VOTE!!!

Tuesday, November 5th, 7am-8pm

Solidarity Lowell has endorsed for City Council: Juan Castañeda, Ty Chum, John Drinkwater, Harry Kortikere, and Vesna Nuon. For School Committee, we have endorsed Hilary Clark, Jackie Doherty, Dominik Lay, Sherri O’Connor Barboza, and Ben Opara. It’s also very important to vote on the new election system! Please note that we also endorsed Karen Cirillo but unfortunately she is no longer on the ballot due to health concerns. We wish her the best!

Not sure where to vote? Visit wheredoivotema.org

Need more info on the candidates? Check out these videos: 

City Council: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jYhlL7SIWk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3F1qK76XjmNCEJALr1_-xtUF6RK1qPbLK-PcxrvwO_j0127HxdTS6sudI

https://www.utecvotes.org/lowell

School Committee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoIbfbF-dKw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3f9tpbmYCQ0tJv9ABseUjxCk7MUGRBjb-ODK5TmSasUPnAyTSZWmeqWC8

Election System: 

English: https://vimeo.com/367348923

Khmer: https://vimeo.com/367344023

Spanish: https://vimeo.com/367350069

Dick Howe’s Blog: http://richardhowe.com/2019/10/09/lowell-election-system-options/

https://yourlowellyourvote.org/

Friends not sure who to vote for? Print and share this endorsements card! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q-Rw5Hz3EyNMNFroSToz9ynyxH4b9GkX/view?usp=sharing

 

October Meeting Notes

View our October meeting notes, including Dominik Lay’s survey responses and a summary of our guest speaker’s presentation on Restorative Justice! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GzrSi5MPCt2PRriQfgyo1muBsdK9l142/view?usp=sharing

 

Announcing Our Endorsement of Dominik Lay

Dominik Lay missed the original deadline for our endorsements but we reviewed his responses to our survey at our October meeting, and after the ballots were cast, our members voted to endorse him for Lowell School Committee!

 

Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group

Starting November 10th, 2019, and continuing each Monday for the following five weeks, 7pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in an Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. The purpose of the group is to engage in supportive, structured dialogues with others to explore whiteness in contemporary society, especially to better understand the legacy and impact of white supremacy, white privilege, explicit and implicit bias, systemic racism, and microaggressions. Over the course of this six-week workshop, you will better understand yourself, your communities, and be prepared to work toward a diverse and equitable culture with your friends, family, Lowell and beyond. You will be expected to attend all six sessions.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/4qTydJ1MbakrQCyE9

 

Join the Cleanup Crew!

We’re looking to start organizing a cleanup of South Common. After holding our Cultural Exchange Potluck there the past two years, we’ve found a lot of trash that needs picking up! If you’re interested in helping, please sign up below!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/pcr5vC5sy9pkVyhWA

 

Little Free Libraries

Solidarity Lowell and Chaos Bookery are joining forces to add a Little Free Library to each neighborhood in Lowell! We’re looking for locations (preferably on private property), stewards (folks to maintain the libraries and check on them on a weekly basis), and builders (there are plans online but let us know if you want to help build the libraries). If you’re interested, please sign up below!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/HHbWF7vveUD8rqey6

 

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Progressive Mass All-Member Meeting

Saturday, November 9th, 11am-4pm, Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave, Needham

Join with other activists from across the state for the first Progressive Mass all-member meeting in several years. Together, we will reflect on our successes, hear from legislators and organizers at the cutting edge of progressive policy in the Commonwealth, and map a path forward to lead the nation by living up to our progressive reputation and passing legislation in line with our values.

RSVP here: https://www.progressivemass.com/2019-member-meeting

Merrimack Valley Project MICAH Dinner

Saturday, November 9th, 6-9pm, All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave, Haverhill (park in the lot on Blaisdell St)

On Saturday, November 9th, MVP will be holding its annual Ministry in Community Action Honorees (MICAH) Dinner from 6 to 9 PM at All Saints Parish in Haverhill. This is MVP’s annual event where we honor those in our communities who have gone to great lengths to live out their values and to create a more just Merrimack Valley. We are excited to bring together over 15 MVP faith, labor, and community groups as well as those who have supported our work over the past year.

For tickets or more information:  MValleyPR@gmail.com

JFON International Festival

Saturday, November 9th, 5:30-8pm, North Boston Korean United Methodist Church, 244 Lowell St, Andover

Featuring food and entertainment from South Korea, Ghana, and Guatemala; and a silent auction. For the past year, many hardy volunteers have been providing support for the attorneys who provide legal advice and counsel to the immigrants who have visited the Lawrence and Lowell clinics. Lawyers offered advice for women dealing with domestic violence, a teenager trying to find a new home, and others seeking asylum form a home county where they are on the wrong side of the current ruling authority. This work is critical to the many immigrants who visited our clinics this year. Please help us continue this work into the new year, by supporting our fundraiser for New England Justice for Our Neighbors. Tickets are $25 per person or $160 for a table for 8.

To order tickets, call 978-831-4374 or email jfonlawlowclinic@gmail.com

 

Tell Senator Markey to Support We The People

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. Please file the We the People Amendment in the Senate. I know you are considering it and I urge you to take this leadership because action on all the issues I care about is being blocked by corporate power and big money in politics. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.wethepeoplemass.org/the-we-the-people-amendment
Please report your call to Info@WtPMass.org

 

 

Get Ranked Choice Voting on the Ballot in MA!

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is a commonsense change that would give voters the choice to rank candidates for office in the order they prefer them. This simple change will give Massachusetts voters a stronger voice when we cast our ballots, and guarantee that our elected leaders are supported by a true majority. Voters Choice Massachusetts, the organization promoting RCV, needs to collect 80,239 signatures before the December 1st deadline! With only THREE weekends left, they need all the help they can get! Please sign up below if you can gather signatures at local events. Please note this is for state-level voting and would not affect municipal elections.

Sign up here: https://voterchoice2020.org/signatures/

Ongoing Solidarity Lowell Initiatives

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

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

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

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

Thursday Postcarding

Every Thursday, 9-11am, Panera Bread, 2 Cornerstone Square, Westford

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

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

 

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius is the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring. With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit at the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Can you chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small! We are also looking for folks who are interested in helping in an ongoing basis, in any of these three committees: Legal, Fundraising, and Housing. If you’re interested, please email mvisn@solidaritylowell.com

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

 

Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee

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

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

 

Join the Elections Subcommittee

Our endorsements for the 2019 election cycle have been announced, and now we need to support these candidates! If you’re interested in helping out, please contact us at the email below.

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

 

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions Solidarity Lowell Endorsed Candidate Celebration! Monday, October 24th, 6-9pm, Warp and Weft, 197 Market St, Lowell Join Solidarity Lowell in celebrating our recently endorsed candidates for City Council and School Committee! After completing our candidate surveys and participating in our forum (for City Council candidates), Solidarity Lowell is proud to have endorsed the following for City Council: Juan Castaneda, Ty Chum, John Drinkwater, Harry Kortikere, and Vesna Nuon. And the following School Committee candidates: Sherri Barboza, Hilary Clark, Jackie Doherty, and Ben Opara. We hope you’ll join us to meet these candidates and hear where they stand on important issues! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/368904267327296/ Solidarity Lowell Endorsed Candidate Postcard Party Sunday, October 13th, 6-8pm, Sweet Journey, 30 Central St, Lowell Let’s get out the word for Solidarity Lowell’s endorsed City Council and School Committee candidates! Treat yourself to some delicious honey toast or bubble tea and help write postcards to local voters in support of these progressive candidates. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/436035317313849/   SAVE THE DATE! Solidarity Lowell October Meeting: Restorative Justice Sunday, October 27th, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell Join us for the monthly general meeting of Solidarity Lowell! This month our guest speaker is Margot Fleischman, president of the Board of Directors of Communities for Restorative Justice (C4RJ) and a civic leader in the town of Bedford, MA. She has been a Bedford Selectman since 2012 and previously served for five years on the Bedford Planning Board. Margot has held a variety of leadership roles in local and regional organizations, bringing a focus on promoting healthy communities to her work. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/405215050400351/   Join the Cleanup Crew! We’re looking to start organizing a cleanup of South Common. After holding our Cultural Exchange Potluck there the past two years, we’ve found a lot of trash that needs picking up! If you’re interested in helping, please sign up below! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/pcr5vC5sy9pkVyhWA   Little Free Libraries Solidarity Lowell and Chaos Bookery are joining forces to add a Little Free Library to each neighborhood in Lowell! We’re looking for locations (preferably on private property), stewards (folks to maintain the libraries and check on them on a weekly basis), and builders (there are plans online but let us know if you want to help build the libraries). If you’re interested, please sign up below! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/HHbWF7vveUD8rqey6   Local Events and Actions Donate to Keep Vibol Sok in the US! On October 3rd, Lowell resident Vibol Sok was taken into ICE custody. He has lived in the United States since he was 8 years old and is now at risk of being deported back to Cambodia. Please pitch in whatever you can to cover his legal fees. You can learn more from his sister, SoSo Sok, here: https://www.facebook.com/khmersoup/videos/10218934973779544/ and here: https://www.facebook.com/khmersoup/videos/10218966882217235/ Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/vibol039s-legal-assistance-to-stop-deportation Time to Meet Ty Chum for Lowell City Council Thursday, October 10th, 5:30-7:30pm, JJ Boomers, 705 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell This is the last physical fundraising event for City Council candidate Ty Chum. Please drop by and show some love and support. From Ty, “Remember you’re my boss and I can’t do my job right if you don’t let me know your wants and needs.” Ty Chum is endorsed by Solidarity Lowell. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/657196794767143/   Drinkwater for Lowell Canvass Saturday, October 12th, 10am, 26 Market St, Lowell Join John and volunteers as we get out and talk to Lowell voters about John’s priorities and the importance of getting out to vote on November 5th! John Drinkwater is endorsed by Solidarity Lowell. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1446422285497220/   Commemorate Indigenous Peoples in Massachusetts: Indigenous Resistance and Resilience in 1670s Lowell Tour Monday, October 14th, 1-2:30pm, Lowell National Historical Park, 246 Market St, Lowell This 90-minute walking tour explores how Indigenous people living in greater Lowell in the 1670s confronted and resisted colonialism through combat, and through their command of the Algonquian and English language. The walk will also discuss how nineteenth century Lowellians selectively remembered and celebrated their past, and what implications that has for our understanding of Lowell’s past. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2327884347540305/   Westford Climate Action Now Rally Thursday, October 17th, 4-7pm, Westford Town Common, Westford Come protest on the Westford Town Common for climate action now! We have 11 years left to take dramatic action to stop the extinction of not only our own species but of one million total species and creating an unlivable future. We must make change now, before it is irreversible! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/397190804249591/   October Canal Cleanup Saturday, October 19th, 9am-12pm, Guaranteed Aluminum, 349 Bridge St, Lowell We’re squeezing in one last cleanup this year under the Centralville side of the Cox Bridge on Bridge St. Focus again will be on removing trash and invasive plants (some of which are a bit thorny). Hope to see you there. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/523740741749152/       State- and National-Level Events and Actions Musical Protest Against Detention with HONK! Sunday, October 13th, 8:30-10pm, South Bay Detention Center, 44 Bradston St, Boston Join Resist the Raids, Massachusetts Jobs with Justice and bands from the Honk! Festival of Activist Street Bands to show musical solidarity with our friends, family and neighbors who are locked up in Suffolk County House of Correction and the ICE immigrant detention center. Bring your drums, horns, pots and pans to break the silence around incarceration, raids and deportations. We want our folks home where they belong! Honk! down the walls! Meet up at the corner of Southampton St. and Bradston St. in Boston. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1237385166449617/ Support Data Equity Now! Tuesday, October 15th, 10am-6pm, Massachuetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston H.2681 suggests that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts standardize state forms to collect optional race and ethnicity data to more closely resemble the way the federal Census breaks down demographic data. This allows for more comprehensive research, analysis, and provision of services to all of our Commonwealth’s diverse communities. This would highlight and uplift data representing communities in our Commonwealth including but not limited to Vietnamese, Cambodian, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Haitian, Cape Verdean, Ethiopian, Somalian, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Dominicans, and Colombians. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/838868316511241/   October Jericho Walk at the Burlington ICE Office Tuesday, October 15th, 1-2pm, 1000 District Ave, Burlington Join us for our monthly Jericho Walk at the ICE office in Burlington, MA. The Jericho Walk is a silent interfaith prayer and act of solidarity. The walk draws inspiration from the Battle of Jericho, in which the community marched around the city of Jericho seven times, causing the city walls to fall. The Jericho Walk of today is a silent, peaceful, and prayerful walk to bring down the walls of our unjust immigration system and is open to people of all or no faiths. Please bring signs! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2387208214940495/   Call to Support the Cambodian Community Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170 Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519 Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. I would like to express my grave concern about the detention and deportation of Cambodian Americans who are members of our community in Lowell. Since 2017, we have seen a sharp increase in the arbitrary detention and removal of Southeast Asian American community members. This increase heavily impacts communities in Massachusetts such as those in Lowell and Lynn, which have the second and third largest Cambodian populations in the United States. I am urging you to demand that the Department of Homeland Security halt all ICE raids targeting the Cambodian community, including many long-term Cambodian American residents of Massachusetts. Thank you!” More information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V2tj0Fu4N3o-NBIiwPZcknmXB1d_yShp/view   Support Election Day Registration Please contact your state representative (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500 Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520 Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460 Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380 Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. As voting rights are under attack in other states, we need to strengthen the right to vote here at home. That means making sure that all eligible voters who want to cast a ballot on Election Day are able to participate. Massachusetts’s 20-day registration deadline, however, denies thousands of eligible voters the right to vote. It is arbitrary, unjust, and unnecessary, and our neighbors in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont have already done away with their voter registration deadlines. I urge you to support legislation bringing Election Day Registration to Massachusetts (H.685). Thank you!” More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S396   Support the Student Opportunity Act Please contact your state representative (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500 Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520 Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460 Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380 Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425 The Student Opportunity Act passed the Senate! Now we need to encourage our State representatives to do the same! Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. The Student Opportunity Act (S. 2350) will provide $1.5 billion per year in new school funding to help the students who need it the most. Thank you!” More information: https://fundourfuturema.org/take-action/       Ongoing Solidarity Lowell Initiatives Chelms-FED Up Postcarding Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there! For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius Marius is the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring. With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit at the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Can you chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small! We are also looking for folks who are interested in helping in an ongoing basis, in any of these three committees: Legal, Fundraising, and Housing. If you’re interested, please email mvisn@solidaritylowell.com Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form)   Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee As a result of our recent Strengthening Our Cities workshop series and activities at meetings, Solidarity Lowell is creating a subcommittee that will focus on the topic of affordable housing. If you are interested in joining, sign up using the form below. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/RcDDqskH7bsurq4D9   Join the Elections Subcommittee Our endorsements for the 2019 election cycle have been announced, and now we need to support these candidates! If you’re interested in helping out, please contact us at the email below. If you’re interested, please email contact@solidaritylowell.com

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions Notes from the Solidarity Lowell September Meeting This includes all of the responses we received from our City Council and School Committee candidate surveys! View here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rh5NZD6jnXNk70Dz_XnlxI04j6088SPr/view?usp=sharing Immigrant Rights Subcommittee Meeting Monday, October 7th, 6:30pm, Eliot Presbyterian Church, 273 Summer St, Lowell On the agenda: debriefing from the Cultural Exchange Potluck, discussing how to proceed with a Trust Act (or similar) for Lowell, and statewide initiatives for the Safe Communities Act and Driving Families Forward. All are welcome! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2189555934482196/ Join the Cleanup Crew We’re looking to start organizing a cleanup of South Common. After holding our Cultural Exchange Potluck there the past two years, we’ve found a lot of trash that needs picking up! If you’re interested in helping, please sign up below! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/pcr5vC5sy9pkVyhWA       Local Events and Actions Ben Opara Campaign Meet and Greet Thursday, October 3rd, 6:30-8:30pm, The Old Court, 29 Central St, Lowell Join us for a party celebrating School Committee candidate Ben Opara. Meet Ben and learn where he stands on important issues facing our schools. Ben Opara has been endorsed by Solidarity Lowell. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/506022873518262/ Your Lowell, Your Vote Panel Discussion Monday, October 7th, 6-8pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St, Lowell Please join us for a panel discussion featuring experts on each of the two new election system options appearing on the November 5th Municipal Election ballot. The event will be moderated by Lisa Handley, Ph.D., who is a leading expert in voter data analysis and voting patterns, and has published widely in this area. Panelists include Howard Fain, Deputy Director of Policy and Research with Voter Choice Massachusetts; Tanya Ford, Executive Director of the Cambridge Election Commission for the City of Cambridge; Michael Gallagher, J.D., a founding partner of Gallagher & Cavanaugh LLP, a Lowell-based law firm; and Niko Vangjeli, Assistant City Clerk for the City of Worcester. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2910989709126799/       State- and National-Level Events and Actions Rally to Defend the Cambodian Community Thursday, October 3rd, 8:30am, Burlington ICE Office, 1000 District Ave, Burlington When We Fight, We Win! We are organizing to mobilize community members out to the Burlington ICE detention facility to show up and support the Cambodian community! Cambodian community members have received notices by ICE to check-in this Thursday, October 3rd, essentially, to turn themselves in, where they will face imminent detention and deportation. Carpool information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd27hCuFRztVxOzzslVCwJJs8ESuXjvK7VSZJcxNiKsRhhS0w/viewform More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2358148117635222 Manifestación/Rally: Licenses Can’t Wait! ¡Se Acabó La Espera! Thursday, October 3rd, 5-6:30pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston Join the immigrant community and allies outside the State House to demand that legislators follow through on their promises to protect immigrants in the state of Massachusetts! The undocumented community has been fighting for drivers licenses for 15 years and have STILL not seen lawmakers deliver on promises to grant access to licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2556182637771684/   Call to Support the Cambodian Community Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170 Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519 Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. I would like to express my grave concern about the detention and deportation of Cambodian Americans who are members of our community in Lowell. Since 2017, we have seen a sharp increase in the arbitrary detention and removal of Southeast Asian American community members. This increase heavily impacts communities in Massachusetts such as those in Lowell and Lynn, which have the second and third largest Cambodian populations in the United States. I am urging you to demand that the Department of Homeland Security halt all ICE raids targeting the Cambodian community, including many long-term Cambodian American residents of Massachusetts. Thank you!” More information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V2tj0Fu4N3o-NBIiwPZcknmXB1d_yShp/view Support Election Day Registration Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500 Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520 Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460 Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380 Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425 Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572 Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612 Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. As voting rights are under attack in other states, we need to strengthen the right to vote here at home. That means making sure that all eligible voters who want to cast a ballot on Election Day are able to participate. Massachusetts’s 20-day registration deadline, however, denies thousands of eligible voters the right to vote. It is arbitrary, unjust, and unnecessary, and our neighbors in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont have already done away with their voter registration deadlines. I urge you to support legislation bringing Election Day Registration to Massachusetts (S.396/H.685). Thank you!” More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S396 Support the Student Opportunity Act Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator): House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500 Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263 Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520 Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460 Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380 Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425 Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630 Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572 Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612 Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120 Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. The Student Opportunity Act (S. 2350) will provide $1.5 billion per year in new school funding to help the students who need it the most. Please co-sponsor this along with the following amendments: #17 (Targeted Improvement Plans), which increases community and educator involvement in school districts’ plans to reduce disparities — and requires charter schools to create such plans as well #19 (Charter Cap Reimbursement), which caps the number of charter schools and charter school seats for any year in which the state fails to fully fund the charter school mitigation account. #27 (Analyze Impact of Proposition 2 1/2), which requires a study of the impact on this regressive tax law on municipalities’ ability to provide a high-quality education to all students #53 (Ensuring Proportional Phase-In), which makes sure that all of the updates get phased in at the same pace so that low-income students don’t get left behind #61 (Charter School Reimbursement Accountability), which requires the Commonwealth to draw funding from charter schools to ensure full reimbursement to public schools #63 (Following Through On Our Commitments), which makes sure that the Legislature fully funds charter reimbursements. Thank you!” More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/s2350           Ongoing Solidarity Lowell Initiatives Chelms-FED Up Postcarding Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there! For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius Marius is the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring. With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit at the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Can you chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small! We are also looking for folks who are interested in helping in an ongoing basis, in any of these three committees: Legal, Fundraising, and Housing. If you’re interested, please email mvisn@solidaritylowell.com Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form)   Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee As a result of our recent Strengthening Our Cities workshop series and activities at meetings, Solidarity Lowell is creating a subcommittee that will focus on the topic of affordable housing. If you are interested in joining, sign up using the form below. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/RcDDqskH7bsurq4D9   Join the Elections Subcommittee Our endorsements for the 2019 election cycle have been announced, and now we need to support these candidates! If you’re interested in helping out, please contact us at the email below. If you’re interested, please email contact@solidaritylowell.com

Lowell Events and Actions

Show Immigrant Solidarity: Drivers’ License Community Forum

Sunday, September 8th, 1:30-2:45pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell

Warm up for Welcoming Week by attending our community forum where we will hear from local and state leaders of the Driving Families Forward campaign on how this will help make roads safer for everyone, while allowing immigrants the ability to own a standard driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. Co-hosted by Solidarity Lowell, Christ Church United, and other local groups.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/439377206674912/

Flier in English and Spanish here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SolidarityLowell/permalink/749745085479145/
The 2nd Annual Cultural Exchange Potluck Picnic

Saturday, September 15th, 2-5pm, South Common Park, 190 Thorndike St, Lowell

Part of Welcoming Week Lowell. Featuring free food and live entertainment from many different cultures and information about local organizations. Bring the family, special children’s entertainment will be provided! If you can contribute food or anything else please sign up here:https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/1g5eo6

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/469092367232832/

 

SAVE THE DATE: City Council Preliminary Candidate Forum with Solidarity Lowell

Thursday, September 19th, 7-8:30pm, MCC Federal Building, Assembly Room, 50 Kearney Square, Lowell

Join Solidarity Lowell and MCC for our City Council Candidate Forum, moderated by Charlie Smith. Meet the candidates and hear their positions on key issues affecting Lowell today and in the future.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/361161401477603/

 

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

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

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

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

Thursday Postcarding 

Every Thursday, 9-11am, Panera Bread, 2 Cornerstone Square, Westford
Join your postcarding friends from Indivisible Westford Progressive Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell to write issue-based postcards to our reps and write directly to voters for an upcoming election! Join us every Thursday!

For more information, email hope@solidaritylowell.com

 

Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius

Marius is the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring. With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit at the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Can you chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small! We are also looking for folks who are interested in helping in an ongoing basis, in any of these three committees: Legal, Fundraising, and Housing. If you’re interested, please emailmvisn@solidaritylowell.com

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

 

Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee

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

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

 

Join the Elections Subcommittee

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

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

Local Events and Actions

GoLowell Kickoff

Wednesday, September 11th, 6-8pm, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell

Join us to kickoff the #GoLowell plan! GoLowell wants to hear how you get around the City today and what we can do to make it safer and easier. Translation services and childcare will be provided.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/576788286189672/

City Council Candidating

Thursday, September 12th, 5:30-8:30pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St, Lowell

Join Coalition for a Better Acre and Lowell Votes for a chance to meet city council candidates in a fun, friendly environment. Candidates will move from table to table, just like with “speed dating”. You’ll be able to ask your questions so you can decide who to vote for in the preliminary on September 24th. Spanish and Khmer interpreters, food, drinks, and child care will be available.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2531916983535847/

 

Celebrating Immigrants Through Music

Friday, September 13th, 8-9:30pm, Donahue Family Academic Arts Center, 240 Central St, Lowell

As part of Welcoming Week, a variety of music will be performed from Cambodia, Africa and Brazil as well as works by immigrant composers Igor Stravinsky, Max Lifchitz, Jaime León Ferro and Tan Dun who settled in the United States from Russia, Mexico, Colombia and China respectively. MCC faculty members Orlando Cela, flute; Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, piano; Marcus Santos, pandero; and Anna Ward, soprano will be joined by Sovann Khon, tro sau and the African Fellowship Choir and drummers of Eliot Church.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/892562237784963/

 

Volunteer for JFON, Helping Lawyers Give Immigrants Free Legal Advice

It is hard to believe that the Lawrence – Lowell JFON Clinics have been in operation for almost one year.  Thanks to the tremendous response from so many volunteers, the new clinics have taken off at both sites. Whether you support a Hospitality Team or work as an Intake Volunteer or Interpreter, the success of JFON depends greatly on your commitment to this mission. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child and it takes volunteers to run a JFON clinic. The clinics have been fully scheduled through December 2019 (see attached schedule).  At the same time, there is a need to secure additional volunteers and to determine if any of the current volunteers would like to take on a new role. As we look to the fall and 2020, the following needs exist: Clinic Managers, Intake Volunteers, Interpreters, Phone Intake Coordinator, and Fundraising.

If interested, email David Troughton at dtroughton@comcast.net

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Shame on Marty Walsh: A Response to Police Violence

Saturday, September 7th, 2pm, Boston City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq, Boston

On Saturday August 23rd, Mayor Marty Walsh handed the alt-right a permit to march down the streets of Boston in a “Straight Pride Parade”. He also gave police forces from all over the state— as well as the F.B.I. and National Guard— the green-light to attack peaceful LGBTQ+ counter-protesters. Bearing “Blue Lives Matter” flags, they targeted medics, marshals, and press in a calculated attempt to protect the white nationalists, who called for the forced removal of immigrants, a return to sexual “normalcy”, and Trumps re-election, among other things. This Saturday, meet us to demand: the charges against the counter-protestors are dropped, the resignation of Captain John Danilecki of the Boston Police Department, the resignation of Judge Thomas Horgan, and an end to the militarization of Black and Brown communities.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/740955619691226/

Gender Marker X Bill Hearing

Tuesday, September 10th, 10:30am-1:30pm, Massachusetts State House, Gardner Auditorium, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Please attend this hearing to support adding a third gender option (X instead of just M or F) to Massachusetts IDs, and speak if you can! Can’t attend? Submit written testimony to TreAndreValentine@masstpc.org. Please also contact your representatives to ask them to report the bill favorably out of committee!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/377546892922804/

 

Defund Hate Walk from Boston to Concord

Wednesday, September 11th, 9am-4pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Like Paul Revere and William Dawes, we will be going from Boston to Concord to spread the word to #DefundHate and #CloseTheCamps. We will be walking along Massachusetts Avenue carrying prominent signs to draw attention to the issue. This event is just some concerned citizens taking a walk. Join us for the entire walk (15 miles) or part of the walk (we will provide a route and anticipated times to interested people). Combine your need for exercise with your love of resisting – Resistercize!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1977777682322360/

 

 

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

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions View the notes from our August meeting here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u10UvXkocAyzgB7YR6DcE-e69CLcLN4N/view?usp=sharing Immigrant Rights Subcommittee and Cultural Exchange Potluck Planning Meeting Tuesday, September 3rd, 6:30pm, Eliot Church, 273 Summer Street, Lowell Please join us for a meeting of the Solidarity Lowell Immigrant Rights Subcommittee. We will be finalizing the plans for our Cultural Exchange Potluck as part of Welcoming Week, and talking about plans to further our support for the Safe Communities Act after this week’s City Council meeting. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/889574894739421/   SAVE THE DATE: The 2nd Annual Cultural Exchange Potluck Saturday, September 15th, 2-5pm, South Common Park, 190 Thorndike St, Lowell Part of Welcoming Week Lowell. Featuring free food and live entertainment from many different cultures and information about local organizations. Bring the family, special children’s entertainment will be provided! If you can contribute food or anything else please sign up here:https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/1g5eo6 More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/469092367232832/   SAVE THE DATE: City Council Preliminary Candidate Forum with Solidarity Lowell Thursday, September 19th, 7-8:30pm, MCC Federal Building, Assembly Room, 50 Kearney Square, Lowell Join Solidarity Lowell and MCC for our City Council Candidate Forum, moderated by Charlie Smith. Meet the candidates and hear their positions on key issues affecting Lowell today and in the future. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/361161401477603/   Chelms-FED Up Postcarding Every Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am, The Java Room, 14 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there! For more information, contact Hope at hope@solidaritylowell.com Support for Asylum-Seeker Marius Marius is the Togolese asylum seeker whom the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN) is sponsoring. With generous support from people like you and MVISN member groups like ours, Marius has retained an immigration lawyer, filed an application for asylum, and successfully moved his case to the Boston immigration courts from El Paso, exponentially increasing his possibility of ultimately winning his case. He will be eligible to apply for a work permit at the beginning of November. Until Marius receives legal authorization to work, our network has committed to financially supporting him with $500/month. Can you chip in towards the $500 we need to meet our commitment to him? Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Consider becoming a “sustaining supporter” by making a recurring monthly donation, no size too small! We are also looking for folks who are interested in helping in an ongoing basis, in any of these three committees: Legal, Fundraising, and Housing. If you’re interested, please email mvisn@solidaritylowell.com Donate here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form)   Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee As a result of our recent Strengthening Our Cities workshop series and activities at meetings, Solidarity Lowell is creating a subcommittee that will focus on the topic of affordable housing. If you are interested in joining, sign up using the form below. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/RcDDqskH7bsurq4D9   Join the Elections Subcommittee The time has come to get our endorsements survey ready for the Lowell City Council and School Committee elections this fall. We’re looking for folks who are interested in helping put together the survey, get it out to those running for office, and compile the results for our members. If you’re interested, please email contact@solidaritylowell.com     Local Events and Actions Karen Cirillo Postcard Party Saturday, August 31st, 1-3:30pm, Coffee and Cotton, Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St, Lowell Come write grassroots postcards to voters to help get Solidarity Lowell endorsed candidate Karen Cirillo reelected to Lowell City Council! These personal, handwritten postcards are a unique and memorable way to capture the attention of voters. We’ll bring supplies and addresses, but feel free to bring your own favorite pens, stickers, etc. Donations of postcard stamps are always appreciated! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/512459296180038/ Meet with the Chair of the State Energy Committee, Tom Golden! Wednesday, September 4th, 7pm, Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St, 4th Floor, Hi Hat Stage area, Lowell State Representative Tom Golden will be coming to the next 350 MA meeting! He is chair of the state legislature’s energy committee and has a major say on a lot of the important climate change legislation we want to see. We plan to discuss current legislation and our main message is simple: we need to do as much as we can to move away from fossil fuel and toward renewable energy. And do it as fast as we can! You don’t have to be prepared to speak, although you’re welcome to. But it’s really important for Tom to see that Lowell residents and especially constituents care about this. See you Wednesday! For more information, please email Jon Grossman at jgrossman@seiu509.org   Lowell Immigration Town Hall Sunday, September 8th, 1:30-2:45pm, Christ Church United, 1 Bartlett St, Lowell MVP will be hosting a Lowell Immigration Town Hall to hear campaign updates and to strategize ways to earn our local officials’ support. MVP’s statewide coalition partners have asked MVP to commit to bringing a set amount of attendees and we at MVP are dedicated to reaching this goal by bringing a strong team of dedicated pro-immigrant supporters to the event. Please confirm your attendance by emailing MVP (email below) and let us know how many people will be joining you. Our goal is to pack the church and to let it be known that we need our Lowell elected officials to step up and be leaders when it comes to protecting our city’s immigrant populations. RSVP here: mvalleypr@gmail.com   Volunteer for JFON, Helping Lawyers Give Immigrants Free Legal Advice It is hard to believe that the Lawrence – Lowell JFON Clinics have been in operation for almost one year.  Thanks to the tremendous response from so many volunteers, the new clinics have taken off at both sites. Whether you support a Hospitality Team or work as an Intake Volunteer or Interpreter, the success of JFON depends greatly on your commitment to this mission. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child and it takes volunteers to run a JFON clinic. The clinics have been fully scheduled through December 2019 (see attached schedule).  At the same time, there is a need to secure additional volunteers and to determine if any of the current volunteers would like to take on a new role. As we look to the fall and 2020, the following needs exist: Clinic Managers, Intake Volunteers, Interpreters, Phone Intake Coordinator, and Fundraising. If interested, email David Troughton at dtroughton@comcast.net           State- and National-Level Events and Actions Straight Pride is Hate Pride Saturday, August 31st, 11am-3pm, Boston Public Garden, by the Arlington T stop Local far-right homophobic and transphobic activists are holding a Straight Pride Parade on August 31st. This is an attempt to gain legitimacy for a violently homophobic, transphobic, and misogynistic agenda. The organizers have a long track record of bigotry and support of fascist groups. In August 2017, the people of Boston dealt a body blow to the national alt-right by bringing out thousands of people to tell these fascists—many of them the same people as those organizing the “straight pride parade”—that we won’t have hate in our city. Let’s turn out again to show them that however they rebrand, we see through their lies and will always come out united against their hate. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2233546250067653/ 35th Bread & Roses Heritage Festival Monday, September 2nd, 11:30am-6pm, Campagnone Common, 200 Common St, Lawrence As the region’s only true Labor Day festival, 35th Annual Bread & Roses Heritage Festival is an open-air arts and music festival honoring Lawrence’s multicultural roots and rich labor history while commemorating the most significant event in Lawrence history: the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike. A day of activism and family fun, the festival boasts three stages of socially conscious performances, an array of family activities, rows of community vendors, historical trolley and walking tours, culturally diverse food offerings, educational presentations, and more! More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bread-and-roses-heritage-festival-tickets-67071876789   The Work and Family Mobility Act Hearing Wednesday, September 4th, 9:30am-3:30pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Room B-1, Boston On Wednesday September 4, the Transportation Committee will hear testimony on the Work and Family Mobility Act (S.2061 / H.3012). Community allies, advocates, faith leaders, businesses and law enforcement agree—undocumented immigrants deserve the right to a license. The hearing is our opportunity to show why Massachusetts needs Driver’s Licenses for All. It is important that our Driving Families Forward Coalition shows up in full force throughout the duration of the hearing. We hope you will join us for a successful hearing day to ensure we keep #DrivingMAForward! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2304133203019018/   Raise Up Popular Education Workshops Thursday, September 5th, 6-8pm AND Saturday, September 7th, 11am-3pm, 145 Tremont St, Boston, 2nd floor (home of the SEIU State Council) Our tax code in Massachusetts is skewed in favor of large corporations, who are not paying their fair share. And those same corporations are trying to push more of the tax burden on working people. The Raise Up Massachusetts coalition is launching a campaign for raising revenue in a progressive way that helps provide necessary funds for education and infrastructure (while keeping the Fair Share Amendment moving forward to the 2022 ballot). A key part of that is popular education, and RUM is kicking that off with two pilot sessions next week. Learn about how our tax code is skewed and how we can unskew it–and get ready to educate others. For more information, email Jonathan Cohn at jrfcohn@gmail.com

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Solidarity Lowell August Meeting

Sunday, August 25th, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett St, Lowell

Join us for the monthly general meeting of Solidarity Lowell! Featuring Mary Taurus, who will present an overview of the four election system options that will be up for a vote by the City Council, and an opportunity for discussion and feedback. All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/354773365413924/
 

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

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

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

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

Support for Marius: $400 Needed for August Living Expenses

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

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

 

Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee

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

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

 

Join the Elections Subcommittee

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

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

 

 

Local Events and Actions

Southeast Asian Water Festival

Saturday, August 17th, 9am-5pm, 500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell

The Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation, protection and sharing of cultural heritages of the Southeast Asian Americans in the Greater Lowell area of Massachusetts. Every third Saturday in August, more than 60,000 people from around the country and the world come to Lowell to celebrate water as it is celebrated in Southeast Asia. They come for the blessings, food, crafts, performances and (of course) the races.

More information: http://lowellwaterfestival.org/

Lowell Election Change Informational Session

Thursday, August 22nd, 6-8pm, Mercier Center, 21 Salem St, Lowell

In a decision mandated by the courts, the city must choose from four options that will change how city council and school committee members are selected. We will discuss all the options more at the meeting, but you can learn more about the options here: https://yourlowellyourvote.org/new-options This is a major decision that will change the City of Lowell forever. Don’t miss out on making history. Food, childcare, and interpretation services will be provided.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/483052425601630/

 

 

 

 

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Rally to Demand Action on Gun Safety

Sunday, August 18th, 3pm, Boston City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston

Every day, 100 Americans are shot and killed and hundreds more are wounded. The impact of gun violence goes beyond mass shootings; in recent weeks gun violence has devastated communities across the country including Baltimore, Chicago, Gilroy, Canoga Park, Brooklyn, El Paso, Dayton and many more. It is past time for Senators to listen to Americans, and pass laws requiring background checks on every gun sale and strong federal Red Flags legislation. Join MA Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action and community partners for a rally thanking our MA Senators for all their support and urge the Senate to bring these bills to a vote. Please wear red!

More information: https://act.everytown.org/event/august-recess-2019/25047/signup/

August Jericho Walk at the Burlington MA ICE Office

Tuesday, August 20th, 1-2pm, 1000 District Ave, Burlington

Join us for our monthly Jericho Walk at the ICE office in Burlington, MA. The Jericho Walk is a silent interfaith prayer and act of solidarity. The walk draws inspiration from the Battle of Jericho, in which the community marched around the city of Jericho seven times, causing the city walls to fall. The Jericho Walk of today is a silent, peaceful, and prayerful walk to bring down the walls of our unjust immigration system and is open to people of all or no faiths. Please bring signs!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1079866815536082/

 

 

Interfaith Prayer Vigil to Support ICE Detainees

Sunday, August 25th, 2-3pm, Suffolk County Jail, 20 Bradston St, Boston

Join Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN) as we raise our voices and prayers in support of ICE detainees.  A monthly gathering that draws together different faith traditions, we are able to gather in fellowship with the detained who come to the windows of the Suffolk County Jail to witness the power of the people who remind them they are not alone or forgotten.  This month’s vigil is co-sponsored with King’s Chapel.

More information: https://www.mcan.us/new-events/interfaith-prayer-vigil-mclzt-2cl6k

 

 

Support Fully Funding Public Education for All Students

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

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

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. It’s been almost four years since a commission created by the legislature showed that we are underfunding our public schools by up to $2 billion a year due to an outdated funding formula from 1993. It’s far past time for the Legislature to update this formula, and we have to do it right. A good bill will do right by all our students, especially the most vulnerable. And that means providing 100% additional funding for the poorest students. I urge you to only support a bill that delivers on this promise of quality public education for all and to communicate this to Speaker Bob DeLeo and Education Chairwoman Alice Peisch. Can I count on you to send a letter to them outlining your demands for an education funding bill?”

More information: https://www.progressivemass.com/keepit100-education?utm_campaign=flashback_friday_education&utm_medium=email&utm_source=progressivemass

 

Support Election Day Voter Registration

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

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

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. In Massachusetts, our 20-day voter registration cutoff needlessly and arbitrarily disenfranchises thousands of potential voters. That’s why our neighbors in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut have all done away with such a cutoff. EDR has many benefits. Here are just a few: increased voter turnout, more accurate vote rolls, reduced need for provisional ballots, and greater access for the geographically mobile (e.g., lower-income voters, young voters, and voters of color). Please support Election Day Registration (S.396/H.685). Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S396

 

 

Ask Our Reps to Support Refugees

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500

Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

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

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [Name] from [Address] and Solidarity Lowell. Please support refugees by signing onto a letter open to all state and local elected leaders across the country. The letter urges the President to set the refugee admissions ceiling at 95,000 refugees in the coming fiscal year. Our community stands with refugees and has benefited from their contributions. I urge you to demonstrate that our community stands with refugees at this time of historic need. You can find the letter at welcomingrefugees2020.org. Thank you!”

More information: http://welcomingrefugees2020.org/reaching-out-to-elected-representatives/

 

 

 

Solidarity Lowell 3rd Annual Summer Barbecue

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Sanctuary Volunteers Ice Cream Social

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

Calling all volunteers of the sanctuary network to Christ Church United in Lowell for an ice cream social! Come enjoy some sweet summer treats and re-organize ourselves to better support Marius, our asylum seeker. We’ll hear from Marius about what he needs now and going forward and, as volunteers, sign up to help provide that support. Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. Solidarity Lowell is part of the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network, which helps provide a place to stay for immigrants at immediate risk of deportation. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, please attend! Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form). 

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

 

Support for Marius: $400 Needed for August Living Expenses

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

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

 

Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee

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

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

 

Join the Elections Subcommittee

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

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

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

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

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

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

Local Events and Actions

Share Your Priorities with Lowell Votes

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

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

 

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

100% Renewable Energy Lobby Day

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

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

More information: jrfcohn@gmail.com

Driving Families Forward Lobby Day

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

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

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

 

Demand Our Representatives Support the Safe Communities Act

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

House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

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

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

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

 

Tell Trahan to Impeach!

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101

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

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

 

 

 

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Lights for Liberty: Westford, MA

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

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

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

 

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell 3rd Annual Summer BBQ

It’s time for the 3rd annual Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue! Featuring Baby Trump balloons, an SL slideshow, and more, this is sure to be a fun event! PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE POTLUCK HERE: https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/k21060 The Coordinating Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers and dogs. We will also provide the buns and rolls, with gluten-free versions of each. Please sign up for an appetizer, side, or dessert. We hope to see you there!

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

 

Support for Marius: $400 Needed for August Living Expenses

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

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

 

Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee

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

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

 

Join the Elections Subcommittee

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

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

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

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

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

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

 

Help with Sanctuary

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. Solidarity Lowell is part of the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network, which helps provide a place to stay for immigrants at immediate risk of deportation. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, please email Solidarity Lowell’s Volunteer Coordinator at marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form). 

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

Local Events and Actions

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

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

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

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

 

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Ranked Choice Voting Lobby Day

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

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

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

July Jericho Walk at the Burlington ICE Office

Tuesday, July 16th, 1-2pm, 1000 District Ave, Burlington

Join us for our monthly Jericho Walk at the ICE office in Burlington, MA. The Jericho Walk is a silent interfaith prayer and act of solidarity. The walk draws inspiration from the Battle of Jericho, in which the community marched around the city of Jericho seven times, causing the city walls to fall. The Jericho Walk of today is a silent, peaceful, and prayerful walk to bring down the walls of our unjust immigration system and is open to people of all or no faiths. Please bring signs calling for just treatment of those who are caught in our broken immigration system.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/462908424282285/

 

Support the Work and Family Mobility Act

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

House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

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

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

 

Pass a Face Surveillance Moratorium

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

House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barry Finegold 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

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

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

 

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group – Last Chance!

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

Individuals committed to exploring their own racial biases are invited to participate in an Unpacking Whiteness Dialogue Group. The purpose of the group is to engage in supportive, structured dialogues with others to explore whiteness in contemporary society, especially to better understand the legacy and impact of white supremacy, white privilege, explicit and implicit bias, systemic racism, and microaggressions. Registration is capped at 10 and this group is filling up quickly! Please note that you will be expected to attend all six sessions.

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

 

Support for Marius: $400 Needed for August Living Expenses

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

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

 

Lights for Liberty: Westford, MA

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

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

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

Join the Affordable Housing Subcommittee

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

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

 

Join the Elections Subcommittee

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

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

Chelms-FED Up Postcarding

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

Fed up in Chelmsford? Come join us at The Java Room! We will be writing postcards for upcoming municipal elections! Information, addresses, and supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies and info as well. See you there!

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

 

Help with Sanctuary

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. Solidarity Lowell is part of the Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network, which helps provide a place to stay for immigrants at immediate risk of deportation. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, either with accompaniment, food, laundry, or otherwise, please email Solidarity Lowell’s Volunteer Coordinator at marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “asylum” in the “special notes” part of the donation form). 

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

Local Events and Actions

Show Up for Green Energy in Lowell

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

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

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

Climate Change Forum Featuring Sen. Marc Pacheco

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

State- and National-Level Events and Actions

Shaking Ass for the Werking Class Drag Brunch

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

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

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

Support Driving Families Forward

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

House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

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

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

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

 

Pass a Face Surveillance Moratorium

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

House Speaker Robert DeLeo: 617-722-2500
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen 617-722-2425

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

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

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

 

Stand Against Concentration Camps

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

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

 

Stop Body Size Discrimination

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Hi everyone! Welcome to the Rapid Response Results Report (RRRR)… Your recap of some of the positive news of the week! Lowell The city of Lowell reached an agreement with the 11 Latino and Asian-American residents who filed a lawsuit challenging the current at-large election system. The agreement lays out four more inclusive election models that the city council will choose from, with input from residents. http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_32656642/city-agrees-change-election-system . Solidarity Lowell was one of many area organizations that co-sponsored Indivisible Westford’s Pro-ROE Rally. A special thank you to our members who came out to support our sister group and women’s healthcare! This well-attended peaceful rally made clear to our elected officials that we stand for bodily autonomy for all people. https://westford.wickedlocal.com/news/20190610/westford-rally-supports-abortion-access State Boston city officials filed a stronger ‘Trust Act’ due to concerns over Boston Police cooperation with ICE. https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/06/13/boston-revised-trust-act National New Jersey has become the second state in the nation after California to adopt a law that requires schools to teach about LGBT history in a move hailed by civil rights groups as a step toward inclusion and fairness. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2019/02/01/nj-schools-teach-lgbt-history-new-law/2749212002/ . Washington, DC residents are leading a challenge to Trump’s liquor license at his Washington hotel over claims that he doesn’t meet the city’s “good character” requirements. https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2019/06/14/citing-trumps-character-dc-residents-challenge-city-revoke-his-hotels-liquor-license/ . Belinda Bennett set sail as the world’s first black woman cruise ship captain. https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/botwc-firsts/belinda-bennett-is-setting-sail-as-the-world-s-first-black-woman-cruise-ship-captain . A Ramadan tradition in Washington: Young Muslim volunteers feed local homeless. https://www.voanews.com/episode/ramadan-tradition-washington-young-muslim-volunteers-feed-local-homeless . Once threatened, sea turtle nests are thriving along the Georgia coast. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/science/sea-turtles-georgia.html . A team of 633 divers in Florida broke the world record for largest underwater cleanup. https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/448743-more-than-600-divers-set-world-record-cleaning-up-debris-from-the . New York City will become the first city nationwide to directly fund abortion, thanks to a budget deal announced Friday. https://thinkprogress.org/new-york-city-to-become-first-city-ever-to-directly-fund-abortion-75ff99038b0f/ . New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday signed legislation putting an end to child marriage in the Empire State. The legislation raises the age of consent from 14 to 18, and amends the process to require parental and judicial consent for marriage involving 17- and 18-year-olds. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-ends-child-marriage-raising-age-of-consent-from-14-to-18/ . A federal court ordered the publishers of the Daily Stormer, a neo-Nazi and white nationalist website, to pay American Muslim radio host and comedian Dean Obeidallah $4.1 million for publishing false and defamatory statements. https://www.muslimadvocates.org/court-awards-muslim-commentator-4-1-million-in-lawsuit-against-founder-of-neo-nazi-website/ . After an emotional testimony (and well-deserved public shaming) from Jon Stewart, the House voted to replenish funds in the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/after-emotional-testimony-from-911-responders-house-panel-votes-to-replenish-victim-fund/2019/06/12/826ffa1e-8d27-11e9-8f69-a2795fca3343_story.html International Embassies worldwide are defying Trump and flying the Pride flag without permission. https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/06/embassies-worldwide-defying-trump-flying-pride-flag-without-permission/ . Britain banned ads depicting harmful gender stereotypes. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/06/14/britain-bans-harmful-gender-stereotypes-advertisements/1455202001/ . The Church of England has voted to withdraw investment from companies that are not pulling their weight in the fight against climate change. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/church-of-england-climate-change-investment-withdraw-paris-agreement-fossil-fuels-a8437781.html . Fifty top Pakistani clerics have issued a religious decree declaring that transgender people have full marriage, inheritance and funeral rights under Islamic law. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/27/pakistani-clerics-declare-transgender-marriages-legal-in-islam/ . Ecuador became the 27th country to legalize same-sex marriage. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ecuador-legalizes-same-sex-marriage_n_5d026236e4b0985c41994bc0