TASK FORCE INFORMATION:
Our next meeting is scheduled for next Monday, Nov 14 via Zoom from 7:30PM.  Because Bill Okerman will be out of town, I need a volunteer to act as the host for the meeting, and setting up the invitation.  Please contact me ASAP if you can help us out for this meeting. 
We will discuss the results of the election and plan our future actions with the incoming Congress. Now that Yes on 4 passed locally, I suggest we should devote our attention to getting DACA relief passed.  Defending DACA is about both delivering for our Dreamers and protecting our economy. More than 340,000 essential workers are DACA recipients, including healthcare workers and teachers. Nearly $10 billion in tax contributions would be lost if the program were terminated. Congress must act now!
Want to discuss any other issues?  Send me an email so I can add it to the agenda.
 REPORTS:
>> TRAC from Syracuse University has published  another Report listing all the Immigration Judges in the country by Immigration Court location, setting forth the granting and denials of Asylum applications.  SEE: .  :    file:///Users/gerryapple/Desktop/2022.11.TRAC.Judge-by-Judge%20Asylum%20Decisions%20in%20Immigration%20Courts.html. Don’t let anyone kid you – the approval rate is very low.  It’s worth a couple of minutes to review the information.>> CBS News reports  on a survey conducted with voters in five battleground states, in which 73% of those surveyed said they backed giving immigrants living in the United States without legal permission an opportunity to “earn” lawful status and ultimately citizenship if they meet certain requirements, including passing background checks. Go to: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/immigration-midterms-legalization-citizenship-poll/?utm_   for the full report.
LOCAL NEWS:
 >> GBH aired an interesting story indicating that when NY allowed driver’s licenses to undocumented,  it cut accidents, reduced time spent by police processing unlicensed drivers.  GO to:  https://www.wgbh.org/news/national-news/2022/10/21/arrests-for-unlicensed-driving-plunge-in-new-york-following-unauthorized-immigrant-license-law-like-mass-s?utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=website  to read or listen to the full story. 
 >> Yes on 4 ballot question passed thanks to the hard work of so many of you. See attachment that I was asked to post.
  LOCAL REQUESTS:
>> The Metrowest Workers Center (CASA) asks for your unused travel rewards:  Do you have travel rewards that you are not using? With limited housing availability and rents rising dramatically, neighbors are increasingly facing eviction, as landlords seek to rehab housing to drastically increase rent they can charge.  Casa has found itself in need of occasional short term housing. If you are able to donate a few nights via travel rewards in a local hotel, please fill out this form or contribute to our fund to address evictions.
>> Secondly, As the demand for court and medical appointments begins to rise, there is an increased need for drivers to accompany neighbors. Masks can be used to increase everyone’s comfort level.  Emails have been sent requesting help. If you are able to accompany a neighbor and are not receiving these emails, please let Casa know by writing to casa@mwc-casa.org
 >> Needham  Human rights Multicultural Festival 2023 – Get Involved With This Quick Survey
I believe the Task Force should be represented in the planning of this event.  Let me know if you are interested in being out representative.
The Needham Human Rights Committee and Needham Diversity Initiative are excited to announce that they are planning the first Annual Multicultural Festival in March 2023! The committees are seeking representation from all Needham residents and their many cultures. Please take 2 minutes to complete this 2-question survey indicating any and all of the ways you and your family identify, and if you’d like to be involved with the event in any capacity. The committees will reach out afterwards with more information and sign-ups for community planning and hosting of this creative and fun-filled event.
Take the survey

On a personal note:  The Exchange Club is again selling Holiday Fruit and Chocolate as we have been doing for several years.  Fortunately our citrus distributer’s orchard was not damaged during the hurricane that hit the west coast of Florida.

This year I ask you to go on line at Needhamexchangeclub.org and then go to the tab entitled “Holiday Fruit and Chocolate Sale”.  You will see pictures of the items for sale and you can then fill your shopping cart and pay on line via PayPal. If you prefer, you can send your order and check to PO Box 920475, Needham, MA 02492.   Orders must be received by November 21st and picked up on Saturday, Dec 10th at the Needham Pumping Station on 5 St. Mary Street, off Central Avenue.  If you want me to pick up and deliver your order to your home in Needham, send me a separate email   (Gerry80059@Comcast.net  ) along with your address and the items you ordered.Proceeds support Needham student scholarships.  Thank you for your support of the Exchange Club.  Stay safe

Gerry Rovner