Local
Crisis in Cameroon Panel Discussion
Thursday, May 11, 7pm, LTC, 246 Market Street, Lowell
In November, 2016, a bloody political crisis erupted in Cameroon, resulting in the death, rape, and mass persecution of non-violent citizens in the English-speaking region of Cameroon. Today, the persecution continues. There is a panel discussion to inform the public and discuss how to speak out to prevent another Rwanda-type genocide.
For more information, please email fru1964@gmail.com
Postcards for Progress
Saturday, May 13, 2-4pm, Gallery Z, 167 Market Street, Lowell, MA
We’ll be writing postcards to and leaving messages for our elected officials. Come join us! We’re also collecting items for Massachusetts refugees! Please bring any of the following: toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant (for man and woman), stuffed animal(s), craft (coloring books, crayons, etc.), laundry detergent, books, baby wipes, soap.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/219458405214700/
Atlas Soul: World Music for World Peace
Saturday, May 13, 4:30pm, Christ Church United, 180 East Merrimack St, Lowell
An evening of brief talks by area organizations working for justice and equality, followed by a great meal and an inspiring, vibrant concert. Atlas Soul, an award-winning band, will perform a multi-lingual, cross-cultural fusion of music rooted in Afro-Mediterranean traditions blended with deep funk, jazz, and hip-hop.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/660455350807382/
Merrimack Valley Activist Forum
Saturday, May 13, 9am-12:30pm, Reliefs In, 1 Market St, Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843
Get involved in local activism and add your voice in shaping a progressive future for the Merrimack Valley and beyond! Join a forum with other local activists and statewide advocacy groups to get involved with the work being done on priority issues.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/423298224695536/
THRIVE Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) Training
Saturday, May 13, 8am-4:30pm, Entrepreneurship for All, 175 Cabot Street, Suite 100, Lowell
THRIVE is a community-based response to the challenges faced by adults returning from prison. THRIVE’s COSA training is an experiential exploration of the meaning, guidelines and impact of Reentry Circles. By the end of the day, participants will have gained an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a THRIVE volunteer.
More information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/circles-of-support-accountability-cosa-tickets-33794746998
Save the date! Solidarity Lowell General Meeting
Sunday, May 21, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 4th Floor Hi-Hat area, Lowell, MA (location may change)
This meeting will feature a presentation by We The People Massachusetts, a group working to end Citizens United and add a democracy amendment to the Constitution. Learn more at www.wethepeoplemass.org. Also on the agenda: volunteering opportunities, tabling events, committee updates, and more!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944756629144537/
State
Tell Governor Baker to stand up for the Paris Agreement
Charlie Baker: 617.725.4005
On May 3, twelve U.S. governors sent President Trump a letter urging him to keep the United States in the Paris Agreement. Governor Charlie Baker’s name was not on that letter.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. Trump is currently considering whether to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. Governor Baker should have signed the letter urging Trump not to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Governor Baker should show leadership and: 1) Sign the letter calling on Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement and 2) get our state back on track to meet 25% carbon reduction by 2020 as required by Massachusetts law. Thank you!”
More information: http://www.betterfutureproject.org/speakupcharlie3?utm_campaign=cmwu_may_8_17&utm_medium=email&utm_source=betterfutureproject
Rally for Public Education
Saturday, May 20, 2-5pm, Boston Common at Beacon and Charles St, Boston, MA
Last year, we won a landslide victory in Massachusetts against the forces of privatization, defeating a dangerous ballot initiative that would have drained hundreds of millions of dollars from our public schools. Now, the struggle continues. We must stand together to resist the plans and policies of Trump, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and Governor Charlie Baker. It is time to demand the public schools and colleges our communities deserve.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/101453610401476/
Prohibit “Conversion Therapy” for LGBTQ Youth
Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):
Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263
David Nangle: 617-722-2575
Rady Mom: 617-722-2460
Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380
James Lyons: 617-722-2460
“Conversion therapy” is a harmful practice to attempt to change LGBTQ individuals’ sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The Supreme Court recently ruled that outlawing it is constitutional (hooray!), but most states do not yet have laws on the books that outlaw it. Massachusetts now has the opportunity to prohibit state-licensed mental health professionals from subjecting minors to “conversion therapy” practices. As Elizabeth Warren recently wrote in regard to a similar federal bill, “LGBTQ Americans deserve to live lives free of discrimination and prejudice, with the same rights as other citizens.”
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from _____, Massachusetts. Please co-sponsor and vote YES on H.1190, which would save LGBTQ minors from harmful “conversion therapy” practices. Our LGBTQ youth are fine the way they are, and they need to be supported, not subjected to this danger. Thank you!”
More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H1190
Federal
Appoint Preet Bharara as Special Prosecutor
Rod Rosenstein: (202) 353-1555
Preet Bharara is one of the most accomplished jurists in America, with a history of honest, non-partisan investigations and an ability to take on even the largest of cases. He’s led the charge against corruption in the New York State government, financial fraud on Wall Street, and international gang activity. He is respected by Democrats and Republicans alike and has extensive experience with international investigations, including in Russia. Now that he is no longer the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Mr. Bharara is the perfect candidate to take on the task of investigating the role Russia played in the 2016 elections.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. With the firing of James Comey, it’s clear that we need an investigation run from outside the administration and DC. I strongly encourage you to allow New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Preet Bharara to take the lead as special prosecutor regarding the current administration’s ties to Russia. Thank you!”
More information: https://www.change.org/p/appoint-preet-bharara-as-special-prosecutor-to-investigate-election-influence-by-russia
Support H.2091/S.373 for Automatic Voter Registration
Elizabeth Warren: 202-224-4543 or 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 202-224-2742
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
This bill would modernize voter registration by automatically registering citizens who interact with government agencies (“opt-out” instead of “opt-in”) and ensure that such information is handled in a secure fashion, enhancing safeguards against fraud.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. I am your constituent and I urge you to co-sponsor and support S.373/H. 2091 to modernize voter registration and protect the security of voter data. One of the greatest threats to a democracy is lack of participation. This bill would improve voter registration and potentially enhance voter participation. It would also help assure voters that their sensitive information is safe. Thank you!”
More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2091
Positive Action of the Week
Thank Rep. Tsongas for demanding the truth about Trump
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
In measure after measure, Rep. Tsongas has called for investigating Trump’s tax returns and his connection to Russia. The call for investigations is growing louder and louder– and one key measure, which would require making Trump’s tax returns public– is gaining real steam.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from ______, Massachusetts. I am a constituent of Rep. Tsongas. I want to thank her for signing the discharge petition on H.R.305, demanding a floor vote to get Trump’s tax returns. Congress cannot begin to consider Trump’s awful tax reforms until Trump releases his own taxes, at a very minimum. I also support creating a nonpartisan, independent investigation on Trump, Russia, and Trump’s conflicts of interest. Thank you!”
More information: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/10/us/politics/congress-statements-comey.html