Month: June 2019

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE RESULTS REPORT FOR 06/18/19

Hi everyone! Welcome to the Rapid Response Results Report (RRRR)… Your recap of some of the positive news of the week!

Lowell

The city of Lowell reached an agreement with the 11 Latino and Asian-American residents who filed a lawsuit challenging the current at-large election system. The agreement lays out four more inclusive election models that the city council will choose from, with input from residents.
http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_32656642/city-agrees-change-election-system
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Solidarity Lowell was one of many area organizations that co-sponsored Indivisible Westford’s Pro-ROE Rally. A special thank you to our members who came out to support our sister group and women’s healthcare! This well-attended peaceful rally made clear to our elected officials that we stand for bodily autonomy for all people.
https://westford.wickedlocal.com/news/20190610/westford-rally-supports-abortion-access

State
Boston city officials filed a stronger ‘Trust Act’ due to concerns over Boston Police cooperation with ICE.
https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/06/13/boston-revised-trust-act

National
New Jersey has become the second state in the nation after California to adopt a law that requires schools to teach about LGBT history in a move hailed by civil rights groups as a step toward inclusion and fairness.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2019/02/01/nj-schools-teach-lgbt-history-new-law/2749212002/
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Washington, DC residents are leading a challenge to Trump’s liquor license at his Washington hotel over claims that he doesn’t meet the city’s “good character” requirements.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2019/06/14/citing-trumps-character-dc-residents-challenge-city-revoke-his-hotels-liquor-license/
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Belinda Bennett set sail as the world’s first black woman cruise ship captain.
https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/botwc-firsts/belinda-bennett-is-setting-sail-as-the-world-s-first-black-woman-cruise-ship-captain
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A Ramadan tradition in Washington: Young Muslim volunteers feed local homeless.
https://www.voanews.com/episode/ramadan-tradition-washington-young-muslim-volunteers-feed-local-homeless
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Once threatened, sea turtle nests are thriving along the Georgia coast.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/science/sea-turtles-georgia.html
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A team of 633 divers in Florida broke the world record for largest underwater cleanup.
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/448743-more-than-600-divers-set-world-record-cleaning-up-debris-from-the
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New York City will become the first city nationwide to directly fund abortion, thanks to a budget deal announced Friday.
https://thinkprogress.org/new-york-city-to-become-first-city-ever-to-directly-fund-abortion-75ff99038b0f/
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday signed legislation putting an end to child marriage in the Empire State. The legislation raises the age of consent from 14 to 18, and amends the process to require parental and judicial consent for marriage involving 17- and 18-year-olds.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-ends-child-marriage-raising-age-of-consent-from-14-to-18/
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A federal court ordered the publishers of the Daily Stormer, a neo-Nazi and white nationalist website, to pay American Muslim radio host and comedian Dean Obeidallah $4.1 million for publishing false and defamatory statements.
https://www.muslimadvocates.org/court-awards-muslim-commentator-4-1-million-in-lawsuit-against-founder-of-neo-nazi-website/
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After an emotional testimony (and well-deserved public shaming) from Jon Stewart, the House voted to replenish funds in the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/after-emotional-testimony-from-911-responders-house-panel-votes-to-replenish-victim-fund/2019/06/12/826ffa1e-8d27-11e9-8f69-a2795fca3343_story.html

International
Embassies worldwide are defying Trump and flying the Pride flag without permission.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/06/embassies-worldwide-defying-trump-flying-pride-flag-without-permission/
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Britain banned ads depicting harmful gender stereotypes.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/06/14/britain-bans-harmful-gender-stereotypes-advertisements/1455202001/
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The Church of England has voted to withdraw investment from companies that are not pulling their weight in the fight against climate change.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/church-of-england-climate-change-investment-withdraw-paris-agreement-fossil-fuels-a8437781.html
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Fifty top Pakistani clerics have issued a religious decree declaring that transgender people have full marriage, inheritance and funeral rights under Islamic law.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/27/pakistani-clerics-declare-transgender-marriages-legal-in-islam/
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Ecuador became the 27th country to legalize same-sex marriage.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ecuador-legalizes-same-sex-marriage_n_5d026236e4b0985c41994bc0

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 6/13/19

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group

A weekly six-session workshop starting July 10th, 7-9pm, in Lowell

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in an Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. The purpose of the group is to engage in supportive, structured dialogues with others to explore whiteness in contemporary society, especially to better understand the legacy and impact of white supremacy, white privilege, explicit and implicit bias, systemic racism, and microaggressions. Registration is capped at 10 and depending on interest, other groups may be formed. You will be expected to attend all six sessions.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/ZBEwvrvwRCa5KBgq9

 

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell June Meeting

Sunday, June 23rd, 5:30pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell

Join us for the monthly general meeting of Solidarity Lowell, featuring a speaker from the Merrimack Valley Housing Project (MVHP), group updates and announcements, updates from our subcommittees…and more! All are welcome! Hope to see you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/303575653919505/

Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee

As a result of our recent Strengthening Our Cities workshop series and activities at meetings, Solidarity Lowell is creating a subcommittee that will focus on the topic of affordable housing. If you are interested in joining, sign up using the form below.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/RcDDqskH7bsurq4D9

 

Join the Elections Subcommittee

The time has come to get our endorsements survey ready for the Lowell City Council and School Committee elections this fall. We’re looking for folks who are interested in helping put together the survey, get it out to those running for office, and compile the results for our members.

If you’re interested, please email lynne@solidaritylowell.com

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! 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

Join your postcarding friends from Indivisible Westford Progressive Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell to write issue-based postcards to our reps and write directly to voters for an upcoming election! Join us every Thursday!

For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com

 

Help Marius Cover His Lawyer’s Fees and Stay in the Country

Marius is a Togolese asylum-seeker, who has recently moved to Lowell to fight for asylum in the Boston federal immigration courts. Marius comes from a family of political dissidents fighting for greater democracy, and was forced to flee his country after his parents were murdered by the government. He has been threatened everywhere he’s tried to rebuild his life, and last year decided to journey across South and North America to seek asylum in the United States. But Marius cannot do it alone. The Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network is providing housing for him, but he also needs funds for legal, medical and living expenses. We need to raise $500/month for his living expenses, plus at least $2000 in lawyer’s fees so any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated.

Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information: https://www.gofundme.com/help-marius-stay-and-fight-for-asylum-in-the-usa?fbclid=IwAR3LDRCxbnncLMXBTul7dhAS73nc7mQHoNSMxrh8FfkYVdKlqs2Kp129liU

Help with Sanctuary

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. Solidarity Lowell is part of the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network, which helps provide a place to stay for immigrants at immediate risk of deportation. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, please email Solidarity Lowell’s Volunteer Coordinator at marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form). Also, since the sanctuary space was empty for so long, the MVISN decided to open it up to asylum-seekers, and we have a guest there currently. If you’d like to help with his living expenses, please donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/help-marius-stay-and-fight-for-asylum-in-the-usa?fbclid=IwAR3LDRCxbnncLMXBTul7dhAS73nc7mQHoNSMxrh8FfkYVdKlqs2Kp129liU

More information and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Local Events and Actions

Moody Street Canal Cleanup

Saturday, June 15th, 9am-noon, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, 581 Merrimack St, Lowell

The third Lowell Canalwaters cleanup for the season brings us back to Moody Street and the Western Canal where we’ll mostly be focused on removing floating litter and windblown debris from the water as well as a few toys that accidentally ended up in there. Hope you can join us.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1088482541335712/
African Festival: Our Culture is Our Gift to Cherish

Saturday, June 15th, 11am-7pm, Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell

Live music, dancers, performers, arts & crafts, food, info, and much more!

More information: http://www.africanfestivallowell.org/festival-flyer.html

Sign up to volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO9_Sm20Ww8xaTYuctOsP-a_qDiWdHZ_YEpjgvWiY_WqiUeg/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1IbRwo1HhXvuTWRoiRENu0y7W4B8mB2XOiUCdqO0-LrqmQmZgqlVxM0_k

 

Decoding LGBTQ+ History in Lowell

Sunday, June 16th, 3pm and 6pm, Lowell National Historical Park, 246 Market St, Lowell

This is a special two-part program taking place on Sunday, June 16. Our 3pm walk will focus on some figures from the 1800s, and how we can understand LGBTQ+ history of Lowell in this era. This walk will end with some time to explore our Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit (40 French St). Our 6pm program will explore local LGBTQ+ in the twentieth century. We will discuss the nightlife of the 1950s and 1960s and more recent history in Lowell. This talk will also address the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall raid and riot of 1969. Both are free & open to all.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/366418074001990/

 

Immigrant Justice Strategy Session

Tuesday, June 18th, 6-8:30pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell

Join a growing group of allies as we continue organizing our communities for dignity and justice. The meeting will cover several topics, including The Driver’s License Campaign (Work and Family Mobility Act H.3012 Farley-Bouvier & Barber & S.2061 Crighton), The Safe Communities Act (H.3573, Balser & Miranda & S.1401 Eldridge), and The Fair Share Amendment (Amendment to the Constitution: H.86 O’Day & S.16 Lewis)

Backpack Stories: World Refugee Day

Thursday, June 20th, 6-8pm, First United Baptist Church, 99 Church St, Lowell

For World Refugee Day, the New American Center in partnership with Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries hosts Backpack Stories. Global journeys shared by those who took them.

For more information or to volunteer, call Richard at (978) 710-9034

 

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Town Hall with Rep. Lori Trahan

Saturday, June 15th, 10am, Parker Damon Building, McCarthy-Towne and Merriam Schools, 11 Charter Rd, Acton

This will be a great opportunity to hear Congresswoman Trahan’s update on her work so far in Washington, and for her to hear from us as her constituents.

Meet with Rep. Trahan about the We The People Amendment

Saturday, June 15th, noon, Parker Damon Building, McCarthy-Towne and Merriam Schools, 11 Charter Rd, Acton

Join We The People at their meeting with Congresswoman Lori Trahan to discuss their efforts at ending Citizens United and getting money out of politics. The We the People Amendment (H.J. Res 48) is the only effective amendment proposal filed for overturning Supreme Court decisions that have undermined our democracy.

RSVP to Info@WtPMass.org

Boston Rally to Impeach Trump

Saturday, June 15th, 1pm, Boston Common (across Beacon Street from the State House), 9 Beacon St, Boston

Join March For Truth: Boston and other patriotic citizens to unite in calling for Congress to #ImpeachTrump! Impeachment can wait no longer, given the criminal actions of this lawless president and his corrupt administration. At this rally, we intend to: clearly recap the case for impeachment, why it’s time, and why it’s necessary; amplify voices of some of those hurt most badly by Trump’s criminal actions, such as communities of color, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, women, the poor, and others; and encourage and empower attendees to pressure members of Congress to #ImpeachTrump.

More information: https://www.impeach.org/event/impeachment_day_of_action_june15/124946/signup/?akid=&zip=&source=MFT

Hearing on the ROE Act

Monday, June 17th, 1pm, Gardner Auditorium, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right. And it’s at risk. With the appointment of anti-choice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, President Trump and his allies have the best chance in a generation to end legal abortion. In such a climate, it’s important for states like Massachusetts to shore up and expand the protections granted in Roe vs. Wade. Next Monday, June 17, the Joint Committee on the Judiciary will hear testimony on the ROE Act (S.1209/H.3320). Parents, providers, young people, and advocates agree—no one should be forced to cross state lines for care. If you can’t attend, you can submit written testimony.

More information: https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocacy-fund-massachusetts-inc/issues/roe-act

Jericho Walk at the Burlington ICE Office

Tuesday, June 18th, 1-2pm, 1000 District Ave, Burlington

Join us for our monthly Jericho Walk at the ICE office in Burlington, MA. 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/590428254697623/

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team