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.
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.