The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, August 22, 5:30pm – 7pm
Save the date!

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, but until he receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Please chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.
Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form)

Local Events and Actions

VIRTUAL 350 MA Climate Change Forum

Thursday, July 29, 7-8 pm 
Register for a link to attend at: https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-climate-change-program/

The Pollard Library is holding a virtual climate forum featuring members of 350 MA of Greater Lowell.  350MA of Greater Lowell is a Chapter of 350 Mass, A Better Future Project. Chapters work together to organize their communities, mobilize their friends and neighbors, and hold their elected officials accountable in the fight for 100% renewable cities and a fossil free future. Lowell chapter members work locally to end the dependence on fossil fuels and foster a clean energy future! The group is open to all residents of the greater Lowell area interested in fighting climate change.

Chapter members Win Flint, Bob Wald, Jay Mason and Bern Kosicki will share about ongoing efforts and ways that you can get involved! You can be an activist even if you don’t carry a sign.

State-level Events and Actions

MassDems CD-2/CD-3 Platform Hearing

Wednesday, August 4, 6:30 PM
Register to attend remotely
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclduisqTkrGdHfrFAyzoaPpLWJih9ulsY3

Registered MA Democrats may offer testimony on the 2021 MDP Platform.

MassDems All Districts Platform Hearing

Saturday, August 7, 10 AM
Register to attend remotely
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYld-uorT0pGdPnj44q1ccj8iRWxOhFz2Qu

Registered MA Democrats may offer testimony on the 2021 MDP Platform.

Anti-Racism, Equity, and Justice in K-12 Education

Forum hosted by Senator Jamie Eldridge

Thursday July 29, 2021, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Racism has existed in our society for hundreds of years.  If we want to fight racism at its fundamental level, we need to educate our children early. Recognizing the history, culture, and contribution of our ethnic groups is key in addressing racial equity in our society.

MA bills S365 and H584: “An Act relative to Anti-racism, Equity, and Justice in Education” would create a Commission to develop this K-12 curriculum.

Please join this forum hosted by Senator Eldridge to learn about the bill and to hear from students, educators, legislators, and community leaders. Interact with expert panelists from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Please RSVP:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0l-0ubJDS8qOKVNmpKaTpA

For a summary of the bills, please read the Summary Fact Sheet of the bill:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XK0OwhfsHpM_db8WEXK2acW7X6GlHlf1/view

Also please follow bill sponsors on Facebook fb.com/Care4EduEquity and email  Care4EduEquity@gmail.com to stay informed on this issue.

Email your legislators to support alternative emergency services

This is the bill that will fund alternatives to law enforcement response to 911 calls. The ACES bill — An Act to Create Alternatives for Community Emergency Services (S.1552 / H.2519), filed by Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa — would direct the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to establish and oversee the Alternatives for Community Emergency Services Grant Program (A.C.E.S.) to increase the availability of non-law-enforcement, unarmed community-based response options for calls to 911.

More information: https://progressivemass.com/aces2021

Sample script
Too often, armed police officers are called in to respond to situations that they are not equipped to handle, situations that are better handled by someone with an expertise in social work or mental health or someone from the community itself. Shifting such calls away from police and towards alternative response programs ensures that situations do not escalate and that people can best be connected to the services that they need.

I urge you to co-sponsor S.1552/H.2519: An Act to Create Alternatives for Community Emergency Services (ACES), filed by Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa.

Fortunately, the American Rescue Plan recently passed in DC provides new funding for states to set up such alternative crisis response programs. Massachusetts should embrace the opportunity.

Thank you.

– – – –
Contact your state representative and state senator (email preferable at the moment)
(Find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.
 

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

To join our postcarding efforts to write to legislators on issues of interest , please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/h2V7gJ1e2WbY9dKU9

For volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteer page: https://solidaritylowell.com/volunteer-opportunities/

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

View the notes from our June meeting:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LzPJupD5TZmWn3saGi2iwkxIEVPbTwZP_NVAnqewkyI/edit?usp=sharing

Watch the video from our June meeting:
https://youtu.be/Qx3YWeCtBNw
—-

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

 

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Fourth Annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue and Fundraiser for Marius!

Sunday, July 25, 5:30pm
205 10th Street, Lowell

This is a potluck event. Please sign up on Meal Train: https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/62m10d

The Solidarity Lowell Coordinating Committee will supply burgers, hot dogs, veggie options, and buns.

This is also a fundraiser for Marius, the Togolese asylum-seeker we are supporting as part of the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network. Marius has recently signed a lease on an apartment and though he is getting financial assistance from RAFT, he needs additional help from us for food and furniture, as well as continued legal aid. Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated! We will accept cash at the event or you can Venmo @owlnerd or CashApp $gollygee17

Many thanks to Win Flint for hosting!

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, but until he receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Please chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form)

Local Events and Actions

Climate Cafe

Wednesday, July 14, 7pm-8:30pm
Register here for the link: https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/climate_cafe_kick_off

Are you concerned about climate change?  Are you concerned for your kids’ future?  Would you like a safe place to talk over your concerns with like-minded people? The Lowell chapter of 350 Massachusetts is holding a “climate cafe” where you can do just that.

State-level Events and Actions

Urge your legislator to support new bill addressing racism through education

Racism has existed for hundreds of years in our society.  If we want to fight racism at its fundamental level, we must educate our children early.

MA bills S365 and H584: “An Act relative to anti-racism, equity, and justice in education” were proposed to address the incomplete education in our public school system that perpetuates historical racial inequities which have profoundly harmed the physical and mental health of BIPOC communities and threaten our democracy. To advance the bills, we need a majority of the 160 state representatives and of the 40 state senators in the MA State Legislature to vote yes in this legislative session.

Please take a few seconds to simply send a pre-written email to your legislator to ask him/her to support these bills today.
Click here to email your legislator Ethnic studies and Anti-Racism in K-12 Education – Action Network

For a summary of the bills, please read
Summary Fact Sheet of bill

Please follow bill sponsors on FaceBook fb.com/care4aapi.
Email coalition.care.aapi@gmail.com to stay informed on this issue.

H/t Shaw Yang Indivisible Acton – News Magic Team

– – – –

Please contact your state representative and state senator (email preferable at the moment)
(Find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Events and Actions

Urge businesses to support S.1, For the People Act Senate Version

In June, over 90 companies, including Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, signed a letter to Congress in support of the For the People Act. Please ask other businesses that you patronize or work for to join them by sharing this link: https://forthepeopleact.support/ that includes a copy of the letter and a form they can fill out to indicate their support.

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.
 

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

To join our postcarding efforts to write to legislators on issues of interest , please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/h2V7gJ1e2WbY9dKU9

For volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteer page: https://solidaritylowell.com/volunteer-opportunities/

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

View the notes from our June meeting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LzPJupD5TZmWn3saGi2iwkxIEVPbTwZP_NVAnqewkyI/edit?usp=sharing

Watch the video from our June meeting: https://youtu.be/Qx3YWeCtBNw

—-

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting: Summer Barbecue and Fundraiser

Sunday, July 25, 5:30pm
205 10th Street, Lowell

Join us for the 4th Annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue and Fundraiser for Marius!

This is a potluck event. Please sign up on Meal Train: https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/62m10d

The Solidarity Lowell Coordinating Committee will supply burgers, hot dogs, veggie options, and buns.

This is also a fundraiser for Marius, the Togolese asylum-seeker we are supporting as part of the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network. Marius has recently signed a lease on an apartment and though he is getting financial assistance from RAFT, he needs additional help from us for food and furniture, as well as continued legal aid. Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated! We will accept cash at the event or you can Venmo @owlnerd or CashApp $gollygee17

Many thanks to Win Flint for hosting!

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, but until he receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Please chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form)

 

State-level Events and Actions

SAVE DEMOCRACY: ACT NOW!

Rally with Concord Indivisible
Saturday, July 10, 10:00 a.m. 
Monument Square, Concord

Concord Indivisible, Indivisible Acton Area, and multiple partner organizations will rally in Concord Center July 10 to support the For the People Act and the freedom of all eligible citizens to vote. Democracy is in the crosshairs, as states across the nation brazenly pass laws that will keep many eligible citizens from voting — especially citizens of color. Recent Supreme Court decisions have only made federal election reform more urgent. If we do not protect every citizen’s freedom to vote, the democratic institutions we cherish will not stand, and there will be little hope of moving forward on racial justice and other key progressive issues.

The rally, part of Indivisible’s Deadline for Democracy project, will take place in Concord’s Monument Square. Key activists – including Deb Paul of Massachusetts Indivisible and ACLU Massachusetts Executive Director Carol Rose – will give updates on the fight to protect our vote. There will be opportunities to sign up to write postcards, make phone calls, text, and post on social media. Plan to bring signs and MAKE SOME NOISE!

Partner sponsors for this event include Solidarity Lowell, Swing Blue Alliance/Swing Left Greater Boston, Indivisible Acton Area, Reclaim Our Democracy, the Concord Democratic Town Committee, and the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee. An RSVP (https://tinyurl.com/raz33rhc) is encouraged to enhance planning. Please share information about the rally widely with others who may be interested. Democracy cannot wait!

Get involved in the Redistricting Process
Redistricting Hearing for MA CD3

Thursday, July 8, 6:00 – 11:00 PM 
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/3744

As we learned from Marissa Dupont in our last general meeting, the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting will hold a virtual hearing for residents of Congressional District 3, which includes Lowell, on Thursday July 8 at 6pm. Tanekwah Hinds (she/her/hers), Racial Justice Community Advocate, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, also reminded us of this.

As Marissa explained during the meeting, district lines are redrawn every ten years, based on the Census. As Ms. Hinds explained, “How district lines are drawn influences who runs for public office and who is elected. Elected representatives make decisions on issues that are important to our lives. We [need to] advocat[e] for a transparent redistricting process that equitably represents BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) communities, low-income people and immigrants in Massachusetts. 10 years ago, the community-based redistricting process created the first majority BIPOC Congressional District which Ayanna Pressley now represents. We can create more opportunities for people who reflect Massachusetts demographics to represent our needs.”

The state legislature is holding hearings to get input from community members on this process. The hearing for our district is on July 8 (see above). You can get involved and even testify.

Testify virtually and provide live testimony during the hearing. Use the Sign Up Form at https://tinyurl.com/pd8c8hmp.

To submit written testimony, use the Contact the Committee form on the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting website:  https://malegislature.gov/Redistricting/Contact.

Attend the hearing through the livestream on the Legislative Website https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/3744.

Check out the sections below for a testimony template https://tinyurl.com/a6t25bbf and talking points; Drawing Democracy Coalition’s instructions and suggested talking points https://tinyurl.com/s8fzvjd3.

Contact Tanekwah Hinds (thinds@aclum.org), the Racial Justice Community Advocate at the ACLU of MA, for questions on how to give testimony and redistricting advocacy.

For questions on the logistics of the hearing, contact committee staff with any questions at (617) 722-2014. Please be advised that the schedule and agenda are subject to change at the discretion of the Chairs.

Want to Help Get More Transparency in the State House?

Join ActOnMass’s The People’s House campaign

The People’s House Text Banking
Co-hosted with Sunrise Boston
Tuesday, July 6, 2021 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join volunteers of the People’s House campaign to text voters and build the movement for State House reform.
Please note Training for newcomers is at 5:30. The text bank begins at 6:00.
Sign Up Now: https://secure.everyaction.com/_cwMPEy0BUOc8n2OkZtVJw2

– – – –
Please contact your state representative and state senator (email preferable at the moment)
(Find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)
(replace the “at” and extra spaces with “@”)

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano at mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka at masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden at mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard at mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom at mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry at mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen at mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy at masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett at masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge at masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold at masenate.gov 617-722-1612

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

 

National Events and Actions

Activist Texting is Alive and Well!

Check out the new Texting Clearinghouse!
Political campaigns are getting active now with renewed interest in political activist texting. Texting is a powerful and impactful way to reach voters since people usually read their texts. Texting programs can reach huge numbers of people quickly and easily, and texting is fun too. We can text with people for one-on-one personal conversations, while keeping our own information private. Texting speeds communication, reaches many people, and gets results which can really make a difference.

To help novice and advanced texters alike, the IMC Texting Action Team compiled an updated listing of active progressive texting organizations with links to their campaigns.

Now that S.1: For the People Act is coming before the Senate, Common Cause and other organizations are texting to support this very important bill, and you can help. Please visit our texting clearinghouse where you can get help and start texting soon.
You will find lots of helpful information about activist texting by clicking HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n4mDzMyqy9-ZfbQc40U6u1K75Tmn5-e98f05iEj1Tc8/edit
(h/t Indivisible Mass Coalition, Texting Action Team)

Urge businesses to support S.1, For the People Act Senate Version

In June, over 90 companies, including Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, signed a letter to Congress in support of the For the People Act. Please ask other businesses that you patronize or work for to join them by sharing this link: https://forthepeopleact.support/ that includes a copy of the letter and a form they can fill out to indicate their support.

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.
 

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

To join our postcarding efforts to write to legislators on issues of interest , please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/h2V7gJ1e2WbY9dKU9

For volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteer page: https://solidaritylowell.com/volunteer-opportunities/

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

View the notes from our June meeting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LzPJupD5TZmWn3saGi2iwkxIEVPbTwZP_NVAnqewkyI/edit?usp=sharing

Watch the video from our June meeting: https://youtu.be/Qx3YWeCtBNw
—-

 Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius, the Togolese asylum-seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring, is in need of housing. With the sanctuary space still under construction and the couple he is staying with starting a family, he needs another place to live. If you or someone you know has a spare room, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, but until he receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Please chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form)

 

Local Events and Actions

Community Vigil for Those Lost to COVID-19

Tuesday, June 29, 6:00pm
Outside City Hall

The City of Lowell is hosting a community vigil to honor Lowell residents who passed away due to COVID-19. The ceremony will take place outside of City Hall on Tuesday, June 29 at 6:00 PM. 319 flags will be placed in the lawn of City hall to symbolize each life lost in Lowell.

Hold UMass Lowell Accountable for NeoNazi on Campus

https://tinyurl.com/48j44xzx
At least 11,450 have signed this Change.org petition which says that UMass Lowell has been protecting a Neonazi UMass Lowell student on grounds of freedom of speech , even though some of the behavior and speech is said to violate the Student Code of Conduct, and some of it may be openly criminal (participation in the January 6 insurrection).

 

State-level Events and Actions

Want to Help Get More Transparency in the State House?

Join ActOnMass’s The People’s House campaign
https://actonmass.org/the-campaign
Click on the volunteer events button to sign up for texting, phonebanking and (when it gets more reasonably cooler) canvassing.

Week of Action: The People’s House Textbanking
June 30, 2021 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join volunteers of the People’s House campaign to text voters and build the movement for State House reform!
Sign Up Now: https://secure.everyaction.com/GbiZi3HviEW_S02ALrjLIA2

Democracy Denied Town Hall re Incarceration and Voting
Wednesday, June 30, 6 PM
RSVP at bit.ly/june30townhall.
A town hall discussion on hyper-incarceration’s effect on political power, and the movement to ensure democracy does not stop at prisons and jails.
From Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts, via News-Magic

Help Get the Work and Family Mobility Act out of Committee

The Joint Committee on Transportation recently held a virtual public hearing for the Work and Family Mobility Act (H.3456 / S.2289), legislation that will enable all qualified state residents to apply for a Massachusetts driver’s license regardless of their immigration status. A video of the powerful testimony presented at the hearing can be found at: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/3752 .
Now, you can help get this legislation passed by asking legislators to vote the bill out of committee favorably. You can email members of the committee using this link: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/email-the-joint-transportation-committee
and please also contact your own state legislators (see contacts at end of this section) and ask them to urge committee members to act favorably on this legislation.
h/t Lisa Baci, Indivisible Mass Coalition

Tell Senator Kennedy to support reprecincting reform

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/support-the-reprecincting-bill?source=direct_link&
The title of the page refers to reps, but the House has already passed the bill. It is our Senators who still need to act on reforms that would help speed up the redistricting process to make up for time lost to late release of Census figures.

Redistricting Hearing for MA CD3

Thursday, July 8, 6:00 – 11:00 PM 
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/3744
The State Legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Redistricting will hold a virtual hearing for residents of the 3rd Congressional District (CD3). This hearing provides an opportunity for area residents to offer their opinions on local and community interests that the Committee should consider on the division of the Commonwealth into 9 Congressional Districts, 40 State Senate Districts, 160 State Representative Districts, and 8 Councillor Districts.
There is a link on the above page to sign up If you want to provide oral testimony.
If you only want to view the hearing, it will be broadcast on  Malegislature.gov  and there is a link to that on the above page as well.

– – – –
Please contact your state representative and state senator (email preferable at the moment)
(Find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)
(replace the “at” and extra spaces with “@”)

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano at mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka at masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden at mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard at mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom at mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry at mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen at mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy at masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett at masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge at masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold at masenate.gov 617-722-1612

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

 

National Events and Actions

Urge businesses to support S.1, For the People Act Senate Version

In June, over 90 companies, including Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, signed a letter to Congress in support of the For the People Act. Please ask other businesses that you patronize or work for to join them by sharing this link: https://forthepeopleact.support/ that includes a copy of the letter and a form they can fill out to indicate their support.

 

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

To join our postcarding efforts to write to legislators on issues of interest , please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/h2V7gJ1e2WbY9dKU9

For volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteer page: https://solidaritylowell.com/volunteer-opportunities/

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

View the notes from our June meeting:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LzPJupD5TZmWn3saGi2iwkxIEVPbTwZP_NVAnqewkyI/edit?usp=sharing

Watch the video from our June meeting:https://youtu.be/Qx3YWeCtBNw

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Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute