’. 

 

 

 

 



Monday, April 11, 2022

Kenya Silently Passes Law Criminalizing Indigenous Seed Sharing

 

Food Insecurity

 

Within the realm of BEMA International.

 

[...SHAME on corporations, governments and donors who peddle these unethical seed systems that preclude people from saving, sharing and adapting seeds. You are all guilty of ecocide.

 

Stop corrupting governments in to ushering their populations in to seed slavery.

 

  • Bayer,
  • Monsanto Company,
  • Syngenta AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa)
  • One Acre Fund
  • USAID
  • African Union IGAD USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance
  • FAO
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation...] 

 

From a LinkedIn Post by Natalie Topa

 

Kenya Silently Passes Law Criminalizing Indigenous Seed Sharing 

By Zowan 254 

Published 2 days ago 

 

https://www.cnyakundi.com/kenya-silently-passes-law-criminalizing-indigenous-seed-sharing/ 

 

 

 

 


Kenya Silently Passes Law Criminalizing Indigenous Seed Sharing - Cyprian Is Nyakundi

 

Farmers will now be heavily fined or face a jail term of six months or both if found guilty of selling uncertified seeds. This is according to the recently enacted Seeds and Plant Varieties Act of 2012, Part 2(8) on restrictions on sales of seeds of unindexed plant varieties.

www.cnyakundi.com

Farmers will now be heavily fined or face a jail term if found guilty of selling uncertified seeds. This is according to the recently enacted Seeds and Plant Varieties Act of 2012, Part 2(8) on restrictions on sales of seeds of unindexed plant varieties. This new law introduced by the government has placed restrictions on the informal seed system, in a bid to ensure that all seeds sold or distributed in the country have been certified. 

 

Technically, the Kenyan Seed and Plant Varieties Act criminalizes the selling or sharing of indigenous seeds. Those found guilty risk a 6-month jail term or a fine of Sh20,000 or both. 

 

Reacting to the news, Kenyans have criticised the move with most (rightfully) viewing it as a tactic by the elite to weaponize food insecurity in Kenya. 

 

In neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Uganda, a farmer is free to sell or share seeds as they wish. How do some of these bills go through parliament without much debate? You might hear them give excuses about how we will use new advanced technologies in agriculture until you read the details and shock hits you. Just like the new legislation on data privacy that reads like an affirmation for free data mining by big tech firms like Safaricom. 

 

Bearing in mind that in the Monsanto, Bayer or Syngenta model you are not allowed to plant seeds from your last harvest. They sue you if you do. You must buy seeds every season. This law is written to create a market for seed companies.

 

 

 

Black Emergency Managers Association International

Washington, D.C.  20020


 

bEMA International

Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)

 

A 501 (c) 3 organization

 

 

 

 

“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today.  We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.  In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late.  Procrastination is still the thief of time.  Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. 

 

This may well be mankind’s last chance to choose between chaos or community.”

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Where Are We Going From Here:  Chaos or Community’. 

 

 

 

 


Tuesday, March 29, 2022

BLACK TIE FIESTA AT THE MEXICAN EMBASSY (MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE). Sat, April 23, 2022 @ 08:15PM To Sat, April 23, 2022 @ 11:45PM


BLACK TIE FIESTA AT THE MEXICAN EMBASSY (Mexican Cultural Institute)

Sat, April 23, 2022 @ 08:15PM To Sat, April 23, 2022 @ 11:45PM

Mexican Cultural Institute (Embassy's Cultural Center)
2829 16th St NW,
Washington, District Of Columbia

$115

ADD TO CALENDAR

DETAILS

  • The Majesty of Mexico City 
  • The Charm of Acapulco 
  • The Excitement of Cancun 
  • The Mysteries of Guadalajara

On Saturday night, April 23rd,  be transported into a world filled with the wonders of the Mayan legends and the beauty of Cancun’s beaches as TTD invites you to step onto Mexican soil for an upscale cultural evening. Put on your best dresses and tuxedos as we spend a royal evening in this multi-roomed, multi-leveled Mexican Cultural palace filled with rich art, history, music, dance, food, drink, and much more!

The Embassy’s Cultural Center is a unique and beautiful building, one of the best of its kind in the world. It contains several large floors, each displaying the charms of the different regions of our neighbor to the south. Beautiful gardens, city nightclubs, historic palaces, art galleries, and much more await you inside!


Featuring:

LIVE MEXICAN DANCE SHOW AND MARIACHI BAND:
Experience a live costumed Mariachi troupe with music and dancing. Its members have origins from all over Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The traditional mariachi ensemble emerged in the 1800s in several western states of Mexico, including Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, and Michoacán. It is found at weddings, birthdays, Saint’s Day celebrations, rural dances, and many other social occasions. The spirit of celebration is recreated through its music and dancing.

Special dancers will be on hand to perform and teach traditional Mexican dancing, in addition to performing an amazing, authentic Mariachi dance performance with traditional costumes!

DJ AND LATE-NIGHT DANCING:
One of Washington, D.C.’s best D.J.s will rival the best nightclubs in Cancun with both American and Mexican pop music and dancing. Includes modern high energy, Retro, Salsa, today’s top 40 hits, and much more!

MEXICAN BUFFET:
Challenge your taste buds with an authentic Mexican buffet. Featuring: crispy and soft tacos; Mexican rice refried beans; pico de gallo; chips and salsa; spinach quesadillas; cheese quesadillas; enchiladas; flan and tres leches; and chile con queso dip. (Menu subject to change to equal or more substantial-quality).

OPEN BAR:

Enjoy an open bar featuring a wide array of Mexican beers, wines, and, of course, Tequila!


ART GALLERIES OF THE MEXICAN CULTURAL CENTER:
As you tour these incredible grounds, you will encounter a special art gallery.


GREETING:

Meet members of the Institute and learn more about our neighbors to the south during a special welcome.


WIN A TRIP TO MEXICO:
A special drawing will take place for all attendees as one person will win hotel accommodations and plane to Mexico!

NOTE:  YOU MUST BE 21 or OVER TO ATTEND

SUGGESTED ATTIRE

Black Tie Optional. Minimum of Suit & Tie for Men, Cocktail Dresses for Women Casual wear, jeans or sneakers prohibited.

BUY NOW

City Council Utility Committee Meeting - Ethics Ban on Campaign Contributions. New Orleans

 

City Council Utility Committee Meeting - Ethics Ban on Campaign Contributions

 

 

 

REMINDER! Make Your Voice Heard!

City Council Utility Committee Meeting -

Ethics Ban on Campaign Contributions

 

 

On TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 at 10:00AM, the Utility Committee of the City Council will hold a public meeting to hear comments and vote on a proposed ethics law that bans campaign contributions. A vote in favor by the Committee moves the proposed ethics law to the full City Council for a vote. 

 

Make your voice heard. Attend the meeting. Call, email or tweet your Councilmembers. Ask everyone you know in New Orleans to do the same. 

  

WHAT DOES THE PROPOSED ETHICS LAW PROHIBIT?  

·    “No Councilmember or candidate seeking the office of Councilmember shall accept or otherwise receive a campaign contribution or any other financial benefit of any value from:   

·    Any entity that provides an electric or gas utility, cable, telecommunications or technology service regulated by the City Council;   

·    Any political action committee, director or executive staff person of a corporation or entity regulated by the City Council;   

·    Any person, firm or entity with a professional service contract awarded by the City Council; or  

·    Any person, firm or entity with a professional service contract awarded by the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board."     

 

Click HERE to view the full text.  

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP? MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!   

 

Attend the Utility Committee meeting and make a comment in support of the proposed ethics law. The meeting starts at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street. 

 

Submit a comment on the Council website. The public comment form will open on Monday, March 28. Be sure to send your comment no later than 8:00AM, Tuesday, March, 29 so that it can be read at the meeting. Select agenda item "Ordinance Cal. No. 33,367 - Prohibited Campaign Contributions." To submit your comment to the Council Utility Committee, click here. 

 

Email your Councilmembers and tell them to vote “yes” on the proposed ethics ordinance. Please note that Councilmember Helena Moreno (At-Large) is sponsoring the proposed ethics law. Councilmembers on the Utility Committee are in bold and have an asterisk next to their names. 

 

Helena Moreno (At-Large) - helena.moreno@nola.gov*

 

J.P. Morrell (At-Large) - jp.morrell@nola.gov*

 

Joe Giarrusso (District A) - joseph.giarrusso@nola.gov*

 

Lesli Harris (District B) - lesli.harris@nola.gov 

 

Freddie King (District C) - freddie.king@nola.gov* 

 

Eugene Green (District D) - eugene.green@nola.gov 

 

Oliver Thomas (District E) - oliver.thomas@nola.gov* 

 

BACKGROUND:

The Greater New Orleans Interfaith Climate Coalition and its partner organizations proposed an ordinance, a local law, to strengthen the City of New Orleans Code of Ethics to prohibit a campaign contribution or other financial benefit from a utility provider or other entity that is regulated or contracted by the New Orleans City Council. 

 

The passage of this ordinance is a necessary safeguard against the potential for undue influence on energy costs, climate policies, and other important issues handled by the Council that impact the daily lives of all New Orleanians. 

 

The Ethics Review Board unanimously voted in favor of this proposed ethics law. Councilmember Helena Moreno is sponsoring it.  

 

SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

 

 

 

 


 





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