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