Action of the Week

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 9 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/_04092024-3058?html=true

5. CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS

5.2. C. Robinson – Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide An Update On Status Of Syringe Exchange Programs In The Community And What Regulatory Options Exist On The Local Level.

5.10 C. Jenness – Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide Presentation To The Council On Current Status Of ARPA Monies That Have Been Obligated, And The Plan For The Remainder Of Those Funds To Be Obligated By End Of Year.

5.14.C. Scott – Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Detailing The Status Of Mitigation Efforts Listed In The 2015 And 2020 Municipal Vulnerability Reports And The Status Of The Planning For The 2025 Report.

6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER

6.1. Motion Responses

B) Motion Response – State and Federal Partners Grant Opportunities
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27484?fileID=55883

C) Motion Response – (Improving) LTLC Services
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27484?fileID=55884

D) Motion Response – Winter Protocol Beds
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27484?fileID=55885

8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER

8.1. Ordinance – New Ch. 51 – Code For Elected And Appointed Officials
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27491?fileID=55888
An Ordinance Amending “Code of Ordinances, City of Lowell, Massachusetts,” by creating a new Chapter 51, entitled “Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials.”

11. PETITIONS

11.3. Misc. – Norma Von Fricken Request Permission To Address Council Regarding [Unsanitary] Homeless Conditions.
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/27471?fileID=55732

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.

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.

Lowell Litter Krewe

LLK has recommenced their spring cleanups.
To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Next events
Great Connector Cleanup, Exit 3 to Gorham St
Saturday, April 13, 9am-12pm
Meet at Target

Lowell Parking Garage Art – Phase 2 – Call for Artists

Deadline: April 26

The City of Lowell, through the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE), invites artists to submit two-dimensional works of art to be considered for showing in City-owned parking garages in phase two of our Parking Garage Art Exhibit. You may submit existing works or works newly created for this project. Works will be reproduced by the City of Lowell on acrylic panels suitable for all weather conditions and will be affixed to the wall of City-owned parking garages. For more information, please contact Peter Crewe: pcrewe@lowellma.gov.

Submit your application online to the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/240846135410146.

Project Timeline
Call for Artists OPEN: Friday, March 29
Info session via Zoom (optional): Tuesday, April 16
Call for Artists CLOSE: Friday, April 26, 1:59pm
Artists Notified by: Monday, May 6
Work Due to the City: Friday, May 10
Display Period: Up to one year (June 2024 – June 2025)

The information session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 5:30pm-6:30pm. It is optional and will serve as a space where artists can ask questions.

More details: https://www.likelowell.com/parking-garage-art-2024

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

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.

Action of the Week

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Tabling at Lowell Folk Fest

Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30, 12pm-6pm

Solidarity Lowell will be tabling at Lowell Folk Fest Saturday 7/29 and Sunday 7/30, 12 noon to 6 pm both days. If you’re able to take a 1 or 2 hour shift, please contact chris@solidaritylowell.com.

Support Needed for Asylum-Seekers

Emergency Assistance Requested! We just received word that Lillian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, and her baby will be evicted from her new apartment on August 1st. Donations can be sent 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.

Marius, an asylum-seeker from Togo who we assisted since 2018, also is in need of assistance. Donations can be made to him here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

Thank you!!!

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online

Meetings are held bi-weekly in Council Chamber during the summer, Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. (Next meeting July 25.) 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 Local Cable Channel 99).

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07252023-2780?html=true

Items of possible interest

4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS

4.1.Ordinance – Amend Zoning – Accessory Dwelling Units. (Cont. From 7/11/23)
HTTPS://WWW.LOWELLMA.GOV/AGENDACENTER/VIEWFILE/ITEM/24066?FILEID=49172

We need folks to speak in support of ADU’S!

MOTION RESPONSES

C) MOTION RESPONSE – FOOT AND CAR PATROLS BACK CENTRAL, ST. JOHNS, MOBILE COMMAND.PDF
I) MOTION RESPONSE – REGIONAL HOMELESS SUMMIT.PDF
O) MOTION RESPONSE – RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.PDF
S) MOTION RESPONSE – AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND.PDF

5.3 Communication – Planning Board Recommendation To Proposed Zoning Code Amendment Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units.
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/24634?fileID=50057

6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER

6.1. Vote – Accept/Expend FY24 Affordable Housing Earmark ($75,000)
6.8. Vote – Endorse The Edge Affordable Housing Project (One Merrimack Plaza, $2.5 Million)

8.ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER

8.1.Ordinance – MBTA Communities Zoning Amendments
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/24677?fileID=50081

12.CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS

12.2.C. Yem – Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Look Into Joining The Massachusetts Broadband Coalition And To Apply For Funding The State Receives Through The National Broadband Equity, Access And Deployment Program To Extend High-Speed Internet Throughout The City.

12.4.C. Scott – Req. City Mgr. Implement A Plan To Enforce All Requirements Of Chapter 176-2 Of The City Housing Standards. [this has to do with regular – 5 year intervals – inspection of rental housing]

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.

To contact any City Councilor, or the City Manager, by email, use this webform https://www.lowellma.gov/formcenter/contact-the-city-council-5/city-council-contact-form-45 and check off who you’re writing to.

Public Hearing on Renewal of the Franchise License Agreement between the City of Lowell and Comcast

Thursday, July 27, 4 PM

From LTC:
…there will be a public hearing held in the Mayor’s Reception Room at Lowell City Hall concerning the renewal of the Franchise License Agreement between the City of Lowell and Comcast. This agreement is the main way that LTC is funded – the money we receive from it goes towards paying our staff, maintaining our facilities, and updating the equipment we make available to members of the public.

The purpose of this hearing is to give the public a chance to weigh on what the needs of the community are as it relates to the benefits that this funding provides, how the City and public need these benefits to continue, and why it makes sense for Comcast to continue to provide these services and financial support to the City. If you value the resources that LTC makes available to the community, we ask that you please make the time to attend this meeting and speak publicly about how you’ve made use of those resources, how the community at large benefits from them, and what you would like to see in the new agreement between Comcast and the City.

Members of the public can attend in-person or over Zoom, and anybody in attendance may speak without having to submit a request beforehand. Members of the public may also submit written testimony if they are unable to make it to the meeting. Many of us from LTC will be in attendance, and we hope to see you there and hear about what you would like to see going forward in terms of the resources we are able to make available to our community!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at programming@ltc.org.
—–
Join Zoom Meeting
https://lowellma.zoom.us/j/87838494293…
Meeting ID: 878 3849 4293
Passcode: 562260

One tap mobile
+13052241968,,87838494293#,,,,*562260# US
+13092053325,,87838494293#,,,,*562260# US

Participants sought for Decarbonization Pathways Pilot (second cohort)

350MA reminds us that the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking around 45 homes to participate in the second cohort of the Decarbonization Pathways Pilot. The pilot offers technical support and financial incentives to implement high-efficiency decarbonization measures. This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your home into the 21st century!

MassCEC is accepting applications between July 12, 2023 and July 30, 2023.

MassCEC is specifically looking for participants who intend to install heat pumps and/or replace their home’s siding to create a better insulated envelope within the coming year. We will also be asking all participants to complete a “Home Modernization Package” that ensures the home is well-prepared to convert away from fossil fuel appliances as they make future purchases (e.g., the next time the heat or hot water heater needs to be replaced). We will also be looking for geographic, income, and building type diversity within the cohort. To learn more about applying for the second cohort, read our blog or review the application.

Please consider applying and sharing this opportunity with your network. If you have any questions, please contact us at buildings@masscec.com.

Support for our unhoused siblings

Life Connection Center is calling for donations to help our unhoused siblings cope with the weather.

Needs:

• Bottled water
• Ponchos
• Umbrellas
• Gently Used or New Towels for Shower Service
• Undergarments
• Outreach Snacks

Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Sunday through Thursday 7pm-10pm at 192 Appleton Street.

You may also contribute through their Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ARW4F37SG12T?ref_=wl_share

Local mutual aid group LLAMA is also collecting to help assist the displaced folks:

Thank you all for the donations we have received so far on our Venmo (@Lowell-LLAMA) and CashApp ($LowellLLAMA).

Reminder: We are in direct contact with those who were displaced and we are generating a list of items they need replaced, and all funds you send us that are labeled as for the displaced will be used for this purpose. We are a volunteer group of people building solidarity together (not a nonprofit) with no paid staff.

Lowell Litter Krewe

LLK continues with their regular cleanups.

To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Saturday, July 29-30, ALL DAY: Folk Fest Compost & Recycling Team
Sign up at ttps://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe

Other Events

Prison Moratorium Bill Hearing (H1795)

Tuesday, July 25, 1pm
State House Rm A-2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Judiciary)

Urge your legislators to support the Prison Moratorium: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/prison-moratorium-2023

Prison Phone Calls Bill Hearing (H1796)

Tuesday, July 25, 1pm
State House Rm A-2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Judiciary)

Indivisible Acton Hosts David Pepper on Avoiding Ohio Mistakes in MA

Tuesday, July 25, 7-8:30pm
RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUofu2srT8oGdMYO5l6gcQYWMl6UKS471H5#/registration

David Pepper is former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. A panel discussion will cover making the MA State House “a more robust laboratory for democracy”

Community Immunity Bill Hearing (H2151 /S1458)

Wednesday, July 26, 9am
State House Gardner Auditorium & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Public Health)

Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion Bill Hearing (H3237/S2135)

Wednesday, July 26, 1pm
State House Room A2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Senate Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy)

Public Meeting Participation Bill Hearing (H.3040/S.2024)

Wednesday, July 26, 1pm
State House Room A1 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight)

Public Records Law Extension to Governor and Legislature Hearing (S.2064)

Wednesday, July 26, 1pm
State House Room A1 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight)

Yes in My Back Yard Bill Hearing (H1379)

Wednesday, July 26, 2pm
State House Room B2 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Housing)

Turning Crisis to Hope: Responding to the Arrival of Thousands of Haitians in Massachusetts

Wednesday, July 26, 5pm
Sponsor: International Institute of New England
RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9XX-7fOSea222dJj6jbLA#/registration

Moratorium on New Gas System Expansion Bill Hearing (H3237/S2135)

Thursday, July 27, 10am
State House Room A1 & virtual on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (House Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy)

Climate Refugees

Thursday, July 27, 12pm
Sponsor: Othering & Belonging Institute
REGISTER: https://secure.everyaction.com/HOQEsmIgWU6kfrZ2rz9mxA2?emci=7ad37d19-a325-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&emdi=7a2df723-4926-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&ceid=12712789

This panel brings together several experts to discuss Global North countries’, institutions’, and industries’ culpability for the climate crisis, and how action on their part is essential to mitigating the crisis of climate-induced displacement by ensuring the safe resettlement of climate refugees, and fostering diversified climate-resilient economies and just transitions across the Global South and Global North alike.

Local Innovations In Addressing Homelessness

Friday, July 28, 1pm
Sponsor: Bipartisan Policy Center
RSVP:  eventbrite.com/e/local-innovations-in-addressing-homelessness-tickets-677554582997?aff=oddtdtcreator&_cldee=lxDruGY_RssfBQ2nUFaT3NgbtCGDhC-9UA6xRGaxrwugz-Q___y05Xyyql92V62V&recipientid=contact-a1b1f8da20cdeb11869c00155d3b3c69-1f332a19c3e74361a51c130f52bdf062

As the issue of homelessness continues to gain national attention, it is crucial to draw upon the lessons learned from places that have effectively reduced homelessness. This webinar aims to highlight organizations and public officials successfully tackling homelessness at the local level, offering policymakers at all levels of government the opportunity to learn from effective strategies to promote housing stability for unhoused people.

Join us as local leaders come together to showcase innovative approaches for meeting the needs of unhoused people, share valuable insights on how to scale up promising interventions, and discuss how the federal government can support successful programs.

NAACP National Convention Call for Volunteers

July 29-August 1
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The NAACP’s national convention is taking place in Boston. They need lots of volunteers. Here’s a generic sign-up form (https://support.naacp.org/a/2023-naacp-national-convention-volunteer-sign-form) which will be followed by another form where we can sign up for some days and not others, some types of tasks, etc. Volunteer shifts will be 3 hours long. Attending workshops requires registering for the convention, but we were told there are lots of things that don’t require registering.

GAI Bi-Weekly Postcard Action Hour At Panera

Wednesday, August 2, 6pm-7:30pm
Panera, 58 Peters St, North Andover
Sponsor: Greater Andover Indivisible

State Level Actions

Tell your electeds to cosponsor the Sunlight Agenda

When, among other things, legislators are given less than 24 hours to review legislation before a vote, we’re getting legislation that is passed because one person, the Speaker of the House, wants it to pass, not because legislators have carefully considered its impact. THAT is not democracy.

The solution, from Act on Mass:
The Sunlight Agenda is Act on Mass’s legislative agenda to restore democratic integrity on Beacon Hill. They have compiled a package of four bills put forward this session that would address our democracy crisis and improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the State House.

1. An Act to Provide Sunlight to State Government (S.1963), filed by Sen. Jamie Eldridge, would require all recorded committee votes to be posted on the legislature’s website within 48 hours of a vote (a flagship of our People’s House campaign!). It would also require committee hearings to be scheduled at least a week in advance and ensure that testimony is made publicly available. Finally, it would also subject the Governor’s Office to Public Records Law, or PRL, from which they currently claim an exemption.
2. An Act Extending the Public Records Law to the Governor and the Legislature (S.2064), filed by Sen. Becca Rausch, would bring Massachusetts in line with the majority of the country by subjecting both the governor and the Legislature to PRL.
3. An Act Relative to Open Meeting Law (H.3121), filed by Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, would subject the Legislature to Open Meeting Law, or OML, which already exists and applies to municipal governments and several state agencies, allowing the public to attend meetings of public bodies. This bill would extend that democratic privilege to constituents wishing to monitor legislative proceedings of the State House.
4. An Act relative to collective bargaining rights for legislative employees (S.2014), filed by Sen. John Keenan, would explicitly affirm the right of State House staffers to form a union.

Read more about and tell your electeds to cosponsor the four bills of the Sunlight Agenda.
https://actonmass.org/sunlight-agenda

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

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

Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170

Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519

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

SOLIDARITY LOWELL BARBECUE UPDATE

Our Annual Barbecue is TOMORROW! PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE POTLUCK!

Sunday, July 23, 2-7pm
In person

It’s time for the 6th annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Join us at Marissa Dupont’s house to celebrate our accomplishments, have some food, and maybe play a game or two!

Please bring lawn chairs if you have them. The Coordinating Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian burgers and hot dogs, and rolls. Please note that this is for Solidarity Lowell members only. We hope to see you there!

SIGN UP FOR THE POTLUCK HERE: https://mealtrain.com/dzqw83

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/584255546949665/

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue THIS SUNDAY! RSVP Today!

Sunday, July 23, 2-7pm
In-person

It’s time for the 6th annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Join us at Marissa Dupont’s house to celebrate our accomplishments, have some food, and maybe play a game or two.

Please bring lawn chairs if you have them. The Coordinating Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian burgers and hot dogs, and rolls. Please note that this is for Solidarity Lowell members only. We hope to see you there!

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/584255546949665/

Tabling at Lowell Folk Fest

Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30, 12pm-6pm

Solidarity Lowell will be tabling at Lowell Folk Fest Saturday 7/29 and Sunday 7/30, 12 noon to 6 pm both days. If you’re able to take a 1 or 2 hr shift, please contact chris@solidaritylowell.com.

Support Needed for Asylum-Seekers

Emergency Assistance Requested! We just received word that Lillian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, and her baby will be evicted from her new apartment on August 1st. Donations can be sent 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.

Marius, an asylum-seeker from Togo who we assisted since 2018, also is in need of assistance. Donations can be made to him here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

Thank you!!!

New Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group Forming

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in the Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. Engage in supportive, structured dialogues 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.

Dialogue group is five sessions, capped at 10 people.

After attending the Dialogue Group, attendees are invited to join the ongoing group.

The ongoing group meets once a month, alternating between discussing a book or watching a film.

Sign up at: https://bit.ly/uw-signup

If you have questions, email Marissa Dupont: marissa@solidaritylowell.com.

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

An Opportunity To Share your Thoughts on Lowell’s Housing Needs

We’re all keenly aware of the housing crisis in Lowell. Don’t miss this opportunity to suggest some solutions. This comes to us from the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG):

The City of Lowell is undertaking its first ever Housing Production Plan, a sister document to the Lowell Forward Comprehensive Master Plan. To inform this plan, we’ve created a community survey to ask residents about the city’s housing needs. Our goal is to have over 500 responses to the Homes, Housing, and Community Survey that will guide this plan—and if everyone we email responds to this survey and asks at least 5 others, we’ll be there! Your answers will guide the goals of these two documents, which will work together to advise City staff, elected officials, partner nonprofits, and others in changing policy, zoning, investments, and more.

Would you please consider responding to the link below and sharing via Western Avenue Lofts and also with your Lowell friends, constituents, and networks:
Lowell Housing, Homes, and Community Survey (Or type bit.ly/lowellhomes into your browser’s search bar)

After you complete the survey, remember to share it with 5 friends.

This survey will close Friday, August 18, 2023, so please take it today! If you have questions about this survey or have difficulty taking it, please contact Chris Hayes, Housing and Economic Development Planner, at chayes @ nmcog.org

Support for our unhoused siblings

Life Connection Center is calling for donations to help our unhoused siblings cope with the weather.

Needs:

• Bottled water
• Ponchos
• Umbrellas
• Gently Used or New Towels for Shower Service
• Undergarments
• Outreach Snacks

Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Sunday through Thursday 7pm-10pm at 192 Appleton Street.

You may also contribute through their Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ARW4F37SG12T?ref_=wl_share

Local mutual aid group LLAMA is also collecting to help assist the displaced folks:

Thank you all for the donations we have received so far on our Venmo (@Lowell-LLAMA) and CashApp ($LowellLLAMA).

Reminder: We are in direct contact with those who were displaced and we are generating a list of items they need replaced, and all funds you send us that are labeled as for the displaced will be used for this purpose. We are a volunteer group of people building solidarity together (not a nonprofit) with no paid staff.

Lowell Litter Krewe

LLK continues with their regular cleanups.

To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Next events
Saturday, July 22, 9am-12pm: Pre Folk Fest w/ Canalwaters & LNHP
Meet at Lucy Larcom Park

Saturday, July 29-30, ALL DAY: Folk Fest Compost & Recycling Team
Sign up at ttps://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe

Lowell African Festival This Saturday!

Saturday July 22, 11am-6pm
Lowell Heritage State Park, Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Blvd
https://lowellafricanfestival.org/

Lowell Fall Election

City Election Calendar

https://www.lowellma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=739

Solidarity Lowell’s Election Subcommittee gearing up

If you are interested in helping to elect/re-elect progressive candidates for Lowell City Council and School Committee, please email Lisa Arnold (likarnold @ gmail.com) or Dee Halzack (dee.halz @ ix.netcom.com)    (delete spaces when using emails cited)
We will be drawing up a survey to vet candidates for possible endorsement by Solidarity Lowell.

At some point after July 18, when the slate of candidates is finalized, Solidarity Lowell will follow their process for endorsing candidates. Among other things, we will be drawing up a list of questions we want prospective endorsees to answer. Once we have selected endorsees, we will begin organizing canvassing events for our endorsees. Want to be a part of that? Contact Lisa or Dee as noted above.

If there is a preliminary election (there must be at least 3 candidates for a district, or 7 at large), which we’ll know on July 19, early voting begins August 23. That’s a little over a month to work for our progressive candidates, so we need to be ready to hit the ground running by July 19.

Campaigns have started up

Tuesday, June 6 was the first day nominating papers could be pulled. Some candidates have already announced and have even collected enough signatures to be certified as candidates.. Deadline to submit papers is Tuesday, July 18, 5pm. The final list will be announced on July 19.

Campaign events have been announced. Here are the latest we know about:

Wayne Jenness fundraiser at Warp & Weft | Thursday July 20, 5:30-7:30pm | cash bar and free apps

Would you like to help compile a Scorecard on incumbent City Councilors? If you are interested in helping to go through minutes and recordings of past City Council meetings and record councilor’s stances on issues important to progressives, including diversity/inclusion/equity, affordable housing, environment, and more, please contact lisa @ solidaritylowell.com or dee.halz @ ix.netcom.com

Other Events

Tuition Equity Bill Hearing ( H1281/S836)

Tuesday, July 18, 1pm
State House Rm A-1 & Virtual

Video link will appear on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Higher Education)

Community Immunity Bill Hearing (H2151/S1458)

Wednesday, July 19, 9am
State House Gardner Auditorium & Virtual

Video link will appear on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Joint Committee on Public Health)
Submit testimony: email JointCommittee.PublicHealth@malegislature.gov with the subject line “Public Health Committee Testimony, [H.2151/S.1458” in the subject line of the email.

More info about the bill: https://www.beccarauschma.com/community-immunity-act.

Zero Carbon Renovation Fund Bill Hearing (H3232)

Wednesday, July 19, 10am
State House Rm A2 & Virtual

Video link will appear on https://malegislature.gov/Events page under committee (Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy)

Send testimony on a Zero-Carbon Renovation Fund to the House: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/zcrf-house — (And Find a toolkit here)
Send testimony on a Zero-Carbon Renovation Fund to the Senate: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/zcrf-senate

GAI Bi-Weekly Postcard Action Hour At Panera

Wednesday, July 19, 6pm-7:30pm
Panera, 58 Peters St, North Andover
Sponsor: Greater Andover Indivisible

Activist Afternoons

Sunday, July 23, 3:30-5:00pm
Sponsor: Progressive Massachusetts
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/progressivemassachusetts/event/566422/

Focus will be on transfer fee bill.

Turning Crisis to Hope: Responding to the Arrival of Thousands of Haitians in Massachusetts

Wednesday, July 26, 5pm
Sponsor: International Institute of New England
RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9XX-7fOSea222dJj6jbLA#/registration

Local Innovations In Addressing Homelessness

Friday, July 28, 1pm
Sponsor: Bipartisan Policy Center
RSVP: eventbrite.com/e/local-innovations-in-addressing-homelessness-tickets-677554582997?aff=oddtdtcreator&_cldee=lxDruGY_RssfBQ2nUFaT3NgbtCGDhC-9UA6xRGaxrwugz-Q___y05Xyyql92V62V&recipientid=contact-a1b1f8da20cdeb11869c00155d3b3c69-1f332a19c3e74361a51c130f52bdf062

As the issue of homelessness continues to gain national attention, it is crucial to draw upon the lessons learned from places that have effectively reduced homelessness. This webinar aims to highlight organizations and public officials successfully tackling homelessness at the local level, offering policymakers at all levels of government the opportunity to learn from effective strategies to promote housing stability for unhoused people.

Join us as local leaders come together to showcase innovative approaches for meeting the needs of unhoused people, share valuable insights on how to scale up promising interventions, and discuss how the federal government can support successful programs.

NAACP National Convention Call for Volunteers

July 29-August 1
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The NAACP’s national convention is taking place in Boston. They need lots of volunteers. Here’s a generic sign-up form https://support.naacp.org/a/2023-naacp-national-convention-volunteer-sign-form, which will be followed by another form where we can sign up for some days and not others, some types of tasks, etc. Volunteer shifts will be 3 hours long. Attending workshops requires registering for the convention, but we were told there are lots of things that don’t require registering.

State Level Actions

Submit Public Comment for the Healthy Youth Act

24 years after the last time our sex ed curriculum was updated, and 11 years since the Healthy Youth Act, a commonsense bill that would require sex ed to be medically accurate, consent-based, and LGBTQ+ inclusive was introduced, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has introduced a new draft sex ed curriculum that is largely in line with its provisions. BESE has now opened up a 60-day public comment period, which means we have until Monday, August 28th to submit comments for improvements to the draft and advocate for approval of the new framework.

Submit public comments here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6646350/Comprehensive-Health-and-Physical-Education-Framework-Public-Comment

Tell your electeds to cosponsor the Sunlight Agenda

From: Act on Mass

The Sunlight Agenda is Act on Mass’s legislative agenda to restore democratic integrity on Beacon Hill. We have compiled a package of four bills put forward this session that would address our democracy crisis and improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the State House.

Read more about and tell your electeds to cosponsor the four bills of the Sunlight Agenda: https://actonmass.org/sunlight-agenda

Urge your legislators to support the Prison Moratorium

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/prison-moratorium-2023

Formerly incarcerated women and families of currently incarcerated women have been fighting plans to build a big new women’s prison as well as advocating for other changes in our correctional system. We know that every time bigger prisons are built, there is a drive to fill them with more people. Many feel that a different approach to corrections is needed. One group that has been leading the way is Families for Justice as Healing – https://www.justiceashealing.org/

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

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

Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170

Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519

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

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Emergency Support Needed for Asylum-Seeker

Emergency Assistance Requested! We just received word that Lillian will be evicted from her new apartment on August 1st. Donations can be sent to Marissa Dupont, who will pass them along to Lillian.

CashApp: $gollygee17   Venmo: @owlnerd
For checks or cash donations, email marissa @ solidaritylowell.com

Thank you!!!

Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue!

Sunday, July 23, 2-7pm
In-person

It’s time for the 6th annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Join us at Marissa Dupont’s house to celebrate our accomplishments, have some food, and maybe play a game or two.

Please bring lawn chairs if you have them. The Coordinating Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian burgers and hot dogs, and rolls. Please note that this is for Solidarity Lowell members only. We hope to see you there!

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/584255546949665/

Tabling at Lowell Folk Fest

Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30, 12pm-6pm

Solidarity Lowell will be tabling at Lowell Folk Fest Saturday 7/29 and Sunday 7/30, 12 noon to 6 pm both days. If you’re able to take a 1 or 2 hr shift, please contact chris@solidaritylowell.com.

Support for our unhoused siblings

As many of you may know, another encampment was cleaned out recently. Residents found help saving some of their possessions, but the larger items so necessary to survival (tents, tarps, blankets, pants, raincoats, and ponchos) were lost. Life Connection Center (192 Appleton Street) has volunteered to serve as a collection point for any replacement items you would like to donate. Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Sunday through Thursday 7pm-10pm.

You may also contribute through their Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ARW4F37SG12T?ref_=wl_share

Local mutual aid group LLAMA is also collecting to help assist the displaced folks:

Thank you all for the donations we have received so far on our Venmo (@Lowell-LLAMA) and CashApp ($LowellLLAMA).

Reminder: We are in direct contact with those who were displaced and we are generating a list of items they need replaced, and all funds you send us that are labeled as for the displaced will be used for this purpose. We are a volunteer group of people building solidarity together (not a nonprofit) with no paid staff.

New Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group Forming

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in the Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. Engage in supportive, structured dialogues 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.

Dialogue group is five sessions, capped at 10 people.

After attending the Dialogue Group, attendees are invited to join the ongoing group.

The ongoing group meets once a month, alternating between discussing a book or watching a film.

Sign up at: https://bit.ly/uw-signup

If you have questions, email Marissa Dupont: marissa@solidaritylowell.com.

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online

Meetings are held bi-weekly in Council Chamber during the summer, Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. (Next meeting July 25.) 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 Local Cable Channel 99).

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07112023-2772?html=true

Items of possible interest

4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS

4.1. Ordinance – Amend Zoning – Accessory Dwelling Units
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/24066?fileID=49172

MOTIONS

11.10. C. Robinson – Req. City Mgr. Work With Proper Department To Develop A Proactive Solution To Vagrancy, Substance Abuse, Loitering Issues Around St John’s Church Area.(Gorham St)

11.11. C. Robinson/C. Scott – Req. City Mgr. Provide Update On Housing Summit.

11.16. C. Jenness – Req. City Mgr. Put Together A Neighborhood Summit With The Back Central Neighborhood Leaders, Residents, Business Owners, Public Safety Representatives And Other Stakeholders To Discuss Strategies Around Improving Quality Of Life In The Neighborhood.

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.

To contact any City Councilor, or the City Manager, by email, use this webform
https://www.lowellma.gov/formcenter/contact-the-city-council-5/city-council-contact-form-45
and check off who you’re writing to.

Lowell Litter Krewe

LLK continues with their regular cleanups.

To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Next events
Saturday, July 15, 8am-11am: Sheehy Park Big Hall (ages 14+)
Meet at Sheehy Park (West End)

Saturday, July 22, 9am-12pm: Pre Folk Fest w/ Canalwaters & LNHP
Meet at Lucy Larcom Park

Saturday, July 29-30, ALL DAY: Folk Fest Compost & Recycling Team
Sign up at ttps://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe

Meetings are held bi-weekly in Council Chamber during the summer, Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. (Next meeting July 25.) 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 Local Cable Channel 99).

Lowell African Festival

Saturday July 22, 11am-6pm
Lowell Heritage State Park, Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Blvd

Lowell Fall Election

City Election Calendar

https://www.lowellma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=739

Solidarity Lowell’s Election Subcommittee gearing up

If you are interested in helping to elect/re-elect progressive candidates for Lowell City Council and School Committee, please email Lisa Arnold (likarnold @ gmail.com) or Dee Halzack (dee.halz @ ix.netcom.com)    (delete spaces when using emails cited)
We will be drawing up a survey to vet candidates for possible endorsement by Solidarity Lowell.

At some point after July 18, when the slate of candidates is finalized, Solidarity Lowell will follow their process for endorsing candidates. Among other things, we will be drawing up a list of questions we want prospective endorsees to answer. Once we have selected endorsees, we will begin organizing canvassing events for our endorsees. Want to be a part of that? Contact Lisa or Dee as noted above.

If there is a preliminary election (there must be at least 3 candidates for a district, or 7 at large), which we’ll know on July 19, early voting begins August 23. That’s a little over a month to work for our progressive candidates, so we need to be ready to hit the ground running by July 19.

Campaigns have started up

Tuesday, June 6 was the first day nominating papers could be pulled. Some candidates have already announced and have even collected enough signatures to be certified as candidates.. Deadline to submit papers is Tuesday, July 18, 5pm. The final list will be announced on July 19.

Campaign events have been announced. Here are the latest we know about:

Justin Savoung Ford for District 6 Campaign Kickoff BBQ, Friday, July 14, 6pm
Location: 69 Hastings St

Would you like to help compile a Scorecard on incumbent City Councilors? If you are interested in helping to go through minutes and recordings of past City Council meetings and record councilor’s stances on issues important to progressives, including diversity/inclusion/equity, affordable housing, environment, and more, please contact lisa @ solidaritylowell.com or dee.halz @ ix.netcom.com

Other Events

Put Gas in the Past Legislative Action Webinar

Wednesday, July 12, 6 pm
RSVP: https://sierraclub.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwrdO2gpj4qHtFBqQur__JuaeZQOurAhSk8#/registration?link_id=0&can_id=ee66e076545e936b45bdb6f0eeb2b2ad&source=email-put-gas-in-the-past-now&email_referrer=email_1981910&email_subject=put-gas-in-the-past-now

Learn about proposed new legislation to put a moratorium on new gas infrastructure.

Common Start Rally at the State House

Thursday, 7/13, 11am
Location: Grand Staircase, Massachusetts State House, Boston

Make sure to RSVP here: https://bit.ly/csrally7-13 and indicate whether you need a ride.

Please join the Common Start Coalition for a family-friendly rally at the State House. This is an incredible opportunity to keep up the momentum for high-quality, affordable, and accessible early education and care in Massachusetts.

Of course, the people most impacted by the Common Start vision are children themselves – and the Coalition encourages you to bring your children of all ages to the State House for this event! Following a brief speaking program, children and their families will lead a march through the State House to demonstrate the power of our coalition and to highlight solutions to the child care crisis. Art and other activities for children will be a part of the event.

Interpretation: There will be Spanish interpretation for the event.

There will be buses to the State House from Springfield, Lowell, Andover, New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, Franklin Park, Worcester, Sagamore, and Barnstable.

Support Safe Staffing in Nursing Homes: Virtual Rally

Thursday, July 13, 2pm
Sponsor: SEIU
RSVP: https://act.seiu.org/a/julyvirtualrally?link_id=3&can_id=ee66e076545e936b45bdb6f0eeb2b2ad&source=email-nursing-home-safe-staffing-rally&email_referrer=email_1977005&email_subject=join-us-virtual-rally-to-support-nursing-home-safe-staffing

Let CMS know that a strong federal staffing standard is the only way to end the long-term care crisis in our country.

Virtual Panel Discussion Re: Supreme Court Decision – Affirmative Action

Thursday July 13, at 6pm
Sponsor: MEJA, API CAN
Co-Sponsor: CARE
RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/community-discussion-supreme-court-affirmative-action-decision

Panel will bring together civil rights and educational justice leaders for a dialogue about what the ruling means for the future of diversity, equity, and educational justice in higher education. Panelists will discuss what we can do here in Massachusetts to ensure that all our communities, especially our historically impacted groups, have equitable access to colleges and universities.

Put Gas in the Past Legislative Hearings

Wednesday, July 26, 1-5pm, Statehouse Room A2
Thursday, July 27, 10am-1pm, Statehouse Room A1

Pack the room in support of bills S.2135 and H.3237.to put a moratorium on new gas infrastructure.

WRITE: Submit written testimony in favor of S.2135 and H.3237. Send your written testimony to the Senate TUE members to Lexi.Concannon@masenate.gov, and to the House TUE members to JointCommittee.Utilities&Energy@malegislature.gov by Friday, July 28th at 5:00 p.m.

NAACP National Convention Call for Volunteers

July 29-August 1
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The NAACP’s national convention is taking place in Boston. They need lots of volunteers. Here’s a generic sign-up form https://support.naacp.org/a/2023-naacp-national-convention-volunteer-sign-form which will be followed by another form where we can sign up for some days and not others, some types of tasks, etc. Volunteer shifts will be 3 hours long. Attending workshops requires registering for the convention, but we were told there are lots of things that don’t require registering.

Gun Safety

Looking for groups working on gun safety?

The best way to combat the feeling of helplessness that hits after yet another spate of gun violence is to do something. Find the one thing you can do and do it. It can be as simple as writing to your legislators or donating to one of the organizations that is working on the issue.

Massachusetts laws are much more protective than those of some states. Still, we could do better. States United to Prevent Gun Violence is a loose network of state organizations working on the issue. The Massachusetts organization is Stop Hand Gun Violence – https://stophandgunviolence.org/

We know that the level of gun violence in this country is horrible (#1 killer of children!)  and that it won’t change until lax gun laws change. Since our state is already doing a fairly good job (though there’s room for improvement) and guns do not understand borders, it makes sense to work with organizations that seek to elect officials in OTHER states who will implement saner gun policies. Gun Sense Voter is one of those – https://gunsensevoter.org/

National Organizations Working to Prevent Gun Violence

Moms Demand Action – https://momsdemandaction.org/
Brady United Against Gun Violence – https://www.bradyunited.org/
Giffords – https://giffords.org/

State Level Actions – from Progressive Massachusetts

Urge your State Legislators to Reject Permanent Tax Breaks for the Ultra-rich

Over the coming weeks, a group of six legislators (3 from the House and 3 from the Senate) are negotiating the final details of a tax package.

Back in April, the House passed a fairly regressive tax package, filled with tax cuts for the ultra-rich and large corporations. The Senate, a few weeks ago, passed a more equitable tax package.

At a time when the state’s economic outlook is uncertain, and working families are struggling to get ahead, Massachusetts needs to prioritize spending on what will make our state truly affordable, equitable, and competitive: programs that ensure a labor force adequate to our economy’s needs, not tax cuts for the ultra-rich.

That group of six negotiators, called a “Conference Committee,” consists of Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Senate Revenue Chair Susan Moran (D-Falmouth), Senate Revenue Ranking Minority Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz (D-North End), House Revenue Chair Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), and House Revenue Ranking Minority Michael Soter (R-Bellingham). And they need to hear from your legislators.

Please write to your legislators today to ask them to urge the Conference Committee to reject permanent tax cuts for the ultra-rich and large corporations.

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/conference-committee-2

Advocate for specific budget items important to working families

Urge your legislators to support tuition equity, permanent universal school meals, and no cost calls for the incarcerated in the FY 2024 budget:

Use the pre-written editable email here:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/equity-budget-fy2024

A point you might want to add: The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) reports that according to their calculations, undocumented students could generate approximately $2.6 million to $3.5 million in new revenue for public higher education institutions. These figures are a sharp rebuttal to arguments mischaracterizing tuition equity as a burden- instead of a revenue generator – to public higher education institutions.

Urge your legislators to support the Prison Moratorium

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/prison-moratorium-2023

Formerly incarcerated women and families of currently incarcerated women have been fighting plans to build a big new women’s prison as well as advocating for other changes in our correctional system. We know that every time bigger prisons are built, there is a drive to fill them with more people. Many feel that a different approach to corrections is needed. One group that has been leading the way is Families for Justice as Healing – https://www.justiceashealing.org/

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

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

Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170

Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519

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

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue!

Sunday, July 23, 2-7pm
In-person

It’s time for the 6th annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Join us at Marissa Dupont’s house to celebrate our accomplishments, have some food, and maybe play a game or two.

Please bring lawn chairs if you have them. The Coordinating Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian burgers and hot dogs, and rolls. Please note that this is for Solidarity Lowell members only. We hope to see you there!

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/584255546949665/

Tabling at Lowell Folk Fest

Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30, 12pm-6pm

Solidarity Lowell will be tabling at Lowell Folk Fest Saturday 7/29 and Sunday 7/30, 12 noon to 6 pm both days. If you’re able to take a 1 or 2 hr shift, please contact chris@solidaritylowell.com.

Support for our unhoused siblings

As many of you may know, another encampment was cleaned out last week. Residents found help saving some of their possessions, but the larger items so necessary to survival (tents, tarps, blankets, pants, raincoats, and ponchos) were lost. Life Connection Center (192 Appleton Street) has volunteered to serve as a collection point for any replacement items you would like to donate. Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Sunday through Thursday 7pm-10pm.

You may also contribute through their Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ARW4F37SG12T?ref_=wl_share

Local mutual aid group LLAMA is also collecting to help assist the displaced folks:

Thank you all for the donations we have received so far on our Venmo (@Lowell-LLAMA) and CashApp ($LowellLLAMA).

Reminder: We are in direct contact with those who were displaced and we are generating a list of items they need replaced, and all funds you send us that are labeled as for the displaced will be used for this purpose. We are a volunteer group of people building solidarity together (not a nonprofit) with no paid staff.

Support for Asylum-Seekers

Lillian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, and her baby need assistance after a recent move. Gift cards can be given to Marissa Dupont. Email marissa@solidaritylowell.com to coordinate drop-off.

Marius, an asylum-seeker from Togo who we assisted since 2018, also is in need of assistance. Donations can be made to him here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

Thank you!!!

New Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group Forming

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in the Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. Engage in supportive, structured dialogues 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.

Dialogue group is five sessions, capped at 10 people.

After attending the Dialogue Group, attendees are invited to join the ongoing group.

The ongoing group meets once a month, alternating between discussing a book or watching a film.

Sign up at: https://bit.ly/uw-signup

If you have questions, email Marissa Dupont: marissa@solidaritylowell.com.

Lowell Events & Actions

Lowell Litter Krewe

LLK continues with their regular cleanups.

To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Next events
Saturday, July 8, 8am-11am: Cambodia Town Cleanup
Meet at Pailin Park

Saturday, July 15, 8am-11am: Sheehy Park Big Hall (ages 14+)
Meet at Sheehy Park (West End)

Saturday, July 22, 9am-12pm: Pre Folk Fest w/ Canalwaters & LNHP
Meet at Lucy Larcom Park

Saturday, July 29-30, ALL DAY: Folk Fest Compost & Recycling Team
Sign up at ttps://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday July 11, 6:30pm
At City Hall and online.

Meetings are held bi-weekly in Council Chamber during the summer, Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. (Next meeting July 25.) 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 Local Cable Channel 99).

Lowell African Festival

Saturday July 22, 11am-6pm
Lowell Heritage State Park, Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Blvd

Lowell Fall Election

Solidarity Lowell’s Election Subcommittee gearing up

If you are interested in helping to elect/re-elect progressive candidates for Lowell City Council and School Committee, please email Lisa Arnold (likarnold @ gmail.com) or Dee Halzack (dee.halz @ ix.netcom.com)
(delete spaces when using emails cited)

We will be drawing up a survey to vet candidates for possible endorsement by Solidarity Lowell.

Campaigns have started up

The election schedule for the municipal election has been set. Tuesday, June 6 was the first day nominating papers could be pulled. Some candidates have already announced. Deadline to submit papers is Tuesday, July 18, 5pm.

Campaign events have been announced. Here are the latest we know about:

• Susie Chhoun Campaign Kick-off for District 5, Sunday July 9, 3-7pm – Sompao Meas (450 Chelmsford St)
• Justin Savoung Ford for District 6 Campaign Kickoff BBQ, Friday, July 14, 6pm – 69 Hastings St

The last day to submit nominating papers is Tuesday, July 18. At some point after July 18, when the slate of candidates is finalized, Solidarity Lowell will follow their process for endorsing candidates. Once we have selected endorsees, we will begin organizing canvassing events for our endorsees. Want to be a part of that? Contact Lisa or Dee as noted above.  Among other things, we will be drawing up a list of questions we want prospective endorsees to answer.

If there is a preliminary election (there must be at least 3 candidates for a district, or 7 at large), which we’ll know on July 19, early voting begins August 23. That’s a little over a month to work for our progressive candidates, so we need to be ready to hit the ground running by then.

Other Events

Progressive Massachusetts Activist Sundays

Sundays, 3:30-5:00pm  next: July 9
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/progressivemassachusetts/event/566422/

This Sunday will focus on the Transfer Fee bill, which would allow cities and towns to levy a small fee on high-end real estate transactions to provide much-needed funding for affordable housing.

Joint Committee on Housing Hearing

Tuesday, July 11, 1pm
Location: Massachusetts State House Room A-1

Will review approximately 6 Senate bills and 13 House bills on housing, mostly about affordability, but also brokers’ commissions and foreclosures.

The hearing is not listed on the legislative schedule as being hybrid. Don’t know if it will do any good to contact anyone about that. Co-chairs are Sen. Lydia Edwards (lydia.edwards @ masenate.gov) and Rep. James Arciero (James.Arciero @ mahouse.gov).  Phone contacts: Senate: (617) 722-1634; House: (617) 722-2575.

Common Start Rally at the State House

Thursday, 7/13, 11:00am
Location: Grand Staircase, Massachusetts State House

Make sure to RSVP here: https://bit.ly/csrally7-13 and indicate whether you need a ride.

Please join the Common Start Coalition for a family-friendly rally at the State House. This is an incredible opportunity to keep up the momentum for high-quality, affordable, and accessible early education and care in Massachusetts.

Of course, the people most impacted by the Common Start vision are children themselves – and the Coalition encourages you to bring your children of all ages to the State House for this event! Following a brief speaking program, children and their families will lead a march through the State House to demonstrate the power of our coalition and to highlight solutions to the child care crisis. Art and other activities for children will be a part of the event.

Interpretation: There will be Spanish interpretation for the event.

There will be buses to the State House from Springfield, Lowell, Andover, New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, Franklin Park, Worcester, Sagamore, and Barnstable.

State Level Actions – from Progressive Massachusetts

Urge your State Legislators to Reject Permanent Tax Breaks for the Ultra-rich

Over the coming weeks, a group of six legislators (3 from the House and 3 from the Senate) are negotiating the final details of a tax package.

Back in April, the House passed a fairly regressive tax package, filled with tax cuts for the ultra-rich and large corporations. The Senate, a few weeks ago, passed a more equitable tax package.

At a time when the state’s economic outlook is uncertain, and working families are struggling to get ahead, Massachusetts needs to prioritize spending on what will make our state truly affordable, equitable, and competitive: programs that ensure a labor force adequate to our economy’s needs, not tax cuts for the ultra-rich.

That group of six negotiators, called a “Conference Committee,” consists of Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Senate Revenue Chair Susan Moran (D-Falmouth), Senate Revenue Ranking Minority Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz (D-North End), House Revenue Chair Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), and House Revenue Ranking Minority Michael Soter (R-Bellingham). And they need to hear from your legislators.

Please write to your legislators today to ask them to urge the Conference Committee to reject permanent tax cuts for the ultra-rich and large corporations.

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/conference-committee-2

Advocate for specific budget items important to working families

Urge your legislators to support tuition equity, permanent universal school meals, and no cost calls for the incarcerated in the FY 2024 budget:

Use the pre-written editable email here:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/equity-budget-fy2024

A point you might want to add: The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) reports that according to their calculations, undocumented students could generate approximately $2.6 million to $3.5 million in new revenue for public higher education institutions. These figures are a sharp rebuttal to arguments mischaracterizing tuition equity as a burden- instead of a revenue generator – to public higher education institutions.

Urge your legislators to support the Prison Moratorium

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/prison-moratorium-2023

Formerly incarcerated women and families of currently incarcerated women have been fighting plans to build a big new women’s prison as well as advocating for other changes in our correctional system. We know that every time bigger prisons are built, there is a drive to fill them with more people. Many feel that a different approach to corrections is needed. One group that has been leading the way is Families for Justice as Healing – https://www.justiceashealing.org/

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

Student Loan Decision got you feeling trapped? There’s a campaign for that.

More Perfect Union has already sent out an email urging folks to write to Biden asking him to use the Higher Education Act to forgive debt.

Not posted on their website yet (expect that to happen soon).

The Higher Education Act in 1965 gave the Secretary of Education the authority to make or back federal student loans. It also gave the Secretary broad and unrestricted power to cancel or write down that debt — to “enforce, pay, compromise, waive, or release any right, title, claim, lien, or demand, however acquired, including any equity or any right of redemption.”

Secretary Betsy DeVos even used it to cancel debt for certain borrowers. President Biden could direct current Secretary Miguel Cardona to use that power to relieve millions of people of crushing debt.

If you want to do something now, here’s how:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/
There’s even a link to a form for emailing.

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

Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170

Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519

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

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell Meeting – Summer Barbecue

Sunday, July 23
In-person

Watch for more details

Support for our unhoused siblings

As many of you may know, another encampment was cleaned out this week. Residents found help saving some of their possessions, but the larger items so necessary to survival (tents, tarps, blankets, pants, raincoats, and ponchos) were lost. Life Connection Center (192 Appleton Street) has volunteered to serve as a collection point for any replacement items you would like to donate. Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Sunday through Thursday 7pm- 10pm.

You may also contribute through their Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ARW4F37SG12T?ref_=wl_share

Support for Asylum-Seekers

Lillian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, and her baby need assistance after a recent move. Gift cards can be given to Marissa Dupont. Email marissa@solidaritylowell.com to coordinate drop-off.

Marius, an asylum-seeker from Togo who we assisted since 2018, also is in need of assistance. Donations can be made to him here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

Thank you!!!

New Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group Forming

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in the Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. Engage in supportive, structured dialogues 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.

Dialogue group is five sessions, capped at 10 people.

After attending the Dialogue Group, attendees are invited to join the ongoing group.

The ongoing group meets once a month, alternating between discussing a book or watching a film.

Sign up at: https://bit.ly/uw-signup

If you have questions, email Marissa Dupont: marissa@solidaritylowell.com.

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 27 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online.

Meetings are held bi-weekly in Council Chamber during the summer, Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. 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 Local Cable Channel 99). There will be a special session on June 20 to address the budget.

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06272023-2768?html=true

Motions mostly have to do with infrastructure.

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.

To contact any City Councilor, or the City Manager, by email, use this webform
https://www.lowellma.gov/formcenter/contact-the-city-council-5/city-council-contact-form-45
and check off who you’re writing to.

Lowell Fall Election

Solidarity Lowell’s Election Subcommittee gearing up

If you are interested in helping to elect/re-elect progressive candidates for Lowell City Council and School Committee, please email Lisa Arnold (likarnold @ gmail.com) or Dee Halzack (dee.halz @ ix.netcom.com)
(delete spaces when using emails cited)

We will be drawing up a survey to vet candidates for possible endorsement by Solidarity Lowell.

Campaigns have started up

The election schedule for the municipal election has been set. Tuesday, June 6 was the first day nominating papers could be pulled. Some candidates have already announced. Deadline to submit papers is Tuesday, July 18, 5pm.

Campaign events have been announced. Here are the latest we know about:
Justin Savoung Ford for District 6 Campaign Kickoff BBQ, Friday, July 14, 6pm
69 Hastings St

The last day to submit nominating papers is Tuesday, July 18. At some point after July 18, when the slate of candidates is finalized, Solidarity Lowell will follow their process for endorsing candidates. Once we have selected endorsees, we will begin organizing canvassing events for our endorsees. Want to be a part of that? Contact Lisa or Dee as noted above.  Among other things, we will be drawing up a list of questions we want prospective endorsees to answer.

If there is a preliminary election (there must be at least 3 candidates for a district, or 7 at large), which we’ll know on July 19, early voting begins August 23. That’s a little over a month to work for our progressive candidates, so we need to be ready to hit the ground running by then.

Other Events

Gunfight: Is Healthy Gun Ownership Ever Possible?

Tuesday, June 27, 5pm

Webinar presented by the Cambridge Forum
Register: https://wgbh.zoom.us/webinar/register/5916776058860/WN_QOYyDNxTQGeF2jA9Wyjghg?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_20230625#/registration

The Forum’s Director Mary Stack hosts author Ryan Busse and Dr. Mark Langdorf for this timely discussion. Busse was once an executive at Kimber America, a major gun manufacturer, but he has now become a senior adviser for a gun violence prevention group led by Gabby Giffords. Dr. Mark Langdorf is professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at the University of California, Irvine and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine.

The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of US History

Wednesday, June 28, 6pm (doors open 5:30pm)
Hybrid event 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA  & on zoom
Massachusetts Historical Society

Register to attend in person ($10 for non-members):
https://18308a.blackbaudhosting.com/18308a/The-Rediscovery-of-America-Native-Peoples-and-the-Unmaking-of-US-History-MHS?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_20230625

Register to attend online (free):
https://18308a.blackbaudhosting.com/18308a/The-Rediscovery-of-America-Native-Peoples-and-the-Unmaking-of-US-History-virtual?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_20230625

A new generation of history scholars insists that any complete telling of American history must address the struggle, survival, and resurgence of indigenous nations.

Ned Blackhawk is Western Shoshone and a Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University. In his latest book, ‘The Rediscovery of America’, he demonstrates how Native nations have deeply contributed to the United States, from its onset to today, and how the enduring power, agency and survival of Indigenous peoples can make for a truer account of the history of America.

Great Economy Project

Wednesdays, June 28 – July 5, 5:30-6:30pm
Register: https://americanagenda.com/online

A series of five webinars that will detail exactly how the economy is rigged against working people and in favor of the rich. Each expert presentation will be followed by a lively discussion about how to fix it. Each Great Economy Project online session will last no more than one hour. You are welcome to participate in all of the sessions or pick and choose the ones you are most interested in. The remaining schedule is:

June 28th – Best and Worst of Working in America with Kaitlyn Henderson of Oxfam America
July 5th – The Cost of Billionaire Philanthropy

State Level Actions

Urge your State Legislators to Reject Permanent Tax Breaks for the Ultra-rich During Conference Committee

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/conference-committee-2?delivery_id=88988382

Support the Environmental Justice Bills!

From 350ma comes this request to support environmental justice bills in the state.
Invite your state legislators to a legislative briefing on environmental justice bills.  It’s easy – click here : https://actionnetwork.org/letters/invite-your-legislator-to-the-environmental-justice-legislator-briefing

The bills address air pollution and community input to energy siting decisions. It’s a chance for legislators to learn about them. make sure yours does!

The briefing is June 28 – so do it now! 

If you want more info click the link above – and then go to the “fact sheet” link.

These bills have been endorsed by many groups including 350 MA.

Support No Cost Calls for incarcerated people: Critical Virtual Actions needed

Action 1: Top Two priority phone calls: Call Senator Rodrigues ((617) 722-1114) and Rep. Michlewitz ((617) 722-2990), Chairs of the Conference Committee, using the script below.

I am calling as a (MA resident/person with an incarcerated loved one/constituent if you are in their district) to urge _________ to support the strongest possible version of No Cost Calls in the budget, in alignment with the letter from the No Cost Calls coalition. I want all communication services free in 2023 and a strong guarantee of access. This is important to me because it keeps families connected and strong (or say why it is important to you). Will  _______ do everything they can to support the coalition’s policy requests for no cost calls in the budget? 

Action 2: If you have time, you can also call these legislators using the same script (listed in order of priority). They are also members of the conference committee.
Sen Cindy Friedman: (617) 722-1432
Rep Ann-Margaret Ferrante: (617) 722-2380
Sen Patrick O’Connor: (617) 722-1646
Rep Todd Smola: (617) 722-2100

Action 3: You can also call your own legislators (listed at end of this section) and use the script below to ask them to talk to the Chairs of the Committee.

I am calling as a constituent to urge _________ to support the strongest possible version of No Cost Calls in the budget, in alignment with the letter from the No Cost Calls coalition to the Conference Committee. We want all communication services free in 2023 and a strong guarantee of access. This is important to me because it keeps families connected and strong. Will  _______ speak to the Chair of the Conference Committee about their strong support for this language?

Massachusetts needs to pass the Location Shield Act (H.357|S.148)

Thank you ACLU for this item.

Every day, unregulated data brokers buy and sell personal location data from apps on our cellphones, revealing where we live, work, play, and more. Some of that data, since it relates to healthcare locations, is a threat to bodily autonomy, as well as to those who provide healthcare to people from other states. To protect our privacy, safety, access to abortion and other essential health care, Massachusetts needs to ban this practice now by passing the act.

Write your state legislators via this handy form:
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-location-shield-act

Contact your state senator about facial recognition legislation

Another ACLU request. See form for information and script
https://mobilize.aclum.org/a/face-surveillance-senate-co-sponsor

Support Women in MCI-Framingham

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRG8uwrlI9kHbctO3yTsanGyrxzN2T5R1YH6GSbQ4tex9HoJIBDFa4AFNu-xx_BqejnB4QI5xaUIi5h/pub

Women are experiencing retaliation for speaking up for themselves. The Department of Corrections needs to know that people are watching and care about these prisoners.

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

Tell Your Legislators to Renew Funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program

https://act.commoncause.org/forms/tell-your-legislators-to-restore-funding-for-the-affordable-connectivity-program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) keeps Americans connected with the internet they need to participate in our Democracy- 18 million households are able to afford internet access through the ACP. Internet access is crucial for participating in our modern democracy and society.

Unless Congress acts to renew funding for the ACP 18 million Americans will be disconnected from internet access right before the 2024 elections!

Our Advocacy is needed on Hunger Now Too

This action request comes to us from Lowell’s Hunger & Homelessness Commission. (H/T Dan).

In keeping with other attempts to reduce the deficit by cutting social services on which our resource-challenged siblings depend, cuts to food aid programs like SNAP have been included in the current budget discussions. Food is a basic necessity. At a time when inflation means even food costs more and skyrocketing housing costs leave less money for food, cutting food aid is unconscionable.

Reach out to your Member of Congress to speak out against the proposals – in mainstream media, social media, public events.

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) would like to get 100% of the MA Delegation as co-sponsors to Rep Barbara Lee’s bill to END the harsh SNAP time limits, House Bill 1510.  7 MA members have signed on H.R. 1510 – but not Congress members Richie Neal and Katherine Clark. PLEASE reach out to ALL of the Delegation – use this easy FRAC form HERE.
https://p2a.co/0z1i9sa

You can amend the text in the online portal to thank the members who have signed on, and if you are a constituent, you can ask Reps Neal and Clark to join their colleagues and sign on!

More background in this release from FRAC: https://frac.org/news/fy2024agappropsbilljune2023

Looking for groups working on gun safety?

We know that the level of gun violence in this country is horrible (#1 killer of children!)  and that it won’t change until lax gun laws change. Since our state is already doing a fairly good job (though there’s room for improvement) and guns do not understand borders, it makes sense to work with organizations that seek to elect officials in other states who will implement saner gun policies. Gun Sense Voter is one of those.

https://gunsensevoter.org/

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170

Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519

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

~~ EMERGENCY STANDOUT TONIGHT! ~~
SWEEP THIS SUNDAY AT CENTRALVILLE DOG PARK UNHOUSED PERSONS CAMP

We just received word that the City of Lowell is planning a sweep of the Centralville unhoused persons encampment near the dog park Sunday, June 25th, at 8am. The city says everybody will be provided with a bed or a voucher, but those who work directly with the unhoused tell us there are no beds available. The local shelter is full, people are being turned away, the hotel program has ended. There are about 23 people living in this camp. If somehow the City could find beds for these people, they would be jumping the line over others that have been on a waitlist — but we have no evidence of such beds even existing.

At Solidarity Lowell’s recent meeting with City Manager Tom Golden, he promised that at least one week’s notice would be given before taking any action. The notice went up today, giving less than three days notice. The City is using the recent arrest of one person as an excuse to shut down the entire camp, kicking out our neighbors with little notice on a Sunday when assistance will be more difficult. The phone number given on the notice is the Lowell Transitional Living Center, which as stated above is full and can’t accommodate additional people.

Their promises of beds, transportation, and storage of belongings fall short.

What Can You Do?

• Emergency Standout: Join us tonight Friday, June 23rd at 6pm at the Ladd and Whitney Memorial outside of City Hall. Bring signs of support for our unhoused neighbors.
• Contact City Council and City Manager: Use this form to contact the City Council and City Manager Tom Golden. Tell them in your own words why this situation continues to be unacceptable.
  https://www.lowellma.gov/FormCenter/Contact-the-City-Council-5/City-Council-Contact-Form-45 
• Bear Witness to the Sweep: Be there when the City sweeps the camp this Sunday June 25th at 8am. Location is the Centralville Dog Park at 61 1st Street. Take photos and post about what you see on social media. Bring bags and markers to help everyone pack up their things. See map below.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Solidarity Lowell Hybrid Meeting THIS SUNDAY!

Sunday, June 25, 5:30-7pm 
In person at Christ Church United, 10 Arlington St, Dracut
Online link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85667935413?pwd=Uk9iT0FBUlNjaU15MU92dld6NkUvZz09
Meeting ID: 856 6793 5413
Passcode: 963164

Our main speaker will be Jon Grossman from 350 MA of Greater Lowell, giving an update on the local fight against climate change. We will also hear about Lowell Forward, the City of Lowell’s Comprehensive Master Plan update.

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius is an asylum-seeker from Togo who we have assisted since he arrived here in 2018.

He and Lillian, an asylum-seeker from the Dominican Republic, had a baby last year and need assistance. Gift cards are appreciated. These can be given to Marissa Dupont. Email marissa@solidaritylowell.com to coordinate drop-off.

Cash donations may be made through GoFundMe.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

New Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group Forming

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in the Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. Engage in supportive, structured dialogues 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.

Dialogue group is five sessions, capped at 10 people.

After attending the Dialogue Group, attendees are invited to join the ongoing group.

The ongoing group meets once a month, alternating between discussing a book or watching a film.

Sign up at: https://bit.ly/uw-signup

If you have questions, email Marissa Dupont: marissa@solidaritylowell.com.

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 20 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online (Special meeting on the budget)
Next regular meeting (the usual motions, and motion responses) will be June 27.

Meetings are held bi-weekly in Council Chamber during the summer, Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. 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 Local Cable Channel 99). There will be a special session on June 20 to address the budget.

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06202023-2760?html=true

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.

To contact any City Councilor, or the City Manager, by email, use this webform
https://www.lowellma.gov/formcenter/contact-the-city-council-5/city-council-contact-form-45
and check off who you’re writing to.

Public Workshop – Vision and Growth Strategies

Wednesday, June 21, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Lowell Senior Center
Sponsor: Lowell Forward

Hear about the City’s plans and share your ideas for the future of Lowell.

Lowell Litter Krewe

LLK is in the running for an award from the We Share a Common Thread Foundation. Once a quarter, the Foundation donates $1500 to a worthy area non-profit as voted by the community. Whoever receives the most votes via their Give a Click site wins. Please vote, once, before June 30.
https://www.jdcu.org/community-about/our-foundation/give-a-click/?#gf_33

Meanwhile, the LLK continues with their regular cleanups.
To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Next events

Saturday, June 24, 9am-12pm: Ecumenical Park Cleanup
w/ Canalwaters and NLHP
Prior to Points of Light
Meet at 62 Lewis Street

SUNDAY, June 25, Spring Cleanup and Concert (rescheduled)
Armory Park, 46 Westford St
With Like Lowell and Eco-Friendly Home Services
10:0am-12:00pm Neighborhood cleanup
1:00-4:00pm Bad Boyz Band
w/Jasper Crystal Wizard and Saexia

Lowell Fall Election

Solidarity Lowell’s Election Subcommittee gearing up

If you are interested in helping to elect/re-elect progressive candidates for Lowell City Council and School Committee, please email Lisa Arnold (likarnold @ gmail.com) or Dee Halzack (dee.halz @ ix.netcom.com)
(delete spaces when using emails cited)

Campaigns have started up

The election schedule for the municipal election has been set. Tuesday, June 6 was the first day nominating papers could be pulled. Some candidates have already announced.

Campaign events have been announced. Here is what we have found so far: Fru Nkimbeng, District 7 (Tuesday, June 29, Olympia Restaurant); Vesna Nuon, at large (Thursday, June 22, 5:30pm, Warp and Weft); Daniel Rourke, District 1 (Thursday, June 22, 5:30-8:00, Lowell Firefighters Club).

The last day to submit nominating papers is Tuesday, July 18. At some point after July 18, when the slate of candidates is finalized, Solidarity Lowell will follow their process for endorsing candidates. Once we have selected endorsees, we will begin organizing canvassing events for our endorsees. Want to be a part of that? Contact Lisa or Dee as noted above.  Among other things, we will be drawing up a list of questions we want prospective endorsees to answer.

If there is a preliminary election (there must be at least 3 candidates for a district, or 7 at large), which we’ll know on July 19, early voting begins August 23. That’s a little over a month to work for our progressive candidates, so we need to be ready to hit the ground running by then.

Other Events

Great Economy Project

Wednesdays, June 21 – July 5, 5:30-6:30pm
Register: https://americanagenda.com/online

A series of five webinars that will detail exactly how the economy is rigged against working people and in favor of the rich. Each expert presentation will be followed by a lively discussion about how to fix it. Each Great Economy Project online session will last no more than one hour. You are welcome to participate in all of the sessions or pick and choose the ones you are most interested in. The full schedule is:

• June 21st — Best and Worst of Working in America
• June 28th — Taxes Taxes Taxes (Everything Else is BS!) with Morris Pearl of Patriotic Millionaires
• July 5th — The Cost of Billionaire Philanthropy

Progressive Massachusetts Activist Sundays

Sundays, 3:30-5:00pm  next: June 25 and July 9
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/progressivemassachusetts/event/566422/

Focusing on the Transfer Fee bill, which would allow cities and towns to levy a small fee on high-end real estate transactions to provide much-needed funding for affordable housing.

Care Bill Lobby Day

Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: State House
Sponsor: Coalition for Anti-Racism and Equity

Hosting a Lobby Day to push for the passing of the Racially Inclusive Curriculum Bill. The bill is important to ensure that everyone is able to get the full picture of history and to see themselves in the Curriculum. Representation is so important. Sign up at BIT.LY/3MNSPIP.

State Level Actions

Massachusetts needs to pass the Location Shield Act (H.357|S.148)

Thank you ACLU for this item.

Every day, unregulated data brokers buy and sell personal location data from apps on our cellphones, revealing where we live, work, play, and more. Some of that data, since it relates to healthcare locations, is a threat to bodily autonomy, as well as to those who provide healthcare to people from other states. To protect our privacy, safety, access to abortion and other essential health care, Massachusetts needs to ban this practice now by passing the act.

Write your state legislators via this handy form:
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-location-shield-act

Contact your state senator about facial recognition legislation

Another ACLU request. See form for information and script.
https://mobilize.aclum.org/a/face-surveillance-senate-co-sponsor

Support Women in MCI-Framingham

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRG8uwrlI9kHbctO3yTsanGyrxzN2T5R1YH6GSbQ4tex9HoJIBDFa4AFNu-xx_BqejnB4QI5xaUIi5h/pub

Women are experiencing retaliation for speaking up for themselves. The Department of Corrections needs to know that people are watching and care about these prisoners.

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

Our Advocacy is needed on Hunger Now Too

This action requisition comes to us from Lowell’s Hunger & Homelessness Commission. (H/T Dan).

In keeping with other Republican attempts to reduce the deficit by cutting social services on which our resource-challenged siblings depend, they have included cuts to food aid programs like SNAP in the current budget discussions. Food is a basic necessity. At a time when inflation means even food costs more and skyrocketing housing costs leave less money for food, cutting food aid is unconscionable.

Reach out to your Member of Congress to speak out against their proposals – in mainstream media, social media, public events.

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) would like to get 100% of the MA Delegation as co-sponsors to Rep Barbara Lee’s bill to END the harsh SNAP time limits, House Bill 1510.  7 MA members have signed on H.R. 1510 – but not Congress members Richie Neal and Katherine Clark. PLEASE reach out to ALL of the Delegation – use this easy FRAC form HERE. https://p2a.co/0z1i9sa

You can amend the text in the online portal to thank the members who have signed on, and if you are a constituent, you can ask Reps Neal and Clark to join their colleagues and sign on!

More background in this release from FRAC:
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 — The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which cleared the House Appropriations Committee, would slash critical federal nutrition programs that help keep hunger at bay for people across the country, resulting in the lowest funding allocation since 2006. FRAC strongly opposes this cruel and punitive legislation that would only deepen America’s hunger crisis.

We urge Congress to reject the FY 2024 House Agriculture Appropriations bill and instead pass a spending bill that protects, invests in, and strengthens programs that ensure people have access to the nutrition they need. Hungry people can’t wait.

Looking for groups working on gun safety?

We know that the level of gun violence in this country is horrible (#1 killer of children!)  and that it won’t change until lax gun laws change. Since our state is already doing a fairly good job (though there’s room for improvement) and guns do not understand borders, it makes sense to work with organizations that seek to elect officials in other states who will implement saner gun policies. Gun Sense Voter is one of those.

https://gunsensevoter.org/

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion
309 Hart Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-4543
2400 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury Street | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-3170

Senator Edward Markey
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Washington, DC 20510 | 202-224-2742
975 JFK Federal Building | 15 New Sudbury St | Boston, MA 02203 | 617-565-8519

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