Solidarity Lowell works toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all against hate and discrimination.
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From the Rapid Response Team
Lowell Transitional Living Center Needs Help Serving Meals
Action of the Week
Lowell Transitional Living Center Needs Help Serving Meals
The shelter is severely understaffed, as in no kitchen staff at all. Front desk staff are having to prepare meals. They have temporarily suspended serving lunch as a result.
They are still serving breakfast (7-8am) and dinner (5:30-6:30pm). They serve approximately 120 people at each meal.
ANY help would be appreciated, anything from preparing a meal and dropping it off for them to serve or coming there and preparing the meal, serving, and cleaning up. They will take partial quantities.
They would prefer hot meals, but at this point, they will accept anything. Some groups that serve at Community Table have found sandwiches and salad to be easier to put together with a smaller crew.
For more info or to schedule a turn, contact Director Isaiah Stevens (phone: 978-458-9888)
Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions
Emergency Housing Coalition Meeting
Sunday April 21, 6pm
UML Center For Women And Work, 150 Wilder Street, Lowell
Join us in this coalition effort from LLAMA, Merrimack Valley Project, Sacred Sun Project, and Solidarity Lowell.
Continuing the work of advocating for humane treatment of our unhoused neighbors and for affordable housing. If you have questions about the agenda or past meetings, please contact Felix Brown at felixfab62 @ gmail.com
Next Solidarity Lowell Meeting
Sunday April 28, 5:30-7pm
Status: Hybrid OR Zoom to be determined closer to date
Topic/speaker: Coordinating Committee Elections and TBD
Unpacking Whiteness
Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in an Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. The purpose of the group is to engage in supportive, structured dialogues with others to explore whiteness in contemporary society, especially to better understand the legacy and impact of white supremacy, white privilege, explicit and implicit bias, systemic racism, and microaggressions. There will be five sessions total.
Sign up at http://bit.ly/uw-signup
For more information, please contact Marissa Dupont: marissa@solidaritylowell.com
Support Needed for Asylum-Seeker
Lilian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, finally moved into an apartment! She can use assistance with furnishing the place.
Donations and gift cards are appreciated. These can be given to Marissa Dupont, who will pass them along to Lillian. CashApp: $gollygee17 Venmo: @owlnerd
For checks, cash donations, or gift cards, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com to coordinate drop-off.
Thank you!!!
Lowell Events & Actions
Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online
Meetings are usually held weekly Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. Occasionally meetings are canceled due to holiday weekends. Attend in person or by using remote participation as follows: Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC.Org (Online; Live Streaming; Or Municipal Cable Channel 6).
To speak, you must register by 4pm the day of the meeting. Those wishing to speak regarding a specific agenda item must register to speak in advance of the meeting by sending an email to the City Clerk indicating the agenda item and a phone number to call so that you may be issued a Zoom link to the meeting if you wish to speak remotely. Email Address is MGEARY@LOWELLMA.GOV. If you have no access to email you may contact the City Clerk at 978-674-4161.
See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092024-3058?html=true
5. CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS
5.2. C. Robinson – Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide An Update On Status Of Syringe Exchange Programs In The Community And What Regulatory Options Exist On The Local Level.
5.10 C. Jenness – Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide Presentation To The Council On Current Status Of ARPA Monies That Have Been Obligated, And The Plan For The Remainder Of Those Funds To Be Obligated By End Of Year.
5.14.C. Scott – Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Detailing The Status Of Mitigation Efforts Listed In The 2015 And 2020 Municipal Vulnerability Reports And The Status Of The Planning For The 2025 Report.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER
6.1. Motion Responses
B) Motion Response – State and Federal Partners Grant Opportunities
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27484?fileID=55883
C) Motion Response – (Improving) LTLC Services
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27484?fileID=55884
D) Motion Response – Winter Protocol Beds
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27484?fileID=55885
8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER
8.1. Ordinance – New Ch. 51 – Code For Elected And Appointed Officials
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27491?fileID=55888
An Ordinance Amending “Code of Ordinances, City of Lowell, Massachusetts,” by creating a new Chapter 51, entitled “Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials.”
11. PETITIONS
11.3. Misc. – Norma Von Fricken Request Permission To Address Council Regarding [Unsanitary] Homeless Conditions.
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27471?fileID=55732
How to contact your City Councilor
https://www.lowellma.gov/FormCenter/Contact-the-City-Council-5/City-Council-Contact-Form-45
It’s easy via the Webform above. You can write to as many of the councilors as you’d like, all at once. You can include the City Manager. You can have a copy of what you send returned to you. And you can communicate anonymously if you wish.
Remember. They work for us. You have a right to bring your concerns about the City to them.
Cambodian Flag Raising Ceremony
Friday, April 12, 10am
Join CMAA, Lowell City Hall, Lowell Community Charter Public School, and Lowell Public Schools in recognition of the Cambodian community in Greater Lowell.
Live broadcast on CMAA Facebook.
Lowell Litter Krewe
LLK has recommenced their spring cleanups.
To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.
Next events
Great Connector Cleanup, Exit 3 to Gorham St
Saturday, April 13, 9am-12pm
Meet at Target
Lowell Parking Garage Art – Phase 2 – Call for Artists
Deadline: April 26
The City of Lowell, through the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE), invites artists to submit two-dimensional works of art to be considered for showing in City-owned parking garages in phase two of our Parking Garage Art Exhibit. You may submit existing works or works newly created for this project. Works will be reproduced by the City of Lowell on acrylic panels suitable for all weather conditions and will be affixed to the wall of City-owned parking garages. For more information, please contact Peter Crewe: pcrewe@lowellma.gov.
Submit your application online to the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/240846135410146.
Project Timeline
Call for Artists OPEN: Friday, March 29
Info session via Zoom (optional): Tuesday, April 16
Call for Artists CLOSE: Friday, April 26, 1:59pm
Artists Notified by: Monday, May 6
Work Due to the City: Friday, May 10
Display Period: Up to one year (June 2024 – June 2025)
The information session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 5:30pm-6:30pm. It is optional and will serve as a space where artists can ask questions.
More details: https://www.likelowell.com/parking-garage-art-2024
Hunger And Homelessness Commission Has An Opening
If you are a resident of Lowell or a non-resident affiliated with a Lowell organization or institution and believe in and support the special interests of the hungry and homeless and are willing to work on behalf of the City of Lowell on this issue, this may be for you.
The Commission meets once a month, usually on the first Wednesday, for 60-90 minutes. Meetings are open to the public.
For more information on the Commission opening: https://g.co/kgs/dBzTu77
Support for our unhoused neighbors
Ongoing opportunities to help various organizations that are assisting Lowell’s unhoused population may be found on our website at:https://solidaritylowell.com/resources/
Any NEW opportunities will be posted here as well.
Ongoing Opportunities From Activist Groups in Our Area
Touchbase Tuesdays (weekly)
Tuesday, April 9, 1-2pm
Tuesday, April 16, 1-2pm
Sponsor: Indivisible Acton Area
Virtual – RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/activist-afternoons/event/586133/
Join Indivisible Acton Area weekly for conversation about local, state, and national current events. Let’s get together to update/review/share/plan news and actions people can take to win in 2024. Some of the brainstorming ideas discussed here turn into take action activities for the Indivisible Acton Area.
Postcards for Democracy (weekly)
Thursday, April 18, 9-11am
Kimball Farm Country Store, 400 Littleton Road, Westford
Sponsor: Indivisible Westford
$15 per packet
https://turnpurple2blue.org/2024/02/25/postcards-for-democracy/
Join fellow activists every Thursday to write postcards over coffee and conversations.
Activist Afternoons (first and third Sundays)
Sunday, April 21, 4-6pm
St. James Church, 1991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Sponsors: Progressive Mass, Swing Blue Alliance, 350Mass, and others
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/activist-afternoons/event/595320/
Join fellow activists to make calls about key issues at the State House.
GAI Bi-Weekly Postcard Action Hour
Wednesday, April 24, 6-7:30pm
Panera, 58 Peters St, North Andover
Sponsor: Greater Andover Indivisible
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblegreaterandover/event/565734/
Leading up to the 2024 elections, we’ll be writing to voters in key swing states/districts with messages about must-win candidates, progressive issues, Democrats’ accomplishments and urging unregistered likely-Dems to register and vote!
Other Events
Community Briefing on the Future of Steward
Tuesday, April 9, 6pm
To register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMudu2vpjMjE9LHFu7Qz-gxwUbetULpBI3V#/registration
SEIU 1199 and the Mass Nurses Association will be hosting a community briefing on the future of Steward Health Care.
Raise the Age Info and Action Session
Thursday, April 11, 6:30pm
RSVP to PIY@mtwyouth.org for the link
The Raise the Age bills (H.1710/S..942) currently up on Beacon Hill would end the automatic processing of teens as adults by gradually shifting 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. The legislation is based on recent research that shows that youths’ brains are still developing and they make immature impulsive decisions they would not make if they were older. They should not pay for what really are youthful mistakes with adult-level sentences that assume the person who commits a crime is “old enough to know better.” The bill is one of the priority bills for Progressive Mass.
For more information, contact James Mackey at jmackey@mtwyouth.org
The Failed Experiment of Mass Incarceration
Wednesday, April 17, 3-4pm
RSVP: https://brennan.swoogo.com/massincarceration/begin?ref=Insider032824
The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, a dubious distinction with grave social consequences. Excessive Punishment: How the Justice System Creates Mass Incarceration, a new book edited by the Brennan Center’s Lauren-Brooke Eisen, explores the roots and social costs of mass incarceration, as well as reforms that would prioritize human dignity and restoration over retribution. Join the Center virtually for a live event moderated by Eisen to hear from several of the book’s contributors on why the U.S. criminal justice system is so punitive and what alternatives could rebalance it.
Raise the Age Rally
Thursday, April 18, 11:00am
On the State House steps
The youth organizers at More Than Words (Power Is Yours) are planning a rally to put grassroots, youth-led pressure to help push Raise the Age favorably out of the Judiciary Committee.
Progressive Mass Fundraising
If we want progressive policies and laws in the state, we need to elect progressive legislators.
That’s where Progressive Massachusetts comes in. They vet candidates for progressiveness and endorse when appropriate giving a boost to those campaigns. And they organize lobbying on important bills. (Watch for news about the next Lobby Day, May 16.)
It costs money to do that work. You can help with that, and help Solidarity Lowell too, by donating via the following link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pmgala24?refcode=chapSL
Or you can buy a ticket to the fundraising Gala…
Progressive Mass Gala
Sunday, April 28, 7-8:30pm
Virtual – Tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pmgala24?refcode=chapSL
This annual fundraiser honors progressive leaders chosen by members. Featured speakers are Congressman Jim McGovern and Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. Honorees include: No Cost Calls Coalition, State House Employees Union, Worcester City Councilor Etel Hazhiaj, former Newton City Councilor Holly Ryan, and our own State Representative Vanna Howard!
State Level Actions
Tell Your Legislator: Raise the Minimum Wage
https://secure.everyaction.com/xOPatxQ4lU-bfENtFGha0Q2
Take Action for an Equitable Budget
A budget is more than just numbers: it’s a moral document. It shows what we, as a commonwealth, value and what society we wish to build together.
If you want a budget that reflects core progressive values, then write to your legislators in support of key investments in education and economic security.
This form makes it easy for you to email them, and lists some of the things it would be nice to see in the budget: https://secure.everyaction.com/2ddb6uiY8Eiea8Ztw3x9dQ2
h/t Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Mass
Tell Legislators: Use Your Power for Prison Accountability
https://secure.everyaction.com/GLxBL9wXakKXxu6mK0_70Q2
To Contact the Governor
Governor’s Office of Constituent Services (617) 725-4005
Call between 9am and 5pm and leave a message.
Or email the governor, using this form: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office#email-the-governor-using-this-form-
Our State Legislators’ Info
Speaker Ronald Mariano Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2500 | Rm 356
Senate President Karen Spilka Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov | 617-722-1500 | Rm 332
Rep. Rodney Elliott Rodney.Elliott@ma.house.gov | 617-722-2000 x7313 | Rm B1
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2060 | Rm 33
Local office: 25 Central Street, ground floor, Lowell
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2637 | Rm 544
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2380 | Rm 238
Senator Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov | 617-722-1630 | Rm 109-E
Senator Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov | 617-722-1572 | Rm 109-D
Senator Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov | 617-722-1120 | Rm 511-C
Senator Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov | 617-722-1612 | Rm 511A
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)
Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
National Actions
How to Contact the White House
https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/
(Includes a link to send email.)
Our Federal Legislators’ Info
Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170
Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519
Representative Lori Trahan
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm
2439 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 | 202-225-3411
126 John Street | Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-459-0101
Representative Seth Moulton
https://moulton.house.gov/contact
202-225-8020 | 978-531-1669
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 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 at solidaritylowell.com
Link to minutes of March meeting
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FhXowZwSF9z5vMn6btn9dZRp_fPOiysFqLi8bEDKTIQ/edit?usp=sharing
Link to recording of March meeting
https://youtu.be/T1rCkyp9rkU
See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings in our YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ
For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687
Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Join at: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/