General Resources

Enter the word(s) you are searching for; use quotes for exact phrase

Everything else!

Displaying 51 - 100 of 1336
View by Library Type
Sort by

CORI Basics: Criminal Record Sealing, Expungement & Related Issues

GBLS, VLP/ERLI and DCJIS
Materials from the October 17, 2023 CORI training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training (BBT) series. Training Presentations and Handouts CORI Faculty Bios (pdf) MCLE CORI Presentation (pdf of slides) CORI Sealing and Expungement (pdf of slides)  Sealing at…

Income/Food Benefits and Immigrant Eligibility: Chart on Eligible Statuses

Pat Baker, MLRI & Naomi Meyer, GBLS
Cash and food stamp/SNAP eligibility chart by immigration status for Massachusetts residents.

Five Steps to Build and Sustain Diversity in Your Organization

Keith D. Dorsey
Creating an equitable environment and supporting diverse populations in navigating them are key to sustaining workplace diversity. Organizations can work toward this goal by taking five steps: committing to sponsorship, addressing systemic factors to eliminate glass ceilings, diagnosing “glass…

The Racism Black Kids Endure Is Spiraling Into a Health Crisis

Margo Snipe
Article discussing how new research shows that although racism might not be the most common type of discrimination, it had the greatest impact on teens. For Black kids, that stress is often caused by racism that comes in school settings: from peers, teachers, or administrators

Why Pay Transparency Regulations Are a Strategic Management Opportunity

Tamara Montag-Smit, Karoline Evans, Brandon Smit, and Cassondra Batz-Barbarich
Robust appraisal systems make pay transparency an opportunity to improve performance rather than a compliance burden.     

New MassHealth Unit for Problem Cases

MassHealth
New Escalation Protocol for Problem MassHealth Cases: The Service Solution Unit (SSU) MassHealth is standing up a new process to “escalate” problem MassHealth cases after initial attempts to resolve an issue with MassHealth Customer Service or the MassHealth Enrollment Center or other units…

Vietnamese Immigrants in the United States

Jeanne Batalova
In previous decades, the vast majority of Vietnamese immigrants to the United States arrived as refugees. Recently, most are coming through family reunification channels, either as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or through other family-sponsored pathways. The change represents an evolution of…

Measuring The Enduring Imprint Of Structural Racism On American Neighborhoods

Zachary Dyer, Matthew J. Alcusky, Sandro Galea, and Arlene Ash
A long history of discriminatory policies in the United States has created disparities in neighborhood resources that shape ethnoracial health inequities today. To quantify these differences, we organized publicly available data on forty-two variables at the census tract level within nine domains…

Latino, Hispanic, Latinx, Chicano: The History Behind the Terms

Yara SIMÓN
The effort to coin a term to describe a wildly diverse group of Americans has long stirred controversy. The terms Latino, Hispanic and Latinx are often used interchangeably to describe a group that makes up about 19 percent of the U.S. population. While it’s now common to use umbrella terms to…

Race Wealth Snapshots

National Community Reinvestment Coalition
Catalog of socioeconomic briefs on racial wealth gaps.

Framework for Evaluating Reformist Reforms vs Abolitionist Steps

UpEND
The questions in this document provide a guide to analyze whether proposed reforms to family policing further entrench the family policing system or move us closer to abolition of family policing. The questions we ask are a reflection of the world we want to build—one without family policing and one…

BBT Training Materials

MLRI
Basic Benefits Training Schedule and Registration: 2023-2024 Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) present a series of trainings every year for legal, social, health services, and community advocates who assist low- and moderate-income…

MassHealth Monitoring Project

MLRI
The mission of MLRI’s MassHealth Monitoring Project is to ensure that everyone on MassHealth keeps their coverage, or moves to other affordable coverage, during the April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 MassHealth eligibility redetermination process. This website - which includes…

Public Housing Redevelopment Residents' Bill of Rights

Mass Law Reform
The Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants (Mass Union) has worked with its members and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute has worked with legal services advocates, primarily at Greater Boston Legal Services, to create this Public Housing Redevelopment Residents' Bill of Rights to…

Maternal deaths in the U.S. more than doubled over two decades with Black mothers dying at the highest rate

CBS News
Maternal deaths across the U.S. more than doubled over the course of two decades, and the tragedy unfolded unequally. Black mothers died at the nation's highest rates, while the largest increases in deaths were found in American Indian and Native Alaskan mothers. And some states…

Advancing Racial Equity: Legal Guidance for Advocates

Stephen Menedian
Memorandum has been developed for advocates willing to seek to forthrightly advance racial equity objectives while hewing as closely as possible to prevailing legal constraints and limitations. It also seeks to clarify a few common but unfortunately pervasive misunderstandings that prevail…

There Is No Rung on the Ladder That Protects You From Hate

Brian X. Chen
Asian-Americans are reeling from the killings in Georgia and a rising number of attacks nationwide. Could confronting racism bring solidarity across their class divides?

Digital divide persists even as Americans with lower incomes make gains in tech adoption

Emily A. Vogels, The Pew Institute
Roughly a quarter of adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year (24%) say they don’t own a smartphone. About four-in-ten adults with lower incomes do not have home broadband services (43%) or a desktop or laptop computer (41%). And a majority of Americans with lower incomes are not…

Inclusive Language Resources

Georgetown University Library’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Inclusive language is defined as language that "acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, is sensitive to difference and promotes equal opportunity." While language has the power to create bonds and understanding, it often has been used to define differences that marginalize,…

Mass211

United Way and MAIRS
A comprehensive database of human services resources in Massachusetts.  You can call, chat with or use the online directory to get referrals and resources for  emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health…

Legal Aid Web Accessibility

LSNTAP
From LSNTAP (Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project):   Materials on web accessibility for legal aid

Census Data Maps

Statistical Atlas
From the About section: "StatisticalAtlas.com is a website dedicated to satisfying all your cravings for in-depth statistical data and analysis for all of the US. Get high-level overviews for the entire country, then drill down through 10+ map levels, all the way down to the individual…

Federal Legal Materials -- Links

MLRI
Federal procedures, codes and court rules. Federal Rules of Evidence Federal Rules of Civil Procedure U.S. Code Collection United States Court of Appeals (1st Circuit) Rulebook Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure First Circuit Local Rules First Circuit Internal Operating…

Database of Public Data Projects

Data Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions launched a searchable public database comprising cutting-edge examples of public sector data use. The "Solutions Search" indexes interactive maps and visualizations, spanning civic issue areas such as transportation, public health and housing, that are helping…

Massachusetts Legal Materials -- Links

MLRI
Links to Massachusetts primary law and court rules, compiled by the Massachusetts Trial Court Library. Includes Constitution Acts and Resolves Code of Mass. Regulations (CMR) Mass General Laws (Legislature's website) Selected Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court…

Massachusetts Litigation Resources App

Suffolk Institute on Law Practice and Technology
This handy free app is brought to you by Suffolk University Law School's Institute on Law Practice Technology and Innovation. The App gives you direct access to a variety of useful litigation resources, including court rules and information, right from your mobile device or tablet. Click…

Add Unpublished Decisions to Westlaw!

MLRI
It is very easy to submit otherwise unpublished decisions to Westlaw for inclusion in the West caselaw decision databases.  See the Thompson Reuters Submission Guidelines for Court Opinions.

Media Advocacy: MA Newspapers

OnLine Newspapers
Links to contact information for newspapers and media outlets in Massachusetts.

Legislative History Resources

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
The following are some helpful links for tracing Massachusetts and Federal Legislative History: Guide to Tracing a Massachusetts Law:  The State Library of Massachusetts has developed this on-line resource guide to tracing the legislative history of Massachusetts laws. It contains many…

DataTown, Massachusetts: Town Level Massachusetts Data

Massachusetts Housing Partnership's Center for Housing Data
This interactive web site compiles community-level information from various available data sources for all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns, and visualizes that data in graphics and charts so it's easy to understand, print out and bring to a community discussion.  Click "go to…

UMICH Statistical Resources on the Web

UMichigan
Operated by the University of Michigan: "Find data produced by governments IGOs, NGOs, and the private sector on a wide variety of topics including demographic data on local communities, other countries, public opinion polls, criminal justice, incarceration and jails."

Data & Race: How Data Can Help Advance Racial Justice

Peter Ciurczak, Boston Indicators
Slideshow presentation on how analyzing racial data can help to advance racial justice by Peter Ciurczak, Research Analyst for Boston Indicators.

DTA Connect - apply for SNAP, get case information, or send documents to DTA!

MLRI
What is DTA Connect? DTA Connect is DTA’s mobile app and online portal to see case information for people who have applied for or get DTA benefits. DTA Connect.com also has an online SNAP application.   DTA Connect services are a great way for low income households and community…

SNAP for Gig Workers

MLRI
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you and your family buy food at supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets. If you are a rideshare or delivery driver - or another type of “gig” worker - and you need food benefits, here’s what you need to…

What's in the Blue Envelope for People Turning 65

MassHealth
MassHealth is in the process of renewing eligibility for all its 2.4 million members during the one year period from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. If eligibility can't be renewed through data matching, beneficiaries will be sent a blue envelope with a notice dated April 1, 2023 or later to be…

SNAP Eligibility Rules/Rights for College Students

MLRI
College students are continuing to struggle with tuition costs and shrinking financial aid. Many students are eligible for SNAP benefits but are not accessing them. This webpage gives you information on who is eligible and how to apply. According to the a Massachusetts Hope Center…

LGBTQ Youth Rights - Foster Care

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders
Know your rights -- click the "Go to Website" link below to visit the foster section of GLAD's website for LGBTQ youth in New England.

Racial Justice Training for CLAVC

Virginia Benzan, MLRI
On June 23, 2023 MLRI's Director of Racial Justice Advocacy lead the CLAVC staff in the first of a Racial Justice for CLAVC series. The training was held in person at MLRI's new offices with a remote option for those unable to attend in person. The conversation was not recorded,…

The Perils of Black Leadership

Cyndi Suarez
This article highlights the key characteristics of the Black leadership experience: (1) the fact that Black leaders tend to get appointed in times of crisis, (2) that Black leaders tend to be prepared for these opportunities, (3) that their authority is overwhelmingly contested, (4) and that a core…

The college-going gap between Black and white Americans was always bad. It’s getting worse

Jon Marcus, The Hechinger Report
As states push back against diversity programs, and the Supreme Court considers whether to eliminate affirmative action in admissions, a central question remains: whether the playing field has finally been leveled, especially between white and Black Americans who aspire to college educations and the…

MassHealth Renewal: What's in the blue envelope for people under 65?

MasHealth
MassHealth is in the process of renewing eligibility for all its 2.4 million members during the one year period from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. If eligibility can't be renewed through data matching, beneficiaries will be sent a blue envelope with a notice dated April 1, 2023 or later to be…

TakeRoot

https://takerootjustice.org/
TakeRoot Justice provides legal, participatory research and policy support to strengthen the work of grassroots and community-based groups in New York City to dismantle racial, economic and social oppression.  TakeRoot Justice employs a unique model of partnership with grassroots and…

Senate Ways and Means FY 2024 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On May 9, 2023, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 (FY 24), which is referred to as Senate 3.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth.   Download…

Contact Information for Massachusetts Legislature (state senators and representatives)

MLRI
Room numbers and telephone numbers for Massachusetts state representatives and state senators.  Updated April 2023.  Click on the attachement below download a document which has all the contact information for both representatives and senators. Or, go to the Massachusetts…

House Ways and Means FY 2024 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On April 12, 2023, the House Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 (FY 24), which is referred to as House 3900.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth.  This analysis…

Why We Should Stop Saying “Underrepresented”

N. Chloé Nwangwu
Now, folks use the term “underrepresented” instead. It may feel like the safest option among the minefield of language and politics we all traverse, but I’d argue the term — for all its seeming inoffensiveness — is not just deeply harmful, it’s inaccurate. As an equity-informed brand…

When Black People Try to Make Progress, Backlash Is Quick to Follow

Allison Wiltz
From the article: "Black Americans are often treated like second-class citizens in a nation they helped to build. Yet, for those unacquainted with the nation's history of racial discrimination, it may be unclear why this racial hierarchy remains intact over a century and a half after the…

Study reveals bias in drug testing pregnant patients

Arielle Dreher
Pregnant Black patients were drug tested more often than white patients before delivery, a JAMA Health Forum analysis of patients in a large Pennsylvania health system from March 2018 to June 2021 found. Black patients were no more likely to test positive for using substances while…

Language Access for CLAVC

  On April 12th, 2023 MLRI's state-wide Language Access attorney, Iris Coloma-Gaines, lead a CLAVC training on Language Access in the Massachusetts Trial Court and beyond. The slides used in the training are attached.  A video of the presentation can be viewed…

MassHealth Managed Care Options in 2023

Various
On April 1, 2023 MassHealth members subject to mandatory managed care will have a new set of managed care options. These changes do not apply to people 65 or over or Medicare beneficiaries with voluntary managed options in SCO or One Care, or to other MassHealth members with MassHealth secondary to…