Local

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

Tuesday, July 31st, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us! We will write lots of postcards to voters for an upcoming election in Ohio! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1374969772634997/

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Postcarding

Every Thursday, 11am-1pm, Heritage Farms Ice Cream, 163 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell

Ice cream, great company, and postcards to voters! Come join us to write postcards for some races right here in Massachusetts! Suggested text and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies as well. You may also want to bring a sweater. The AC is set a tad brisk.

For more information, contact Nancy Greene at greenenk61@gmail.com

City of Lowell Listening Session: Local Governance

Wednesday, August 1st, 6:30-8pm, Henry J Robinson Middle School, 110 June Street, Lowell

This is part of a series of listening sessions for residents to give feedback about local governance, elections, and the voting rights lawsuit. It’s important for residents to be informed about this issue because they have a high chance in affecting the outcome by giving their feedback to the City Councilors via the ad hoc subcommittee and showing up at the final City Council meeting. Our hopes are that more engagement will translate to local leaders running for local office and voters from diverse communities feeling represented.

More information: https://solidaritylowell.com/event/city-of-lowell-listening-sessions-local-governance-2/

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

 

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, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, 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 and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

SAVE THE DATE: The 2nd Annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue

Sunday, August 26th, 2-5pm, Lynne Lupien’s House (address will be emailed the day before the event)

It’s time for the 2nd annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Featuring a Ranked Choice Voting Ice Cream Election, this is sure to be a fun event! We’ll also have the Awesomeness is Lowell board game, amongst others! The Coordinating Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers and dogs. We will also provide the buns and rolls, with gluten-free versions of each. We hope to see you there! FYI: This event is for Solidarity Lowell members and family only. Thank you!

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE POTLUCK HERE: https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/dwy0r4

Please RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/227078811277517/

 

State

Day of Action for Immigrant Families

Saturday, July 28th, 10am, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston

As the Trump Administration drags its heels on reuniting thousands of separated children with their parents, it’s time we once again take action and demand a solution to this crisis and dignity for all immigrants. Right here in Massachusetts, our House leadership did not include any of the Safe Communities Act Senate amendments to the State Budget. Their silence is compliance in the Trump Agenda and the detention/deportation machine and police and ICE collaboration. Because of their cowardice, our neighbors across our state will continue to be separated, detained and deported. We’re stepping up to say Families Belong Together: We Demand Justice!

More information: https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/families-belong-together-we-demand-justice?link_id=0&can_id=a5e967ab99dd2f57b3988b457a7d5829&source=email-july-28-we-demand-justice&email_referrer=email_382300&email_subject=july-28-we-demand-justice

Rally for CLASS Inc. Caregivers

Monday, July 30th, noon-2pm, 1 Parker St., Lawrence

After a one-week strike earlier this month, Lawrence-based human services agency CLASS, Inc. is still refusing to pay its workers fair wages that will adress the high turnover that is threatening the quality of care at the agency! SEIU Local 509 members at CLASS, Inc. have voted overwhelmingly to authorize an open-ended strike beginning on Monday, July 30, and workers are calling on the agency to sit down with workers and negotiate a fair contract.

More information: https://www.massaflcio.org/calendar/rally-class-inc-caregivers

 

Cosecha March on NEU – Abolish ICE!

Tuesday, July 31st, 5:30-7:30pm, Ruggles Station, Boston

Northeastern University has received $2.7 million from an ongoing research contract with ICE. The agency is also listed as an employer for NEU’s student co-op program. The university benefits from and provides services to ICE, making them complicit in the agency’s criminalization and dehumanization of the immigrant community. Join Cosecha to march on NEU!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/291631811582473/

 

Jericho Walk Outside ICE Offices for Immigrant Justice

Wednesday, August 1st, 8-9am, 1000 District Ave, Burlington

The Jericho Walk is a silent interfaith prayer and act of solidarity. The walk draws inspiration from the Battle of Jericho, in which the community marched around the city of Jericho seven times, causing the city walls to fall. The Jericho Walk of today is a silent, peaceful, and prayerful walk to bring down the walls of our unjust immigration system and is open to people of all or no faiths. Please bring signs calling for just treatment of those who are caught in our broken immigration system.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/239676279994612/

 

Stop the State House From Leaving Low-Income and ELL Students Behind

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

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: “Hi, I’m ________ from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell. Please speak with members of the Foundation Budget Bill conference committee on H.4741 and advocate for all four recommendations from the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) be included in the final bill. Any school funding bill that does not include every recommendation of the FBRC is not modernization, and fails to address the urgent and dire problems ELL and low-income students face. Thank you!”

More information: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/action-alert-call-your-rep-to-stop-state-house-from-leaving-low-income-and-ell-students-behind-2

 

Support Students with Dyslexia

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

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

Senate President Karen Spilka: 617-722-1640 (if you were in Donoghue’s district)
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barbara L’Italien 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hi, I’m ________ from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell. Please support bill S.2443/H.4394, An Act Relative to Students with Dyslexia. This would provide important screenings for students with dyslexia. Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/h4394

 

Tell the House to Support the Full Environmental Bill

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

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: “Hi, I’m ________ from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell. Please lobby the Conference Committee to support the increasing the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 3% so that we can reach 50% renewable energy by 2030 and be 100% renewable by 2050, and fair access to solar (incorporated as Amendment 43 to the Senate energy bill), to require MA to ensure access for low-income communities, renters, and residents of environmental justice communities. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.progressivemass.com/2018legislative-oneweek

 

 

Local

Solidarity Lowell July Meeting

Sunday, July 22, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell

The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. Enter at the Bartlett Street entrance. Our meeting is in the chapel (come inside and take a left). On the agenda: a postcard action, group updates and announcements, an update from Immigrant Rights subcommittee, by-laws discussion, future plans, and more! All are welcome.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/647322638948698/

 

Downtown Lowell Cleanup

Saturday, July 21st, 9am-noon, Middlesex and Appleton Streets, Lowell

Help clean up two of Lowell’s notable streets. We will meet at 240 Jackson St. (across from Mill No. 5) before walking over. Gloves, bags, and trash pickers will be provided but feel free to bring your own if able. These streets in particular have been neglected by the city. The Lowell Transitional Living Center, Community Health Center, and small shops all contribute to a lot of foot traffic, and unfortunately a lot of plastics and rubbish are left behind. If you can’t stay the whole time or can only come late, that’s okay!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/872125486322144/

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

Tuesday, July 24th, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us! We will write lots of postcards to voters for upcoming elections in Massachusetts! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/209569313065849/

 

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

 

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, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, 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 and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

State

Call Your State Rep on Climate and Immigrant Justice

Please contact your state representative (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

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: “Hi, I’m _______ from [ZIP]. I’m calling because the conference committee will soon meet to discuss the final energy legislation for this year and it needs to be better. Please talk to leadership or House members of the conference committee about including the following provisions in the conference bill: increasing the Renewable Portfolio Standard to 3%, establishing low-income solar incentives, and Codifying Environmental Justice. Thank you!”

More information: https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/call_rep?utm_campaign=climate_vigil_7_19&utm_medium=email&utm_source=betterfutureproject

 

Ask Your Reps What it Will Take to Pass the SCA

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

Chairman Sanchez: 617-722-2990
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
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

Senate President Harriette Chandler: 617-722-1500 (if you were in Donoghue’s district)
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barbara L’Italien 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hi, I’m ________ from [ZIP]. I’m stunned and deeply disappointed. At this moment in history, when the federal government is terrorizing immigrant children and their families and we have the ability to adopt the most elemental legal safeguards to help protect them, how can elected officials in Massachusetts do absolutely nothing? I don’t understand. What will it take? Are elected leaders so afraid that they are willing to abandon the most fundamental values of our democracy?  How can we say it doesn’t matter whether people are told they have legal rights? When victims of crime and violence won’t call the police for help because they fear being torn from their loved ones, how can we turn our backs instead of reassuring them? This is America. This is Massachusetts! What will it take for our state legislature to live up to our values, and not cower in the shadow of Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric?”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-what-will-it-take?ms_aff=MA&initms_aff=MA&ms=180719_Immigration_MA&initms=180719_Immigration_MA&ms_chan=eml&initms_chan=eml

Federal

Stand With Vulnerable Kids

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hi. I’m ________ from [ZIP] and I’m calling oppose an agenda that allows federally-funded child welfare services to discriminate against qualified prospective parents. I would like you to remove the Aderholt Amendment from the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Funding Bill for Fiscal Year 2019. We should not make it harder to place vulnerable children into loving homes, nor use taxpayer dollars discriminate against our neighbors. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.hrc.org/blog/house-appropriations-republicans-adopt-a-license-to-discriminate-amendment

Local

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss: Protest Trump’s SCOTUS pick

Friday, July 13th, 6:30-8:30pm, The Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack 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 rally against Trump’s SCOTUS pick! Bring signs! Then at 7:30pm, come to El Potro (124 Merrimack 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/1879460295687971/

 

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

Tuesday, July 17th, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us! We will write lots of postcards to voters for an upcoming election in Ohio! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/363118220880943/

Voting Rights Lawsuit Listening Session

Wednesday, July 18th, 6:30pm, LTC, 246 Market Street, Lowell

In light of the Voting Rights Act lawsuit filed against the City, these sessions give Lowell residents the chance to express their thoughts and concerns about the process of electing City Council and School Committee members. Organized by the City Council’s Sub-Committee on Election Laws, the meetings help the community consider whether the current voting system should change from the current at-large system to a district-based one, or a mix of the two.

For more information, email Mary Tauras at mtauras@ywcaoflowell.org

Downtown Lowell Clean Up

Saturday, July 21st, 9am-noon, Middlesex and Appleton Streets, Lowell

Help clean up two of Lowell’s notable streets. We will meet at 240 Jackson St. (across from Mill No. 5) before walking over. Gloves, bags, and trash pickers will be provided but feel free to bring your own if able. These streets in particular have been neglected by the city. The Lowell Transitional Living Center, Community Health Center, and small shops all contribute to a lot of foot traffic, and unfortunately a lot of plastics and rubbish are left behind. If you can’t stay the whole time or can only come late, that’s okay!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/872125486322144/

 

Solidarity Lowell July Meeting

Sunday, July 22, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell

The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. Enter at the Bartlett Street entrance. Our meeting is in the chapel (come inside and take a left). On the agenda: a postcard action, group updates and announcements, an update from Immigrant Rights subcommittee, and more! All are welcome.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/647322638948698/

Help Displaced Puerto Rican Families Find Housing

After six months living in FEMA-funded motels – and moving motel locations frequently – many of the 65+ FEMA-registered families who relocated to Greater Lowell after Hurricane Maria still need to find permanent housing. If you have housing information and opportunities to share or would like to support families in other ways, please email Amada Gregory atagregory@ywcaoflowell.org or call (978) 710-9748.

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

 

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, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, 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 and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

State

Modernize the Foundation Budget Formula NOW!

Thursday, July 12th, 1-4pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Our Foundation Budget formula was written in 1993, and it does not reflect the current needs of our schools and students. It must be updated!  Join us in demanding the State House follow through on the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission and update the Foundation Budget formula. This popular piece of legislation passed unanimously in the state Senate and has a majority of support in the House.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/452941225148468/

 

Stop the State House from Leaving Low-Income and ELL Students Behind

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

Senate President Harriette Chandler: 617-722-1500 (if you were in Donoghue’s district)
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barbara L’Italien 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hi, I’m ______ from [ZIP code]. Please support Representative Vega’s amendment to H.4730 including recommendations from the FBRC on low-income and ELL students. Any school funding bill that does not include every recommendation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) is not modernization, and fails to address the urgent and dire problems ELL and low-income students face. House leaders have decided Black and Brown students are not worth investing in by leaving out the two most important racial justice fixes for school funding. They are deciding to leave some students behind. I hope you will listen to constituents like myself and will support Rep. Vega’s amendment to the Foundation Budget bill (H.4730) to include recommendations from the FBRC on low-income and ELL students. Thank you!”

More information: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/action-alert-call-your-rep-to-stop-state-house-from-leaving-low-income-and-ell-students-behind/

 

Pass Simple Protections for Immigrants

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

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

Senate President Harriette Chandler: 617-722-1500 (if you were in Donoghue’s district)
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barbara L’Italien 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hi, I’m ______ from [ZIP]. Please don’t remove basic legal protections for immigrants in the budget. Make sure that Massachusetts resources are used to fight crime and keep local communities safe, not to assist federal deportation and family separation; and guarantee that people in local custody are informed about their rights. Please make sure these protections end up in the final 2019 budget. Thank you!”

More information: https://aclum.org/support-simple-immigrant-protections/

Federal

Oppose a Citizenship Question in the 2020 Census

Submit your comment to the link below this week!

This is an especially important action if your citizenship status is secure. People with vulnerable citizenship are at greater risk of targeting by the current administration. Use your privilege to support our neighbors.

Sample Script: “Hi, I’m _______ from [ZIP]. I support an accurate census count, increased participation, accurate dispersal of funding, and fair congressional representation. I oppose the citizenship question on the 2020 census form. I also oppose inadequate testing of added questions. I am against sharing citizenship data with National Conference of State Legislatures. I also do not support changes to Public Law 94-171 Redistricting Data File. Thank you!”

Submit your comment here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/06/08/2018-12365/proposed-information-collection-comment-request-2020-census

Local

Immigrant Rights Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, July 9, 6:30-8pm, Eliot Presbyterian Church, 273 Summer Street, Lowell

On the agenda: follow up on outreach, status of the Safe Communities amendment to the budget, selection of new Police Chief, planning the cultural exchange potluck, and more!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/215751412386710/

Rally for Good Jobs and Quality Care

Monday, July 9th, noon, 1 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA 01843

SEIU Local 509 members at CLASS Inc. are fighting for a fair contract to improve the care of people with disabilities in our communities. Low wages and high turnover make it extremely difficult to serve individuals at CLASS. That’s why direct care workers at CLASS are set to strike on Monday, July 9th. We need your support on the picket line during a 5-day strike beginning Monday, July 9.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2110191529236859/

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

Tuesday, July 10th, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us! We will write lots of postcards to voters for an upcoming election in Ohio! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/236261693643407/

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss – July

Friday, July 13th, 6:30-8:30pm, The Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack 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 rally against the atrocities of the month! Bring signs! Then at 7:30pm, come to El Potro (124 Merrimack 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/1879460295687971/

Support the Strikers from National Steel Workers

Date and time TBD, National Grid, 775 Dutton Street, Lowell

National Grid workers, organized into United Steel Workers 12012-4 have been locked out since Monday, June 25th. Let’s find a date stand with them, support their efforts, and bring some water and food. Please vote in the poll below. (You are of course welcome to visit the picketers at any time on your own as well. They are out there from 6am-7pm weekdays.)

Please vote in the poll here by MONDAY the 9th: https://doodle.com/poll/7n2vebpuswwmma7s (Please note that this is a new poll and if you participated in last week’s, please do this one as well)

More information: http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_31970337/national-grid-lockout-lowell-picket-enter-second-day

Volunteer at Lowell Listening Sessions

Lowell Alliance is seeking volunteers to get the word out ahead of the upcoming listening sessions for residents to give feedback about local governance, elections, and the voting rights lawsuit. It’s important for residents to be informed about this issue because they have a high chance in affecting the outcome by giving their feedback. Our hopes are that more engagement will translate to local leaders running for local office and voters from diverse communities feeling represented. The listening sessions are on July 18th and 25th and August 1st (all Wednesdays) at 6:30pm. If you have any interest in helping or know others who might be interested, please email Mary Tauras at mtauras@ywcaoflowell.org

More information: mtauras@ywcaoflowell.org

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

 

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, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, 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 and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell July Meeting

Sunday, July 22, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/647322638948698/

State

Rally to Pass 4 Key Protections

Tuesday, July 10th, 11:30am-1:30pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

We have rallied, made calls, sent emails and visited our legislators – and we need to keep going because our job is not done! The FY2019 State Budget has not yet been released. It must include the 4 Key Protections: 1. No police inquiries about immigration status. 2. Stop collaboration agreements with ICE. 3. Provide basic due process protections. 4. Refuse to contribute to any discriminatory registry. We will meet outside on the State House steps and hear from a few of our leaders. We will then enter through the Bowdoin St entrance (around the side – not the Hooker Entrance) and march to the area outside of the House Chamber (3rd floor). We plan to be assembled there by 12:30 PM.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/275339706361344/

Outdated: Modernize the Foundation Budget Formula NOW!

Thursday, July 12th, 1-4pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Our Foundation Budget formula was written in 1993, and it does not reflect the current needs of our schools and students. It must be updated!  Join us in demanding the State House follow through on the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission and update the Foundation Budget formula. This popular piece of legislation passed unanimously in the state Senate and has a majority of support in the House.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/452941225148468/

Make Sure Your Rep Has Signed the Pledge for Environmental Justice

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: “Hi, I’m ________ from (ZIP code). Please take the Mass Power Forward Policy Pledge for Climate, Clean Energy, and Environmental Justice. This means supporting the following bills: H2700 (50% renewable energy by 2030 with no less than a 3% increase in our RPS), H3396 (give equitable access of solar power to environmental justice communities), H2913 (codify environmental justice into law), H3400 (no subsidies for gas pipelines and reform our DPU to ensure new fossil fuel infrastructure is evaluated for climate change and community impacts), and H2149 (create a detailed plan for achieving our 80% global warming pollution reductions by 2050). Thank you!”

More information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bO-T5dVo3LPvL7Z8m1qjaYyJ4hqPZ2gJb1bsEZ4ezko/edit?usp=sharing

Pass Automatic Voter Registration

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

Senate President Harriette Chandler: 617-722-1500 (if you were in Donoghue’s district)
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barbara L’Italien 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hi, I’m ________ from (ZIP code). Access to the ballot box is a fundamental democratic right, yet today, nearly 700,000 eligible voters in Massachusetts are not registered to vote. Please support Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) and urge Senate President Chandler to bring it to a vote. The legislation will make voter registration more efficient, increase ballot access, and improve the accuracy and security of our voting rolls by directing Massachusetts to join the Electronic Registration Information Center. The House recently passed Automatic Voter Registration (H.4671), similar to legislation filed by Senator Creem. Please take the next step and pass AVR as soon as possible. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-senate-avr?ms_aff=MA&initms_aff=MA&ms=180703_Voting+Rights_MA&initms=180703_Voting+Rights_MA&ms_chan=eml&initms_chan=eml

Federal

Stand with Seniors, Poor Families, and People with Disabilities

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hi. I’m ______, from [ZIP] and don’t understand why congressional Republicans are shredding the social safety net for people in need. Shoring up a federal deficit should never come at the expense of our country’s most vulnerable. Please oppose cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP in the 2019 House Budget. Thank you.”

More information: http://thehill.com/homenews/house/393551-house-panel-approves-belated-2019-budget