Local
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/
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
Active Bystander Training
Wednesday, July 26th, 7pm, First Parish Church United of Westford, Westford, MA
If you are a bystander witnessing a harmful situation, you have a choice to make. Do you do something? What do you do? Come to this training to learn how to stand in solidarity with others who are facing discrimination. Hosted by Indivisible Westford Area.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1882336735422717/
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUHqcdaqjpXOR_W0nPzh6YCPyKV-iRVIkmkU-OC9SJkxsizA/viewform?usp=send_form
Southeast Asian American Studies Conference
July 27-29, UMass Lowell
The Southeast Asian American Studies conference is a national summit of researchers, community organizers, artists, students, service providers, policymakers, community members, and others. The purpose is to reflect on the histories and current states of Southeast Asian American communities and to discuss solutions to the most pressing issues facing Southeast Asians in the U.S. This year’s conference theme is “Community Engagement, Research, and Policy in Action.”
More information: https://www.uml.edu/conferences/seaas-2017/
Volunteer with Lowell Transitional Living Center
There are many upcoming opportunities to volunteer with LTLC, including at the summer cleanups, with the Smoothie team, or by hosting a towel drive.
More information: http://ltlc.org/volunteer/
Diapers Needed at the Lowell Alliance Diaper Bank
Supplies at the Diaper Bank always need replenishing – please consider making a donation or holding a drive to help replenish their stock!
For more information, please email ncoan@ywcaoflowell.org
State
Ask Governor Baker to Defend DACA
Governor Charlie Baker: 617.725.4005
DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of qualified immigrant youth to gain legal protection, go to college, and support their families and communities. While Trump vowed he would leave Dreamers and DACA alone, a handful of states have now threatened to sue to try to end it themselves.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______, Massachusetts. Please publicly defend the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) from recent attacks with a statement about how it benefits Massachusetts. Thank you!”
More information: https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/attorneys-general-protect?akid=186141.8030332.IuhD3j&rd=1&source=mo&t=13
Federal
End Racial Profiling by Law Enforcement
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
It’s time to end the spontaneous and unconstitutional profiling of individuals based on their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. What’s more, nearly half of all racially-profiled victims of police shootings in America also have a disability, many times wrong preconceived notions about disability or not recognizing it also leads to these violent acts.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _________ from _________, Massachusetts. Please co-sponsor to H.R. 1498, a bill to end racial profiling by our nation’s law enforcement officials. Spontaneous and unconstitutional investigatory practices associated with individuals based on their actual and/or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation are highly unjust and counter to the ideals of our nation. Thank you!”
More information: http://actnow.io/qlgX7ha
Oppose DeVos’ Attempt to Dismantle Protections for Campus Rape Victims
Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 202-224-2742
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from ________, Massachusetts. I’m concerned that Betsy DeVos is considering dismantling Title IX and protections for survivors of sexual violence. Please support S. 856 (Senate) / H.R. 1949 (House). Thank you!”/font>
More information: http://college.usatoday.com/2017/07/14/advocacy-groups-react-after-title-ix-summit-with-betsy-devos/