African Youth Summit
 The DC Mayor’s Office on African Affairs & District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) invite you to join DC Government agencies and African youth in the District for an evening of networking, resource sharing and mentor/ mentee relationship building. If you are interested in: learning about college readiness program, scholarships, internship and volunteer opportunities within the District, education policy review, and mentee/mentor relationship building, you don't want to miss this event!
Date: Friday| November 8, 2013|05:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Edna Cromwell-Frazier Community Room, Franklin D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs|2000 14th Street NW|2nd Floor| Washington, DC|20009
ID required to enter the building
RSVP Here
2nd Annual Business Symposium "From DC to Africa" Growing Local & Going Global
 This year, the DC to Africa Business Symposium aims to bring business owners and entrepreneurs in the District in direct contact with local government and federal agencies, and other relevant organizations that offer critical information, technical assistance and resources for both seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to start or expand their business in DC, or go global through export initiatives and trade opportunities in Africa. Don’t miss this unique networking and resource sharing opportunity!
Date: Monday| November 25, 2013|09:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 11th Floor Conference Room|441 4th Street NW|Washington, DC|20001
Translation Available Upon Request!
RSVP Here
African Owned Businesses Recipients of the Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Grants
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs would like warmly congratulate the businesses who are the winners and recipients of the Mayor’s Great Streets Grant. Recipients included: African Hair Braiding, Wonder Automotive, Halcyon Salon, and Wanda’s Hair Studio. Congratulations! The grants aim to stimulate small business creation, expansion, and retention while also creating new job opportunities for District residents along Great Streets corridors and in surrounding areas.
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Help Build The First DC African Business Directory!
 •Wish you could access an up-to-date listing of the District’s African-Owned Businesses?
•Want to contribute to building a comprehensive DC African Business Directory?
We are currently looking for a team of dedicated volunteers interested in building OAA’s African business directory. In the coming weeks, our team of OAA staff and volunteers will be doing door-to-door outreach, cold but culturally sensitive calls, data mining, and more to gather current and comprehensive data on African-owned businesses in this city. This is a great opportunity for college students and aspiring entrepreneurs to get to know the District’s African business owners and learn about the contributions they make to the District’s economic growth and vitality!
Register Here
Be in the Know: Help OAA’s Facebook page get to 1,000 likes!
Interested in being the first to hear about grant opportunities, business development services, DC government resources, networking events, and Africa-related news and events?
OAA’s FACEBOOK PAGE HAS IT ALL!
Like OAA’s Facebook page to help us get to 1,000 likes and we’ll help you stay connected! We’re more than halfway there, but we need your help!
Click here for OAA’s Facebook Page
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Also, follow us on Twitter!
Mayor Gray and Transportation Officials Celebrate the Completion of New York Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Federal Highway Division Administrator Christopher Lawson, and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Terry Bellamy today officially marked the completion of the rehabilitation of the New York Avenue Bridge – a critical infrastructure project for the District. “Throughout the country we are faced with the issue of aging infrastructure,” said Mayor Gray. “Together with our federal partners, my administration remains committed to ensuring that the District’s bridges and roadways are safe to serve our needs for decades to come.”
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In Weekly Radio Address, Mayor Gray Highlights Opening of New Pavilion at St. Elizabeths East Campus
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray used his weekly radio address to highlight the opening of the G8WAY DC Pavilion on the St. Elizabeths East Campus, the amenities it brings to the community, and the momentous positive change it heralds for St. Elizabeths East, Congress Heights, the wider Ward 8 community and the entire East End of the District.
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Mayor Gray Announces Two New Open-Government Initiatives
Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced two new initiatives designed to improve transparency, public participation and accountability in the District government. The first is the procurement of new software for processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to District agencies. The new automated system, called FOIAXpress, will be the District’s first-ever citywide FOIA-processing system.
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Mayor Gray and Deputy Mayor Hoskins Announce the Recipients of the Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Grants
Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor L. Hoskins today announced a round of awards for the Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Program. The grants aim to stimulate small business creation, expansion, and retention while also creating new job opportunities for District residents along Great Streets corridors and in surrounding areas
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Silver Spring program helps Africans adjust to life in States
 On Monday evening, kids clustered in the basement of the Park Montgomery Apartments in Silver Spring. Second-graders sat at one table, coloring with crayons and filling in connect-the-dot drawings. Next to them a table of older kids worked on their homework. As each of them finished an assignment, they ran up to Asmara Sium to let her know and she assured them she would be right there to check it over.
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Does Maine’s immigrant community hold untapped economic potential?
 As the rest of Maine’s business community struggled through the Great Recession and its recovery, one sector of the local economy remained relatively unscathed and could, with the proper support, provide the state with a much-needed economic boost, according to experts.
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DC Tech Incentives
The District of Columbia offers incentives to reduce the cost of doing business for high-tech companies. To qualify for incentives, businesses must be located in the District, employ at least two individuals, and derive a majority of revenue from qualifying high technology activities. Move to DC: Five-year freeze on assessed value of real property (no increase in real property tax) and relocation reimbursements of up to $5,000 for each employee relocated to the District and $7,500 if the employee also relocates his or her principle residence to the District.
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SCORE Small Business Loans Workshop
This one-hour workshop reviews the SBA business loan guaranty programs with emphasis on Express Loans which are in the range of $5,000 to $350,000. The Community Express loan program combines financial and technical assistance to enable small and home-based business owners access to business loans instead of consumer loans. Also discussed is the new Patriot Express loan program targeted to assist active and retired military veterans and their families.
Date: Wednesday|November 6, 2013| 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: SCORE DC|409 3rd Street, SW| Suite 100A|Washington, DC|20024
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DC Health Link: The New Health Law and Small Business
The new federal health care reform law may change the health insurance options available to small businesses in the District of Columbia. Come hear how you can best utilize the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority's new online marketplace, DCHealthLink.com, to compare and purchase health plans for yourself and your employees. You'll also learn how to gain access to federal tax credits and other incentives that can help pay for your insurance coverage for employees, and how to become compliant with the new regulations under the law.
Date: Wednesday| November 6, 2013| 06:30 - 08:00 PM
Location: Shepherd Park Library|7420 Georgia Avenue NW|Washington, DC|20012
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Data, Demand and Demographics: A Symposium on Housing Finance
The Urban Institute and CoreLogic are pleased to invite you to a symposium addressing a diverse range of future housing market issues and opportunities confronting consumers, businesses, and policy makers. The symposium will feature two keynote addresses by Gene Sperling, Director of the National Economic Council and Ed Glaeser, Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics, Harvard University.
Date: Wednesday|November 20, 2013| 08:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center|Pavilion Room|1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW|Washington, DC 20229
Register Here
Best Practices in Employment Law: A Four Part Training Series
The four sessions will be held consecutive Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 7pm. beginning April 10, 2013. As part of the course, you will receive an overview of DC's employment laws as they apply to small businesses, including: Hiring, Firing, and Performance Management; Employee Compensation and Classification; Wage and Hour Laws; Distinction between Employees and Independent Contractors; and Employment Discrimination.
Date: Recurring sessions until May 1, 2014
Location: Crowell & Moring | 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Washington, DC | 20004
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OPGS' Five-Week Intermediate Level Grant Proposal Writing Webinar Series
 The Mayor’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS) in collaboration with The Magi Group, LLC will offer a five-week intermediate level grant proposal writing webinar series for District-based nonprofit executives and development staff. The webinar training will assist experienced proposal writers who would like more advanced writing skills preparing foundation – common grant applications, and federal government proposals. Must register by Friday, November 1, 2013 to ensure participation.
Date: Monday|November 4, 18, 25|December 2, 9|04:00 - 05:00 PM
Contact: Thomas.Carrington@dc.gov or 202-727-8900 for more details
Register Here
DC Democracy Grant
In October 2013, the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia will solicit applications from nonprofit [501(c)(3)] organizations with a history of promoting Self-Determination, Voting Rights, Home Rule and/or Statehood for the District of Columbia to receive grant funds for such activities during Fiscal Year 2014. There will be $200,000 in District funds available during FY 2014 for DC democracy grant(s) to be allocated on a competitive basis.
Submission Deadline: November 12, 2013
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Grand Challenges Explorations
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announces funds to support accelerated grant programs that encourages bold approaches aimed at improving the lives of poor people seek Health Care, Develop a New Condom, and Reduce Diarrhea, One of the Biggest Killers of Children on the Planet . Awards available up to $100,000 for nonprofit organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations.
Submission Deadline: November 12, 2013
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AmeriCorps State Competitive Grant Competition 2014 (SDC)
Serve DC announces funds to provide full- and less than full-time opportunities for participants, called members, to serve their communities and build the capacity of nonprofit organizations to meet local environmental, educational, public safety, homeland security, or other human needs. Awards available up to $13,000 for city or township governments, state governments, nonprofit organizations and DC government agencies; a match is required.
Submission Deadline: November 21, 2013
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Sponsor an Age-Friendly DC Community Consultation for your Community
The District of Columbia is working to become an inclusive and accessible urban environment. Age-Friendly DC is part of an international effort started by the World Health Organization to respond to two significant demographic trends: urbanization and a rapidly aging population. Participants will join others in contributing to what the District will look like as an Age-Friendly City. Together we can make the District of Columbia a friendlier place for those of all ages.
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KNOW Project (Knowledge for New Comer)
The Ethiopian Community Development Council currently has a breast cancer project known as Project KNOW (Knowledge for New Comer). The main goal of the project is to provide free breast cancer workshops and mammogram referrals to refugee, asylee, immigrant, uninsured and underinsured women of the DC Metropolitan area. Project KNOW is funded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The goal of the project is to increase the number of newcomer women in the metropolitan area above the age of 39 years of age who receive breast cancer screening, early detection, and early treatment of breast cancer.
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Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
 October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month - when individuals, families, schools, and communities across the nation help to raise awareness about bullying prevention. Bullying remains a widespread problem with nearly 30 percent of adolescents in the U.S. reporting some experience with bullying, whether as the victim, the bully or both. An infographic developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) highlights important facts and information about bullying prevention.
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Medical Marijuana Off to Slow Start in DC
In the 3 months since medical marijuana has been available in the District of Columbia, just 59 patients have registered to buy it, and advocates say that's because of the city's strict rules for use of the drug. City health officials provided statistics about medical marijuana use at a D.C. Council hearing on Monday. Just over half of those who've signed up to use medical marijuana have HIV or AIDS, said Feseha Woldu, senior deputy director of the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration.
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Adventist HealthCare's Center on Health Disparities Seventh Annual Fall Conference "Partnering Toward a Healthier Future: Addressing Disparities in Behavioral Health"
This year’s conference presents an informative and thought-provoking day of panels, distinguished speakers and an interactive session, providing a 360 degree perspective of the treatment of behavioral health as it relates to public health. Conference attendees will gain insight from health-care industry experts, spiritual leaders and consumers of behavioral health services, offering best practices to address this important health topic amidst the changing health-care landscape.
Date: Tuesday|December 3, 2013|08:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Marriott Inn and Conference Center|University of Maryland University College|3501 University Blvd E|Hyattsville, MD|20783
Register Here | Learn More
Education Series: Overview of Residential Condominium Registration Applications and Public Offering Statements
 The DC Department of Housing and Community Development will hold “Education Series: Overview of Residential Condominium Registration Applications and Public Offering Statements”. In this seminar the rental conversion and sale division will give an overview of the residential condominium registration application process and elements of public offering statements for compliance with the condominium act of 1976, as a mended.
Date: Tuesday|November 12, 2013|12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Location: DHCD Housing Resource| Center1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE| 1st Floor|Washington, DC|20020
If you are able to attend, please RSVP my Monday, November 11, 2013 by calling (202) 442-4422 or email dhcd.events@dc.gov
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Free Financial Planning Day for Metro Washington Residents
The D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking is co-hosting this event with the Financial Planning Association of the National Capital Area and others to provide residents with free advice on budgeting, retirement planning, income taxes, investment strategies and more. D.C. area residents will be able to get free financial planning advice and guidance from professional financial planners at the 4th Annual Metro Washington Financial Planning Day.
Date: Saturday|November 2, 2013| 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Location: Columbia Heights Educational Campus|3101 16th Street NW|Washington, D.C. |20010
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Free Immigration Legal Workshops Series
The office of Loide Rosa Jorge, Attorney at Law is currently scheduling a free immigration legal workshops series for the Fall 2013. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make sure that your community learns the basics of U.S. immigration law! Immigration reform and the many "hot" policy topics surrounding it have recently been all over the news. Yet and still, in the midst of all this action, many of the 11 million “undocumented” people currently in the U.S. are still confused about whether or not U.S. immigration laws have actually changed, or if any type of "amnesty" is (or will be) happening soon.
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USCIS Idea Community
Earlier this summer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new initiative to use an online collaborative tool called the USCIS Idea Community to ask for your ideas and opinions on our self-help customer service tools. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the USCIS Idea Community and shared their thoughts. The next series of USCIS Idea Community campaigns will focus on the various USCIS outreach efforts and engagement opportunities. Starting October 28 and active through November 8, you can visit the USCIS Idea Community to participate in discussions about our national stakeholder engagements.
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The 6th Annual African Women’s Empowerment Workshop
 This annual event provides much-needed information to African immigrant women who are survivors of domestic violence, empowering them to rebuild their lives and maintain peace and safety for themselves and their families. This year’s workshop will include presentations about family law, the courts and law enforcement, and immigration rights for survivors of domestic violence.
Date: Saturday|November 2, 2013|09:00 AM- 05:30 PM
Location: Catholic Charities| Montgomery County Family Center| 12247 Georgia Avenue| Silverspring, MD|20902
Smita.Dazzo@CatholicCharitiesDC.org
Sister to Sister
 Sisters to sisters is a support group for immigrants survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault. The group meets once a week on Tuesday to talk about topics that matter to you and join a community of survivors supporting each other!! You are not alone.
Date: Starts on Tuesday|November 12 - December 4, 2013|10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Ayuda DC office | 6925 B Willow Street NW| Washington DC|20012
For More Information Call 202-243-7304
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Washington Marriott Marquis Jobs Training Program
 Goodwill of Greater Washington and its partners ONE-DC, Progressive Partners, The University of the District of Columbia – Community College, GROW, OMG Center for Collaborative Learning, and United Way of the National Capital Area, are administering a hospitality and employer-focused training program for District residents. This program will train, prepare, and refer residents to apply for jobs at the Washington Marriott Marquis, opening May 2014.
Training Program Application Sessions 1:
Date: Friday| November 8, 2013| 12:00- 03:00 PM
Location: Carlos Rosario International Career Center| Harvard Campus|1100 Harvard Street NW| Washington, DC|20009
Training Program Application Sessions 1:
Date: Tuesday|November 12, 2013|09:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Location: United House of Prayer|601 M Street NW|Washington, DC|20001
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Culinary Job Training Program
 The goal of the program is to prepare unemployed, underemployed, previously incarcerated persons, and homeless adults for careers in the food service industry. Since its inception, the Culinary Job Training Program has changed the lives of over 1,000 men and women. The 14-week Culinary Curriculum covers all facets of work in a professional kitchen. The program includes “hands-on” training instructed by an ACF Culinary Coordinator.
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Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards
The Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards, developed in partnership with the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership, are looking for innovative yet practical, tangible solutions created by young people that help make sustainable living commonplace. Young entrepreneurs (aged 30 or under) are invited to submit groundbreaking initiatives that tackle the challenge of sustainable living. Are you a young entrepreneur with a product, service, or application that could change a practice or behaviour to enable sustainable living?
Submission Deadline: November 1, 2013
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Call For Award Nominations Celebrate Excellence - American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Award
Each year, ASPA presents awards to deserving individuals in over 25 categories to recognize scholarship, service and outstanding accomplishments in public service. ASPA recognizes individuals as well as organizations.Nominate a peer who has demonstrated outstanding management or leadership skills. Recognize a peer whose outstanding contributions have led to a change in performance management or promoted accountability.
The deadline for nominations is November 22, 2013.
Nominate Here
Want Your Event Featured in the 'African Beat'?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 5,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like to submit your event to be included in our calendar, please submit the following event details: what, when, & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, July 4th at 5:00PM (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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