LocalSolidarity Lowell January Meeting Sunday, January 27th, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell Join us for the monthly general meeting of Solidarity Lowell! On the agenda: group updates and announcements, an update from Immigrant Rights subcommittee, a vote to endorse current progressive city council members, Jay Mason speaks about Solarize Lowell, a discussion about our goals for the year…and more! All are welcome! See you there! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1004372119758537/
Community Relations Council: LPD Recruiting & Hiring Thursday, January 31st, 5:30-7:30pm, Middlesex Community College Federal Building, 50 Kearney Square, Lowell Superintendent Richardson invites community members to attend an informational session about the Civil Service process, recruiting, and hiring. For more information, please contact Maryann Ballotta at (978) 674-1903 or mballotta@lowellma.gov
Chelms-FED Up Postcarding Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us to write postcards to voters and to our elected officials! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there! For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com Thursday PostcardingEvery Thursday, 9-11am, Panera Bread, 2 Cornerstone Square, Westford Celebrate the election wins and shake off the losses with your postcarding friends from Solidarity Lowell and Indivisible Westford Progressive Massachusetts! For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
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 Safe Communities Act Lobby Day Wednesday, January 30th, 1-3pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston The Safe Communities Act is back before the Mass. Legislature, as SD.926 (Sen. Jamie Eldridge) and HD.1520 (Reps. Ruth Balser and Liz Miranda). It’s streamlined but has the same strong provisions to restore community trust and protect civil rights, backed by a broad-based and diverse coalition. The first step in our campaign is to recruit legislative cosponsors. On this lobby day, with just two days to go before the Feb. 1 cosponsor deadline, we will fan out across the State House, visiting legislators to urge them to sign on and to fight to pass the Safe Communities Act in this session. More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-communities-act-lobby-day-tickets-55098213239 Ask Your Reps to Support the Progressive Massachusetts Agenda Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours herehttps://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [name] from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell, asking you to co-sponsor the following bills:
Thank you!” More information: https://www.progressivemass.com/191legislativeagenda
Support Critical ACLU Bills Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours herehttps://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [name] from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell, asking you take concrete action to reaffirm Massachusetts’ democratic values and co-sponsor ACLU priority legislation this session, specifically the following bills: Face Surveillance Moratorium (by Sen. Creem (SD671) & Rep. David Rogers (HD2726)) which would establish a moratorium on unregulated government use of facial recognition and other biometric monitoring technologies; An Act Relative to Treatment, Not Imprisonment (by Sen. Friedman (SD1477) & Rep. Balser (HD2727)) which ensures that courts do not send a person with substance use disorder to jail just for relapsing, if they are otherwise engaged in treatment; and The ROE Act: Removing Obstacles and Expanding Access to Reproductive Health (by Sen. Chandler (SD109) & Reps. Haddad & Livingstone (HD2548)) to remove unnecessary barriers that delay or deny access to critical abortion care. Thank you!” More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-legislation-cosponsorship
Tell Legislators to Fight for Immigrant Priorities Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours herehttps://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [name] from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell, asking you to fight for immigrant priorities and co-sponsor the following bills: Rep. Tony Cabral’s HD.3495, to bar the use of state funds for law enforcement to act as immigration agents under 287(g) agreements; HD.1719 (Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Christine Barber) and SD.1143 (Sen. Brendan Crighton), to make driver’s licenses available to all qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status; SD.762, to make in-state tuition and state financial aid available to all Massachusetts high school graduates, and SD.1167, to ensure that all low-income kids have access to comprehensive MassHealth benefits. Thank you!” More information: https://p2a.co/96apnIc
Ask Your Lawmakers to Co-Sponsor the Promise and Cherish Acts Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours herehttps://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [name] from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell, asking you to co-sponsor the Fund Our Future bills to provide fair, equitable and just funding Massachusetts public schools and colleges. The PROMISE Act (SD 101/HD 434) and the CHERISH Act (SD 740/HD 1178) will provide desperately needed funds to public education in Massachusetts. It is critical that the House and Senate pass these important pieces of legislation. My school district is in dire need of fair and equitable funding in order to build the future our community and students deserve. Thank you!” More information: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/fofcosponsorcall
Get Co-Sponsors for the We The People Act Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours herehttps://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [name] from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell, asking you to co-sponsor the We The People Act (HD.2012/SD.858 Vieira & Gentile/Eldridge). In the wake of anti-democratic Supreme Court decisions such as Citizens United v. FEC, we urgently need a Constitutional amendment to make our government responsive to the needs of the people, rather than catering to the self-serving interests of multinational corporations and billionaires. Thank you!” More information: http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51465/p/dia/action4/common/public/ |
Month: January 2019
SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 1/17/19
Local
Solidarity Lowell Rally for Women!
Saturday, January 19th, 3-5pm, The Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell
Join us for a rally to celebrate women’s achievements, with a special focus on the large number of women newly-elected to Congress. Bring your signs! Don’t have one? We’ll have extra and some sign-making supplies. Speakers include: Karen Cirillo, Lowell City Councillor; Maritza Grooms and Masada Jones of The Kindred Project; Pat Taber, Yes on 3 Greater Lowell Program Lead; Lauren Young from Freedom for All Americans; Shayndel Kahn, Rabbinic Pastor, and more! There will also be an open mike, if you would like to say something. After the rally ends, we’ll go down to Purple Carrot at 107 Merrimack Street for something warm to eat and/or drink.
RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1442333805897670/
SL Rally for Women Sign-Making Party!
Thursday, January 17th, 7-9pm, Coffee and Cotton, Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St, 4th Floor, Lowell
Solidarity Lowell Rally for Women Sign Making Party! Come hang out and make your sign for the Solidarity Lowell Rally for Women! You can bring your own supplies or we will have some you can use.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2189854911066475/
New Americans Voter Registration Drive
Tuesday, January 22nd, 9am-1:30pm, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E Merrimack St, Lowell
One of the best parts of becoming a U.S. citizen is being able to vote. So every time that newly naturalized U.S. citizens are sworn in at the Lowell Auditorium, we greet them at the door and invite them to register to vote right there. Join our next voter registration drive and help us ensure that all U.S. citizens make their voices heard – whether they’re citizens by birth, or by choice.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2217993911780205/
SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell January Meeting
Sunday, January 27th, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell
Join us for the monthly general meeting of Solidarity Lowell! On the agenda: group updates and announcements, an update from Immigrant Rights subcommittee, a vote to endorse current progressive city council members, Jay Mason speaks about Solarize Lowell, a discussion about our goals for the year…and more! All are welcome! See you there!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1004372119758537/
Call for More Diversity in Lowell Schools’ Hiring
William Samaras, Mayor and School Committee Chair: (978) 459-6785
Jackie Doherty, School Committee Vice-Chair: 978-459-0004
Sample Script: “Hi, I am [Name] from [Lowell neighborhood], asking you to please prioritize diversity when hiring for positions in our schools. The business-as-usual approach is no longer an option for the short- and long-term health of LPS teachers, administrators and most importantly, the students! Our district is where it is today because of past and present decisions to not appropriately invest and innovate in the Human Resources department. Please take the recommendations from the HR Audit seriously as they should inform critical changes going forward. Please do not just talk about your valuing diversity, but put the necessary practices and systems in place to realize actual change in the department as well as within the district. Thank you!”
More information: http://richardhowe.com/2018/12/28/bobby-tugbiyele-on-lps-hr-director-search/?fbclid=IwAR1GMpv1U_JpvOwjuCGhy-gjh0KBu-I97AxRdMNVqV1K0l4ykdXgwXbLVzg
Chelms-FED Up Postcarding
Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford
Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us to write postcards to voters and to our elected officials! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
Thursday Postcarding
Every Thursday, 9-11am, Panera Bread, 2 Cornerstone Square, Westford
Celebrate the election wins and shake off the losses with your postcarding friends from Solidarity Lowell and Indivisible Westford Progressive Massachusetts!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
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
Jericho Walk Against ICE
Tuesday, January 22nd, 1-2pm, 1000 District Ave, Burlington
Please join us for our monthly Jericho Walk at the Burlington MA ICE office. 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/218880329021583/
Lobby for Debt-Free Higher Ed
Wednesday, January 23rd, 11am-1pm, Massachusetts State House, Room 350, Boston
The average student debt in Massachusetts is $37,172 and it is only growing. It’s clear: student debt is a crisis that can no longer be ignored or pushed aside. It’s time for a debt-free future for the current and future students of Massachusetts, to ensure the next generation’s success and well-being. Join us for a Day of Action at the State House, to lobby the legislature, make it known that we will fight this student debt crisis, and ensure that every Massachusetts resident and high school graduate has a right to an education.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/596341627477676/
2019 Campaign Launch Day! Justice & Renewable Energy for All!
Thursday, January 24th, 10:30am-2:30pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston
On January 24, hundreds of members of the Mass Power Forward coalition will descend on Beacon Hill to demand that our legislators do everything they can to promote a clean energy future. Our goals are: 1. Environmental Justice in MA! 2. 100% Renewable Energy Justice 3. Equity in transportation and carbon pricing. The stakes have never been higher. With climate deniers running the show in Washington, DC, we NEED Massachusetts to step up and lead. Meet at Paulist Center near the statehouse.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2281484028801937/
Protect TPS Workers Within 100 Days!
Representative Lori Trahan: (978) 453-3200
Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell. Please make it a priority to protect Temporary Protected Status holders in our communities. By systematically ending TPS for almost all covered countries, the Trump administration has unleashed a humanitarian crisis, and I’m counting on you to do everything in your power to stop it. If Congress doesn’t act, TPS holders will lose their work permits and face deportation as soon as early summer. This is an urgent crisis. Please commit to passing legislation within the first 100 days of this Congress to make current TPS holders eligible for permanent residency. Thank you!”
More information: https://actnow.io/br6PVk6
SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 1/11/19
Local
Solidarity Lowell Rally for Women!
Saturday, January 19th, 3-5pm, The Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell
Join us for a rally to celebrate women’s achievements, with a special focus on the large number of women newly-elected to Congress. Bring your signs! Don’t have one? We’ll have extra and some sign-making supplies. Speakers include: Karen Cirillo, Lowell City Councillor; Pat Taber, Yes on 3 Greater Lowell Program Lead; and more! There will also be an open mike, if you would like to say something. After the rally ends, we’ll go down to Purple Carrot at 107 Merrimack Street for something warm to eat and/or drink.
RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1442333805897670/
Lowell Talks: LGBTQ History
Sunday, January 13th, 2-3:30pm, Boott Cotton Mills Museum Events Center, 115 John St, Lowell
Join us for a community conversation on LGBTQ history. Hosted in partnership with History UnErased. Free and open to all. Free, limited street parking located nearby. Additional free parking at 304 Dutton St., Lowell, a 10 minute walk from the museum.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/280387742664838/
Two Ways to Strengthen Democracy
Sunday, January 13th, 4-6pm, First Parish Church United of Westford, 48 Main St, Westford
We will explore two ways to strengthen our Democracy with speakers from We The People and Ranked Choice Voting. We The People will discuss the next steps to overturn Citizens United after the passage of ballot question 2 in MA. Ranked Choice Voting will discuss the next steps to pass Ranked Choice Voting in MA. Please join us!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2036595249765954/
Help Register New Citizens
Tuesday, January 15th, 9am-1:30pm, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St, Lowell
Join the League of Women Voters at the Lowell Naturalization Ceremony and help up to 1000 new American citizens register to vote!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/350700812153773/
Call for More Diversity in Lowell Schools’ Hiring
William Samaras, Mayor and School Committee Chair: (978) 459-6785
Jackie Doherty, School Committee Vice-Chair: 978-459-0004
Sample Script: “Hi, I am [Name] from [Lowell neighborhood], asking you to please prioritize diversity when hiring for positions in our schools. The business-as-usual approach is no longer an option for the short- and long-term health of LPS teachers, administrators and most importantly, the students! Our district is where it is today because of past and present decisions to not appropriately invest and innovate in the Human Resources department. Please take the recommendations from the HR Audit seriously as they should inform critical changes going forward. Please do not just talk about your valuing diversity, but put the necessary practices and systems in place to realize actual change in the department as well as within the district. Thank you!”
More information: http://richardhowe.com/2018/12/28/bobby-tugbiyele-on-lps-hr-director-search/?fbclid=IwAR1GMpv1U_JpvOwjuCGhy-gjh0KBu-I97AxRdMNVqV1K0l4ykdXgwXbLVzg
Chelms-FED Up Postcarding
Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford
Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us to write postcards to voters and to our elected officials! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
Thursday Postcarding
Every Thursday, 9-11am, Panera Bread, 2 Cornerstone Square, Westford
Celebrate the election wins and shake off the losses with your postcarding friends from Solidarity Lowell and Indivisible Westford Progressive Massachusetts!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
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
Sexual Health Lobby Day
Thursday, January 17th, 10am-2pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston
At Sexual Health Lobby Day, advocates from across the state will come together to declare: access to sexual and reproductive health care is a basic human right. The day will begin with a tabling fair and short speaking program to get you fired up, followed by a training to prepare you to hold effective conversations with your lawmakers. Then we’ll send you off to meet with your state representative and senator to advocate for a new bill to boldly and proactively expand access to safe, legal abortion; legislation that expands access to comprehensive sex education; and funding for Massachusetts family planning, teen pregnancy prevention, and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2020874371321485/
Free Eduardo Samaniego
ICE Field Director Sean Gallaghar: (404) 893-1206
Asst. Director Kristen Sullivan: 404-893-1203
Eduardo is a well-known activist leader with deep ties to his community in Georgia and Massachusetts. Eduardo studied at Hampshire College where he served on the College Board of Trustees. While working for immigration justice in partnership with Pioneer Valley Workers Center, Eduardo regularly collaborated with Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. Calls need to be made NOW.
Sample Script: “Hello, I am ________ from [ZIP] and Solidarity Lowell, asking you to immediately release Eduardo Samaniego Amaya. His A number is 206-862-839. He is not a flight risk as he has deep ties to the community in both Massachusetts and Georgia. He is a faith leader and student leader and is not a risk to public safety. Eduardo’s health is seriously deteriorating because of detention. He should be immediately released. Thank you!”
More information: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/freeeduardo-samaniego
SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 1/4/19
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 and there is a session on Sunday, January 6th. 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
Volunteer at the New Lowell Justice For Our Neighbors Clinic
Wednesdays: January 9 and February 13
Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) is looking for volunteers for their new clinic in Lowell. They are in need of:
Clinic Coordinators: Coordinate clinic operation
Intake Volunteer (2-3): Complete confidential client paperwork at clinic
Hospitality (2-3): Prepare and serve light supper / refreshments for clinic
Child care (1-2): Supervise (as needed) young children during the clinic
Interpreters (2-3), as needed (Spanish, Portuguese, Other)
Additional volunteers will be needed to support ongoing fundraising, marketing and outreach.
If interested, contact pam-brewster@comcast.net
Lowell Talks: LGBTQ History
Sunday, January 13th, 2-3:30pm, Boott Cotton Mills Museum Events Center, 115 John St, Lowell
Join us for a community conversation on LGBTQ history. Hosted in partnership with History UnErased. Free and open to all. Free, limited street parking located nearby. Additional free parking at 304 Dutton St., Lowell, a 10 minute walk from the museum.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/280387742664838/
Two Ways to Strengthen Democracy
Sunday, January 13th, 4-6pm, First Parish Church United of Westford, 48 Main St, Westford
We will explore two ways to strengthen our Democracy with speakers from We The People and Ranked Choice Voting. We The People will discuss the next steps to overturn Citizens United after the passage of ballot question 2 in MA. Ranked Choice Voting will discuss the next steps to pass Ranked Choice Voting in MA. Please join us!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2036595249765954/
Chelms-FED Up Postcarding
Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford
Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us to write postcards to voters and to our elected officials! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
Thursday Postcarding
Every Thursday, 9-11am, Panera Bread, 2 Cornerstone Square, Westford
Celebrate the election wins and shake off the losses with your postcarding friends from Solidarity Lowell and Indivisible Westford Progressive Massachusetts!
For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com
Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell Women’s March
Saturday, January 19th, 3:30pm
Details forthcoming! If you’re interested in helping to plan this event or know someone who might want to speak, please contactmarissa@solidaritylowell.com
RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/solidarity-lowell-womens-march