Local
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 and chairs. 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
Keep Francisco Home!
Thursday, July 13th, 12-1pm, New England Regional ICE Office, 1000 District Ave., Burlington, MA 01803
Francisco Rodriguez has lived in the U.S. since 2006. He has lived in the greater Boston area for 10 years, specifically in Chelsea for the last 6 years. He is the father of two American citizen children, 10-year-old Mellanie, 5-year-old Jessica, and a baby on the way. For the past five years, he has been a janitor at MIT. Mr. Rodriguez has no criminal record, pays his taxes, and contributes to his community, church, children’s school and workplace. Despite the fact that Mr. Rodriguez is a beloved member of our community, he is facing potential deportation. Please join us at the ICE office to protest against Francisco’s deportation!
More information: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/06/22/francisco-rodriguez-deported-will-smaller-meaner-nation/MqbN6OWTdKLdmk82GcLCRO/story.html
Help Extend the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Though Lowell
Wednesday, July 19th, 6:30pm, Lowell City Hall, Mayor’s Reception Room, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell
Attend the meeting of the Lowell Planning Board regarding the Gervais VW expansion project, and support an extension of the BFRT north of Industrial Ave as part of that expansion. This is an extension of the regular Planning Board meeting set for two days earlier, which had a very full agenda. You don’t have to know anything about this project to be of significant help at this meeting. Your body will be sufficient. Please consider coming.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/crw1966/posts/10155136986489230
Postcards for Progress – Summer Fun Edition!
Saturday, July 22, 12-2pm, Gallery Z, 167 Market Street, Lowell
Feel like you aren’t making a difference in this time of political crisis? Come write postcards to your elected officials with us! Commiserate on the horrors in our current administration and do something that can actually enact change! Now with food! (Gallery Z has its own cafe!)
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1630763783609456/
State
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/
Refuse Fascism Rally
Saturday, July 15, 6-8pm, Holland Street and Highland Ave, Davis Square, Somerville, MA
Every person, every group– religious, community, service, political organization– all who feel the tremendous threat to humanity posed by the Trump/Pence regime– must stand together showing the world that we are determined that this regime must go… not in two years or four, but now.
More information: https://refusefascism.org/event/boston-rally-march/
Decriminalize Poverty!
Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2575
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460
Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630
Did you know that if you want an attorney, but are too poor to pay for it in Massachusetts, it still costs you $150? Did you know that if you are put on probation or parole, you will have to pay a fee? It’s $50/month. And if you are arrested for non-payment, you have another $75 arrest fee, and will lose your driver’s license.Call your State Senator and Representative today and ask them to support the Decriminalization of Poverty bills including S.777 and H2359./font>
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _________, Massachusetts. Please support H2359 (House bill)/S777 (Senate bill) to decriminalize poverty. Being too poor to pay fines and fees should not result in jail time, and bills like this will reduce recidivism. Thank you!”
More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2359
Federal
Internet Wide Action to Save Net Neutrality
FCC: 888 835-5322
The period for calling the FCC regarding ending Net Neutrality ends July 17th. Please call before the 17th to let the FCC know that a free and open internet is vital.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from ______, Masssachusetts. Please preserve Net Neutrality as it currently exists. Any attempt to control the information that we consume is a virtual book burning. Thank you!”
More information: https://www.savetheinternet.com/net-neutrality-what-you-need-know-now
Stop the Sinclair Broadcast Group Buyout of Tribune Media
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai: 202-418-2000
Sinclair Broadcast Group, a Fox News style organization, is trying to buy the 3.9 billion dollar Tribune Media. This buyout would include local TV stations all over the country including WGN in Chicago. Trumpster Boris Epshteyn’s combative show, Bottom Line With Boris, will be run on every Sinclair Station. It is widely thought Bill O’Reilly could end up there. Other far right programming will air as well. This is a huge power grab to control local media stations throughout our country.
Sample Script: “Hello my name is ______ from ________, Massachusetts. Please stop the Sinclair Broadcast Group’s buyout of Tribune Media. The spread of fake news across our country is already a huge problem and this would only make it worse. Thank you!”
More information: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/08/business/media/sinclair-tribune-media-sale.html?_r=0
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.