Local
Lowell Solidarity March and Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss!
Sunday, January 21st, 2-6pm, March starts at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center, 50 Warren Street, Lowell
One year ago, many of us marched in the streets, united by sadness, anger and resolve. We knew then–and we still know now–that the fight for civil liberties and civil rights can’t be stamped out by one election or one man. On the anniversary of the largest grassroots mobilization in U.S. history — the Women’s March — let’s gather together to strategize for 2018, march together in solidarity, and commit to collective action. The march starts at the Lowell Inn and Conference Center parking lot (please note you cannot park there, park on the street–free on Sunday!), and continues around downtown Lowell. This will be followed by an indoor event (location TBD) consisting of inspirational speakers with refreshments available for purchase. After the Demonstrate portion of the event, the Drink and Discuss portion will happen at Coffee and Cotton.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/737658576443295/
SAVE THE DATE! Solidarity Lowell Meeting – note new location!
Sunday, January 28th, 5:30pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell
Join us for the monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW LOCATION! Enter at the Bartlett Street entrance. Our meeting is in the chapel (come inside and take a left). Agenda TBD. All are welcome!
More information:
https://www.facebook.com/events/168642753867149/
SAVE THE DATE! Postcards for Progress – January Edition
Saturday, January 27, 10am-12pm, Sweet Journey, 30 Central Street, Lowell
It’s time for postcards again! We’ll be writing to our elected officials and directly to voters! Please join us for the first postcarding Saturday of the new year! Open to all who want to help with progressive causes.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/316908875478750/
State
Stand in Solidarity with our Indonesian Neighbors
Wednesday, January 17th, 8:15-9am, John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, Boston, Massachusetts 02210
On January 17, Judge Patty Saris of the US District Court will rule on the merits of the class action case which argues that the deportation of a group of Indonesians should be halted so that they may pursue relief in immigration court. Please join us for a visibility action to show solidarity with these men and women who seek an opportunity to remain in the United States where they have made a home.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/584271661919694/
MA Clean Energy Call-in Day on January 17th
Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460
Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I am calling from _______. Please do everything in your power to assure the legislature acts on clean energy and climate change in 2018. Please support the following bills: 50% clean energy by 2030 – H2700 and S1876, Environmental Justice – H2913 and S426, Solar for All – H3396 and S1831, Reform the DPU and Prevent the Pipeline Tax – H3400 and S1847, and Implementing the Global Warming Solutions Act – H2149 and S479. Thank you!”
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1785995611434424/
Federal
Don’t Let Trump Spy on Americans
Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from ______, Massachusetts. Please vote NO on S. 139, unless the backdoor search loophole is closed. This would give Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions access to our phone calls and emails. Please co-sponsor the USA RIGHTS Act to protect everyday Americans from government spying. Without the USA RIGHTS Act, Section 702 spying power should expire altogether. Thank you!”
More information: http://act.demandprogress.org/call/call-congress-now-dont-let-trump-spy-americans/?source=demandprogress&t=2&akid=13187%2E27432%2EivdXU4
Advocate for Medical Care for Those in Need–Without Strings
Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from ______, Massachusetts. I’m concerned about the president’s plan to make people work for Medicaid coverage. I want my tax dollars to support my neighbors in need. Disabled Americans, pregnant women, and elderly people shouldn’t have to work to receive medical care. Please commit to opposing the president’s plan. Thank you!”
More information: http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/367514-trump-poised-to-take-action-on-medicaid-work-requirements
Fight Toxic Crop Chemicals
The EPA (Scott Pruitt) will consider allowing the bee-killing pesticide thiamethoxam to be sprayed on the most widely grown crops in the U.S. The application, if approved, would allow the highly toxic pesticide to be sprayed directly on 165 million acres of wheat, barley, corn, sorghum, alfalfa, rice and potatoes.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from ________, Massachusetts. Thiamethoxam is an extremely dangerous chemical and I am appalled that you are even considering spraying it on our food. This is irresponsible and upsetting. Please do not approve the use of this hazardous chemical. Thank you!”
Submit your comment here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0581
More information: http://bit.ly/2mvKfmI