Solidarity Lowell 3rd Annual Summer Barbecue

Sunday, July 21st, 2-5pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell

It’s time for the 3rd annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Featuring Baby Trump balloons, an SL slideshow, and more, this is sure to be a fun event! Please note that the location has changed to Christ Church United due to the forecasted extreme heat. Because of this, the Coordinating Committee will provide fixing for sandwiches (including vegetarian and gluten-free options) instead of burgers and dogs. Please sign up for an appetizer, side, or dessert. We hope to see you there!

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE POTLUCK HERE: https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/k21060

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/869111123445962/

 

Help Solidarity Lowell Spread the Word about Progressive Causes at Folk Fest

Saturday and Sunday, July 27th-28th, noon-5pm, Merrimack Street, Lowell

Join us at our table at Lowell Folk Fest! We’ll be encouraging folks to sign postcards to their representatives about the Safe Communities Act, as well as the Driving Families Forward initiative. And as usual, we’ll help folks register to vote! Please sign up for a shift to help out!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/MQ751JXsmLAJJxu87

Sanctuary Volunteers Ice Cream Social

Tuesday, July 23rd, 7:30pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell

Calling all volunteers of the sanctuary network to Christ Church United in Lowell for an ice cream social! Come enjoy some sweet summer treats and re-organize ourselves to better support Marius, our asylum seeker. We’ll hear from Marius about what he needs now and going forward and, as volunteers, sign up to help provide that support. 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 attend! 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). 

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

 

Support for Marius: $400 Needed for August Living Expenses

First, some great news about Marius (the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring). With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit in the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. July is covered, but having fully paid his lawyer, we currently have just $100 available for living expenses in August and onward. Can you chip in towards the $400 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small!

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

 

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

Local Events and Actions

Share Your Priorities with Lowell Votes

Please fill out the Lowell Votes survey to help them create the 2019 voter guide to the Lowell City Council and School Committee candidates! Who knows, maybe a question you submit will end up in the guide!

Respond here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2iztj_hLPGeQaygyETnuLunSBKiSNLekcqIEYoLTaeB3pPg/viewform

 

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

100% Renewable Energy Lobby Day

Tuesday, July 23rd, 1pm, Room B1, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

The committee hearing for the 100% Renewable Energy Act has been scheduled for next Tuesday 7/23 at 1 PM in room B1 at the State House. If you’re able to show up, that would be awesome. And submitting testimony is also great if you’re unable to attend.

More information: jrfcohn@gmail.com

Driving Families Forward Lobby Day

Wednesday, July 24th, 9:30-11am, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Encourage our state legislature to pass a driver’s license for all law. Attend the DFF Lobby Day!

More information: https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/01/23/undocumented-immigrants-drivers-licenses-bill

 

Demand Our Representatives Support the Safe Communities Act

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. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 ←-thank him for co-sponsoring!
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572 ←-thank him for co-sponsoring!
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120 ←-thank him for co-sponsoring!

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. The Safe Communities Act — not ripping families apart — is what true public safety looks like. The Safe Communities Act protects documented and undocumented families, particularly women, from abuse and brings us all together in opposition to the immoral policies of the Trump administration. Please co-sponsor this bill immediately! Thank you!”

More information: http://miracoalition.org/safe-communities

 

Tell Trahan to Impeach!

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. Trump’s racism started long before his time in the presidency, but his actions during the past week, especially at his campaign rallies, is inexcusable. The time has come to support measures to impeach him! Please do everything in your power to stand against racism and get Trump out of office!”

More information: http://impeach.indivisible.org/

 

 

 

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Lights for Liberty: Westford, MA

Friday, July 12th, 6-8:05pm, Westford Town Common, Westford

Attend this Lights for Liberty event organized by Indivisible Westford and co-sponsored by Solidarity Lowell to support an end to human detention camps and learn more about ways you can support the human rights of immigrants, children, and adults being held in inhumane conditions at detention centers across the country. Featured speakers include Representative Jamie Eldrige and Rev. Kathleen Hepler. At 8pm a candlelit moment of silence will honor those who are suffering in detention and families who have been separated by current immigration policies. At 9pm you may light a candle in your window at home to join thousands across the nation.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2159132997497937/

 

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell 3rd Annual Summer BBQ

It’s time for the 3rd annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Featuring Baby Trump balloons, an SL slideshow, and more, this is sure to be a fun event! PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE POTLUCK HERE: https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/k21060 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. Please sign up for an appetizer, side, or dessert. We hope to see you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/869111123445962/

 

Support for Marius: $400 Needed for August Living Expenses

First, some great news about Marius (the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring). With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit in the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. July is covered, but having fully paid his lawyer, we currently have just $100 available for living expenses in August and onward. Can you chip in towards the $400 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small!

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

 

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

 

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). 

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

Local Events and Actions

Lowell Talks: Living Black in Lowell in the 21st Century 

Sunday, July 14th, 2-3:30pm, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John St, Lowell

During July’s Lowell Talks, join Maritza Grooms, co-host of Kindred Conversations: Living Black in Lowell and History in Lowell (LTC) for a conversation on local black history. Maritza will share her knowledge about the experiences of African Americans living in Lowell in both the 20th and 21st centuries. Come with your questions, comments, and histories of your own!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/439765036865576/

 

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Ranked Choice Voting Lobby Day

Tuesday, July 16th, 11am-2pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Join hundreds of supporters from across the Commonwealth to mobilize for Ranked Choice Voting. Two bills are currently working their way through the State House. We need supporters like you to show Beacon Hill that Massachusetts is #ReadyToRank. At #RCVLobbyDay, you’ll have the chance to visit your State Senator and Representative’s offices to tell them why you support RCV, hear remarks from superstar supporters in the State House and across the Commonwealth, and participate in a mock ranked choice voting election to see RCV in action! No lobbying experience is required! We’ll train you and provide everything you need to effectively lobby for RCV. Refreshments will be provided.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/724530021295934/

July Jericho Walk at the Burlington ICE Office

Tuesday, July 16th, 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/462908424282285/

 

Support the Work and Family Mobility Act

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. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. Allowing Bay Staters to apply for driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status is common sense public policy that benefits everyone. We therefore ask you to pass An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility (H.3012/S.2061) this legislative session. This legislation would enable all qualified Massachusetts drivers, regardless of immigration status, to apply for a standard license, which could only be used for driving, not for benefits, boarding a plane, or voting. Thank you!”

More information: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/dff-petition

 

Pass a Face Surveillance Moratorium

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. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. As your constituent, I’m asking you to please support S.1385/H.1538 to establish a moratorium on government use of face surveillance and other remote biometric tracking technologies in Massachusetts. Left unregulated, remote biometric surveillance technologies enable government agencies to identify and track ordinary people wherever we go. I do not want this dangerous technology to be used like this in my community. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-face-surveillance-moratorium

 

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group – Last Chance!

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 this group is filling up quickly! Please note that you will be expected to attend all six sessions.

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

 

Support for Marius: $400 Needed for August Living Expenses

First, some great news about Marius (the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring). With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit in the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. July is covered, but having fully paid his lawyer, we currently have just $100 available for living expenses in August and onward. Can you chip in towards the $400 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small!

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

 

Lights for Liberty: Westford, MA

Friday, July 12th, 5:30-8:30pm, Westford Town Common, Westford

Attend this Lights for Liberty event organized by Indivisible Westford and co-sponsored by Solidarity Lowell to support an end to human detention camps and learn more about ways you can support the human rights of immigrants, children, and adults being held in inhumane conditions at detention centers across the country. At 8pm a candlelit moment of silence will honor those who are suffering in detention and families who have been separated by current immigration policies. At 9pm you may light a candle in your window at home to join thousands across the nation.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2159132997497937/

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

 

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). 

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

Local Events and Actions

Show Up for Green Energy in Lowell

Tuesday, July 9th, 6:30pm, Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell

As you know, 350MA of Greater Lowell has been pushing the city to provide more renewable energy to National Grid electricity users in Lowell. A few weeks ago, the City Council agreed to request prices for adding varying amounts of additional renewable energy to its aggregated supply. We hear that this information may be provided and discussed at the next City Council meeting on July 9. If that happens, it will be important to have people there to show support for more green energy in Lowell’s energy supply. Please come if you can. The meeting starts at 6:30. We won’t know for sure whether this will be on the agenda until the agenda is posted on Friday 7/6. We’ll let you know. But plan on being there if you can. Let’s help Lowell move closer to 100% renewable energy!

For more information, please email Jon Grossman at jgrossman@seiu509.org

Climate Change Forum Featuring Sen. Marc Pacheco

Wednesday, July 10th, 6-8pm, The Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St, Lowell

Senator Edward Kennedy hosts his colleague Senator Marc Pacheco, Chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change for a forum discussing the issues and policy initiatives surrounding climate change.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1103882446666884/

 

Lowell Talks: Living Black in Lowell in the 21st Century

Sunday, July 14th, 2-3:30pm, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John St, Lowell

During July’s Lowell Talks, join Maritza Grooms, co-host of Kindred Conversations: Living Black in Lowell and History in Lowell (LTC) for a conversation on local black history. Maritza will share her knowledge about the experiences of African Americans living in Lowell in both the 20th and 21st centuries. Come with your questions, comments, and histories of your own!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/439765036865576/

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Shaking Ass for the Werking Class Drag Brunch

Sunday, July 7th, 12-3pm, The Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville

Capitalism is Burning! Join us for a drag brunch to benefit Massachusetts Jobs with Justice and Progressive MA. Hosted by our best comrade in heels Naomi Chomsky! Featuring all your fave troublemaking queens: Just JP, Missy Steak, Ally P. Sha, Kirbie Fullyloaded & Ramona Mirage!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2301365736609886/

Support Driving Families Forward

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. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. Allowing Bay Staters to apply for driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status is common sense public policy that benefits everyone. We therefore ask you to pass An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility (H.3012/S.2061) this legislative session. This legislation would enable all qualified Massachusetts drivers, regardless of immigration status, to apply for a standard license, which could only be used for driving, not for benefits, boarding a plane, or voting. Thank you!”

More information: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/dff-petition

 

Pass a Face Surveillance Moratorium

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. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. As your constituent, I’m asking you to please support S.1385/H.1538 to establish a moratorium on government use of face surveillance and other remote biometric tracking technologies in Massachusetts. Left unregulated, remote biometric surveillance technologies enable government agencies to identify and track ordinary people wherever we go. I do not want this dangerous technology to be used like this in my community. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-face-surveillance-moratorium

 

Stand Against Concentration Camps

There are many things you can do and this document is a good start.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DPr93K73Y27_eV6oxauXrp7XVqetQOvzff0BRaWR07Y/preview?fbclid=IwAR0Rjq0Q4DnbZw8HoxNLn0xErFpvJTQul9lUbZx67xWn8KRd8t6VGlVIFqc

 

Stop Body Size Discrimination

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

Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hi, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. Massachusetts has been known to protect people’s individuality and respect people’s identities. MA must again be a leader in the nation by enacting a law to finally prohibit discrimination based on a person’s body. It’s time to conclusively say no to #BodySizeDiscrimination. Please co-sponsor S.1012, An Act making discrimination on the basis of height and weight unlawful. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/weight-discrimination-is-rampant-yet-in-most-places-its-still-legal/2019/06/21/f958613e-9394-11e9-b72d-d56510fa753e_story.html OR https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1012?fbclid=IwAR38lOQ3YErULSKn47VMDqZe2MVlHmdi7RnXEfZoL4QCgzzeWXOLCSN2ybc