Action of the Week

~ If you do nothing else this week, this is the action that can make a difference. ~

Take Action for an Equitable Budget

A budget is more than just numbers: it’s a moral document. It shows what we, as a commonwealth, value and what society we wish to build together.

If you want a budget that reflects core progressive values, then write to your legislators in support of key investments in education and economic security.

This form makes it easy for you to email them, and lists some of the things it would be nice to see in the budget::https://secure.everyaction.com/2ddb6uiY8Eiea8Ztw3x9dQ2

h/t Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Mass

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Emergency Housing Coalition Meeting

Sunday April 7, 6pm
UML Center For Women And Work, 150 Wilder Street, Lowell

Join us in this coalition effort from LLAMA, Merrimack Valley Project, Sacred Sun Project, and Solidarity Lowell.

Continuing the work of advocating for humane treatment of our unhoused neighbors and for affordable housing. If you have questions about the agenda or the past meeting, please contact Felix Brown at felixfab62 @ gmail.com

Next Solidarity Lowell Meeting

Sunday April 28, 5:30-7pm
Status: Hybrid OR Zoom to be determined closer to date
Topic/speaker: Coordinating Committee Elections and TBD

Unpacking Whiteness

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. There will be five sessions total.

For more information, please contact Marissa Dupont: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Support Needed for Asylum-Seeker

Lilian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, finally moved into an apartment! She can use assistance with furnishing the place.

Donations and gift cards are appreciated. These can be given to Marissa Dupont, who will pass them along to Lillian. CashApp: $gollygee17 Venmo: @owlnerd

For checks, cash donations, or gift cards, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com to coordinate drop-off.

Thank you!!!

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online

Meetings are usually held weekly Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. Occasionally meetings are canceled due to holiday weekends. Attend in person or by using remote participation as follows: Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC.Org (Online; Live Streaming; Or Municipal Cable Channel 6).

To speak, you must register by 4pm the day of the meeting. Those wishing to speak regarding a specific agenda item must register to speak in advance of the meeting by sending an email to the City Clerk indicating the agenda item and a phone number to call so that you may be issued a Zoom link to the meeting if you wish to speak remotely. Email Address is MGEARY@LOWELLMA.GOV. If you have no access to email you may contact the City Clerk at 978-674-4161.

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022024-3044?html=true

4. CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS

4.2. C. Leahy – Req. City Mgr. Work With The State Delegation To Expediate The Hurd Street Court House Project In Order To Create More Housing.

4.4. C. Scott – Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Provide Quarterly Reporting To The Council Showing Progress Toward Meeting Master Plan Goals.

4.9.C. Robinson/C. Nuon – Req. City Mgr. Explore Conveying Interest To DCAMM In Regard To A Partnership To Put Out An RFP For The Redevelopment Of The Superior Court House.

How to contact your City Councilor
https://www.lowellma.gov/FormCenter/Contact-the-City-Council-5/City-Council-Contact-Form-45

It’s easy via the Webform above. You can write to as many of the councilors as you’d like, all at once. You can include the City Manager. You can have a copy of what you send returned to you. And you can communicate anonymously if you wish.

Remember. They work for us. You have a right to bring your concerns about the City to them.

Hunger And Homeless Commission Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, April 3, 12:00pm
https://lowellma.zoom.us/j/81272231435?pwd=S0dxZFNKMlFnYVpIU3ZkbnBybGRTUT09
Meeting ID: 812 7223 1435
Passcode: 064061

Meetings are open to the public.

THE MEETING’S AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATIONS/SPEAKERS:

Sothea Chiemrum, Executive Director at the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) will be providing a presentation on CMAA Services, Programming and upcoming Initiatives/Events.
Daniela Johnson, Director of the Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) and Crisis/Acute Care Services and Supports at Vinfen will be providing a review of the CBHC’s first year of operation and its current status.
Deanna Lima, Substance Abuse Coordinator at the Lowell Health Department will be providing an overview of the City’s Division of Substance Abuse and Prevention’s Programming, Initiatives and Collaborations.

Hunger And Homelessness Commission Has An Opening

If you are a resident of Lowell or a non-resident affiliated with a Lowell organization or institution and believe in and support the special interests of the hungry and homeless and are willing to work on behalf of the City of Lowell on this issue, this may be for you.

The Commission meets once a month, usually on the first Wednesday, for 60-90 minutes. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information on the Commission opening: https://g.co/kgs/dBzTu77

Northern Middlesex Council Of Governments Wants Your Opinion on Area Housing

NMCOG wants to know your thoughts and ideas for a vision, goals, and research questions about homes in our region.

Your responses will help shape the housing strategy, and will help us plan ahead.

Deadline for submitting: Friday April 5.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D3TPX5G

Cambodian Flag Raising Ceremony

Friday, April 12, 10am

Join CMAA, Lowell City Hall, Lowell Community Charter Public School, and Lowell Public Schools in recognition of the Cambodian community in Greater Lowell.

Live broadcast on CMAA Facebook.

Support for our unhoused neighbors

Ongoing opportunities to help various organizations that are assisting Lowell’s unhoused population may be found on our website at:https://solidaritylowell.com/resources/

Any NEW opportunities will be posted here as well.

Ongoing Opportunities From Activist Groups in Our Area

Touchbase Tuesdays (weekly)

Tuesday, April 2, 1-2pm
Sponsor: Indivisible Acton Area
Virtual – RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/activist-afternoons/event/586133/

Join Indivisible Acton Area weekly for conversation about local, state, and national current events. Let’s get together to update/review/share/plan news and actions people can take to win in 2024. Some of the brainstorming ideas discussed here turn into take action activities for the Indivisible Acton Area.

Activist Afternoons (first and third Sundays)

Sunday, April 7, 4-6pm
St. James Church, 1991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Sponsors: Progressive Mass, Swing Blue Alliance, 350Mass, and others
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/activist-afternoons/event/595320/

Join fellow activists to make calls about key issues at the State House.

GAI Bi-Weekly Postcard Action Hour

Wednesday, April 10, 6-7:30pm
Panera, 58 Peters St, North Andover
Sponsor: Greater Andover Indivisible
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblegreaterandover/event/565734/

Leading up to the 2024 elections, we’ll be writing to voters in key swing states/districts with messages about must-win candidates, progressive issues, Democrats’ accomplishments and urging unregistered likely-Dems to register and vote!

Postcards for Democracy (weekly)

Thursday, April 11, 10:30am-Noon
Kimball Farm Country Store, 400 Littleton Road, Westford
Sponsor: Indivisible Westford
$15 per packet
https://turnpurple2blue.org/2024/02/25/postcards-for-democracy/

Join fellow activists every Thursday to write postcards over coffee and conversations.

Greater Andover Indivisible Activist Afternoons (monthly)

Sunday, April 14, 3-4:30pm
33 Central St, Andover
Sponsor: Greater Andover Indivisible
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblegreaterandover/event/603813/

Activities will vary each Activist Afternoon and will include writing postcards, making phone calls, and other actions as they become available. We will focus on voter registration, voter turnout and the promotion of progressive issues

Other Events

The Time for Change is Now

Saturday, April 6, 1-3pm
Central Square Church, 5 Magazine St, Cambridge
Sponsor: We Are Joint Venture

In Massachusetts, many are sentenced to life in prison based on the Joint Venture Theory. A person can be found guilty of a criminal offense even if they did not personally commit the crime, but instead, aided and abetted its commission as part of a ‘joint venture’ with other persons. During this educational panelist event, you will hear from people affected by the practice and from advocates for legislative change to remedy the injustice, which has a big impact on communities of color.

We Are Joint Venture is an organization founded by a group of men at MCI Norfolk serving life sentences due to the Joint Venture Theory. Using their shared experiences, they work to change the system and help provide second chances for other incarcerated men and women.

On Disinformation – How To Fight For Truth

Saturday, April 6, 1:30-3:30pm
UU Church of Haverhill, 16 Ashland St

Please join us for a talk by Lee McIntyre, the bestselling author of Post-Truth and How to Talk to a Science Denier, and the recent book ON DISINFORMATION, a powerful, pocket-sized citizen’s guide on how to fight back against the disinformation campaigns that are imperiling American democracy.

This free public event is sponsored by Greater Haverhill Indivisible.

For sign up and other event details please go to https://actionnetwork.org/events/on-disinformation-how-to-fight-for-truth

The Failed Experiment of Mass Incarceration

Wednesday, April 17, 3-4pm
RSVP: https://brennan.swoogo.com/massincarceration/begin?ref=Insider032824

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, a dubious distinction with grave social consequences. Excessive Punishment: How the Justice System Creates Mass Incarceration, a new book edited by the Brennan Center’s Lauren-Brooke Eisen, explores the roots and social costs of mass incarceration, as well as reforms that would prioritize human dignity and restoration over retribution. Join the Center virtually for a live event moderated by Eisen to hear from several of the book’s contributors on why the U.S. criminal justice system is so punitive and what alternatives could rebalance it.

Progressive Mass Fundraising

If we want progressive policies and laws in the state, we need to elect progressive legislators.

That’s where Progressive Massachusetts comes in. They vet candidates for progressiveness and endorse when appropriate giving a boost to those campaigns. And they organize lobbying on important bills. (Watch for news about the next Lobby Day, May 16.)

It costs money to do that work. You can help with that, and help Solidarity Lowell too, by donating via the following link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pmgala24?refcode=chapSL

Or you can buy a ticket to the fundraising Gala…

Progressive Mass Gala

Sunday, April 28, 7-8:30pm
Virtual – Tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pmgala24?refcode=chapSL

This annual fundraiser honors progressive leaders chosen by members. Featured speakers are Congressman Jim McGovern and Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. Honorees include No Cost Calls Coalition, State House Employees Union, Worcester City Councilor Etel Hazhiaj, former Newton City Councilor Holly Ryan, and our own State Representative Vanna Howard!

State Level Actions

Ask Your Legislators To Urge Favorable Passage Out Of Committee Of H.2325

An Act related to rehabilitation, re-entry, and human rights for incarcerated persons (H.2325) includes a number of mandates that will reform treatment of incarcerated people. It will require more out of cell time, more access to programs and medical care, and end solitary confinement.

Didn’t they already end solitary confinement in 2018? In theory, yes. But many practices amounting to solitary confinement by another name continue. This bill specifically mandates practices that run counter to solitary confinement.

The bill must be reported out of committee (Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security) by Monday, April 8, or it will die in this legislative session and advocates will have to start all over again next year.

Contact details for legislators at the end of this section.

h/t Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Mass

Support Keeping Families Connected through Improved Access to Visits in MA Prisons, Jails, and ICE

https://secure.everyaction.com/tP7srcC3Uk2MBcRMJTm1cg2

Another bill due out of the same joint committee by April 8. The form will explain as well as make it easy for you to write legislators.

h/t Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Mass

Take Action for Safe Communities before the April 8th Deadline

Yes, the Safe Communities Act (S.1510 and H.2288) is still waiting for passage. The bill would end voluntary police and court involvement in deportations, and ensure that in Massachusetts, everyone can seek help, protection and medical care without fear of deportation.

Here’s how you can help:
The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security has until April 8th to take action on the bill this session. Use our form to quickly send an email to committee members. They need to hear from you!
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/take-action-for-safe-communities-before-the-april-8th-deadline/

h/t Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Mass

To Contact the Governor

Governor’s Office of Constituent Services (617) 725-4005
Call between 9am and 5pm and leave a message.

Or email the governor, using this form: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office#email-the-governor-using-this-form-

Our State Legislators’ Info

Speaker Ronald Mariano Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2500 | Rm 356
Senate President Karen Spilka Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov | 617-722-1500 | Rm 332
Rep. Rodney Elliott Rodney.Elliott@ma.house.gov | 617-722-2000 x7313 | Rm B1
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2060 | Rm 33
Local office: 25 Central Street, ground floor, Lowell
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2637 | Rm 544
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov | 617-722-2380 | Rm 238
Senator Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov | 617-722-1630 | Rm 109-E
Senator Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov | 617-722-1572 | Rm 109-D
Senator Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov | 617-722-1120 | Rm 511-C
Senator Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov | 617-722-1612 | Rm 511A
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Child Tax Credit Day of Action: April 2

Join FRAC (Food Research and Action Center), the Coalition on Human Needs, Economic Security Project, MomsRising, and our array of partners for an April 2 day of action focused on getting the Child Tax Credit (CTC) improvements in the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act over the finish line in the Senate. An expanded and inclusive CTC is a transformational policy for addressing hunger among families with children. Under the House-passed bill, approximately 16 million out of the 19 million children currently left out of the full or any CTC will benefit, and an estimated 400,000 children will be lifted above the poverty line.

Build momentum in the lead-up to April 2, the day of, and beyond:

Use and share with your networks the FRAC Action Network to call on the Senate to take up and pass the bill.
Meet with Senate offices to push on the urgency and importance of CTC improvements to improve food security and lift families with children out of poverty.
Use the Child Tax Credit 2024 Resources and Social Media toolkit, including statements, fact sheets, tweets, shareable graphics, and more, from coalition partners.
Get vocal on social media.

How to Contact the White House

https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/
(Includes a link to send email.)

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Representative Lori Trahan
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm
2439 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 | 202-225-3411
126 John Street | Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-459-0101

Representative Seth Moulton
https://moulton.house.gov/contact
202-225-8020 | 978-531-1669

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website at solidaritylowell.com

Link to minutes of March meeting
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FhXowZwSF9z5vMn6btn9dZRp_fPOiysFqLi8bEDKTIQ/edit?usp=sharing

Link to recording of March meeting
https://youtu.be/T1rCkyp9rkU

See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings in our YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Join at: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/