Month: March 2018

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 3/29/18

Local

Trust Act Subcommittee Meeting

 

Monday, April 2nd, 7pm, Eliot Presbyterian Church, 273 Summer Street, Lowell

For members who signed up for the trust act subcommittee (getting a Trust Act passed in Lowell) or anyone else who wants to learn more.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/186664328729570/

 

Lowell’s 13th Annual Take Back the Night

 

Thursday, April 5th, 5-9pm, Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell

Take Back The Night represents the earliest world-wide stand against sexual violence, especially violence against women. Take Back the Night will begin at Lowell City Hall at 6:00 PM for a rally and speakers. From Lowell City Hall, we will embrace our voices and take to the streets to march from City Hall to UMass Lowell’s UCrossing. At UCrossing will be a closed-room speak-out and open mic for survivors to be able to share their stories.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2079480705668656/

 

Volunteer with Freedom for All Massachusetts

Right now, our state’s nondiscrimination laws protect transgender people from discrimination in public spaces, but they’re under attack and facing a potential repeal at the ballot this November, which means we will be the first state in the country to vote on transgender rights. You can get involved in multiple ways: signing a postcard in support of the law, donations, and volunteer opportunities (to collect postcards, phonebank, canvass, etc). On Mondays there is a Volunteer Recruitment Phone Bank from 6-9pm, on Tuesdays, a Public Education Phone Bank from 6-9pm, and on Saturdays there is a Public Education Canvass from 10am-3pm. All are held at Christ Church United in Lowell. Other events, such as tabling and gathering signatures of support, change from time to time, so if you are interested in that, please e-mail Zachary Stinchfield at zachary@freedommassachusetts.org.

Sign up to volunteer: https://www.freedommassachusetts.org/events/

Help Out at the Election Lawsuit Meeting

Lowell Alliance is seeking volunteers for April 9th’s Election Lawsuit Public Meeting in Centralville (5:30pm at the PCEA Neema Church). We’re seeking folks for the following volunteer roles: registration table, pizza table (with gloves), kids’ table (sit and play with them), table hosts (2-3 people with facilitation skills), bilingual residents for interpretation, survey collection and roundup to inform the planning committee on how residents felt it went.

To volunteer, please send a message through the Lowell Alliance Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lowellalliance/

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If the firing happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

Want to Help with Sanctuary?

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

 

More information: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

 

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell April Meeting

Sunday, April 22, 5:30-7:00 PM, Christ Church United, UCC, 1 Bartlett St., Lowell (use Bartlett St entrance)
The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell and interested guests.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/225957347964137/

 

 

SAVE THE DATE: Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss – April

Friday, April 27th, 6:30-8:30pm, Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell, and UnChARTed, 103 Market Street, Lowell

Join us for Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility event! At 6:30pm, join us at the island in front of City Hall to protest against the atrocities of the Trump administration. Please bring signs! Then at 7:30pm, after the demonstration, come to UnChARTed to have some food and/or drinks and discuss the events of the week! All are welcome!

 

 

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/234603980439420/

State

Immigrants’ Day at the State House

Wednesday, April 4th, 10am-2pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston

For the 22nd year in a row, MIRA is organizing Immigrants’ Day at the State House, the biggest lobbying day of the year for immigrants, refugees and allies. After a brief speaking program, we fan out through the building to meet with legislators and advocate for priority bills and funding for programs such as English classes and adult basic education. Last year we had our largest turnout ever, with more than 1,600 people.

More information: http://miracoalition.org/get-involved/764-immigrants-day-at-the-state-house-2018

Progressive Massachusetts Lobby Day

Wednesday, April 4th, 9:30am, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Room 237, Boston

We’ll hear from amazing speakers like Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Rep. Mary Keefe (D-Worcester), Rahsaan Hall, Director of the Racial Justice Program at the ACLU of Massachusetts, Amy Grunder, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), and Beth Huang, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Voter Table. After listening to these inspiring speakers, we’ll break off into groups to meet with our senators and representatives. Please note that you need to make your own appointments with your representatives.

More information: https://www.progressivemass.com/lobbyday2018?utm_campaign=cjr_lobby_gotv&utm_medium=email&utm_source=progressivemass

Prevent Gun Violence in Massachusetts

 

Chairman Harold Naughton: 617-722-2230 or 978-365-1955
Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
OR Text “Safety” to 64433 to automatically be connected to your state rep!

Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from _____, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. Please allow the Extreme Risk Protective Orders bill (H. 3610) out of committee and bring it to the floor for a vote. It would directly address the two primary forms of lethal gun violence in Massachusetts, suicide and homicide, and allow for meaningful intervention before a dangerous individual can become a mass shooter. Thank you!”

More information: https://everytownresearch.org/red-flag-laws-helping-prevent-mass-shooting/

 

Support Environmental Justice Legislation

Super easy! Just fill out a quick form to sign on to the letter!

Sign on here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqbqy6uiPZbwJDRUvpwoOaXDvyQFe0L_dsptVMbAY_Rpykig/viewform

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 3/23/18

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss – Stand Against Gun Violence

 

Friday, March 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., the island in front of City Hall, 309 Merrimack St, Lowell, 01852

Join us for Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility event!
6:30pm: Join us at the island in front of City Hall to protest against gun violence. Please bring signs or help us hold our banner!
7:30pm: After the demonstration, come to The Old Court Irish Pub and Restaurant (29-31 Central Street) to have some food and/or drinks and discuss the events of the week. All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/892417777599634/

 

March for Our Lives – Chelmsford

 

Saturday, March 24, 2-4 p.m., Chelmsford Town Common, 4 North Rd, Chelmsford, 01824

Not one more. We cannot allow one more child to be shot at school. We cannot allow one more teacher to make a choice to jump in front of a firing assault rifle to save the lives of students. We cannot allow one more family to wait for a call or text that never comes. We must make it our top priority to save these lives. March For Our Lives is created by, inspired by, and led by students across the country who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings that has become all too familiar.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/172568543525779/

 

Solidarity Lowell – March Meeting

 

Sunday, March 25, 5:30-7:00 PM, Christ Church United, UCC, 1 Bartlett St., Lowell (use Bartlett St entrance)

The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell and interested guests, featuring presentations by Anne Thalheimer from Everytown For Gun Safety and Zachary Stinchfield from Freedom for All Massachusetts (transgender rights).

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/187369971871671/

 

Legal Observer Training

 

Sunday March 25th, 2-4pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell

Makis Antzoulatos of the National Lawyer’s Guild (MA chapter) is leading a Legal Observer Training. This is a great opportunity to train in best practices when participating in or observing interactions between ICE/DHS and an undocumented immigrant, or for when you are at a rally or protest.

RSVP to marissa@solidaritylowell.com

 

“Let the Fire Burn” Documentary Screening

 

Sunday, March 25th, 7-10pm, UnChARTed, 103 Market St, Lowell

MillCity Zine Distro will be holding a showing of “Let the Fire Burn” a documentary about the conflict between the MOVE organization and the Philadelphia police department. We are asking for a $5 donation at the door. This will go to mobilization4mumia.com which provides financial assistance for the legal representation and medical bills of activist and political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal. No one will be turned away.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/822112654658361/?ti=icl

 

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

 

If the firing happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

Want to Help with Sanctuary?

 

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

 

State

Pass the Social Media Privacy Act

 

Please contact your state representative (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

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. Please support – and work to pass – the Social Media Privacy Act (H.158/S.2320). 80% of people use social media. While some people make a lot of their social media activity public, many people also use social media to send and receive private messages, and that private communication should be protected by law. 25 states have already passed legislation to prevent employers and schools from demanding that you share the contents of your social media accounts — or turn over your passwords so they can snoop in your private communication for themselves. I hope you will urge the Speaker and the Chair of House Ways & Means to act on this basic privacy-protective legislation as soon as possible. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/social-media-privacy-act?ms_aff=MA&initms_aff=MA&ms=180322_social+media+privacy_MA&initms=180322_social+media+privacy_MA&ms_chan=eml&initms_chan=eml

 

 

Stop the Gas Pipeline in Massachusetts

 

Please contact your state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):

Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from _______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. A new energy bill (S.2302) would ban the pipeline tax, stop new pipeline construction, further cut emissions and reduce fossil fuel usage. That benefits all of us and will cut energy costs. Please support S.2302. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.consumersforsensibleenergy.org/massachusetts-overview/

 

 

Federal

Tell Your Senators: Commit to Voting Against Nielson’s Nomination

 

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from __________, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. I’m calling to ask about the nomination of Howard Nielson as a district court judge for the District of Utah. Nielson is the NRA’s favorite lawyer for his work to undermine sensible gun violence prevention laws. In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, FL we should not be rewarding the NRA by handing their champions lifetime judgeship appointments. Thank you!”

More information: http://act.indivisible.org/call/vote-against-nielsons-nomination/?t=8&akid=16112%2E682753%2ExKEthB

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 3/10/18

Local

How to Cultivate Leaders and Best Support Progressive Elected Officials

Saturday, March 10, 10am-12:30pm (Convincing Coalition Partners) and 1:30pm (Participatory Democracy), Lecture Hall at Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., Waltham, 02451

Two more workshops presented by The Incorruptibles are happening on Saturday! Convincing Coalition Partners and Participatory Democracy delve into the next steps we should take. In Convincing Coalition Partners, learn a tried and true method of finding organic leaders in any group and convincing them to join the cause. In Participatory Democracy,  learn the secret to the Richmond Progressive Alliance’s success in creating radically people-centered policy and how to best support our progressive elected officials.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/402534890170381/

Planning Meeting for March for Our Lives: Chelmsford

Monday, March 12, 7pm, at a private residence in Chelmsford, RSVP to Indivisiblewestford@gmail.com for address

Meeting to discuss planning of the March 24th March for Our Lives, which Solidarity Lowell is co-sponsoring. We will divide into working groups focused on Logistics, Publicity- Media Outreach, Student Outreach, and Speakers.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/193553444741573/?event_time_id=193553451408239

RSVP to Indivisiblewestford@gmail.com

 

Lowell Pipeline Resistance Meeting

Wednesday, March 14, 5:30pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett St., Lowell (use Bartlett St. entrance)

Greetings, pipeline fighters! You’ve heard about it by now: National Grid wants to build a brand new $30 million gas pipeline through Lowell and the surrounding communities. We’re not having it. On Wednesday, we’re going to formulate a plot to stop this project in its tracks. The time is now. No new pipelines. See you Wednesday.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1617632874995561  

 

Postcards for Progress: St. Patrick’s Day Edition

Saturday, March 17, 10am-noon, Coffee & Cotton (in Mill No. 5), 250 Jackson St., 4th Floor, Lowell

Note new time and location, so we can make it to the event in Lawrence afterwards (see “State” below)! We’ll be writing to our elected officials and directly to voters! Open to all who want to help with progressive causes. A list of suggested topics will be provided. Postcards, stamps, and pens will be available for your use but you are also welcome to bring your own supplies. Contributions of ideas or supplies welcome but not required.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/161567741084691/

Want to Help with Sanctuary?

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

 

Help LEJA Lengthen Recess

William Samaras, Mayor & School Committee Chair: (978) 459-6785

The Lowell Education Justice Alliance (LEJA) is proposing the Lowell Public Schools adopt a district-wide policy lengthening recess to at least 30 minutes a day. The policy is based on recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control. The ultimate goal of such a policy is to address the discrepancy of allotted recess time among Lowell Public Schools grades K-8.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts. I support Gerry Nutter’s motion to have the School Committee look into creating a mandatory citywide recess policy for all elementary and middle school students. There are various positive outcomes associated with recess and free play, not the least of which are increased attentiveness to tasks, improved cognition and better social skills. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_31714494/push-equal-play-lowell-schools

 

Save the Date for these Upcoming Solidarity Lowell Events:

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss! Focus on Gun Violence Prevention, Friday, March 23, 6:30 pm, at The Island by City Hall Plaza

March for Our Lives: Chelmsford, Saturday, March 24, 2-4pm. at Chelmsford Town Common

Solidarity Lowell General Meeting, Sunday, March 25, 5:30pm, at Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St.

State

Raise Up Massachusetts: Lawrence Community Briefing

Saturday, March 17, 1-3pm, Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence, MA 01841

The legislature needs to hear from us that it’s time to pass Paid Family and Medical Leave and a $15 Minimum Wage. Now that we’ve collected enough signatures to put both of these questions on the ballot, our message to the legislature is clear: Let’s do this. Join us with legislators from across the region to make 2018 the year that these campaigns are realized for all workers and families across Massachusetts!

More information: http://bit.ly/raiseuplawrence

Oppose New Visitor Regulations from the MA Department of Corrections

Gov. Charles Duane Baker: 617-725-4005

Commissioner Thomas A. Turco III, Mass Dept of Correction: 508-422-3330

Sample script: “Hello, my name is _____ from _____, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. Please oppose the revisions to 103 CMR 483 about visiting procedures set to go into place this month. Limiting the number of visitors to as low as 5 per prisoner will negatively affect safety and physical and mental health and morale. It would go against your administration’s commitment to lower recidivism as research shows that increased visitation is expected to decrease recidivism. We believe that the DOC should encourage, not discourage, visits in prison, so we are asking you to suspend the revisions on 103 CMR 483. Thank you.”

 

Positive Action of the Week

Thank Oakland Mayor for Alerting Residents to an ICE Raid

Mayor Libby Schaaf, Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612

Sample Script: “Dear Mayor Schaaf, Thank you for for informing Oakland residents of an upcoming ICE raid. I stand with Oakland’s sanctuary city policy and appreciate your decision to protect all of Oakland’s citizens. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/02/28/oakland-mayor-libby-schaaf-tipped-off-immigrants-about-ice-raid-and-isnt-sorry-she-did/?utm_term=.b74e70d31697

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 2/28/18

Local

Postcards for Progress – March edition

Saturday, March 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Gallery Z, 167 Market St., Lowell

It’s time for postcards again! We’ll be writing to our elected officials and directly to voters! Open to all who want to help with progressive causes. We’ll bring some suggested topics and addresses to write to, but you can also suggest your own. Postcards, stamps, and pens will be available for your use. You are also welcome to bring your own supplies.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/174385493187808/ or email Hope@SolidarityLowell.com

 

The Incorruptibles Training: Take Back Our City Government

Sunday, March 4, 5:30-8pm
Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell

This workshop introduces a model of organizing that goes beyond electing good people– it walks you through the five key areas that will enable you to cultivate great–and incorruptible–candidates for every election who will remain deeply involved in policy-making after elections.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/156874165034935/
Immigration Explained: Ask the Experts

Wednesday, February 28, 7:30-9pm
First Parish Church United of Westford, 48 Main St, Westford

Speakers will discuss current immigration issues, give accounts of the personal circumstances of recent immigrants and their families, describe existing uncertainties in the law and suggest opportunities for public action.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/162786917703791/

Solidarity Lowell Trust Act Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, March 1, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Eliot Presbyterian Church, 273 Summer St., Lowell

For members who signed up for the trust act subcommittee (getting a Trust Act passed in Lowell) or anyone else who wants to learn more. Objective: Formulate goals and discuss next steps. Our community is counting on us!

More information: Chris@SolidarityLowell.com

Want to Help with Sanctuary?

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided and there is a session coming up this weekend! You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (and please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

State

Tell Governor Baker to get the NRA out of Massachusetts politics!

Governor Charles Duane Baker: 617.725.4005

Governor Baker appointed local NRA leader Ronald Amidon as Commissioner of the Department of Fish & Game in July 2017. Amidon was president of the Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL), the NRA’s state affiliate in Massachusetts, which advocates for the repeal of our state’s gun safety laws. Fish & Game is now directing visitors on the state website to GOAL for more information on gun ownership!

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _________, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. Please remove NRA leader Ronald Amidon as Commissioner of Fish & Game and remove links on the Massachusetts state website to NRA affiliate Gun Owners Action League. It’s time to take a stand against the NRA. Thank you!”

Stand Up for Community Safety and Immigrants’ Rights

House Rules Committee Chair William C. Galvin: 617-722-2692
Senate Rules Committee Chair Mark C. Montigny: 617-722-1440
Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
Senate President Harriette Chandler: 617-722-1544

The Massachusetts Legislature, with its Democratic supermajority, has not yet taken the modest, rational step forward to protect our communities, our friends and neighbors from being driven into the shadows and harassed by the cruel and senseless Trump deportation machine. This is appalling. We the people need to demand that the legislature pass the Safe Communities Act to ensure that our undocumented friends and neighbors feel safe calling the police to report emergencies and crimes. This is a matter of safety for ALL OF US. Now that the bill is in two new committees and in two separate chambers, there is no more excuse for delaying its passage.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. I am calling because I’m impatient. I am asking you and leadership to move the Safe Communities Act (S. 1305 or H3265) in its full, robust form, out of the Rules Committee and onto the floor for a vote as soon as possible. This is urgent. It’s time for action. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.safecommunitiesact.com/

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team