WHEN: Tuesday, November 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Great Hall of the State House.
The luncheon includes the public release of the New American's Agenda by Governor Deval Patrick, who commissioned the report from the Governor's Advisory Council for Refugees and Immigrants, in joint partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Refugees and Immigrants and MIRA.
Numerous elected officials are expected to attend, as well as community, labor and business leaders, not to mention a large media contingent. Governor Patrick's release of the NAA report underscores the theme of the luncheon, "Celebrate the Immigrant Family." With 131 policy recommendations to better integrate immigrants and refugees into the civic and economic life of the commonwealth, the report is indeed a celebration of immigrants, their families, and the communities of which they form an integral part. These policy recommendations recognize that immigrant families form a vital cornerstone in our communities, and that their hopes and needs deserve respectful attention and response.
The next phase of this ambitious and crucial agenda is a response. Some of the policy recommendations require further legislative action; others need only administrative implementation, which the Governor has promised to bring about as quickly as possible. But they also call for legislative and administrative advocacy by MIRA and its members to bring them fully to fruition.
To attend this free luncheon, RSVP by contacting Kirsten Dees at dees@miracoaltion.org or 216-350-5480, ext. 218.