Broward County, FL Focus

FROM THE BROWARD TEACHER'S UNION:

Please send an e-mail to members of the Senate Budget Committee who will be taking testimony on SB 736. See contact list below.

SB 736 Talking Points:

We believe that every child can achieve his/her highest potential and that all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, and the community as a whole should be accountable for a student’s success

SB 736 attempts to address student achievement by using a piece meal approach which focuses on evaluating teachers based mostly on a single high stakes test

Although SB 736 attempts to address some of these concerns, it continues to fall short and miss the mark

First and foremost, there is no conclusive evidence what-so-ever showing that merit pay will lead to higher student achievement (Vanderbilt University)

Further, there are many factors outside of a teacher’s control that must be taken into account, such as: student mobility, disability, attendance, and others, which are supposedly included in the “value added” formula which will be used to measure students and teacher performance; however there is no clarity as to how this formula will work or who exactly will be coming up with this formula

How can we expect teachers to buy in to a formula and an evaluation system which they do not truly understand?

Who are the so-called “experts” who are designing this formula and how much money are they being paid to do so?

Concerns remain about the weight being given to one high stakes test --- the FCAT

Although other factors may be taken into account when measuring student performance, the FCAT is still heavily weighted at 50 percent

Classroom teachers who deal with students day in and day out and are the true experts in this arena, have consistently expressed concerns regarding the overemphasis on FCAT and the obstacles that creates to nurturing and developing the “whole” child

Parental involvement is a critical piece of the student achievement pie, yet this formula completely overlooks this fact

It would be more wise to approach effective student teaching in a more holistic manner

Sustainability is another major concern that has been raised by a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and other community member

How are all of these changes which are costing so much money, time, and energy going to be sustained over the years in light of disappearing federal funds and a shrinking state budget?

There are concerns regarding the amounts of money that are going to be spent on private testing companies to develop formulas and more tests

Further research should be done regarding the exact amount of money that will be spent on these companies

During times of economic crisis and budget cuts it is hard to understand why so much time and money are being spent developing a system that does NOT have a proven track record of success

Florida State Senate contact list:

Senate Budget Committee

Chair Senator JD Alexander
Alexander.jd.s17@flsenate.gov
Aide: Harrison.patty.s17@flsenate.gov
850-487-5044

Vice Chair Senator Joe Negron
Negron.joe.s28@flsenate.gov
Aide: Lira.carrie.s28@flsenate.gov
850-487-5088

Members:

Senator Thad Altman
Altman.thad.s24@flsenate.gov
Aide: Wayne.christine.s24@flsenate.gov
850-487-5053

Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto
Benacquisto.lizbeth.s27@flsenate.gov
Aide: Kossove.megan.s27@flsenate.gov
850-487-5356

Senator Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff
Bogdanoff.ellyn.s25@flsenate.gov
Aide: Nevins.aaron.s25@flsenate.gov
850-487-5100

Senator Mike Fasano
Fasano.mike.s11@flsenate.gov
Aide: Casanova.giovanni.s11@flsenate.gov
850-487-5062

Senator Anitere Flores
Flores.anitere.s38@flsenate.gov
Aide:Chamorro.maria.s38@flsenate.gov
850-487-5130

Senator Don Gaetz
Gaetz.don.s04@flsenate.gov
Aide:Gordon.meghan.s04@flsenate.gov
850-487-5009

Senator D. Alan Hays
Hays.alan.s20@flsenate.gov
Aide: Cornwell.nanci.s20@flsenate.gov
850-487-5014

Senator Arthenia L. Joyner
Joyner.arthenia.s18@flsenate.gov
Aide: Rosete.randi.s18@flsenate.gov
850-487-5059

Senator Evelyn Lynn
Lynn.evelyn.s07@flsenate.gov
Aide: Mullis.connie.s07@flsenate.gov
850-487-5033

Senator Gwen Margolis
Margolis.gwen.s35@flsenate.gov
Aide:Druckman.zoraida.s35@flsenate.gov
850-487-5121

Senator Bill Montford
Montford.bill.s06@flsenate.gov
Aide: Durham.melissa.s06@flsenate.gov
850-487-5004

Senator Nan Rich
Rich.nan.s34@flsenate.gov
Aide: Navarro.ellen.s34@flsenate.gov
850-487-5103

Senator Don Gaetz
Gaetz.don.s04@flsenate.gov
Aide:Gordon.meghan.s04@flsenate.gov
850-487-5009

Senator D. Alan Hays
Hays.alan.s20@flsenate.gov
Aide: Cornwell.nanci.s20@flsenate.gov
850-487-5014

Senator Arthenia L. Joyner
Joyner.arthenia.s18@flsenate.gov
Aide: Rosete.randi.s18@flsenate.gov

Senator Garrett Richter
Richter.garrett.s37@flsenate.gov
Aide: Mummert.sandra.s37@flsenate.gov
850-487-5124

Senator David Simmons
Simmons.david.s22@flsenate.gov
Aide: Clarke.valerie.s22@flsenate.gov
850-487-5050

Senator Gary Siplin
Siplin.gary.s19@flsenate.gov
Aide: Bango.tanika.s19@flsenate.gov
850-487-5190

Senator Eleanor Sobel
Sobel.eleanor.s31@flsenate.gov
Aide: Kearns.lori.s31@flsenate.gov
850-487-5097

Senator John Thrasher
Thrasher.john.s08@flsenate.gov
Aide: kubacki.darla.s08@flsenate.gov
850-487-5030

Senator Stephen Wise
Wise.stephen.s05@flsenate.gov
Aide: alexander.dee.s05@flsenate.gov
850-487-5027


CURRENT TV BROWARD AREA:
Current TV, founded by Al Gore, includes some of the best journalism in America today. In particular their Vanguard series is amazing and should not be missed by ANYONE who wants to know in depth coverage of some of the major stories in the world.

In Broward County Current TV is available on:
DIRECTV Channel 358
DISH Network Channel 196
Comcast Digital: Channel 107
AT&T U-Verse: Channel 189

Check out their program schedule here.


The Best Resource for Democrats in Broward County: BlueBroward.org:

BlueBroward.org exists to help Broward’s Democrats organize to turn Florida into a blue state, from the way we vote for President to the state and local levels. This website serves to register a growing list of volunteers and keep them informed about Democratic activities. Please sign up now.

Check out their blog here.

Check out their list of local organizations and clubs here.

Find out what's going on in Broward County with their Calendar.


LOCAL BROWARD COUNTY EVENTS:

Recurring events:

MONDAYS:
Sunrise Democratic Club
Meets the first Monday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Nob Hill Clubhouse at Soccer Club Park (10200 Sunset Strip)

Refreshments will be served. For more information please contact Club President Lori Glasser at (954) 496-3112 or via email at csglasser@aol.com

Broward Young Democrats
Meets the second Monday of each month at Gatsby’s located at 1805 S. University Dr., Davie, FL 33324. Our meetings begin at 7:30pm and are preceded by a happy hour at 6:30pm. We are routinely joined by state and local officials, union leaders, journalists and activists who share their experiences and knowledge of some of the most critical issues facing our communities

Weston Democratic Club
We meet the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M in the Bonaventure Town Center Club, located at 16690 Saddle Club Road (West of Bonaventure Blvd.).


TUESDAYS:
Broward County Democratic Party
Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Deicke Auditorium - 7:30 P.M.
5701 Cypress Road
Plantation, FL 33317-2638


WEDNESDAYS:
Dolphin Democratic Club
"...it shall be the mission of this organization to foster good will between gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) members of the Democratic Party and the community at large."

Meets the second Wednesday of every month at The Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy., Bldg (A) Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Caribbean American Democratic Club of Broward County (CADC)
Meetsthe 4th Wednesday of every month at 7:30 PM
Lauderdale Lakes Community Council
3720 West Oakland Park Blvd. (SE corner of 441 & W. Oakland Park Blvd.)
(unless otherwise notified) We rotate meeting locations from time to time in an effort to reach the entire Broward community, so get more information here.


THURSDAYS:
Ft. Lauderdale Drinking Liberally
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
* Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org


BROWARD COUNTY NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans.

Here are some local Broward branches:

North Broward NAACP
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
954-783-8993

Broward High School NAACP Chapter
1409 SISTRUNK BOULEVARD
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-764-7604

West Hollywood NAACP
5360 FLETCHER ST
Hollywood, FL 33023


Hispanic Unity of Florida:
http://www.hispanicunity.org/

Founded on January 20, 1982, recognizing Broward's growing role as a haven for Spanish-speaking immigrants and refugees, a group of dedicated individuals came together to establish a non-profit organization that would put out the welcome mat for newcomers from other lands. With a keen understanding of the needs of these new residents, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc., began to offer English classes, job placement, emergency assistance, information and referral, and a wide range of other services designed to ease this transition in the most effective manner.

Today, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc. has grown to become the largest non-profit organization in Broward County that is dedicated to serving the Hispanic population. Its services have broadened to include such critically important areas as job placement, health education, HIV/AIDS education, prevention and outreach, free tax preparation, summer camps, children's literacy, and senior activity center.

For more info, go to their website and click on "contact us".


National Jewish Democratic Council:

The National Jewish Democratic Council is the trusted voice and resource for Democratic office holders, candidates and party organizations to better understand and engage with the Jewish community. NJDC mobilizes the Jewish community and convenes opinion leadership to support the Democratic promise for all Americans. We look to our Jewish tradition to guide us on the issues of social and economic justice, religious pluralism and the peace and security of the State of Israel that will be the hallmark of our work.

NJDC believes that through our work in Democratic Party politics, we can ensure a better world for our children and grandchildren.

For more information, or to become a member of the South Florida chapter, email steven.wallace@ruden.com.


If you like having fun while discussing politics, here is a Drinking Liberally Group in Fort Lauderdale:

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
* Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org


The Original Broward County Democracy for America:
Furthering Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy in Broward County

Click here to join for more info.


Broward Young Democrats:

We meet on the second Monday of each month at Gatsby’s located at 1805 S. University Dr., Davie, FL 33324. Our meetings begin at 7:30pm and are preceded by a happy hour at 6:30pm. We are routinely joined by state and local officials, union leaders, journalists and activists who share their experiences and knowledge of some of the most critical issues facing our communities.


Some local Democratic Clubs: This is the best way to get involved in local politics and get to know your elected officials personally


Galt Ocean Grassroots Organization (Go-Go Democrats):

http://www.gogodems.org/



Caribbean American Democratic Club:

Caribbean American Democratic Club of Broward County (CADC) was founded on the principles of the Democratic Party. We are members of the Broward Democratic Executive Committee. The goal of CADC is to nurture and educate Democrats about the principles of the Democratic Party.

CADC meets the 4th Wednesday of every month
at 7:30 PM

Lauderdale Lakes Community Council
3720 West Oakland Park Blvd. (SE corner of 441 & W. Oakland Park Blvd.)
(unless otherwise notified)

We rotate meeting locations from time to time in an effort to reach the entire Broward community.

Non-members are always welcome at all events

For more information go here.


Hallandale Beach Democratic Club: check out their Facebook Page

Weston Democratic Club:

The Weston Democratic Club is the hub in our city for the national and state Democratic Party. Our city boasts a population of 50,000, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Our voting areas are divided into Precincts. Each precinct may be represented by one committee man and one committee woman. As a grassroots Democratic activist you are encouraged to become a committee man or woman in your precinct. This is a great way to communicate important information, generate excitement, and help get out the vote-all while getting to know your neighbors better!

Our club is in the forefront of political activism in the city. We have many functions and are well known throughout the county. Our meetings have evolved as 'the place to see and be seen" in Broward County. Most candidates and elected officials visit Weston quite frequently and we have the chance to have our individual say in local, state and national politics.

We meet the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M in the Bonaventure Town Center Club, located at 16690 Saddle Club Road (West of Bonaventure Blvd.).

Dolphin Democrats:

http://dolphindems.org/index.html

Mission Statement

"Further, it shall be the mission of this organization to foster good will between gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) members of the Democratic Party and the community at large. We seek individual freedom in the framework of a just society and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all citizens."

Vision Statement

"A voice that seeks to instill awareness in the freedoms of a democratic society. Educating future leaders and supporting the community at large. Maintain an ongoing rapport and increasing viability with political entities."

Check out their calendar for local events


Broward County Democratic Party
Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Deicke Auditorium - 7:30 P.M.
5701 Cypress Road
Plantation, FL 33317-2638

The objective of the Broward Democratic Party is to supplement the state and national organizations of the Democratic Party and to secure efficient, able, and honest national, state, county and local government in accordance with the principles of the national Democratic Party. In furtherance of these goals, the Committee continuously endeavors to maintain and foster the high ideals of the Democratic Party.

Click here to volunteer


GREEN BUSINESSES IN THE Ft. LAUDERDALE AREA: These are some of the best local businesses around. Taken from the Green America Green Pages

Pizza Fusion
www.pizzafusion.com
Offers an all-natural and organic menu of gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, salads, beer, and wine. Feed your family organic, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian foods. Restaurants nationwide.
Phone: (877)31-PIZZA
Fax: (954)202-1929
2200 W Cypress Creek Rd #1
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Skoobit, Inc.
www.skoobit.com
"Your only source when it comes to renting textbooks." Skoobit was created to save college students around the country money every semester.
Phone: (888)665-6361
Fax: (954)636-2863
1402 Victoria Isle Dr.
Weston, FL 33327

Best Baby Organics
www.bestbabyorganics.com
Eco-friendly maternity and baby gear delivered to your door step. From pregnancy and beyond essentials to organic baby clothes to non-toxic baby furniture.
Phone: (954)688-6713
Fax: (954)688-6713
11739 NW 26th St.
Coral Springs, FL 33065

Community Capital Management
www.ccmfixedincome.com
Community Capital Management, Inc. ("CCM") was established in 1998 and is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. CCM manages the CRA Qualified Investment Fund which invests in high credit quality, market-rate fixed-income securities that finance community and economic development. The core economic activities supported by these investments include affordable homeownership and rental housing, environmentally sustainable initiatives, job creation and training programs, and neighborhood revitalization projects.
Phone: (954)217-7999
Fax: (954)385-9299
2500 Weston Rd.
Ste. 101
Weston, FL 33331

Greenwise Bankcard
www.greenwisebankcard.com
An eco-friendly credit card processing service/donation program developer. Our processing saves paper, saves trees and energy, and gives back to real environmentally worthy causes.
Phone: (954)623-5923
4400 West Sample Rd.
Ste. 248
Coconut Creek, FL 33073

BoxQuest - Used Moving Boxes, Inc.
www.boxquest.com
Used moving boxes for sale locally. Buy/sell recycled cardboard boxes within your community. Buy new discount moving boxes and supplies--free nationwide delivery.
Phone: (954)924-4088
P.O. Box 223402
Hollywood, FL 33022


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