Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - Where do people in your community gather or socialize?
  - How and where does your community access services (healthcare, transportation, educational services, etc.)?

Examples of activities and services: Shopping areas, schools and universities, libraries, parks, lakes, rivers, places of worship, healthcare services, public transport, local nonprofit organizations, etc.

Your response: The Brazilian community in Somerville comprises older immigrants who came to the Boston area in the 80’s-90’s, indicated by relative stability as well as age. Their children went through the public school system and now are graduating from university. The most common gathering places for this group are public schools, restaurants, jiu-jitsu and capoeira schools, neighborhood markets, car dealerships, etc. Sommerville boasts quality community centers and churches that are a safe place for immigrants to gather, for example: Scalabrini Cultural & Assistance Center, MAPS, Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Mira Coalition, Somerviva, etc. Brazilian Times, a Brazilian newspaper was found here too.

Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - What are the cultural bonds in your community?
  - If your community has a shared history, what is it?

Examples of cultural or historical interests: Religious groups, ethnic groups, languages, age groups, immigration status, historic or arts districts, etc.

Your response: The primary sources of community building are food, language, and Brazilian products. There are many Brazilian supermarkets in Somerville, as well as restaurants, beauty salons, capoeira and jiu-jitsu schools. These places serve to bring people together. It’s estimated that the majority of Brazilian immigrants come from Minas Gerais, an area rich in mica which was an important mineral for the United States during the war. Therefore, the exchange between Massachusetts and the Minas Gerais region has a long history and helps explain why so many Brazilians emigrated from the same place.

Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - Where are residents employed?
  - If there are environmental concerns in your community, what are they?

Examples of economic or environmental interests: Tourism industry, agricultural workers, mining town, manufacturing center, polluted natural resource, unemployment problem, etc.

Your response: In Somerville, this group of older immigrants that created a community of family-owned and small businesses provided a support network to newly arrived friends, family, and other undocumented folks. The growing clientele led to even more growth and development for the small business sector. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unexpected losses in traffic and revenue, leading to business closures.

Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - What should politicians and/or map drawers know about your community?
  - What are the needs of your community?
  - Is there anything else you want to tell us about your community?

Examples of needs or concerns: Keep community in the same district or separate into multiple districts, shared policy concerns, need for a social service, relationship to other nearby communities, issues with current district lines

Your response: The extension of the Green line is a good example of the potential changes that could take place, not only for Brazilian businesses but also for the vulnerable immigrant community. An increase in rents could push them out toward more affordable areas.