Bx Community Board 10 - Job Opportunities, Expanding Vaccine Eligibility, Free Microsoft Training, Barclays Military Talent, Veteran Voices & More!

 

NEWS

All Veterans, Their Spouses and Caregivers Eligible to Get COVID Vaccine Through VA Under Newly-Passed Bill All veterans, their spouses and caregivers will be able to receive a coronavirus vaccine through the Department of Veterans Affairs once doses are made available, under legislation finalized by Congress on Friday. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the measure into law in coming days. Veterans Affairs leaders had supported the move, saying they did not want to turn away any veteran from receiving the shots if they were available.

For the First Time in Many Years, Veteran Homelessness Was Up in 2020, Even Before the Pandemic Veteran homelessness increased slightly from 2019 to early 2020, even before the coronavirus pandemic struck the United States and left thousands out of work, according to an anticipated, overdue report released Thursday, though overall veteran homelessness is still down by nearly half over the last 10 years.

Constant Mobilizations May Be Pushing the National Guard to the Brink The National Guard has long been America’s “break glass in case of emergency” force — and the glass has been thoroughly shattered. At one point in 2005, guardsmen made up more than half of the combat forces in Iraq. At home, guardsmen have been called on countless times in response to devastating natural disasters that accompany climate change, including Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. But the past year has been even more taxing on the force. The number of guardsmen activated in 2020 reached historic levels and remains very high.

Pentagon Looks to Root Out Extremists Targeting US Troops The U.S. military is focusing on identifying extremist organizations in the United States that are trying to recruit members from within the armed forces. A top official compared the recruitment effort to that undertaken by international terrorist groups trying to lure the support of servicemembers.

GET YOUR STIMULUS!

Get Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment Most Americans are eligible to receive a $1,400 payment from the IRS following passage of the new American Rescue Package signed into law last week. The first payments went out over the weekend via direct deposit. Find out more about your eligibility and scheduled payment directly from the IRS HERE.

Here's Who Qualifies for the New $3,000 Child Tax Credit Most families are now eligible to receive a $3,000 annual benefit per child ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 per child under 6. The credit will also be fully refundable.

F.A.Q. on Stimulus, Unemployment and Tax Rebates Take a look at other provisions in the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act HERE.

GET VACCINATED! 

COVID-19 Vaccines at VA Are you in touch yet with your VA about getting your vaccine? Learn how to sign up for information about eligibility and appointments HERE. Eligibility is expanding, but each VA may vary in vaccine availability. Get in touch with your facility and get yours if you haven't yet!

New York Vaccination Are you eligible yet? As supply becomes available, more New Yorkers can access safe, free vaccines, including at some sites now operating 24/7 in NYC. Check your eligibility and appointment availability HERE.

In-Home Vaccinations for Fully Homebound New York City Residents NYC has a new program that is vaccinating fully homebound individuals in their own homes. 

New Jersey Vaccination Looking for your safe, free vaccine in NJ? Just click HERE.

VIRTUAL & SOCIALLY-DISTANCED EVENTS

Blue Star Families Virtual Coffee Connect Join Blue Star Families for a Virtual Careers Coffee Connect on March 22, 10-11am (EST). It’s been ONE year since the first Blue Star Families Virtual Coffee Connect in response to the COVID quarantine. And guess what? It’s time to get together again! Come meet new families, say hi to old friends, and let’s check in over a cup of coffee. Everyone who attends will be entered for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card!

Warrior Writers Virtual Women's Writing Workshop Attend the Warrior Writers Virtual Women's Writing Workshop on March 22, 6-8pm (EST). This generative creative writing workshop will offer prompts that cover a variety of military issues and experiences. This encourages sharing stories, opinions, and ideas for productive writing/reflecting/story-telling and art-making. By creating an open and accepting atmosphere, Warrior Writers build a community of support. This workshop is for any veterans who identify as women. 

Hiring Our Heroes AMPLIFY Spouse Intensive Join Hiring Our Heroes for the two-day virtual AMPLIFY Spouse Career Intensive on March 23, 8:30am-3:45pm (EST) and March 24, 8:30am-1:45pm (ET). The event leads a cohort of military spouses through intensive career preparation, professional development, and networking. AMPLIFY attendees will leave with an improved resume, a professional photo, a polished LinkedIn profile, and a professional network of fellow military spouses and employers.

Team RWB Eagle Expedition Virtual Q&A Join Team RWB for the Eagle Expedition Virtual Q&A on March 23, 7-8pm (EST). Are you interested in joining the Eagle Expedition May 20-25 to backpack in the Smoky Mountains and raft the Nantahala with other RWB team members? Join this Q&A to learn about the challenging but rewarding hikes and a bit of the day to day itinerary for the first Eagle Expedition of the year!

Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program Join Hiring Our Heroes for a Virtual Info Session for prospective fellows on March 23, 7-8pm (EST). The Corporate Fellowship Program is an innovative 12-week program that provides transitioning servicemembers with professional training and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce. 

Words After War Writing Workshop Words After War offers a virtual 8-week MFA-style writing workshop for veterans and civilians on Wednesdays beginning March 23, 7:30-9:30pm (EST), with instructor Matt Gallagher. This workshop offers high-quality literary instruction to the NYC community, fostering a space for developing craft, critique, and connection. The mission is to bring veterans and civilians together to examine war through literature, and they are committed to building a literary community that is inclusive and diverse.

New Politics The Journey Continues Panel New Politics Leadership Academy presents The Journey Continues Panel on March 23, 8pm (EST). Hear from Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, Alexander Myers, Alexandra Chandler, and David Ortiz. The virtual event will focus on their experiences entering politics, and how being LGBTQ+ has shaped these experiences.

NYC DVS Veteran Voices Project Facebook LIVE NYC Department of Veterans Services presents the Veteran Voices Project Facebook LIVE event on March 24, 3-4pm (EST). The theme is Women in The Military: Women’s History Month. This online event serves to preserve the city’s rich military history, bridge generational gaps, and provide an online platform where veterans can share portions of their military story with the general population.

TechCongress Women in Civic Tech Panel TechCongress hosts an online Women in Civic Tech Panel on March 24, 5-6pm (EST). Hear from some amazing women alumni about their experiences working on in civic tech. Explore how their experiences in Congress measured up to their expectations, specific challenges female and minority staffers face in the civic tech field, and how we can all work to create a more equitable and inclusive civic tech community.

MOAA Military Executive Transition Seminar The Military Officers Association of America's Military Executive Transition (MET) Seminar is a virtual, one-day workshop on March 25, 10am-5pm (EST), geared toward preparing military leaders for civilian careers. The seminar includes insight on how to build a stronger and broader network to accelerate your job search; strategies for using recruiters and executive search firms; self-marketing tools including your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and business cards; as well as interview pointers and best practices for salary and benefits negotiations.

Barclays Military Talent Day 2021 Barclays presents an online Military Talent Day on March 25, 10am-1pm (EST). The Barclays Military Talent Day (MTD) provides an opportunity for servicemembers, veterans and military spouses interested in Financial Services to get an insight into the sector. This is an opportunity to learn about Barclays and the diverse business units and functions across the business.

Understanding How to Do a VA Claim Understand How to Do a VA Claim on March 25, 12-1pm (EST). A New York State Division of Veteran Affairs representative will discuss how they can help you submit a claim. There is no time limit to file a claim for disability compensation. It does not matter how many years have passed since your date of discharge from the military. If you already have a disability compensation rating from the VA, but your medical condition has worsened, you may file another claim for a higher monthly payout based on the worsening of your medical condition.

Hiring Our Heroes Virtual Career Fair: Public Sector Join Hiring Our Heroes for a Virtual Career Fair: Careers in the Public Sector on March 25, 1-3pm (EST). Military community job seekers from around the globe will meet, network, and interview with public sector industry employers at this interactive virtual hiring event.

ViacomCBS Veterans Network Vetworking & Trivia Night The ViacomCBS Veterans Network, in collaboration with NBCU VetNet, FOX Vets, Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME), SONY, WarnerMedia, BFAM Cooking, T3 Gear and Vets2Set invite veterans and military families to a virtual Vetworking & Trivia Night on March 25, 6-7:30pm (EST). Participants will hear special guest Claudia Lyon, Executive Vice President of Talent & Casting, CBS Entertainment share insights about "Inside the World of Casting." 

Veterans’ Families, Veterans’ Selves: A Discussion Join veterans, military family members, and scholars and writers whose work focuses on veterans’ issues for an online discussion about the impact of service on families on March 25, 7-8:30pm (EST). Featuring poet Jehanne Dubrow, medical anthropologist and folklorist Gala True, Army veteran Joe Nygard, and his mother Nancy Nygard. 

Warrior Writers Virtual Open Mic Night Attend the Warrior Writers Virtual Virtual Open Mic Night for veterans and family members on March 25, 8pm (EST). There will be 15 guaranteed performance spots, and 5 waitlist spots, on a first-come first-serve basis. Each performer will be given 4 minutes of time. Poetry, music, storytelling, comedy, or any other form is welcome, and you can perform multiple pieces, as long as it's all under 4 minutes! This is a non-competitive, free event. 

Veterans History Project Online Panel The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) hosts an online panel Veteran Grown: Urban Farming on March 26, 12pm (EST), to highlight farming as a viable career path for veterans transitioning to civilian life and to introduce programs that support those who pursue farming. The panel will feature farmer veterans in more traditional settings, some of whom have benefitted from specialized farmer training programs and one-on-one mentorship. Their specialties include vegetable crops, beekeeping, pig farming, soap making and entrepreneurship. 

Intrepid On Liberty: Space Center Houston Join the Intrepid Museum and fellow veterans, service members, and their loved ones for a virtual staycation called On Liberty: Space Center Houston on March 26, 5pm (EST). They will Zoom into Space Center Houston to reunite the Intrepid Museum’s space shuttle Enterprise with its carrier aircraft, NASA 905. Paul Spana, director of exhibits at Space Center Houston, and Eric Boehm, Intrepid Museum’s curator of aviation and aircraft restoration, will discuss the important role of this aircraft and prototype spacecraft in launching the American space shuttle program! 

FSW Vet2Vet Virtual Women Veterans Paint Night Join Family Services of Westchester - Vet2Vet for a Virtual Women Veterans Paint Night on March 26, 6:30-7:30pm (EST) for Women's History Month.

Veteran Voices Conscious Community as Ritual Poetic Theater Productions is proud to present a pay-what-you-can reading of original work by veterans and the family members of veterans on March 26, 7-9pm (EST), marking the culmination of a free series of online writing and performance workshops led and facilitated by fellow veterans.

Dorie Miller Virtual Woman to Woman Workshop Join Dorie Miller Multicultural Post 213 Auxiliary for the Virtual Woman to Woman Workshop on March 27, 1pm (EST) with presenter Kathi Lipp. Discussions include Uncovering the Cost of Clutter and The Art of Meditation.

Check out all upcoming events at OurVeterans.NYC!

BULLETIN BOARD

Free Microsoft Training for Veterans The Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) is offering free training to military and veteran community. This free, formal training takes place in some of the technology industry’s most in-demand roles. Transitioning servicemembers’ and veterans’ experiences often uniquely prepare and qualify them for the skills and security clearances technology companies need.

US Veterans Chamber of Commerce Career Fair United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Vets2Industry and Saint Maximus Consulting is hosting a virtual nation-wide Hiring and Education Fair March 24-25, designed to support the transitioning military servicemember, veterans, their spouses and care givers in order to maximize opportunities for their next adventure in life.

On A Roll Expert Wheelchair Service On A Roll’s expert wheelchair service is open for business, scheduling visits one at a time with every precaution in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

NYS Free File 2020 Tax Options New York State Department of Taxation and Finance recommends if your 2020 income was $72,000 or less, you can complete and submit your federal and New York State income tax returns online for free.

New Politics - Nominate a Servant Leader New Politics Leadership Academy seeks Servant Leaders for their leadership development program, Answering the Call and their Staffing School! 

Veterans Vaccine Hesitancy Webinar The James J. Peters VA Medical Center offers Veterans Vaccine Hesitancy Webinars on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.

Hazelden Publishing Meditation Anthologies Submissions The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is putting together a book for servicemembers and veterans in recovery from substance abuse and are looking for submissions to be included.

Check out more opportunities on our Bulletin Board!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

United States Postal Service New York District Open Positions The United States Postal Service is hiring. Employee benefits include Health Care, paid Annual Leave, Sick Leave and Life Insurance. USPS does not charge a fee for examinations.

NYC Parks Outdoor Movie Night Job Openings NYC Parks helps bring together people from all over our great city. From the iconic Central Park to neighborhood playgrounds, they own and operate some of the most exemplary green spaces in the world. At NYC Parks, the mission is to plan resilient and sustainable parks, public spaces, and recreational amenities, build a park system for the present and future generations, and care for parks and public spaces.

New York City Employees’ Retirement System Employment The New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) seeks to hire a Director of Security and Facilities (Director), who will be responsible for safeguarding the Agency’s clients, employees and staff facilities in Brooklyn and Long Island City. 

Urban American Property Management Employment Urban American Property Management is a veteran owned and operated company.

Careers at ConEdison ConEdison offers job opportunities for veterans. They can help you find a career that builds on your unique strengths and experience as a veteran. They hired 38 veterans last year and are looking for many more in 2021.

NYC Vaccine for All Corps The City will hire 2,000 New Yorkers to work on City-run vaccination efforts as part of the Vaccine for All Corps. No healthcare experience is required for many positions, which include roles in site management, operations, and client services, in addition to clinical roles.

Check out more opportunities on our Job Opportunities page! 

NEED HELP?

Veterans Mutual Aid - NYC Metro Since mid-March, veteran volunteers and NYC Veterans Alliance staff have been helping veterans and their families with the realities they're facing during this pandemic. Whether it's an emergency hotel stay when housing programs fail, or nutritious groceries when they're too expensive or unavailable, or help with overdue essential bills, or just a knowledgeable, friendly fellow veteran to check in with -- we want to be there for you. Please go to our resource page and let us know what you need HERE.

Have a safe and healthy week!

This weekly e-newsletter and OurVeterans.NYC are produced by NYC Veterans Alliance to connect, inform, and empower veterans & families across the NYC Metro area. Submit your events & bulletin items to ourveterans@nycveteransalliance.org. Please spread the word and help us continue this important outreach by donating any amount today. Thanks for your support!