February 2024

MASS Flash Newsletter

Hi everyone, we hope your New Year is off to a great start. While February is the shortest month of the year we still have a lot going on. From celebrating Black History Month to Valentines Day, to attending a regional or statewide meeting, and more, we have something for you!

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For the new year MASS will be sharing updates to our Drop-in meetings and Regional programs. You can find your Regional Meeting information on the MASS Events Calendar, and in your regional and rainbow section at the bottom of this newsletter.

Starting in February Drop-in meetings will be open to self-advocates from all the Massachusetts Regions and Rainbow programs. This will be an opportunity for us to work together across regions, have fun, and support one another to make our voices heard.

We are excited to advocate with you in 2024!

Kamisha's Corner

“Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise.” - Maya Angelou

Hello everyone, Happy New Year once again!

One thing I want more than anything this year and every year moving forward is that I will always try and continue to be the best version of myself I can possibly be no matter what it takes or how long it takes.

What is something that you want to do or work on this year?

Sidenote: It’s always very important to know that you can change your mind and your path at any point and time because that is your right as a human being!

In no way shape or form does this mean perfection is key, in my eyes this just means that we shouldn’t be limited by society's rules. We should also be able to be our own person at the same time.

- Kamisha

MASS is Hiring

Check out these opportunities to support self-advocate driven programs in Massachusetts:

Self-Advocate Peer Trainer - Part Time

Lead Regional Program Coordinator - Part time to Full Time Available

View Job Openings

STATEWIDE DROP-IN MEETING

Meeting Dates for Statewide Register via Eventbrite

Wednesday, February 28 from 4:30pm-6:00pm

Thursday, March 14 from 5:30pm-7:00pm

https://SelfAdvocateDropInMass.eventbrite.com

Statewide Drop-In

SAVE THE DATE: MASS CONFERENCE October 26, 2024

Save the date for the MASS 26th Annual Self-Advocacy Conference on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA! This will be a fun-filled and busy day of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking!

Learn More About MASS and Our Annual Conference

The 46th Annual Legislative Reception

Please join the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) and The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 for the 46th Annual Legislative Reception. The theme for the reception this year is "Reaffirming Our Commitment to Those in Need."

Learn More and Register

DLC Polling Place Surveys Training Session

Join the Disability Law Center and REV UP MA at a training session for volunteers interested in learning about how to survey their polling places during the upcoming election. This training is free and will be held virtually on February 14, from 1:00pm-2:00pm (EST). Participants will learn how to identify accessibility issues at polling sites and how to report issues using the REV UP survey tool.

SDM Task Force Meeting

February 21 from 11:30am - 12:30pm

Join the MASS SDM Task Force as we work to pass SDM Bill and work with other self-advocates that are interested in using SDM agreements.

Are you interested in getting involved with the MASS SDM Task Force at the next meeting?

LOCATION

Access Zoom Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88607363196

DATE AND TIME

02/21/24 11:30am - 02/21/24 12:30pm US/Eastern

Calling all self-advocates interested in joining the SDM Task Force. See flyer for more information!

Yes. I'll Be There!

Maybe, I'm not sure.

I Can't Make It.

Wednesday, February 21, Zoom meeting link

DDS Citizen Advisory Boards

DDS has groups called Citizen Advisory Boards (CAB) across the state. CAB members give advice to DDS about what the community needs and how to

improve DDS programs and services. CABs include people who have disabilities, family members, caregivers, professionals, and other community members.

Download PDF

REGIONAL + RAINBOW UPDATES

Update your subscription here.

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METRO REGION

Meeting Dates for Metro Register via Eventbrite

Regional Meeting: Tuesday, February 20 from 6:00pm-7:30pm

https://metro-regional-meeting.eventbrite.com

PDF - Metro Region Update - February 2024

NORTHEAST REGION

Meeting Dates for Northeast Register via Eventbrite

Regional Meeting: Wednesday, February 21 from 4:00pm-5:30pm

https://northeast-regional-meeting.eventbrite.com

PDF - Northeast Region Update - February 2024

SOUTHEAST REGION

Meeting Date for Southeast Register via Eventbrite

Thursday, February 22 from 6:00pm-7:30pm

https://southeast-regional-meeting.eventbrite.com

PDF - Southeast Region Update - February 2024

CENTRAL REGION

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.

Meeting Dates for Central:

Regional Meeting: Tuesday, February 13 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-88

Regional Meeting: Tuesday, February 27 from 3:30pm - 5:30pm

https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-89

PDF - Central Region Update - February 2024

Rainbow Group

Meeting Dates for Rainbow:

Topic Day - Tuesday, February 27 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm

https://www.wearemass.org/events/rainbow-group-meeting-61

We want to hear from you!

Is there anything exciting happening in your life that you are just itching to talk about? Want to share it with the world?!

If so, great because I, Kamisha Heriveaux, am always on the look out for interesting events, your hobbies, and topics that interest you - so please don't hesitate to reach out!

I can't wait to hear from all of YOU! Have a great day and keep on reading!

~ Kamisha

info@WeAreMASS.org

Questions? Email info@wearemass.org

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