Thanks to everyone who responded to last week’s poll. 90% of you chose 501(c)4 as the option for us to go with, so we will begin the process of registering with the IRS as such. Thanks again!
Local
Postcards for Progress: Mill 5 Edition
Saturday, July 8, 11am-1pm, Coffee and Cotton, Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St, 4th Floor, Lowell
Come write postcards to your elected officials about issues that matter to you! Suggestions, addresses, and supplies provided. Please note that we’ll be at Mill No. 5 this time, in Coffee and Cotton, due to summer hours at our usual location.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1919570468266968/
Community Rally for Good Jobs and Quality Care
Monday, July 10, 12pm-1pm, CLASS, Inc., 1 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA
Believe persons with disabilities deserve quality care in Lawrence? Stand in solidarity with the hardworking staff at CLASS, Inc! SEIU Local 509 members at CLASS Inc. are fighting back to improve the care of people with disabilities in our community. Low wages for workers have caused high rates of staff turnover, which negatively impacts the individuals served by CLASS. The compassionate, hardworking employees of CLASS should be treated fairly for the important work they do helping people live with dignity.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/238481296660428/
SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue
Sunday, July 23rd, 3-5pm, Lynne Lupien’s house, Lowell, MA
The Coordinating Committee has decided that we need a more relaxed event this month, so we’re holding a barbecue! Lynne Lupien has graciously offered to host. We’ll provide the burgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs if you’ll bring the sides. Please RSVP so we know what you’re bringing, and to get the address. Thank you!
RSVP here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945a8af28a2f49-summer
State
Cosecha Regional Gathering
July 7-9, 2017, Boston, MA
In February, 350 immigrant leaders from all over the country went to Boston to participate in the launch of the May 1st campaign – A Day Without Immigrants. Since then, hundreds of thousands of immigrants took the streets on May 1st, and hundreds joined local Cosecha teams across the country. Now it is time for the movement to assemble and prepare for the next phase of boycotts and escalated actions!
More information and to RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/cosecha-juntas-regionales
Fight for Free Public College in Massachusetts
Thursday, July 13, 9am-12pm, MA State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston
Students and working families in Massachusetts are hurting under the huge burden of high costs and huge debt at public colleges and universities. We are standing together to fight for much needed relief. The Finish Line Grant would help students and families who run into financial difficulty and are worried about paying for college.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1911033265825762/
Federal
Save Amtrak
Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 202-224-2742
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
Under Trump’s proposed budget, all long distance Amtrak passenger train services would lose federal support and could be discontinued. The national passenger train network would be destroyed. It would no longer be possible to cross the United States by train.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ and I’m from ______, Massachusetts. I urge you to reject the proposed elimination of all long distance Amtrak passenger train service by the Trump administration. If enacted, hundreds of small communities across the US would lose their last means of low cost public transportation to the outside world. Thank you!”
More information: https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/save-amtrak-3?akid=185459.8030332.GINllB&rd=1&source=mo&t=15
Oppose the Supreme Court’s Decision to Mix Church and State
Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 202-224-2742
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. I’m very concerned about the Supreme Court’s recent decision to use taxpayer funds for church expenses. I do not want our country to abandon its longstanding constitutional protection of separation of church and state. I oppose government funds going directly to any house of worship. Thank you!”
More information: http://www.npr.org/2017/06/26/534084013/supreme-court-rules-religious-school-can-use-taxpayer-funds-for-playground
Positive Action of the Week
Thank Secretary Galvin for Denying Trump’s Request for Voting Data
Secretary of State William Galvin
Southeastern District Office
218 South Main St., Suite 206
Fall River, MA 02721
Massachusetts Secretary of State William F. Galvin’s office is denying the Trump administration’s request for voting data as part of a White House probe into voter fraud.
Sample Script: “Dear Sec. Galvin, Thank you so much for standing up for our privacy! The Trump administration’s request for voter data is a huge violation of our rights. It’s nice to know that you’re looking out for our integrity! Sincerely, (your name and address)”
More information: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/06/30/galvin-rejects-white-house-request-for-voter-data/AkXCo9uAeSuSdO3AoAyiIO/story.html
The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.