Local
Solidarity Lowell Rally for Women!
Saturday, January 19th, 3-5pm, The Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell
Join us for a rally to celebrate women’s achievements, with a special focus on the large number of women newly-elected to Congress. Bring your signs! Don’t have one? We’ll have extra and some sign-making supplies. Speakers include: Karen Cirillo, Lowell City Councillor; Pat Taber, Yes on 3 Greater Lowell Program Lead; and more! There will also be an open mike, if you would like to say something. After the rally ends, we’ll go down to Purple Carrot at 107 Merrimack Street for something warm to eat and/or drink.
RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1442333805897670/
Lowell Talks: LGBTQ History
Sunday, January 13th, 2-3:30pm, Boott Cotton Mills Museum Events Center, 115 John St, Lowell
Join us for a community conversation on LGBTQ history. Hosted in partnership with History UnErased. Free and open to all. Free, limited street parking located nearby. Additional free parking at 304 Dutton St., Lowell, a 10 minute walk from the museum.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/280387742664838/
Two Ways to Strengthen Democracy
Sunday, January 13th, 4-6pm, First Parish Church United of Westford, 48 Main St, Westford
We will explore two ways to strengthen our Democracy with speakers from We The People and Ranked Choice Voting. We The People will discuss the next steps to overturn Citizens United after the passage of ballot question 2 in MA. Ranked Choice Voting will discuss the next steps to pass Ranked Choice Voting in MA. Please join us!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2036595249765954/
Help Register New Citizens
Tuesday, January 15th, 9am-1:30pm, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St, Lowell
Join the League of Women Voters at the Lowell Naturalization Ceremony and help up to 1000 new American citizens register to vote!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/350700812153773/
Call for More Diversity in Lowell Schools’ Hiring
William Samaras, Mayor and School Committee Chair: (978) 459-6785
Jackie Doherty, School Committee Vice-Chair: 978-459-0004
Sample Script: “Hi, I am [Name] from [Lowell neighborhood], asking you to please prioritize diversity when hiring for positions in our schools. The business-as-usual approach is no longer an option for the short- and long-term health of LPS teachers, administrators and most importantly, the students! Our district is where it is today because of past and present decisions to not appropriately invest and innovate in the Human Resources department. Please take the recommendations from the HR Audit seriously as they should inform critical changes going forward. Please do not just talk about your valuing diversity, but put the necessary practices and systems in place to realize actual change in the department as well as within the district. Thank you!”
More information: http://richardhowe.com/2018/12/28/bobby-tugbiyele-on-lps-hr-director-search/?fbclid=IwAR1GMpv1U_JpvOwjuCGhy-gjh0KBu-I97AxRdMNVqV1K0l4ykdXgwXbLVzg
Chelms-FED Up Postcarding
Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford
Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us to write postcards to voters and to our elected officials! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
Thursday Postcarding
Every Thursday, 9-11am, Panera Bread, 2 Cornerstone Square, Westford
Celebrate the election wins and shake off the losses with your postcarding friends from Solidarity Lowell and Indivisible Westford Progressive Massachusetts!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
Help with Sanctuary
Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).
More information and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com
State
Sexual Health Lobby Day
Thursday, January 17th, 10am-2pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston
At Sexual Health Lobby Day, advocates from across the state will come together to declare: access to sexual and reproductive health care is a basic human right. The day will begin with a tabling fair and short speaking program to get you fired up, followed by a training to prepare you to hold effective conversations with your lawmakers. Then we’ll send you off to meet with your state representative and senator to advocate for a new bill to boldly and proactively expand access to safe, legal abortion; legislation that expands access to comprehensive sex education; and funding for Massachusetts family planning, teen pregnancy prevention, and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2020874371321485/
Free Eduardo Samaniego
ICE Field Director Sean Gallaghar: (404) 893-1206
Asst. Director Kristen Sullivan: 404-893-1203
Eduardo is a well-known activist leader with deep ties to his community in Georgia and Massachusetts. Eduardo studied at Hampshire College where he served on the College Board of Trustees. While working for immigration justice in partnership with Pioneer Valley Workers Center, Eduardo regularly collaborated with Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. Calls need to be made NOW.
Sample Script: “Hello, I am ________ from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell, asking you to immediately release Eduardo Samaniego Amaya. His A number is 206-862-839. He is not a flight risk as he has deep ties to the community in both Massachusetts and Georgia. He is a faith leader and student leader and is not a risk to public safety. Eduardo’s health is seriously deteriorating because of detention. He should be immediately released. Thank you!”
More information: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/freeeduardo-samaniego