Month: August 2017

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 8/24/17

Local

Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, August 27th, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 5th floor, 250 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA

On the agenda: discussion and vote on whether or not to become a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts, a presentation by Darcie about the Raise Up initiative, discussion about whether or not we should get involved in the race to replace Niki Tsongas, committee updates and more! After the meeting, stay for a sign-making party! We will supply some supplies but feel free to bring your own as well. This meeting will be held in the 5th floor meeting room.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/105304816825867/

 

Postcards for Progress – Just Keep Writing Edition

Saturday, August 26, 1-3pm, Gallery Z, 167 Market Street, Lowell

It’s past time to get together for another postcard party! We’ll be writing to our elected officials about important legislation, as Congress is about to go back in session. We’ll take a stand against hate, one postcard at a time, and also get out the vote for upcoming elections. Join us!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/163531917554651/

 

Volunteer Opportunity!

Friday, August 25, 9:30am, IINE Storage Unit

Help inventory the International Institute of New England (http://iine.org/) storage unit and reorganize it, so we know what the IINE will need (and have time to collect!) before the new refugee families begin to arrive in November. No heavy lifting will be involved, but we do need lots of helpers! Due to the nature of the storage unit, volunteers must be 12+. HOWEVER! One of the Lowell Ward members has generously volunteered to babysit any children under 12 whose parents would like to help with the unit.

For more information, contact Alisha Erin Hillam at alishahillam@gmail.com

 

THRIVE Volunteer Training

Saturday, August 26, 8:30am-5pm, Entrepreneurship for All, 175 Cabot Street, Suite 100, Lowell, MA 01854

THRIVE’s mission is to empower adults returning from incarceration and to revolutionize the role community members play in their lives upon reentry by organizing and supporting grassroots efforts for restorative reentry, community building, and constituency leadership. THRIVE’s Circles of Support and Accountability 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 volunteer.

More information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/circles-of-support-accountability-cosa-august-training-tickets-35125564509

 

Fill out the Lowell Votes Survey!

Now that we have candidates, it’s time to start putting together the yearly Lowell Votes voter guide! Please take the survey and let us know what we should cover.

Take the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedYzb_5K2MudTAEX5xdPfihUANOC7zPqXYXbhInU9WNChWxA/viewform

 

SAVE THE DATE: Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss! Focus on Anti-Fascism

Friday, September 8, 6:30pm, Intersection of Arcand Drive and Dutton Street (at the bridge next to Cobblestones, across from City Hall)

Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility! At 6:30, come demonstrate with us! Bring signs about whatever is important to you. We’ll plan to demonstrate for about an hour. After the demonstration (around 7:30pm), we’ll head to Coffee and Cotton to have some drinks, discuss the events of the week, and celebrate their new liquor license. All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1927377024169899/

 

State

Health Care Rally

Wednesday, August 30, noon, Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA

A Healthcare Rally demanding affordable, high-quality health care for all. We will clarify single payer, Medicare-for-All, and the ACA with speakers and street theater!

More information: https://act.moveon.org/event/aug-resistance-recess-events_attend/13793/signup/

 

Support Beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Address:
Governor Charlie Baker

Massachusetts State House, Office of the Governor

Room 280

Boston, MA 02133

The beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are in danger of having their immigration status terminated by January, 2018. Presently these TPS beneficiaries are campaigning to request the support of US citizens by having them sign letters to each state Governor. Sign and send a copy of the letter linked below to Governor Baker. Support the thousands of Salvadorans, Hondurans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Syrians whose TPS will expire during the first quarter of 2018.

The letter: http://www.minutemanindivisible.org/uploads/1/0/2/7/10278894/tpslettertogovbaker.pdf More information: http://www.alianzaamericas.org/save-tps/

 

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity with Low-Wage Workers – Labor Day Action in Boston

Monday, September 4, 11am, Boston Common, Boston, MA

This Labor Day, low-wage workers in the Fight for $15 are having a national day of action to demand a minimum wage of $15/hr and union rights.

More information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTO9lC3m2Do-XZXsjyDZfZAbYm0DETF7s4RaXSkDQWpe73ag/viewform

 

Federal

Daring Discussions Webinar Thursday, August 24, 8pm, online

Women’s March and partners invite you to join an online workshop on facilitating “Daring Discussions” about white nationalism, bigotry and violence, with community members who hold different political views. You will hear from activists who regularly engage in challenging their communities to do better, and learn strategies for constructively engaging your own family members, friends and neighbors in this critical political moment.

Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/daring-discussions/register

 

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.

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 8/16/17

Local
Stand Out Against Hate Lowell

Friday, August 18, 6:45-8pm, where Arcand Drive meets Merrimack Street (the island with the statue), approximately 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Stand out against the violent white supremacists who perpetrated the hate and bloodshed in Charlottesville. There is another such disgusting display coming to Boston Common on 8/19, and we need Lowell to show these kinds of people that they are not welcome in our city. Please bring signs! If you have Hate Has No Home Here signs, they are a great message to send.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/108317243198701/

 

Mobilize Against White Supremacy Lowell

Saturday, August 19, 9:30am-10am, Target, 181 Plain Street, Lowell

This event aims to provide transportation (via carpool) for those who oppose the white supremacy rally in Boston. We leave at 10:00 AM, so please arrive at 9:30 AM. We will meet up with the Stand for Solidarity and Fight Supremacy Boston events once in the city.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1540218796039622/

 

Fight Supremacy! Boston Counter-Protest & Resistance Rally

Saturday, August 19, 10am-5:30pm, Boston Common, 139 Tremont Street, Boston

On Saturday, White Nationalists are converging on Boston Common to reinforce their white supremacist ideology and attempt to intimidate queer Black, Indigenous, and POC communities. Walk with us as we march from the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center to Boston Common (1.9 miles) and Rally for Black Lives, LGBTQI Lives, Indigenous Lives, Palestinian Lives, Cape Verde Lives, Latinx Lives, Jewish Lives, and all who are marginalized!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/165697793990647

 

Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, August 27th, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 5th floor, 250 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA

On the agenda: discussion and vote on whether or not to become a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts, a presentation by Darcie from Lowell Education Justice Alliance (LEJA), discussion about whether or not we should get involved in the race to replace Niki Tsongas, committee updates and more! This meeting will be held in the 5th floor meeting room.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/105304816825867/

 

SAVE THE DATE: Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss! Focus on Anti-Fascism

Friday, September 8, 6:30pm, Intersection of Arcand Drive and Dutton Street (at the bridge next to Cobblestones, across from City Hall)

Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility! At 6:30, come demonstrate with us! Bring signs about whatever is important to you. We’ll plan to demonstrate for about an hour. After the demonstration (around 7:30pm), we’ll head to Coffee and Cotton to have some drinks, discuss the events of the week, and celebrate their new liquor license. All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1927377024169899/

 

State

 

Shut Down the White Supremacist Rally in Boston

Governor Charlie Baker: 617.725.4005

White supremacists are holding a rally at Boston Common on August 19th, which will include bigoted speakers present at Charlottesville. We need to pressure the city of Boston to shut this event down.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______, Massachusetts. The fact that a white nationalist rally is being permitted in the city of Boston is unacceptable. After what happened in Charlottesville, I can’t believe city officials are allowing this to take place. White nationalists have no place in our city. Please do everything in your power to cancel this rally. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/252451831928409/

 

Support Medicare for All

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Call your rep to cosponsor HR 676, Medicare for All. The only reps in Massachusetts who have signed onto it so far are Reps. Clark, McGovern, and Capuano.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts. Please cosponsor HR 676, Medicare for All. Single-payer healthcare is very important to me. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/676

 

Federal

 

Demand that Congress Censure Trump Over His Endorsement of White Supremacy


Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 202-224-2742

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Censure is a formal, public statement of disapproval that requires a vote by Congress. A bipartisan vote would send a strong message to Trump and the world that his behavior is unacceptable and doesn’t represent American values. Several Republicans have spoken out already. That’s a start, but it’s not enough.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from ______, Massachusetts. Please censure Trump. Equating the white terrorism that occurred on Saturday with protestors is flat-out racism. I will not stand for white supremacists in the White House!”

More information: https://5calls.org/issue/recMfNw76XvEO833U

 

Advocate for Elections Free from Foreign Hacking

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______, Massachusetts. I’m concerned about a second foreign hacking in the next election cycle. I would like you to co-sponsor H.R. 1562, the SAFE Act, which makes elections more secure. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1562/text

 

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.


Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

RRT ACTION LIST 8/10/17

Local

Support Michael Degree, a Victim of Police Retaliation

Tina G. Degree and her family have been the target of police violence and intimidation for many years, and have filed an excessive force lawsuit against the Lowell police department after the cops beat Tina’s son, Devante. Now, the police are deepening their retaliation by targeting other members of this family. Tina’s brother, Michael, was recently arrested and is being held without bail being set until August 17. He was attacked multiple times by police with tasers, including while unconscious, while police taunted him by asking about his sister, Tina. Please support this fundraiser to bond him out of jail.

More information and to donate: https://www.youcaring.com/michael-897173
Support Daley Middle School’s Solar-Powered Classroom Fundraiser

The Climate Change Club at the Daley Middle School in Lowell is a group of sixth graders (and one honorary 8th grader), working together to learn about and stop climate change. They are fundraising to put solar panels on the school and make their classroom solar-powered.

More information and to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/DaleySolar

 

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, August 27th, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 5th floor, 250 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA

On the agenda: discussion and vote on whether or not to become a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts, a presentation by Darcie from Lowell Education Justice Alliance (LEJA), discussion about whether or not we should get involved in the race to replace Niki Tsongas, committee updates and more! This meeting will be held in the 5th floor meeting room.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/105304816825867/

 

State

Speak out against Governor Baker’s anti-immigration bill

Governor Charlie Baker: 617.725.4005

Last month, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that police and court officers in our state don’t have the legal authority to detain anyone solely on a civil immigration matter. However, on Aug. 1, Gov. Baker filed a bill to allow police across the state to honor civil detainer requests from U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) for any “removable alien” deemed to pose a threat to public safety.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from ________, MA. I disagree with Gov. Baker’s bill, An Act Empowering Law Enforcement to Cooperate with the United States to Transfer Custody of Convicted Criminals. We don’t need legislation to encourage police to do ICE’s job. I support the Safe Communities Act. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.miracoalition.org/news-events/728-baker-detainer-bill-would-needlessly-entangle-police-in-ice-matters

 

Federal

Prevent Military Action Against North Korea


Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 202-224-2742

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

The escalating tensions with North Korea have taken a sudden and dangerous turn, with the Washington Post reporting the isolated country has successfully produced a miniaturized nuclear warhead that will fit inside a ballistic missile. Trump responded to the report with alarming rhetoric, stating North Korea will be “met with fire and fury” if they were to make any threats against the U.S. A few short hours later North Korea responded with threats of missile strikes on Guam.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______ Massachusetts. I demand congressional approval before any military engagement takes place in North Korea and as that you vote against any request to do so. We cannot and should not stumble into another unnecessary war. Thank you!”

More information: https://5calls.org/issue/recP3XRP4IFDvaCgF

 

Advocate for equal access to housing for LGBTQ Americans

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from ______, Massachusetts. Please support H.R. 1447. While it is currently legal in the US to deny housing to LGBTQ Americans, this discrimination is wrong and should be remedied. Please stand up against housing discrimination. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr1447

 

Oppose the RAISE Act


Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 202-224-2742

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Republican Senators David Perdue and Tom Cotton have introduced legislation that viciously attacks our family-based legal immigration system. Backed by President Trump, the RAISE Act aims to cut legal immigration of extended family members by half – in addition to slashing the number of refugees we accept and eliminating the diversity visa lottery.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______, Massachusetts. Please stand against the RAISE Act. This is an extremist proposal that would prevent families from reuniting and go against our nation’s core values. Thank you!”

More information: http://action.nilc.org/page/s/tell-congress-oppose-the-raise-act?source=em170802-raise-act

 

Oppose new legislation that restricts access to abortion


Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 202-224-2742

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______ Massachusetts. I’m very concerned about two anti-abortion bills. S. 184 would pull all funding for legal abortion in the US. Secondly, S. 231 would modify the 14th Amendment and define life as beginning at conception. I strongly oppose both of these bills and you should do the same. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/s231

 

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.

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Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

RRT ACTION LIST 8/02/17

Local

Postcards for Progress – Don’t Give Up Now Edition

Saturday, August 5, 2-4pm, 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 horro rs 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/195619970973533/

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss!

Friday, August 11 at 6:30 PM – whenever, Corner of Arcand Drive and Dutton Street, Lowell, MA

Our new weekly visibility events are back!  Come demonstrate with us at the intersection of Arcand Drive and Dutton Street (in front of Cobblestones, across from City Hall). Bring signs! We’ll plan to demonstrate for a bout an hour.  After the demonstration, we’ll head to Fuse Bistro to have some drinks and discuss the events of the week!

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/923539397787344/

The U.S. Premiere of THREADS OF RESISTANCE

Now through September 10, 2017, 18 Shattuck St., Lowell

The New England Quilt Museum is presenting the Premiere of a juried exhibition of fiber art created by the Artist Circle Alliance to protest the Trump administration’s actions and policies. Head over any time, or join Action Together Massachusetts Merrimack Valley (ATMV) for a group outing on Sunday, August 20, at 1 pm. More information: http://threadsofresistance.org/home.html

Directions and hours: nequiltmuseum.org/

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, August 27th, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA

Please attend as we will be making the final decision on whether or not to become a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/105304816825867/

State 

URGENT ACTION: Gov. Baker files anti-immigrant legislation

Governor Charlie Baker: 617-725-4005

Senator Eileen Donohue: 617-722-1630

Senator Michael Barrett: 617-722-1572

Rep. Rady Mom: 617-722-2460

Rep. James Lyons: 617-722-2460

Rep. Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

Rep. David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Rep. Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

In response to historic SJC ruling, Governor Baker has filed anti-immigrant legislation authorizing collaboration between law enforcement and ICE. Contact your state legislators now and tell them to oppose this attack on Massachusetts immigrants. Also, contact the Governor and let him know he has overstepped his boundaries and his constituents are noticing!

More Information: http://www.mass.gov/governor/legislationexecorder/legislation/empowering-law-enforcement-to-cooperate-with-the-us.html

It’s Working! The Legislature is Moving in Favor of The Safe Communities Act (S1305/ H3269) and the Coalition Needs Your Support NOW!

James Lyons: 617-722-2460 ← Actively opposed, call him to express your disappointment.

—————-

Not yet co-sponsors, ask them to co-sponsor the Safe Communities Act (S1305/ H3269):

Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

Sen. Eileen Donohue: 617-722-1630

—————–

Rady Mom: 617-722-2460 ← Is a sponsor; thank him, and ask him to sign the letter to his colleagues.

Sen. Michael Barrett: 617-722-1572 ← has signed the letter.  Call to thank and encourage him

Sample Script 1: “Hello, my name is _____ from _____ . I know <rep/senator> is not yet a co-sponsor of the Safe Communities Act (S1305/ H3269). As a constituent, I am calling to lend my support to this act, and I am asking <rep/senator> to please co-sponsor the bill and sign the letter encouraging their colleagues to do the same.  Thank you!”

More information: Click for Call Guide, Lobbying Tips and More!

Federal

Urge Members of Congress to support the Dream Act of 2017.

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519

Neither of them have co-sponsored this legislation to date.

The “DACA” program under President Obama allowed individuals who came to the US as children to safely apply for jobs and attend college as long as they passed regular background checks and didn’t break the law. Our current Administration is now using the information they provided under DACA to accelerate these deportations. DACA was created by executive order but the Dream Act, if passed, will have the force of law. The deportations are accelerating – let’s make our voice heard today.

Sample Script:  “Hello. My name is ____, from Lowell, Massachusetts. I am calling to ask the Senator to support The Dream Act of 2017 and give the DACA the force of law.   Please treat this as an urgent priority, in order to stop the acceleration of depor tations. Can I count on the Senator to join the bipartisan movement and give immigrants brought to the US as children, who meet the requirements  set forth in the legislation, permanent residency and the path to citizenship?”

More information: http://fortune.com/2017/07/21/daca-dream-act-2017-new-immigration-news/

Protect America’s Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

In June, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposal to roll back the Waters of the United States Rule; this rollback would remove Clean Water Act protections from water sources that supply drinking water to one in three Americans. As the Environmental Law and Policy Center noted, “Rollback of clean water standards rejects years of work building stakeholder input and scientific data support, and it imperils the progress for safe clean drinking water in the Midwest.”

Sample Script: “Hi, my name is ____, and I’m a constituent from Lowell.

I’m calling to oppose the EPA’s planned rollback of the Waters of the United States Rule. Ensuring clean water for all Americans is a national priority that requires federal support, and it is irresponsible to end a rule that protects 1 in 3 Americans’ drinking water sources. I urge <Sen/Rep> to fight against the elimination of the Waters of the United States Rule.”

More information: https://www.epa.gov/…/epa-us-army-move-rescind-2015-waters-us

Make a difference. Submit your comments and let your voice be heard:

https://www.regulations.gov/

Do you have a Specific concern about a new proposed rule? An agency cannot issue a Rule unless granted authority to do so by law. Before the rulemaking process, an agency evaluates possible alternative solutions to a rulemaking and determines whether the benefits of the regulation justify the costs. Agencies will typically submit an “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” to the Federal Register for the public to view at http://www.federalregister.gov. This notice allows the public the opportunity to comment on whether or not a rulemaking should be initiated.

Boycott Sean Hannity’s advertisers

Are you on Twitter? If so, here’s a quick way to make an impact: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zJ_QE2Ze2iuI4QA-UDUJ1CUM5BLFVpZ3BwwMZl0k-zo/pubhtml

Sean Hannity opened his show by saying that [Special counsel] Robert Mueller is a criminal. This is a blatant attempt to undermine the credibility of a true patriot who is actively investigating the possibility of collusion between the Trump administration and the Russian government.  Given that Trump recently had a private dinner with Hannity, this is further evidence that Trump is just trying to deflect attention away from the investigation and is using Hannity to do it. Hannity is not a journalist, and his advertisers need to know we won’t support them, if they support Hannity.

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.

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team