NEU4J
We are a grassroots, community based organization that works at the intersection of policy and systems change, organizing, leadership development and direct action! We work on a variety of campaigns that we see as a people’s agenda and we are led by Black and Brown residents across the Greater Boston area. As a multi-issue organization, we know we cannot focus on issues that uplift racial, social and economic justice in just one campaign...we look at the entire table. Our communities do not live single issue lives and our work is a reflection of this. What is important for us is how we weave together our efforts and build solutions that are grounded by community informed assessments and needs.
We also know that we cannot tackle these issues alone. Partnerships with grassroots partners, labor, faith, youth leaders and institutions in our neighborhoods are key to our ability to remain strong and work in co-creating the future of our region.
Noemi Mimi Ramos Executive Director
“It has been an honor to serve on behalf of our communities and with the leadership of New England United 4 Justice for the past 15 years Our Board and Staff are the back bone and heart of the issues we take on and they bring our organizing strategies to life As someone who comes from Boston and has lived experiences in many of the issues we work to address, I care deeply about the power of organizing, our issue campaigns and the importance of building tables led by residents in our membership An organizational rebranding is coming later on in 2024- 2025 and we will be sharing more about the development of New England Community Project This is an exciting testimony to the resilience our members have to this work and to the fight for Justice Let’s keep building collective power, one door at a time more to come! I look forward to continuing to represent our communities ”
Whatthis ReportCovers OurVoice
OUR APPROACH: We executed a 2-year community process where we conducted surveys in the neighborhoods of Boston. We focused on the communities of Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and Roxbury, our team also engaged in a thorough listening process with residents about their thoughts, opinions, and needs regarding the current happenings in our city across four core areas: Housing, Transit, Childcare, and Jobs.
A good organizer does 70% Listening and 30% Talking! This is organizing 101!
Through phone banking and door-to-door strategies, we conducted this survey to better understand residents' thoughts on where the community stands on key issue areas and what solutions they want to see developed. As a multi-issue, multicultural, and multi-generational organization, we knew it was important to hear from everyone. We want to share these results with you so you can learn from what our communities are saying.
Further, when there’s alignment and opportunity, it's important to coordinate efforts with our community partners to move collective action. Much of our work is in collaboration with values-aligned partners, but we are held accountable by our base and work on our members' behalf.
Let’sTalkOutreach
“NEU4J is a member of the Mass Voter Table, a Statewide Grassroots Democracy Coalition that supports our organization with the technical tools in our base building focused on both voter and community engagement. Through this partnership, we have been able to build stronger tracking systems through the power of VAN, a Voter Database, so we have a stronger view on who we are engaging within our base building efforts We use this system year round to support our civic team and organizing staff as they are conducting their outreach efforts ”
Angel Howell
Associate Director NEU4J
Outreach is a part of Organizing
But this is not about numbers, it is about our People!
It takes a village. We do year-round civic engagement to make sure our community 1) has the information on what is moving at a municipal and state level 2) we use door to door strategies to build relationships with our neighbors and invite residents to join as members and get involved in the fight for a people’s agenda and 3) we provide the 411 they need to get out and vote and make informed decisions on election day Civic engagement doesn't just happen during election season, it is in our DNA and is the lifeline to organizing in our neighborhoods and in our City. We know community is not expecting us when we are door knocking or phone banking but it is important we engage, education and invite residents to take action! We meet residents where they are and create ways residents can express what they are seeing in their day to day lives in our City
Our outreach shows the diversity of who we are engaging and majority of our discussions are with residents who identify as: Black and Brown, majority Women with a growing number of Men in neighborhoods and there is a strong showing in the diverse age ranges of residents we are engaging.
Our membership continues to reflect the voices of those most impacted and offers a diverse perspective based on resident’s lived experiences
This report, reflects over 1900 Residents in Boston
The Call to Action and Invitation to Residents is:
Sign up as a member of the organization
Join an active committee
Help build the voice of other residents in the community, bring a friend, bring a family member
Ask a lot of questions and participate
Make recommendations and build a plan of action
HAVE FUN and build with our Neighbors
Housing
Overall Public Opinion:
65% are disappointed in Housing
18% didn't have an opinion
9% said Housing is ok
8% said Housing is exceptional
Out of the options provided, 1900 residents uplifted these solutions as key areas to focus on:
31% want Affordable Development
28% want Rent Control
17% want Affordable Home Ownership
11% didn't have an opinion
7% want Foreclosure Prevention
6% want a Homeowner Repair Fund
See Chart Below
As we continue to look at the data and gather residents to discuss housing solutions, it is clear that youth are voicing their concerns and that residents of all generations are worried about housing We plan to create a space where the wisdom of our elders and the perspectives of young adults can come together to shape housing solutions Bold action and creative solutions are needed as we look towards our future
NEU4J and Housing Justice:
We will continue to organize through an anti-displacement lens, addressing the needs of both renters and small property owners We need affordable rents, protections for homeowners, and opportunities to build collective wealth
We believe in and will take action on rent control as a stabilization measure Through our work, we will hold corporate landlords accountable for the continued rise in rents. We will support exemptions for small landlords to ensure they also have stability and can remain in our communities.
We work with small property owners who care about protections against foreclosures and advocate for the development of a repair fund This fund would provide small property owners with the tools needed for upgrades, allowing them to rent units and ensure they meet code requirements
As Boston continues on a greener path, retrofits are crucial for a sustainable future However, we need protections in place for renters to prevent further displacement as these greener strategies are implemented.
We see development booming across Boston and across the Commonwealth We need strong development without displacement strategies in our communities that keep our families housed in their neighborhoods and build affordable housing for the future
Home ownership is also a key piece to housing that we support Still, we need measures to help families not just gain access to home ownership, but also ensure their success in maintaining their homes.
NEU4J will continue to provide our wellness to organizing services to ensure residents are supported as they navigate available resources to prevent continued displacement
Lorna Alvarado
We believe Housing is a Human Right!
We look forward to working alongside Homes for All Massachusetts, Right to the City Boston and neighborhood allies across Boston, in the continued efforts for Housing Justice!
Workforce
Overall Public Opinion:
40% didn't have an opinion
34% said Jobs were a disappointment
18% said Jobs were ok
8% said Jobs were exceptional
Out of the options provided, 1900 residents uplifted these solutions as key areas to focus on:
23% want more info and access to workforce training programs
22% didn't have an opinion
14% want accountability to BIPOC communities gaining access to jobs
13% want access to Construction and Trade opportunities
12% want access and more opportunities for free college and certificate programs
10% want to Computer Training
6% want Small Business Development
See Chart Below
COVID took a toll on our workplaces and the financial stability of working families across the country! We have to be honest that the “workplace” has shifted and will never be the same and we need stronger solutions to build a pipeline to workforce development opportunities that allow Black and Brown residents growth and sustainability
NEU4J and Worker Organizing:
We are helping residents get matched with workforce training and job opportunities in various growing industries to put our people on track We need paid training opportunities to help residents achieve success and programs that offer direct job placement The train-and-pray models are not working! We cannot provide training that offers no stipends and no pathway to career opportunities once residents complete their training. This doesn't make sense! We will continue to build out the worker center to help residents navigate We are also building a network of providers around workforce development to ensure we have a holistic approach to the needs of workers in our neighborhoods with a full package of support around CORI sealing, GED/high school diplomas, licenses, resume development, and more
Residents want access to opportunities focused on small business development and stability so they can be successful. Matching residents with key organizations and opportunities with the City and State will help families build on this vision
Accountability around who has access to career opportunities and training is still top of mind for many residents We need to monitor and create stronger assessments around hiring requirements for the City and private employers who are not following hiring requirements.
We will continue to work with labor allies around union apprenticeship opportunities and growth to help residents gain access to union pathways and long-term careers
Organizing is key to addressing the continued inequalities workers face now We are fighting alongside low-wage workers who deserve higher wages and benefits and who are invested in fighting to protect the workplace.
Tip workers are working for low wages at $6 75 an hour We will have a chance to support their efforts in the 2024 election to ensure they receive a minimum wage plus their tips!
Lorna Alvarado
The Time for $20 Campaign focused on minimum wage has kicked off Statewide, we deserve a raise! The gig economy is growing We want to increase wages and ensure workers have benefits and workplace protections. We will have a chance to support their efforts in the 2024 election to ensure Uber/Lyft drivers have the right to form a union
We look forward to working alongside Community Labor United, One Fair Wage and Raise Up Mass and neighborhood allies across Boston, in the continued efforts for Economic Power through Workforce Action!
Transit
Overall Public Opinion:
39% didn’t have an Opinion on Transit
37% are disappointed in Transit
16% said Transit is ok
8% said Transit is Exceptional
Out of the options provided, 1900 residents uplifted these solutions as key areas to focus on:
24% didn't have an opinion
18% want to see continued expansion on Free Bus Program
13% had concerns to bike lanes, and an additional 13% improving transit planning and resign efforts
9% want improved sidewalk and road repairs, and an additional 9% want support for affordable elderly programs
6% had a split between affordable train options and more bus stops
2% want more bike lanes See Chart Below
Improvements to transit quality, affordability and redesign will not be an easy task We want to unify the needs of pedestrians, T-riders, drivers, cyclists and look at creative solutions that will address the needs and care for our communities Our neighborhoods are divided when it comes to transit solutions and we need a deeper analysis of what is possible and ways transit can be stronger and we need more community representation as transit and mobility is discussed.
NEU4J and Transit Justice:
Transportation is how we access our workplace, schools, supermarkets, doctor’s office and how we move around daily! The needs of youth, our elders, parents, residents who have disabilities and cyclists will require us to go deeper in our learning, understanding and visioning around transit.
This is not a one-size-fits-all solution As planning and development shifts how our transit options are designed, we need to ensure that community voices and needs are at the center of changes to transportation in our neighborhoods
We are committed to how mobility impacts our neighborhoods and to how we strengthen the participation of residents in this work. Sidewalks, road repairs, crosswalks are all important to the quality of life for our community. Transit is the lifeline to accessing essential resources and contributes to our living environment Our future depends on creating a more just, sustainable, and affordable transit system that improves air quality and enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community We must embrace innovation thoughtfully. Road and transit plans need to be connected and coordinated. It's essential to listen to community needs and create space for residents to collaborate with planners and designers throughout the process
We are also committed to working with labor allies and key partners to develop transit jobs and career pathways This will help residents gain employment and influence how transit systems support our communities in the years to come
More to come on transit and mobility!
Lorna Alvarado
We look forward to working alongside Transportation 4 Massachusetts and neighborhood allies across Boston, in the continued efforts for Transit Justice!
Childcare
Overall Public Opinion:
49% are disappointed in Childcare
37% didn’t have an opinion
9% said Childcare is doing ok
5% said Childcare is exceptional
Out of the options provided, 1900 residents
uplifted these solutions as key areas to focus on:
29% want Affordable Childcare options
27% didn’t have an opinion
14% want more Childcare Vouchers
12% want to see higher wages and benefits for providers
11% agree with Family Members being paid as Caregivers
7% want to see early morning or overnight Childcare Options
See Chart Below
Childcare is a workforce development solution, and we believe the childcare system must focus on the needs of caregivers, providers, parents, and youth. Long term, we aim to achieve universal childcare for all. Childcare needs investment, and we must get creative about addressing its needs by exploring nontraditional hour care, family, friend, and neighbor care systems, and increasing small business opportunities through the childcare needs of our communities
Our children deserve culturally appropriate care that uplifts their needs around language, food and access to learning Parents need affordable, reliable childcare options now Caregivers and Providers are a part of making this happen...and deserve wages that can benefit their needs, while caring for the needs of others.
NEU4J and Care Organizing:
Our contribution in Childcare has been dedicated to Family, Friend and Neighbor Care, FFN. This tool is about grandparents, family members and friends who step in to provide childcare when traditional childcare may not be available and or provide the options parents need We describe FFN as an underground, unseen workforce because many parents and caregivers in our communities do not know they can apply to become an FFN Caregiver with the State and receive support as an FFN provider Parents also do not know this is an option in the larger scene around Childcare.
Our work is focused on reviving, uplifting and improving FFN: Raising pay rates of FFN Caregivers is key Right now an FFN provider receives a subsidy between $9 and $23 a day This is absolutely unacceptable for a care giver!
Lorna Alvarado
We want to see an increase to at least minimum wage for FFN Care. We also want to see the application process simplified for both caregivers and parents to navigate and access across the Commonwealth. We want to see voucher flexibility options so a parent can use their voucher for both licensed and license exempt care The current voucher structure limits this and there are many times parents have to secure care in-between care or after school to manage work, their childcare and in-between travel We will work with the EEC, Early Education and Care Department, to build out an advisory team with community advocates and labor allies to focus on upgrades and improvements to FFN. Childcare
We look forward to working alongside the Care that Works Coalition and neighborhood allies across Boston, in the continued efforts to Improve Childcare!
Recognitionand Appreciations
Our Board and Members for your guidance, trust, leadership and for moving us in the right direction all of these years. Your work and commitment to social, economic and racial justice is what carries us in the fight for Justice! Shout out to our Board: Maude Hurd, Carla Pantaleon, Lenore Pereira, Linda Freeman, Antoinette Skeens, Betty McGuire, Reggie Stovell.
Our Civic Team and Organizing Staff for the many hours spent door knocking, phone banking and listening to community. Your Work and Efforts are invaluable and your leadership is key to the next 10 years of our efforts. Thank you Tsai, Rebekah, Carmen, Ana, Marta, Jazz, Luis, Tenaen, Mercedes and to the many members of the team that made this possible.
The Barr Foundation’s Climate and Mobility Team for their partnership and support to NEU4J’s contribution in the movement building eco-system and for supporting the integration of transit, mobility and the connection to housing, development and worker organizing.
The Bos Collaborative and Boston Medical Center for their partnership and support in Neighborhood Revitalization, Nontraditional Workforce Development Strategies and for being a thought partner in our efforts.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council in their support and partnership in helping us integrate and assess our community informed research. Thank you Barry Keppard, Public Health Director and Tanaya Tonpay, Public Health and Climate Planner.
