On May 19th. and for the first time in the Merrimack Valley, the Salvadoran Community enjoyed an interesting and informative event in Lawrence with some of their truly remarkables Salvadoran leaders: Dr. Vicky Guzman, founder and director of  the Salvadoran Association Pro Rural Health ASAPROSAR El Salvador (www.asaprosar.org) since 1972 , Lic. Jose Edgardo Aleman, General Consul of El Salvador in New England area, since three months ago (jealeman@rree.gob.sv) , Pastora  Gabriela Garcia, a long term minister of Methodist United Church in Lawrence, MA and  a very strong fighter of Human rights. 

Consul:Lic. Aleman, Dr. Vicky Guzman and Minister Gabriela Garcia, during the national anthem

The community center of Lawrence CommunityWorks (www.lcworks.org) held the gathering of more than 70 multicultural but mostly Salvadorean people attending the event. It was planned for the Salvadoran Delmy Rosales and Mrs. Flor Cabrera from Peru, who also is an ASAPROSAR volunteer. This event was tramendously supported by LCW staff Nelson, Annery, Altagracia, Alma, Audrey, NOF Interns, Spencer and Volunteers.

A view of the audience in the Salvadoran event at LCW.During the event, people had the opportunity to get relevant information from each of the guest speaker, to make personal connections, enjoy delicious tipical food donated for volunteers, to show craftwork and listening two Salvadoran Singers.(Mory Yen)Craftwork are showed in the Salvadoran Event.

Doctor Vicky Guzman commented about the support of Friends of ASAPROSAR in MA, which is a group of Norteamerican and International doctors or volunteers who every year traveling to El Salvador, to bring free & basic health services, To make eye surgeries, and mainly giving financial support for the specific programs that ASAPROSAR are running to the most needed people from rural areas in E.S.

Lic. Jose Edgardo Aleman brough his message of “To join together, to grow, and include” all the community. He also congratulated Dr. Vicky several times for her impressive work. and did mention about the improved Consulate services.

Minister Gabriela shared a very feeling personal story, encouraged people to keep going and did an impresive prayer and synthesis of the event.

Last, but no least important, Nikki Santana introduced the team who worked on raising funds for Salvadorean victims of Hurricane IDA on November 2009, They are:

Julia & Dario Silverio from Silverio Insurance, Nelson Butten, Spencer Buchholtz, Nikki Santana from Lawrence Community Works, Jose Ayala from Impacto Noticias 1490, Benny Espaillat/ radial program La Voz Catolica, and Delmy from El Salv. Nikki, presented the results and said ”Thanks” to the Media; Radio and newspapers, for their invaluable support. Also, for all volunteers and people who donated for this cause.

Spencer, Nelson, Jose Ayala and Julia Silverio, part of the team pro-fondos para E.S.

If you want more information about this post. please call Delmy Rosales – 978-390-1061 or email: drosales@lcworks.org.

About Friends of ASAPROSAR in MA. e-mail at palmercorson@asaprosar.org

People coming to the great Annual

On April 10th. 2010 Lawrence CommunityWorks achieved another big success. The second Anuual Convention was an amazing one.  There were more than 400 people attending,  between members, volunteers, staff and visitors,  even from  partner organizations like Impact Silver Spring from Maryland  who participated and enjoyed this tremendous event.

Impact Silver Spring team and part of the audience at the Convention opening

 We had  more than 15 free workshops, in the morning sessions, a very dynamic and full child care room,   Fun block activities in the afternoon, the most enjoyed was two sessions of Zumba dance. as well an impressive and informative Financial Asset & Health Expo, then we close the day with  a spectacular Evening Celebration that included a delicious dinner, dance, raffles, singer and a lot of more fun. All of this with the amazing contribution of LCW volunteers, members, staff and friends.

Thanks to all of them and to see more pictures or information, Please visit www.lcworks.org

Jose Tejeda, Guia de LCW mostrando el impresionante edificio del proyecto UNION CROSSING.

Union Crossing is an exciting new project at Lawrence CommunityWorks that will tranform a complex of historic mills into a new Lawrence neighborhood with housing, businesses, community facilities, open space, and public access to the Merrimack river.

It was mentioned by Maggie Church, UNION CROSSING project director, and Nelson Butten who welcomed attendees,  in the first Local Impact Forum  on March 30th  which invited people from the community to learn about affordable housing, a job in construccion, or planning a new business.

UNION CROSSING Want OUR PEOPLE from the Greater Lawrence Area to be involve  and take opportunity on this project.  There is a website to register your company for the Buy Local Database: www.unioncrossing.org/buylocal

Also, people can attend one of our upcoming events: April 10th.

Register for the LCW Annual convention and Expo today!

http://www.lcworks.org/ac2010

¡Inscribase para la convencion de LCW hoy!

 April 13th :

Union Crossing Information Fair: At Lawrence City Hall

 

Attendees and Staff of UC at LCW in the 1st. Local Impact Forum.

Some attendees were intervievew and video recorded.  you can see them soon!!!

 How often do you have the opportunity to meet public personalities?In person, of course! Even, to talk to them on a short distance?

Last Saturday, March 27th. I attended a neigborhood gattering  with U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas at Maggie Church’s house (90 Nesmith Street, Lawrence) 

Congresswoman Niki talking to people at Nesmith St. Lawrence.

People in Niki Tsongas gattering at Nesmith St..

 Many neighbors and friends from Church’s family attended the gathering  and took the opportunity to hear Niki and  talk to her about some public issues, also, on her next re-election campaign. 

 I  have been personally inspired by her friendly leadership and extent involvement with Lawrence Community.  I invite you to take the opportunity to learn more about her,  supporting and voting for Niki  on the next re- election time,  she can continue her succesful work as  the Massachusetts’ First Congressional District Congresswoman.

Go to the link www.nikitsongas.com to learn more about her.

Congresswoman Mrs. Nikki Tsongas and her Host Maggie

 

 

People at Essex Art Center creating amazing artwork

05/01/2010: Can you believe this? As I said they were and are very kind!!!  We got an email from Maria Sanchez Kouassi, Leslie and Cathie, staff at Essex Art Center. Maria wrote:

We at Essex Art Center wanted to thank you for taking the time to 
visit us and share your thoughts on programming for the community of 
Lawrence.

As an appreciation for your time and great ideas we would like to 
offer you a free class at Essex Art Center.

Go on our website at http://www.essexartcenter.com/

 

 

or pick a course 
from inside the brochure we gave you while you were visiting. Inside 
the brochure or on line you will find a registration form, fill it 
out and mail it in or stop back and visit!

We hope you can take advantage of this opportunity and we look 
forward to working with you SOON!

Gracias por todo y hasta pronto,
Maria, Leslie y Cathy

 

 

 

 

 

 *********************************************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

On March 19th 2010, Lisa Torrisi, Director of Resource Development at Lawrence CommunityWorks wrote:

Hello Everyone,

Thanks you for all your willingness to help the Essex Art Center on getting some good information on how to be a better resource to Lawrence residents and families who are interested in art.

The EAC will be participating in the LCW Annual convention and expo, on April 10th. 2010, so that is a fantastic step.

But they would also like to host a focus group of 8 – 10 people on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 from 6pm – 8pm.

I am writing to ask for your help in recruiting 8-10 members to participate in the focus group.  Dinner and translation will be provided by EAC.  They can even send the van over here to pick up folks if needed.

They would like to keep the group to this size – a mix of youth and adults who would be willing to answer some questions and provide constructive feedback and ideas to the Essex Art Center.

Please let me know if you know of any members who would be willing to participate in such a way.  I could use your help in getting people on board.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

On Wednesday, March 24, 2010 from 6pm – 8pm. we ( More than 10 old and young LCW Folks) attended to help and learn.  Meeting with Essex Art Center Staff, we provided useful information on “How the center will be a better resource to Lawrence residents and families”.

LCW Members who attended the Art Center Focus Group.

EAC Staff, Maria, Leslie and Cathie showed us the instalations, some amazing art works, explained us the proccesses of making it and hosted the group very kind, with a delicious dinner.

If you want to reach valuable information about ESSEX ART CENTER you can go to:

www.essexartcenter.org

Also, call or visit them at: 56 Island Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 Phone No. 978-685-2343

 

Thanks to EAC staff for invite us.

Leslie and Maria with LCW folks.

 

 

WELCOME ANH And RONNIE!!!. For LCW  it was a pleasure to have you here. You both were amazing listeners.Since you are new in the organizacion, you kept eager to learn from us. and did smart questions to your host. You kindly shared your experiences from Impact.

Thank you for coming. We hope to have you here again for the LCW Annual Convention on April 10th 2010. We will be honored and happy having  the entire  team of IMPACT Silver Spring with us.

Thank you Frankie and Bill  for doing possible this learning exchanges between IMPACT Silver Spring and LCW.

Aview of people attending the Open House on Feb. 12, 2010.

Last Friday, February 12th of 2010  a special  gathering took place in Our House. At the most recent Open House event of Lawrence Community Works, the NOF Interns gave a warm welcome to our participants.We met people from Haiti, Dominican Rep. and many other countries. Many Thanks to the Board and Staff of LCW for being there. Your presence there was essential!!!!!

“VOLUNTEER MEMBER OF THE MONTH AWARDS”.

Two of our outstanding volunteers were recognized for their great contribution to the network .LCW appreciate it. They are Evelyn Lara  and Iraina Sanchez, who deserve it very much. Congratulations you both are awesome! their performance is tremendous!.

Evelyn showing her Recognition Certificate together to LCW Board Members

Iraina and Evelyn with their LCW "MEMBER OF THE MONTH" recognition.

We, also celebrated the NOF INTERNSHIP WEEK. Starting February 8th. to the 13th, the Interns team (Altagracia, Eva, Erika, Delmy y Maria and its NOF Director Alma, planned  and developed an informative an Interesting week. we were documenting, showing our blogs, connecting people, doing interviews, taking pictures and promoting our group documentation project through the radial media, by email and passing the voice to LCW membership and Staff.

Eva preparing the stage for our NOF Interns Week.

A beautiful display with pictures and information of “What We Are” & ”What the Interns Do” was showed at the lobby of Our House, on a table lovely decorated by us, we shared an useful and informative brochure about NOF Internship Program, a basket with flags of the whole world, chocolates, stickers and candies. A board which  asking different and important questions to the membership every day.

English Teacher and Students at LCW Getting information of NOF Intern Program

 Finally,  We invited people to join us on a training about ”Leadership and Facilitation skills” on Saturday, Feb 13th. The Facilitator was Alfredo Hernandez, Who is a master on the topic. He shared with us four intense hours of  dynamic and practice skills training. He addresed an audience of aproximately 30 people of our network

Alfredo Hernandez and his Audience. LCW Members and guests.

 

Thank you very much to the English Classes teachers at LCW for their interest in getting students well informed about LCW Programs.

Interns: Erika, Delmy, Altagracia, Eva & Maria. NOF Director: Alma

We, the first cohort of NOF Interns at Lawrence CommunityWorks have been participating since 2009 in this exciting pilot program called NETWOR ORGANIZING FORUM INTERSHIP.

 I personally want to write about the objective and what Interns have gained of this great volunteer  opportunity. Objective is to develop a growing circle of members who are/have been intimately involved in the development of the codification and/or the communication of the intelectual and practice elements of the “Network Centric Organizing Approach” Empahis is on the mastery of the “NETWORK CENTRIC” Approach and the ability to communicate that approach in writing, in training and technical assistance setting.

What Interns have achieved:

• High Leadership development
• Training on personal/professional development
• Online social networking & communication tools (WordPress.org blogs and Flip video camara training.)
• Traveling for learning exchanges in the wide country
• Community Involvement
• Teaching and Learning opportunities to the network and the community.

I recommend go to the LCW website www.lcworks.org  – NetOrgForum for more information.

 

 

 

Yes We Will  Es una campaña  creada en Lawrence CommunityWorks.  El objetivo de YWW es incrementar el compromiso y la participación cívica de todos los ciudadanos y residentes de Lawrence. En este pasado año 2009 que se llevó  a cabo las elecciones de un nuevo alcalde y concilio, pudimos ver con mucha satisfacción que  en Noviembre 3, la ciudad de Lawrence  alcanzó  un 38% de votantes, muy por encima de las estadísticas de años anteriores, quienes asistieron a ejercer su derecho de elegir a nuevos gobernantes y esto fue en gran parte resultado de los esfuerzos de YWW, registrando, motivando y mobilizando en gran medida a los ciudadanos a participar y ser escuchados a traves del voto.

Maria, Eva, Delmy y Martha, diciendo YES WE WILL....

 Podemos decir ahora: Sí, lo hicimos (Yes We Did!). Y también que ahora es momento para que el equipo de voluntarios y miembros quienes firmamos  la promesa de apoyar  a YWW y a nuestra ciudad, continuemos trabajando para mantener  o incrementar esa participación y velar por que el nuevo gobierno de la ciudad haga un trabajo responsable y eficiente, e incluya a la comunidad en las decisiones que afectan a todos.

Spencer y Nelson, tremendos lideres y activistas.

Con esa motivación, el Sábado, 9 de Enero, 2010. Los líderes de la campaña, Spencer Buchholz y Nelson Butten, organizaron y llevaron a cabo un retiro con todos los voluntarios de YWW que asistimos para evaluar el trabajo y resultados  del año anterior, así mismo, aportar nuestras ideas y  hacer las proyecciones respectivas para este 2010. La participación de los asistentes (voluntarios y miembros de la comunidad) fue muy valiosa.  Comparto con ustedes, fotos y videos de líderes voluntarios discutiendo y presentando los resultados de dicha evaluacion.

Participantes al retiro de YWW.

Gracias amigos y continuemos colaborando y  diciendo YES WE WILL!

 No one momentous event could be made  in Lawrence, MA.  Without compassionate leaders and members of  the Lawrence CommunityWorks network  taking part in it.  Few months ago, LCW staff & volunteers joined in a team which worked to raise funds for people survivors of flooding in  my country El Salvador (I also posted about it in my blog).

January 12th. 2010 will be sadly remembered for the entire world.  HAITI, one of the poorest countries was shooked by a terrible earthquake 7.0 Ritcher Scale which brough dead, devastation, tears, desolation…

.

LCW Leaders and volunteers as always were there. Joining the effort of the “Comite pro ayuda HAITI”. Lawrence public officials, residents of the community, churches, orgs.  and people from the media giving their contributions of money, water, food, medicine, clothes and of course, volunteer work!. I joined the group of volunteers to do a common effort. Last Friday, January 22nd. many of us spent a lot of time and energy at Donovan School  to  packed out the container truck with huge quantities of  donations for HAITI. Thanks to the LORD and giver of the life  for this giver Community. Thanks to all who joined this effort.

God bless Haitian survivors,  may people who died, rest in peace.

Annie, the very hard worker from LCW

LCW volunteers were there.

LCW VolunteerJadhiel in action

Eva's son and Delmy helping hands.

Nelson Butten and Annie.Yadhiel in action in the container truck