Rapid Response Team

Sep

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR SEPT 28, 2021

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

Candidate Forum

Saturday, October 16, 4pm
On Zoom
Hear from our endorsed candidates. Ask questions. More details to follow.

Save the Date – SL General Meeting

Sunday, October 24, 5:30pm – 7pm
Topic: TBD

Urgent Support Needed for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius has a new apartment and needs urgent assistance with rent money. If you are able to contribute, please send donations to Marissa Dupont
Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

Fundraiser for Ecuadorian Asylum Seeker

Sunday, October 17th, 7pm, on Zoom
RSVP for link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lillians-journey-tickets-170508641938

The Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN), Merrimack Valley Project, and Solidarity Lowell present a conversation with Lillian, a refugee from Ecuador. Host Cantor Vera Broekhuysen will lead the conversation with Lillian, who will discuss her journey from Ecuador, through Mexico and into the U.S., and the racism and sexism that she experienced in those countries. We will also hear about her experiences crossing the border and in ICE detention facilities.

From Lillian: “I am from Ecuador. I am Afro-Ecuadorian but unfortunately in my country being Black is still a synonym of slavery, discrimination and disrespect to the Black people. As a Black Afro-Ecuadorian I have suffered a lot of injustice such as discrimination, bullying, and abuse. I finally left my country definitely to Mexico and made my way to the United States to look for peace and protection.”

MVISN has agreed to help Lillian with legal fees pending her asylum case, but we need your help. To contribute, please donate at http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form). We encourage you to donate even if you can’t attend.

Local Events and Actions

Together for Abortion Rights

Saturday, October 2, 9:30 AM
Kmart Plaza to Public Safety Facility
252 Main Street, Acton, MA
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/y47fbm5e

Women’s March – Defend our Reproductive Rights

Saturday, October 2
BOSTON CITY HALL PLAZA OR BOSTON COMMONS, PEABODY, or NORTHAMPTON CITY HALL.
We’re marching in every single state ahead of the Supreme Court reconvening on October 4. Women’s March and more than 90 other organizations are organizing a national call to mobilize and defend our reproductive rights.
We’re going to send the Supreme Court and lawmakers across the country a clear, unified message. The attack on our reproductive rights will not be tolerated. Take the pledge today.
https://tinyurl.com/y7nyyby2
Rise up wherever you are on October 2.
Via Daniele Skopek via Christine Brown Indivisible Acton Area – News-Magic Team (edited)

NH Women’s March

Saturday, October 2, 2pm
Greeley Park, Nashua, NH
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/rsx98nb3
Stand for our right to autonomy, choice, and freedom from having a bounty placed on our private medical decisions.

Lowell General Election

If you want to vote by mail or absentee ballot, be sure to allow plenty of time for your application to reach Boston and your ballot to be mailed back to you.

The deadline to register to vote for the general election is October 13 at 8:00pm. If you are not registered to vote where you currently live, you should submit a voter registration form. You will not be automatically registered to vote until you apply for/renew your driver’s license or state ID, or apply for health insurance through MassHealth or the Health Connector. You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at any city or town hall.

Early Voting begins October 20.

Solidarity Lowell’s endorsed candidates so far
District 2: Corey Robinson
District 4: Wayne Jenness

Vote by Mail
https://lowellma.gov/1495/Vote-By-Mail
Deadline to apply to vote by mail in municipal general election: Wednesday, October 13, 8:00pm
Under a state law passed in July 2021, voting by mail will be allowed in all local and state elections through December 15, 2021. All registered voters in Massachusetts will be permitted to vote by mail in any election held prior to December 15, 2021, with no excuse needed.

The U.S. Postal Service recommends allowing up to 7 days for ballot delivery in each direction but you can download an application at lowellma.gov/votebymail and submit it by email (to elections@lowellma.gov) if you have the capability of completing a PDF file electronically.

If you can’t do it electronically, it is possible to complete a form in person at City Hall, but it still has to get to Boston in time.

Elections & Census Office
375 Merrimack Street
Basement, Room 5
Lowell, MA 01852
978-674-4046

Absentee ballots
Deadline to apply for in-person absentee ballots: Monday, November 1, 12:00pm
For all the rules, including who qualifies, visit: https://www.lowellma.gov/408/Absentee-Voting

Help Lowell Votes Get Out the Vote

Lots of our neighbors do not understand the new electoral system yet. They need to be educated and encouraged to vote. Some may even need help registering to vote.

1) Please consider signing up to participate in nonpartisan voter registration tabling and voter education at your site or at events in the City: http://www.tinyurl.com/2021LowellCitywideGOTV

Lowell Votes will provide you with a voter registration and education toolkit and you can choose what materials from here you would either like printed or to donate here.
http://www.tinyurl.com/LV2021MaterialsforPrint
http://www.lowellvotes.org/donate/

2) Upcoming phone banks, canvasses, and other volunteer opportunities: Lowell Votes needs 3-5 more people for every session and always welcome different language capacities:

There will be phonebanking on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30-7:30 going forward until the election (except for Indigenous Peoples Day) and Saturday morning canvasses will begin on September 25.

3) Please submit questions for the upcoming Candidate Forums hosted by LTC, Lowell Votes, Khmer Post, and Lowell Sun on Sept. 27-Oct. 1: https://tinyurl.com/askthecandidates2021

Check Lowell Votes website and social media for more updates. For more information, contact info@lowellvotes.org

~ Besides making sure you are registered to vote where you currently live, another important item on your list to prepare for the election is to get to know the candidates.

DEI Consortium Candidate Spotlight

Monday, October 4, 7pm
Zoom & LTC Channel 8
Register/Submit Questions Here: https://tinyurl.com/b8xyx5sn

7:00-7:30pm Vesna Nuon, Candidate for City Council At Large
www.vesnaforlowell.com

7:30-8:00pm John Drinkwater, Candidate for City Council At Large
www.drinkwaterforlowell.com

Watch any Spotlights you missed on the YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb7O-ece-ZaiKDGVxvWTJ8w

Candidate Forums

Organized by LTC, The Lowell Sun, Lowell Votes, and KhmerPostUSA
Submit your questions to: https://tinyurl.com/2021CandidateForumQuestions

City Council
Thursday, September 30, 6-7:30: Districts 2, 3, and 4
Thursday, October 7, 6-7:30: Districts 5, 6, and 7

School Committee
10/1, 6-7:30 At-large and D.1
10/1: 7:30-9 D.2,3,4

Other Events

Reimagine an Inclusive Education for Massachusetts: A Community Forum with Senator Jason Lewis

Tuesday, Sept. 28th, 6:30-7:30 PM EST
Please register to receive link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y1OjLBPxS6SdFb6-LRAelA

Hear from students, educators, legislators, and community leaders advocating for the Bill S365 and H584 sponsored by Senator Jason Lewis, and by Rep Nika Elugardo & Rep Erika Uyterhoeven. It is critical to recognize the history, culture, and contribution of everyone to realize racial equity in our commonwealth.

For more information about the bill and CARE (Coalition for Anti-Racism, Equity, and Justice in Education): https://www.care4eduequity.org/

Posted by Shaw Yang Indivisible Acton Area – News Magic Team (edited)

Becoming an Outdoor Citizen

Wednesday, September 29, 6 – 7:30 pm
Zoom only. Please register at https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/events/outdoor-citizen-get-out-give-back-get-active-virtual through Simsbury Public Library www.simsburylibrary.info, (860) 658-7663.

A book talk with author and Appalachian Mountain Club President John Judge. Sponsored by Granville Public Library and Simsbury, CT Public Library.

Resilience and Preparedness in a Changing Climate

Thursday, September 30, 6:30 pm
Zoom only. Register here http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/a/agawam/ek.cfm?start=21 through Agawam Public Library, www.agawamlibrary.org, (413) 789-1550

Panel discussion with representatives from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, a forest consultant, and more. Sponsored by Agawam and Granville Public Libraries.

Votes Act Virtual Lobby Day

Wednesday, October 6th – 12:00-1:30 pm
REGISTER HERE https://tinyurl.com/4ehutst3

Now that the Joint Committee on Election Laws has passed the VOTES Act out favorably, we are focused on getting the bill to the floor for a vote. This is the bill that will make permanent some of the popular changes that were made last year to help folks vote safely during COVID, like no-excuse mail-in voting. To help achieve the goal, the Election Modernization Coalition Steering Committee is planning a Lobby Day for Wednesday October 6th @12pm.
Via Carla Cooper – News-MAGIC (edited)

State-level Events and Actions

Strengthen Jail-Based Voting in MA

In Massachusetts, 7-9,000 disproportionately Black and Hispanic voters are effectively disenfranchised every election while incarcerated pre-trial or on misdemeanors. That’s not because they lose the right to vote — these citizens maintain the right to vote. But we have neglected to pass basic requirements on the sheriffs, superintendents, and elections officials to ensure that these voters can exercise their constitutional right.
That’s where your help is needed. MAVoterTable is working with the Democracy Behind Bars Coalition to strengthen the protections for jail-based voting in the State House. The best chance of that happening is through inclusion of provisions in the VOTES Act, which is currently in Senate Ways and Means. Your legislators need to hear from you about jail-based voting being a top priority for election reform this year.
Will you write your legislators today?
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/end-incarceration-behind-the-wall-strengthen-bill

Support MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda: H.3191/S.2027 An Act Establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day

Go to the Action Network link https://bit.ly/IPDMA2021 and you will find the text of the bill, an automated letter that you can send to legislators, and also information about how to send your own letter if you do not want to use the automated Action Network letter. Please plan to modify the Action Network letter to tell the legislators why this bill is so important to you — personalization helps a lot! Sending this will only take a few minutes of your time.
Please go to our website http://MAIndigenousAgenda.org for information about all 5 of legislative priorities this session, including eliminating Native American mascots, honoring Indigenous People’s Day, celebrating and teaching Native American culture & history, protecting Native American heritage, and supporting the education and futures of Native youth.
Via Daniele Skopek/ Christine Brown Indivisible Acton Area – News-Magic Team (edited)

Fight evictions: Contact your legislators in support of the COVID Housing Equity Bill

Everything you need to take action is at the link.
https://tinyurl.com/ywb25nra

Cover Picket Line When Nurses Are Negotiating at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester

St Vincent’s Nurses Strike
123 Summer St, Worcester
Parking at Strike Office with water and food. Adjacent to Starbucks, 11 E Central St

Peak Demand:
Every day 12 noon when nurses go on errands.
Every Wed 4-6 pm to cover the picket line when nurses are at the negotiation event

MNA Strike Support Page
https://action.massnurses.org/we-stand-with-st-vincents-nurses
Via News-MAGIC

– – – –
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

Bar Insurrectionists from Public Office using the 14th Amendment

John Bonifaz, Esq., President of Free Speech for People is a constitutional scholar. His organization is starting a campaign to use the 14th Amendment to the Constitution (Sec. 3) to bar insurrectionists from holding public office.

This amendment was enacted after the Civil War, and disqualifies anyone who has taken an oath of office to uphold the Constitution, and then engages in insurrection or gives aid or comfort to insurrectionists, from holding any future public office (such as ex-President Donald Trump, among others).

Now it falls to each state’s election officials (in our case, Secretary William Galvin) to implement this Amendment, and that’s where we activists come in. Free Speech for People is a national organization fighting government corruption and advancing democracy, and is launching their 14point3 campaign for citizens to exert pressure on their state election officials to implement the 14th Amendment (Section 3).

Want to join these citizens to hold insurrectionists accountable? Then join Indivisible Mass Coalition and Indivisible Northampton working in partnership with FSFP to organize ways to follow the Constitution and bar insurrectionists from the 2024 ballot. Fill out this form to let us know your interest: https://tinyurl.com/dtxhmy75

Larry Pareles, CD2, Indivisible Mass, News-MAGIC team
via Susan Labandibar – News-MAGIC team

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: http://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: http://solidaritylowell.com/volunteer-opportunities/

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

View the notes from our September meeting:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S0Avt3s5c6eWvXD73O4P0xeWjO5ZAj7GfyapGnPLEMs/edit?usp=sharing

Watch the video from our September meeting:
https://youtu.be/akgldM3rz-4
—-

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

Sep

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR SEPT 7, 2021

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, September 26, 5:30pm – 7pm

We’ll be reviewing the results of our survey of candidates involved in the general election whose races did not have preliminary elections and have the opportunity to vote on whether to endorse any for the general election.

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 via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes.

Local Events and Actions

Preliminary Election

The Preliminary will be September 21 and will be for City Council Districts 2, 3, 4, and 7.

The deadline to register to vote for the general election was September 1. If you’re not registered, it’s too late for the preliminary, but you can still register for the November election if you do so by October 13, 8:00pm.

If you are not registered to vote where you currently live, you should submit a voter registration form. You will not be automatically registered to vote until you apply for/renew your driver’s license or state ID, or apply for health insurance through MassHealth or the Health Connector. You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at any city or town hall.

Vote by Mail

https://lowellma.gov/1495/Vote-By-Mail
Deadline to apply to vote by mail for municipal preliminary election: Wednesday, September 15, 5:00pm

Under a state law passed in July 2021, voting by mail will be allowed in all local and state elections through December 15, 2021. All registered voters in Massachusetts will be permitted to vote by mail in any election held prior to December 15, 2021, with no excuse needed.

Make sure to apply as early as possible. The U.S. Postal Service recommends allowing up to 7 days for ballot delivery in each direction.

To apply to vote by mail, complete a “vote by mail” application and return it by mail or in-person to the Elections & Census Office.
Elections & Census Office
375 Merrimack Street
Basement, Room 5
Lowell, MA 01852

Absentee ballots

Deadline to apply for in-person absentee ballots: Monday, September 20, 12:00pm

For all the rules, including who qualifies, visit:
https://www.lowellma.gov/408/Absentee-Voting

Besides making sure you are registered to vote where you currently live, another important item on your list to prepare for the election is to get to know the candidates…

WCAP Candidate debates

Thursday, September 9, 7 am
District 4 (Downtown) candidates

Coffee with the Candidates

Thursday, September 9, 6-8pm
In person at 74 Middlesex Street
Organized by: UNITAS

In partnership with:
980 AM WCAP
Communidad De Lowell
Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

Grill and Chill: CBA Candidate Event Cookout

Saturday, September 11, 11am-3pm
In person at North Common Park

DEI Consortium Candidate Spotlight

Online – Monday, September 13, 7pm
Tooch Van, Candidate for City Council in District 5
Susie Chhoun, Candidate for School Committee in District 3

State-level Events and Actions

Help fight racism in schools

Two bills (S365 and H584) focus on anti-racism and equity in education. They aim to create a commission to study how to incorporate ethnic studies and anti-racism in the K-12 curriculum, with a way to fund it. If all students see themselves represented in the history taught and the focus is not almost entirely on European history, no group is given a feeling of pre-eminence and the contributions all groups make are recognized. The main thread in racism, that a particular group is superior to others, is defanged.

You can help get the bill passed by writing to your State Senator and Representative:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/ethnic-studies-and-anti-racism-in-k-12-education

Fight evictions: Contact your legislators in support of the COVID Housing Equity Bill

Everything you need to take action is at the link.
https://tinyurl.com/ywb25nra

Support the Common Start Bill

Thank your legislators

All three Lowell representatives have co-sponsored the Common Start bill to provide affordable accessible early education and child care.

Phonebank on behalf of Common Start bill

Tuesday, September 7, 5-8pm
Wednesday, September 8, 5-8pm
Common Start and CSJ are hosting a series of phone banks aimed to identify voters who support the principles behind the Common Start bill – achieving high quality, affordable, and accessible early education and child care for families in Massachusetts.
To volunteer:
https://tinyurl.com/hvx4ukvt

Can’t make the dates this week? Not to worry! These phone banks will take place weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5pm – 8pm – make sure to sign up for one of the upcoming weeks! There will be trainings on how to use the dialer, the script, and someone to help troubleshoot or answer any questions that you might hear from voters.

Attend monthly meeting of Common Start Coalition

Monday, Sept. 13 at 6:30pm OR Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 4:00pm.
Virtual monthly chapter meetings where you can get updates on the Common Start bill and discuss how to continue to engage families, the field and even employers. The Chapter meetings are held in the evening and afternoon to accommodate different work schedules. Please mark your calendar for whichever one works best for you: Monday, Sept. 13 at 6:30pm or Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 4:00pm.

Zoom info follows for each.

Topic: Northeast MA Chapter Meeting (Monday night)
Time: Sep 13, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89822756401
Meeting ID: 898 2275 6401
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

____________

Topic: Northeast MA Chapter Meeting (Tuesday afternoon)
Time: Sep 14, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82053352146
Meeting ID: 820 5335 2146
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Write your Legislators in Support of Same Day Registration

The last day you can register to vote, or change your registration, in Lowell’s upcoming primary election is September 1. Register to vote online here. Because there is a 20-day cut-off before elections.

That, however, raises a key question: Why do we even have such a 20-day cutoff at all?

Our neighbors in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut all allow eligible voters to register or update their registration at the polls. In total, 20 states and DC have Same Day Registration. Whether their voters vote on Election Day or in Early Voting, they can register or update their registration when they appear to vote in person.

So we know it’s possible. And we know it works: studies have shown that Same Day Registration is one of the best reforms for increasing voter participation.

When the MA House and MA Senate consider a voting reform package this fall to make some of last year’s changes permanent, it’s vital that Same Day Registration be a part of it.

Will you email your state legislators today in support of Same Day Registration? Use this handy form, with an editable message you can personalize, to write to them.
https://tinyurl.com/3dma73ew

Cover Picket Line When Nurses Are Negotiating at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester

St Vincent’s Nurses Strike
123 Summer St, Worcester
Parking at Strike Office with water and food. Adjacent to Starbucks, 11 E Central St

Peak Demand:
Every day 12 noon when nurses go on errands.
Every Wed 4-6 pm to cover the picket line when nurses are at the negotiation event

MNA Strike Support Page
https://action.massnurses.org/we-stand-with-st-vincents-nurses
Via News-MAGIC

– – – –

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

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

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://solidaritylowell.com/volunteer-opportunities/

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32620254841968

View the notes from our August meeting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18G9Q5mDu3Cctv1Wj88Xerau4lG9b-_jhi9dCvF3-J0s/edit?usp=sharing

Watch the video from our August meeting: https://youtu.be/wueFeELxcV0
—-

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

Aug

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR AUGUST 24, 2021

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, September 26, 5:30pm – 7pm

We’ll be hearing the results of our survey of candidates involved in the general election whose races did not have preliminary elections and considering possible additional endorsements for the general election.

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Donate via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd

Local Events and Actions

VIRTUAL SCREENING: “Contradictory Place”

Thursday, August 26 7:00-8:30pm
https://tinyurl.com/f8dnxvx8
40 min. documentary followed by discussion led by film collaborators

The film covers “the extraordinary anti-slavery efforts that took place in the mid-19th century in Lowell. Prof. Robert Forrant of the University of Massachusetts Lowell and local historian and community educator Maritza Grooms visited several sites that still exist in downtown Lowell where the abolitionist activity occurred and where freedom seekers operated businesses.

Do you need to register to vote, or update your existing registration?

The deadline to register to vote for the preliminary election is Wednesday, September 1.

If you are not registered to vote where you currently live, you should submit a voter registration form now. You will not be automatically registered to vote until you apply for/renew your driver’s license or state ID, or apply for health insurance through MassHealth or the Health Connector. You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at any city or town hall.

The Preliminary will be September 21 and will be for City Council Districts 2, 3, 4, and 7.

State-level Events and Actions

Help Pass Common Start Childhood Care Bill

Phonebank
Tuesday, August 24, 5-8pm
Wednesday, August 25, 5-8pm

Common Start and CSJ are hosting a series of phone banks aimed to identify voters who support the principles behind the Common Start bill – achieving high quality, affordable, and accessible early education and child care for families in Massachusetts.

To RSVP or for more information please email Diana at diana@coalitionforsocialjustice.org

Testify on the importance of affordable childcare

Is childcare important to you? Did you know there is a bill to establish early childhood and afterschool care? You can help get the bill passed by sharing your story of how important childcare is for you.

Per Jonathan Cohn of Progressive Massachusetts, you can share your story on video as follows:

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
Videos should be under 2 minutes long and can be shot from your cell phone. Please email videos to james@field-first.com and include the spelling of your full name and the city where you live in the email. This will help us determine the legislator for your district.

Outline for Video Testimony
Hi, I’m [name] from [city or town].
If it applies: I’m a [parent/family member/guardian]. I’m also [an essential worker, a childcare provider, a family care worker, working from home, unemployed, a business owner, an early educator, etc].
Child care is important to me because [fill in the blank].
When you have the opportunity to fund early education and childcare in Massachusetts, please remember my story because there are many others like me. Please invest in access to safe, high-quality, affordable child care.

Or follow this link to email your story to legislators: https://tinyurl.com/6eaejr3h

Fair Share Amendment Pledge Drive

Raise Up Mass is kicking off the Fair Share Amendment campaign early with a pledge card drive! The Fair Share Amendment, which has already secured its spot on next year’s ballot, would create a surtax of 4% on income above $1 million to create a dedicated fund for education and transportation spending. You can sign a digital pledge card at: https://raiseupma.us/solidaritylowell.

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute information for tenants facing eviction

We are urging tenants facing eviction not to move out and to seek rental assistance and legal aid.

For rental assistance, call 2-1-1 or find your local housing agency at http://masshousinginfo.org/.

For legal help and information, call 2-1-1 or visit the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project site at evictionlegalhelp.org/find-legal-help/.

To connect with grassroots organizations in your area, call or text the Homes for All Massachusetts hotline at 617-819-0188 in English or Spanish or visit http://homesforallmass.netlify.app/help/.

Information is available on the website at: https://evictionlegalhelp.org/legal-rights/tenants/

LAC “Meet a Specialist: Criminal Justice”

August 25, 7PM
Register here for Wednesday, August 25, at 7 p.m. https://tinyurl.com/93xdba9z

LWVMA Criminal Justice specialists Nancy Bettinger and Lucy Costa will discuss these bills:

H.2504/S.1578: An Act to provide criminal justice reform protections to all prisoners in segregated confinement. This bill curtails use of solitary confinement.
H.1797: An Act to reduce mass incarceration. This bill establishes the right to a parole hearing after 25 years in custody.
H.1826/S.920: An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for young adults. This bill structures the juvenile justice system to include people from 18 to 20 years of age.

Posted in News-MAGIC #criminal-justice (edited)

LAC “Meet a Specialist: Elections & Voting”

August 26, 4PM
Register here for Wednesday, August 26, at 7 p.m. https://tinyurl.com/43565r5k

LWVMA Elections and Voting specialists Nancy Brumback and Linda Freedman will discuss these bills

H.805/S.459 An Act fostering voting opportunities, trust, equity, and security (VOTES Act). Comprehensive voting reform bill.
H.769/S.475 An Act supporting parents running for public office. Allow candidates to use campaign funds for child care.
H.3547/S.2261 An Act to establish free access to ride to elections in Massachusetts (FARE Act). Make public transit free on Election Day.

Posted in News-MAGIC #democracy-massachusetts (edited)

– – – –

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

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

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://solidaritylowell.com/volunteer-opportunities/

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

View the notes from our August meeting:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18G9Q5mDu3Cctv1Wj88Xerau4lG9b-_jhi9dCvF3-J0s/edit?usp=sharing

Watch the video from our August meeting:
https://youtu.be/wueFeELxcV0
—-

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

Aug

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR AUGUST 10, 2021

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

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

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Local Events and Actions

Climate Action

FRIDAY Aug. 13 – Bank of America’s Unlucky Day
11:00 to 12:30pm
Join 350MA at the Lowell Bank of America Banking Center
724 Chelmsford St.
Lowell (next to Lowes)

Big banks are still funding big pipelines – like Line 3, a major pipeline expansion to carry tar sands oil. In addition to trampling on Indigenous peoples’ treaty rights, Line 3’s oil is equivalent to about 50 coal power plants, or 38 million vehicles on our roads/ year.

Native groups and activists from across the country are protesting right now in Minnesota. On Friday, Aug. 13 there are local protests across the country. We can help here in Lowell by telling Bank of America to stop funding Line 3.

Please RSVP at the following link, so we know how many signs to bring. Bring your own if you wish!
https://actionnetwork.org/events/stop-the-money-pipeline-9/

State-level Events and Actions

LAC “Meet a Specialist: Women’s Issues”

August 11, 12PM
Register here https://tinyurl.com/3ruk7a2f

LWVMA Women’s Issues specialists Jan Soma and Susan Loffredo will discuss these bills:

H.2020/S.1196 An Act relative to transparency in the workplace—bill addresses pay equity by gender and race
H.2399/S.1470 An Act to require public universities to provide medication abortion
H.1196/S.673 An Act ensuring access to full spectrum pregnancy care—bill would require health insurance coverage for all pregnancy-related care

Posted in News-MAGIC #womens-rights (edited)

Change the Democratic Party Platform

Info from posts from Jeanne Krieger, Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts
Larry Pareles, Indivisible Massachusetts

As you know, the MA Legislature does NOT currently operate in a democratic and transparent manner. The concentration of power in the hands of leadership produces a closed, hierarchical organization that disempowers rank-and-file Members and the public. But this August we have an organizing opportunity available only once every four years: we can change the official platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Progressive Democrats of MA (PDM) and others are proposing adding a plank to the Democratic Party platform calling for reform of the Legislature. Testimony advocating for this plank can be presented in writing or at hearings being held between Aug. 2 and 14. You can find proposed language, draft testimony, and a link to the Democratic Party site for registering to participate in a hearing and for submitting written testimony on the Progressive Democracts website at https://www.progressivedemsofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PDM_Dem_Platform_Change_Flyer_v3.pdf

The goal is to get the good governance reforms at the center of The People’s House campaign explicitly included in the Party platform. This would be great leverage in the battle for State House reform – if the MA Democratic Party explicitly supports transparency measures, it becomes much harder for the Democrats in the State House to oppose it.

We encourage you to submit testimony to the platform process. You may also want to advocate for keeping the last 2 bullets in the 2017 platform’s Ethics and Transparency section that address the operation of the Legislature, pages 7-8, https://massdems.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017-Platform-Massachusetts-Democratic-Party.pdf

All registered Democrats may testify. If you’re not registered as a Democrat, but would like to be, you can register or revise your registration at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ .

Never testified before, or even attended a Mass Dems meeting? No worries! Here is a handy Platform Testimony Toolkit https://tinyurl.com/yzuacf4f. This has everything you need to make your voice heard in this process, including the official recommended platform “planks” and a sample script you can use to testify orally.

If you do testify, in writing or at a virtual hearing, please let Progressive Democrats know so they can track the number of supporters for use in advocacy later in the process. Please email them at info@progressivedemsofmass.org email to let them know that you testified.

You can submit testimony in two ways:

Attend a virtual Platform Hearing and testify orally. All hearings are during the first two weeks of August. Check out the hearing dates and times below. Lowell is Congressional District 3.
Submit written testimony (i.e. a PDF of this document https://tinyurl.com/3558wfbk) through this form https://tinyurl.com/nj33wt33. Note: the deadline to submit written testimony is August 14th. Even if you can’t attend any of the hearings, please take a minute to submit written testimony.

This effort is all about volume. If dozens of people show up at these hearings asking for the exact same planks, it will make a splash that they can’t ignore.

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

Fair Share Amendment Pledge Drive

Email Transportation Committee to vote out favorably the Work and Family Mobillity Act

This bill would make it easier for our immigrant neighbors without status to get drivers’ licenses.
In June, the committee heard over 50 speakers speak in favor of the bill, which has earned the support of over 100 elected officials, over 150 labor, faith, and community groups, the head of the MA AFL-CIO, the mayor of Boston, as well as the unanimous support of MA Major Cities’ Chiefs of Police Association. This legislation would not only right a wrong but would also bring in nearly $2 million to the state from various registration and licensing fees and has the potential to lower healthcare costs for millions of Massachusetts residents. The question isn’t why should we pass this bill, the question is why haven’t we passed it already!

Please join the Merrimack Valley Project in emailing members of the Transportation Committee to ask that they advance this bill for a floor vote as soon as possible. The time is now for immigrant justice!

1. Click on the link below.
2. Fill out your name and address, etc.
3. Hit send. [Your email goes to 14 committee members at once!]

Remember, staffers generally are the ones who keep track of the YESES and NOS for a particular piece of legislation. The letter text doesn’t have to be original; there just need to be LOTS OF EMAILS in support.

I wrote. It took all of 20 seconds!!

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/email-the-joint-transportation-committee?clear_id=true

COVID-19 Housing Equity bill

Hearing Thursday, August 12, 1:00pm
https://mailchi.mp/margolis/avert-evictions-in-this-moment-of-crisis?e=ee7c9c9fd6

Send and email or call your legislator: https://www.homesforallmass.org/act/

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute information for tenants facing eviction

We are urging tenants facing eviction not to move out and to seek rental assistance and legal aid.

For rental assistance, call 2-1-1 or find your local housing agency at masshousinginfo.org/.
For legal help and information, call 2-1-1 or visit the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project site at evictionlegalhelp.org/find-legal-help/.
To connect with grassroots organizations in your area, call or text the Homes for All Massachusetts hotline at 617-819-0188 in English or Spanish or visit homesforallmass.netlify.app/help/.

Information is available on the website at: https://evictionlegalhelp.org/legal-rights/tenants/

Help Pass the Anti-Bullying Dignity at Work Act

Massachusetts bill numbers: S1185/H3843

Here are the actions you can take in order of effectiveness based on how much effort the action requires and how much the effort can’t be ignored or is disruptive. We want to ask state legislators to both co-sponsor the bill AND to ask the committee chair to move the bill forward (Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development)

Meet with your own state legislators in a group in-person or over Zoom to share your story and insights.
Meet with your own state legislators individually.
Call your state legislators. Simply ask them to sign onto the bill using the bill numbers above.
Email your state legislators a custom email. Share your story.
Email your state legislators using a handy customizable form: https://tinyurl.com/55exjzha
Join a team meeting on Zoom this month:
Monday, August 16, 7pmET
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89217626874?pwd=Q0h2VzJEV0ZFWXB4d0REdW5jck13QT0
Dial-in only: 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 892 1762 6874
Passcode: 6721241

– – – –

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

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://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

Aug

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR AUGUST 3, 2021

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

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

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Local Events and Actions

Deadline for candidates to file signatures

August 3, 5pm
City Council and School Committee candidates have until Aug. 3 at 5 pm to return their 150 signatures.

State-level Events and Actions

Change the Democratic Party Platform

Info from posts from Jeanne Krieger, Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts & Larry Pareles, Indivisible Massachusetts

All registered Democrats may testify. If you’re not registered as a Democrat, but would like to be, you can register or revise your registration at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ .

You can submit testimony in two ways:

Attend a virtual Platform Hearing and testify orally. All hearings are during the first two weeks of August. Check out the hearing dates and times below. Lowell is Congressional District 3.

Submit written testimony (i.e. a PDF of this document https://tinyurl.com/3558wfbk) through this form https://tinyurl.com/nj33wt33. Note: the deadline to submit written testimony is August 14th. Even if you can’t attend any of the hearings, please take a minute to submit written testimony.

This effort is all about volume. If dozens of people show up at these hearings asking for the exact same planks, it will make a splash that they can’t ignore.

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.

Fair Share Amendment Pledge Drive

Raise Up Mass is kicking off the Fair Share Amendment campaign early with a pledge card drive! The Fair Share Amendment, which has already secured its spot on next year’s ballot, would create a surtax of 4% on income above $1 million to create a dedicated fund for education and transportation spending. You can sign on to the Solidarity Lowell digital pledge card at: https://raiseupma.us/solidaritylowell.

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

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 0213

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://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

Jul

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR JULY 27, 2021

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

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

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

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)

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

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://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

Jul

2021

Make your voice heard on polling location plans!

Local Events and Actions

Make your voice heard on polling location plans

Thursday, July 22, 6:00pm
City Council Chambers

A special City Council meeting has been called to review the plan for 16 or more polling locations so that we can keep polling locations open and not create any undue barriers to voters in this year’s election. We need you there!

Please call the Clerk’s office by 3pm Thursday to register to speak: 978-674-4161. The meeting will be in chambers. Please come in person if you can. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.

Agenda for tomorrow’s meeting is here:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222021-2035?html=true

There’s a Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/183753713773530

Updates are here:
Lowell Sun 7/20/21: https://www.lowellsun.com/2021/07/20/lowell-election-commission-seeks-to-hire-expert-to-subdivide-districts-for-2021-election/
Lowell Sun 7/19/21: https://www.lowellsun.com/2021/07/19/lowell-election-commission-adopts-common-cause-roadmap-proposal-on-voting-locations/

Jul

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR JULY 13, 2021

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

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)

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.

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://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

Jul

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR JULY 6, 2021

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.

Many thanks to Win Flint for hosting!

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

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

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://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

Jul

2021

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR JUNE 29, 2021

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

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.

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

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

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: http://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: http://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