Greg

Local

Postcards for Progress – December edition

Saturday, December 16, 1-3pm, Sweet Journey, 30 Central Street, Lowell

NOTE NEW LOCATION! It’s time for postcards again! Our post-election break is over, and we have a lot of important issues to write about. A list of suggested topics will be prepared shortly before the event based on what’s the most timely. Postcards, stamps, and pens will be available for your use, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Contributions of ideas are welcome but not required.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/517372881973532/
 

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If it happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

State

Support Automatic Voter Registration

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):
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. James Lyons 617-722-2460
Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

With Automatic Voter Registration (AVR), the State automatically registers eligible voters when they have contact with a State agency like the RMV. This system doesn’t change who is eligible to vote or how we vote, but eliminates inaccuracies and streamlines the voter registration process. Voter rolls stay updated and accuracy is improved.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _________from _______, Massachusetts. Please support the Automatic Voter Registration Bill, S.373/H.2091! This would boost registration rates, clean up the voter rolls, make voting more convenient, and reduce the potential for voter fraud, all while lowering costs. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.brennancenter.org/analysis/automatic-voter-registration

 

The Safe Communities Act Is Under Attack! We Need Everyone to Mobilize

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):
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. James Lyons 617-722-2460
Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

SCA opponents are mobilizing and flooding the State house with often emotionally charged calls using information from the Southern Poverty Law Center identified Hate Group, FAIR. One rep has already received over 200 calls in opposition to SCA. We need to counterbalance that with calls for righteous justice!

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts. Please fight for passage of the Safe Communities Act this session. It would protect the civil rights of all state residents by making sure our tax dollars are not used to help the Trump administration deport immigrant families or create a Muslim registry. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.progressivemass.com/sca-calls

 

Federal

Ask Your Reps to Fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts. Please vote NO on any Continuing Resolution that does not provide adequate and long-term funding for CHIP. It is not acceptable that healthcare for children be sacrificed in order to give tax cuts to the already rich. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.minutemanindivisible.org/uploads/1/0/2/7/10278894/restore_chip_funding_12-11-17.pdf

 

The Fight for Net Neutrality is Not Over!

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

You know how we were protesting to save Net Neutrality and asking Congress to put a law in place to stop the FCC so that we could keep it? Well, someone in Congress listened (Rep Sean Patrick Maloney) and has introduced the Save Net Neutrality Act (HR4585).

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from _______, Massachusetts. I am your Constituent and I am asking you to support HR4585, the Save Net Neutrality Act, to help preserve our Open Internet. Thank you!”

More information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dL6B9Hh4lT6xmFSRPmjzjFnXwkjcYCyDNJgVhO4UohE/edit

 

Put People Ahead of NAFTA’s Renegotiation

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______, Massachusetts. Please demand that NAFTA’s renegotiation put people ahead of corporations. Eliminate NAFTA’s job outsourcing incentives and add labor, environmental, and climate provisions that meet fundamental international standards, include swift and certain enforcement, and raise wages for all workers. A vote should not be held until these essential standards are met. Thank you!”

More information: https://go.ourrevolution.com/page/content/nafta/

 

Local

Solidarity Lowell Holiday Party!

Sunday, December 17, 5-8pm, Lynne Lupien’s house (address to be emailed)

Lynne Lupien has graciously offered to host our first annual Solidarity Lowell Holiday and Anniversary Party! It’s the one-year anniversary of the group and we want to celebrate! This party will feature board games, a pie election to show how Ranked Choice Voting works, and a ring and sing! We’ll send an email with the address shortly before the event so if we don’t have your email, please let us know right away! See you there!

RSVP HERE: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945a8af28a2f49-solidarity

Your Voice Matters Community Action Forum

Monday, December 11, 6-8pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street, Lowell

Throughout the fall of 2017, community members, parents, teachers, school administrators and others met in a series of Community Circles around issues in education in Lowell. We heard their voices and opinions, and now it’s time to get to work! All are welcome to participate, and we will provide an overview of the project to everyone who wasn’t able to make one of the Community Circles. Food, interpreters, and child care will be provided.

More information and to register: https://www.yourvoicematterslowell.org/community-action-forum

Help Get Big Money Out of Politics!

Monday, December 11, 7-8:30pm, Pollard Memorial Library, ground floor meeting room, 401 Merrimack Street, Lowell

We the People Massachusetts supports a U.S. constitutional amendment to reaffirm that the rights protected by the Constitution are the rights of individual human beings ONLY (not corporations!), and that money spent to influence elections is not protected free speech and may be regulated! The We the People Act (no quotation marks) needs the support of Massachusetts state representatives from Lowell and beyond. Come to an educational presentation and make plans to meet with your state representatives.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/306770556491733/

Postcards for Progress – December edition

Saturday, December 16, 1-3pm, Sweet Journey, 30 Central Street, Lowell

NOTE NEW LOCATION! It’s time for postcards again! Our post-election break is over, and we have a lot of important issues to write about. A list of suggested topics will be prepared shortly before the event based on what’s the most timely. Postcards, stamps, and pens will be available for your use, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Contributions of ideas are welcome but not required.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/517372881973532/

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If it happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

State

Boston Tea Party: Dump the GOP Tax Bill

Sunday, December 10th, noon, start at Boston Common and end at Boston Harbor

On Sunday, December 10th to join us to march from the Boston Common and fight for all those who will suffer under the GOP’s tax plan. There is time to beat this. Let’s stand together and send a message that we aren’t ready to back down.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/121924638591220

Support a Shared Leadership Model

Eileen Donoghue: 617-722-1630

Stanley Rosenberg’s leadership style of “shared leadership”—with its emphasis on engaging committee chairs and other Senate members in setting the body’s agenda—has helped the Senate produce stronger legislation than it might have in a top-down environment (according to the Boston Herald). We need Eileen Donoghue to pledge to continue that style of leadership, especially if she pursues the Senate Presidency.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from _____, Massachusetts. Please pledge support for Stanley Rosenberg’s shared leadership style of engaging committee chairs and other Senate members in setting the body’s agenda. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_politics/2017/12/smelling_blood_in_water_lawmakers_jockey_for_senate_president_role

 

Federal

Protect Dreamers!

Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

On Sept. 5, Trump announced that he was terminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This Obama-era program provides relief from deportation for an estimated 800,000 young immigrants. Because Trump terminated DACA, over 10,000 Dreamers are estimated to have already lost their protections, and nearly 1,000 more will lose DACA each week and become vulnerable to Trump’s deportation force. Currently, Senator Elizabeth Warren is our only member of Congress who has pledged to require that the spending bill includes protections for DACA recipients.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____, from ______, Massachusetts. Please make a public commitment to stand with Dreamers. 27 members of the House and 5 Senators have already taken the Dreamer Pledge, and an additional 34 Republican Members of Congress signed a letter saying that “we must pass legislation that protects DACA recipients from deportation” by the end of this year. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.dreamerpledge.org/call-script/

Save Alabama from Roy Moore!

Phone bank to get out the vote in Alabama so that Roy Moore doesn’t get elected! This tool allows you to call registered Democrats to remind them to vote, right from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you want!). Or, sign up to text (don’t worry, it won’t share your phone number)!

Sign up to phone bank: https://facebook.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4ddf4f662275a113eace693f3&id=532c28e16e&e=d7418dc73a

Sign up to text: http://bit.ly/R2B-Alabama and join this chat: https://openpr.gg/a/d8893ebc

For more information, email Lauren Young: lauren.young@gmail.com

 

Local

 

Help Get Out the Word about The Scattered Site Tenants’ Union Meeting

The Scattered Site Tenants’ Union is having an upcoming meeting on Monday December 4th, 5:30pm at the Lowell Senior Center. We would love to have some volunteers help us make some phone calls or visit some homes on Saturday (a high of 51°). There’s a short questionnaire we would like to get out to some homes that will hopefully help us get a few more tenants interested in the Union as the Union expands to other issues beyond the LHA Sale. Please sign up to help make phone calls or do some door-knocking!

To sign up: https://www.volunteersignup.org/TFBTY

 

Lowell Drums!

Monday, December 4, 12-2pm, on the corner of Middlesex and Marston Street, Lowell

Lowell Drums is a bucket drum circle bringing the community together through song. The Lowell Community Health Center will be doing free blood pressure screenings. Warm refreshments will be served. For GPS, use 150 Middlesex St, Lowell, MA 01852.

 

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss: Save Net Neutrality! Protest Verizon!

Thursday, December 7, 4-7pm, Verizon – Freedom Communications, 1201 Bridge Street, #10, Lowell

Protest against the rollback of net neutrality protections! At 4pm, join other Team Internet members at the protest. Internet users outraged by top Verizon lawyer turned FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s plan to gut net neutrality are planning to protest across the country on Thursday, December 7th, one week before an expected vote at the FCC. The time is now to stand for net neutrality, not Verizon’s bottom line. Please remember, this event is about protesting actions of Verizon executives, lobbyists, and their supporters in Washington, not the employees at these stores. Bring signs! At 6pm, we’ll head downtown to Tremonte Pizzeria for some food and/or drinks! All are welcome!

More information and to RSVP: http://act.demandprogress.org/event/team-internet_attend/2015

Even if you can’t attend: On your computer, not your phone, go to: www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express, then enter Proceeding 17-108 and in comments, say you support Title 2 oversight of ISPs.

 

Raise Awareness for Changing Lowell’s Voting System

There are a number of ways you can get involved to raise public awareness and build support for changing Lowell’s voting system, including hosting house parties to provide information about the lawsuit to your friends and neighbors, writing letters to your city councilors and local media/or organizing letter-writing campaigns, and coordinating visits to city councilors by small groups of residents to express your opinion on the lawsuit and current voting system. Please help spread the word about the benefits of moving to a ward or hybrid voting system!

More information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B716TaA9X__OMUpLTjRqdnpybDR3V1NBWGxpWmQ5UGo4S2w4/view?usp=sharing

 

SAVE THE DATE: Solidarity Lowell Holiday Party!

Sunday, December 17, 5-8pm, Lynne Lupien’s house (address to be emailed)

Lynne Lupien has graciously offered to host our first annual Solidarity Lowell Holiday and Anniversary Party! It’s the one-year anniversary of the group and we want to celebrate! This party will feature board games, a pie election to show how Ranked Choice Voting works, and a ring and sing! We’ll send an email with the address shortly before the event so if we don’t have your email, please let us know right away! See you there!

RSVP HERE: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945a8af28a2f49-solidarity

 

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If it happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

State

Volunteer to Pick Up or Sort Raise Up Petitions

We’re in the final phase of the Raise Up signature drive and it’s time to pick up certified signatures! We need folks to sign up for driving shifts going through Friday and again on Sunday and Monday. We also need sign ups for sorting shifts leading up to the December 5th turn-in rally in Boston!

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yNDBNTJOKEtMOtxMqN23G9nSp93b5QpAn6Nylx7hZP8/viewform?ts=5a158c99&edit_requested=true

Resist Deportations! Save TPS!

Saturday, December 2, 12-3pm, Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA

Save TPS! Defend DACA! Resist Deportations! No Wall! No border militarization! No Muslim ban! Permanent Legal Residence! Jail Joe Arpaio — Not Migrants! Resist Fascism! Rally at noon on the steps across from the Massachusetts Statehouse, then march to the JFK Federal Building.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2062238520729058/

Stopping the Rising Tide of Hate

Saturday, December 2, 4-6pm, Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

Featuring keynote speaker Lecia Brooks from Southern Poverty Law Center and a panel discussion on active hate groups in the US and Massachusetts, methods of spreading hate, reforms and economic policies to promote social justice, personal stories from the Boston area, and ways to promote tolerance and diversity.

RSVP here: http://www.progressivemass.com/progressive_needham_and_leticia_brooks_of_splc

Ask Governor Baker to Stand Against the Tax Bill

Governor Charlie Baker: 617.725.4005

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ________ from ________, Massachusetts. Please speak out more forcefully against the tax bill. Both the Senate bill, and the one passed earlier by the House, will disproportionately hurt Massachusetts and its citizens. It includes a repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, which Gov. Baker had previously opposed, and analyses show the bill will raise taxes on working people in Massachusetts just to put more money in the pockets of billionaires and corporations. Please do everything in your power to stop this bill. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.minutemanindivisible.org/uploads/1/0/2/7/10278894/tax_action_for_mi_members_gov_baker-11-27-2017.pdf

 

Federal

Block Pharma Exec Alex Azar as HHS Secretary

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for the Affordable Care Act, food and drug safety, medical research and public health, and is critical to the future of health insurance. The Trump administration’s pick for HHS Secretary, Alex Azar, is deep in the pockets of the pharmaceutical industry.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______ Massachusetts. Please oppose the nomination of Alex Azar for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Azar still profits from pharmaceuticals and his continued advocacy for the drug industry makes him a highly corrupt and appalling choice to lead the agency tasked with regulating it. Thank you!”

More information: https://5calls.org/issue/alex-azar-hhs-secretary

 

 

Read the notes from Sunday’s meeting here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XUKrNa2K5UIfBahoyi6o_-Qp_ZjyhCas/view?usp=sharing

 

To weigh in on topics discussed at the meeting, please fill out the poll here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW9Q2oR-8T633BnqFb1Q55orSUd35lVTbbF06U_Y1OlMV8QA/viewform

 

Hey, the Rapid Response Team Action List is ONE YEAR OLD! Crazy! A year ago in our first update we had nothing in the Local section (which is now almost consistently the longest) and were posting about saving the Dakota Access Pipeline… which unfortunately is moving forward. Should I mention we were already writing about saving Obamacare back then too? No? Okay. But you know what? This does help, it does make a difference, and we’re going to keep doing it! Onward!

Local

Lowell Transitional Living Center Needs Donations

Daily through November 29th, Lowell Transitional Living Center, 205-209 Middlesex St, Lowell

Look out for deals on bulk items this weekend and buy a gift for LTLCs Winter Emergency Bed Program: foot powder, chapstick, towels, disinfectant wipes, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, mop heads, laundry detergent, sheets, pillowcases, hand sanitizer, flip flops, scrubs, sweatpants, socks, waterproof gloves, etc.

Find donation hours here: https://www.facebook.com/events/130249270986218/?active_tab=discussion

 

Lowell Drums!

Monday, December 4, 12-2pm, on the corner of Middlesex and Marston Street, Lowell

Lowell Drums is a bucket drum circle bringing the community together through song. The Lowell Community Health Center will be doing free blood pressure screenings. Warm refreshments will be served.

 

Raise Awareness for Changing Lowell’s Voting System

There are a number of ways you can get involved to raise public awareness and build support for changing Lowell’s voting system, including hosting house parties to provide information about the lawsuit to your friends and neighbors, writing letters to your city councilors and local media/or organizing letter-writing campaigns, and coordinating visits to city councilors by small groups of residents to express your opinion on the lawsuit and current voting system. Please help spread the word about the benefits of moving to a ward or hybrid voting system!

More information:https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B716TaA9X__OMUpLTjRqdnpybDR3V1NBWGxpWmQ5UGo4S2w4/view?usp=sharing

 

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If it happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Location is the island outside City Hall, across from Cobblestones, 309 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

State

Resist Deportations! Save TPS!

Saturday, December 2, 12-3pm, Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA

Save TPS! Defend DACA! Resist Deportations! No Wall! No border militarization! No Muslim ban! Permanent Legal Residence! Jail Joe Arpaio — Not Migrants! Resist Fascism! Rally at noon on the steps across from the Massachusetts Statehouse, then march to the JFK Federal Building.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2062238520729058/

Stopping the Rising Tide of Hate

Saturday, December 2, 4-6pm, Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

Featuring keynote speaker Lecia Brooks from Southern Poverty Law Center and a panel discussion on active hate groups in the US and Massachusetts, methods of spreading hate, reforms and economic policies to promote social justice, personal stories from the Boston area, and ways to promote tolerance and diversity.

RSVP here: http://www.progressivemass.com/progressive_needham_and_leticia_brooks_of_splc

 

Federal

Defend Bears Ears National Monument

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

From the Bears Ears Coalition website, “The proposed reduction in size would leave thousands of sites more vulnerable to vandalism, compromise the integrity of the landscape as a whole, and disrespect the unified voices of tribal nations that have consistently called for Bears Ears to be protected.”

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ________ from _______, Massachusetts. Please protect Bears Ears National Monument and vote against any bill dividing up this protected land. It sets an extremely irresponsible precedent for other parks and monuments going forward. Thank you!”

More information: https://bearsearscoalition.org/

Local

Help at the Polls on Tuesday!

Local progressive groups are working together to coordinate a polling place signup for people who want to promote LHS Downtown candidates and those who support progressive values. You don’t have to live and vote in Lowell to help out on election day, just be willing to take a shift (or more) outside of a polling place (beyond 150 feet!). All you need to do is hold a sign and talk about progressive candidates! Sites, addresses, and available times are listed in the spreadsheet. There’s a space at the bottom to note if you need signs to hold or literature to hand out, so one or more of the organizations can hook you up.

To sign up: https://goo.gl/WSjfQJ

 

Make a Plan to Vote on November 7th!

Check out the Lowell Votes Voting Guide here: http://www.lowellvotes.org/2017guide/

Find information about polling places here: http://wheredoivoteMA.com

 

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss

Friday, November 10th, 6:30-8:30pm, Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Join us for Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility event! At 6:30pm, join us at the island in front of City Hall to protest against the recent atrocities of the Trump administration. Please bring signs! Then at 7:30pm, come to Lowell Burger Company (143 Merrimack Street) to have some drinks/food and discuss the events of the week! All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/242924869569788/

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If it happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Location is the island outside City Hall, across from Cobblestones, 309 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

State

Healthcare Enrollment Has Begun!

Open enrollment for next year began November 1st in Massachusetts, and ends on January 23rd, but in many states it runs only until Dec. 15th.

Find fact sheets, scripts, and flyers here: https://www.indivisible.org/resource/open-enrollment-organizing-toolkit/

 

Rally in Solidarity with People Protected by TPS

Wednesday, November 8th, 11am, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a form of immigration status that provides employment authorization and protection from deportation for foreign nationals who cannot be safely returned to their home countries. Join us for a rally to support the TPS program!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1869727596676897

 

Hearing on the We The People Act

Wednesday, November 8th, 2-5pm, Massachusetts State House, Hearing Rooms B1 & B2, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA

The Joint Committee on Veteran and Federal Affairs will hold a hearing on H.1926, the We the People Act, filed in the House by Rep. Carmine Gentile, of Sudbury. This bill aims to convene a Constitutional Convention to consider amendments to the Constitution to limit the influence of money in our political system. Our bill is the only bill being heard that day that is expected to have citizens coming to it, so we need to PACK THIS DOUBLE SIZED ROOM!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1996941123894057/

 

Join Us for the 2nd MA Indivisible Conference

Sunday Nov. 12, 9am-5pm, Worcester State University, Worcester, MA

Coming one year after the disastrous election of 2016 and one year before the critical midterm election of 2018, this 2nd statewide conference is focused on skills training, getting ready for the 2018 elections now, and how Massachusetts can counteract the negative effects of the Trump agenda. There will be training and critical workshops to give groups the tools they need to up their activism game and opportunities to connect with other groups for more coordinated action post-conference. Elizabeth Warren is the keynote speaker so register now before it sells out!

More information and to register: https://www.indivisible-ma.org/

 

Take Action for Criminal Justice Reform

Please contact your state representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):
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. James Lyons 617-722-2460

In these times, it’s so important that Massachusetts lead the way forward on long overdue justice reforms in the criminal legal system. For too long, and through a series of systemic practices, our justice system has exacerbated the worst injustices of racism and imprinted too many Massachusetts communities and families with long-term harm with ineffective and inhumane practices (like nearly unlimited solitary confinement without oversight).

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from _____, Massachusetts. Please work to ensure the strongest reforms that address mass incarceration, the disproportionate and racist impact of the current system, and thoughtful investments in smart justice. Specifically, please ensure that this bill repeals mandatory minimums, and does NOT add new ones, increases the threshold for a felony for larceny from $250 to $1,500, eliminates excessive probation and parole fees, raises the age of criminal majority, reduces the length of time before a criminal record can be sealed, enables DAs and police departments to embrace restorative justice as an alternative to incarceration, and ends the punitive use of solitary confinement. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.progressivemass.com/cjr-takeaction

 

Federal

Demand Congress Oppose a Mueller Firing

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts. Please support S.1735/H.R.3654, the Special Counsel Independence Protection Act, and make a public statement that the firing of Special Counsel Mueller by Trump would be completely unacceptable. It’s the duty of Congress to serve as a check on Trump and prevent him from sending our democracy into a tailspin. Thank you!”

More information: https://5calls.org/issue/oppose-mueller-firing

 

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.

Local

 

Lowell Scattered Site Meeting and Volunteer Opportunities

Monday, October 30th, 5:30-7pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St, Lowell

The tenants’ union currently has 4 steering committee members working with the legal team, but we are still seeking an additional 4-6 members. Community allies like yourselves are invited to attend, listen and provide support as agreed upon by the steering committee. Please RSVP. If you can’t attend, we can always benefit from more interpreters (Spanish and Khmer), drivers and outreach volunteers.

To RSVP or to volunteer, contact MTauras@ywcaoflowell.org or 978-454-5405 ext 132

 

International Institute of New England Volunteer Information Session

Monday, October 30th, 6pm, IINE Lowell, 17 Warren St, Lowell

Learn about the volunteer opportunities available: ESL classroom aides, front desk/reception positions, citizenship assistance, and more!

More information and to register: https://iine.org/event/iine-boston-volunteer-information-session/

 

United Teachers of Lowell City Council Candidate Forum

Monday, October 30th, 6:30pm, Lowell High Little Theater, 50 Father Morrissette Blvd, Lowell

Take this opportunity to mingle with our City Council candidates and discuss issues that are important to you!

(I could not find a website or Facebook event for this so unfortunately do not have additional information. Sorry!)

 

Make a Plan to Vote on November 7th!

Find information about polling places, absentee ballots, and more here: http://www.vote411.org/

 

SAVE THE DATE: Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss!

Friday, November 10th, 6:30-8:30pm, Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Join us for Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility event! At 6:30pm, join us at the island in front of City Hall to protest against the recent atrocities of the Trump administration. Please bring signs! Then at 7:30pm, come to Lowell Burger Company (143 Merrimack Street) to have some drinks and discuss the events of the week! All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/242924869569788/

 

State

Boston Takes a Knee for Justice

Sunday, October 29th, 1pm, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston

The silent protest started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to kneel during the national anthem in protest to the scourge of police violence and brutality disproportionately meted out to Black people has continued to spread. On the one year anniversary of the deadly police shooting of Terrence Coleman in Boston, MA we call on all supporters of this righteous protest to join with us as we stand up to the backlash and bring the focus back to the victims of police brutality and their families.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/683570111837094/

The Trump/Pence Regime Must Go!

November 4th, 4pm, Shoppers Plaza, 1 Franklin Street, Boston, MA

Take to the streets and public squares in cities and towns across the country continuing day after day and night after night–not stopping–until our demand is met. This nightmare must end. In the name of humanity, we REFUSE to accept a fascist America! Millions feel this and ache with the question of how to stop this unrelenting horror. Our protest must grow day after day and night after night, determined to act to put a stop to the grave danger that the Trump/Pence Regime poses to the world by demanding that this whole regime be removed from power.

More information: https://refusefascism.org/2017/08/06/this-nightmare-must-end-the-trumppence-regime-must-go/
Reject the Pipeline Tax

Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/) AND your senator:
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. James Lyons 617-722-2460
Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from ______, Massachusetts. Eversource, National Grid, and Enbridge have said that they need the legislature to pass a pipeline tax on ratepayers to fund the Access Northeast Pipeline project. Access Northeast is estimated to cost $6 billion- double the initial estimates. Eversource may have artificially constrained gas capacity to justify the project. This is not right and possibly criminal. To fight climate change we need renewable energy and efficiency, not new pipelines. Please sign onto Rep. Kulik and Rep. Gordon’s joint testimony against the pipeline tax. Thank you!”

More information: http://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/call_rep?utm_campaign=pipelinetaxon2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=betterfutureproject

 

Ban Elephants in Entertainment Acts

Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/) AND your senator:
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. James Lyons 617-722-2460
Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

Gov. Cuomo signed a NY circus elephant ban, so let’s all work together to make Massachusetts next. “The use of elephants in these types of settings is dangerous to their health and potentially abusive,” Cuomo said in a statement. “The Elephant Protection Act furthers this administration’s efforts to fight animal cruelty, and create a stronger, more humane New York.”

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______, Massachusetts. Please support S.1898/H.418, The Elephant Protection Act, to ban elephants in entertainment acts. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/circus-animal-welfare/

 

Keep Bay Staters Safe from Gun Violence

Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):
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. James Lyons 617-722-2460

In Massachusetts, Representative David Linsky (Natick) has introduced a bill in the Massachusetts House of Representatives that will help keep Bay Staters safe from gun violence and massacres like the recent Las Vegas Strip shooting: H3081.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from ______, Massachusetts. Please support H3081, which establishes Extreme Risk Protective Orders that allow police and family members to petition the courts for temporary removal of firearms from people who have demonstrated that they are a risk to themselves or others. Thank you!”

More information: http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5610/c/1599/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=25423

 

Federal

Oppose the Medicare and Medicaid Cuts

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Among the many things wrong with the budget resolution that just passed in the Senate are significant cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. This Republican budget would cut Medicaid by $1 trillion and Medicare by almost $500 billion over the next decade. The Senate passed the measure 51-49 with all the Senate Republicans except Rand Paul (R-KY) voting in favor. Action on the measure now moves back to the House, which may vote to adopt the Senate resolution later this week.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______, Massachusetts. I’m calling to express my opposition to the healthcare spending cuts included in the 2018 Budget Resolution. Please do everything in your power to stop these cuts. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/19/51-gop-senators-just-voted-cut-15-trillion-medicare-and-medicaid-give-super-rich-and

Protect Access to Birth Control

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

On October 6th, Donald Trump penned another anti-woman Executive Order, allowing employers and insurers to take away coverage for birth control. Thankfully, The Democratic Women’s Working Group (DWWG), introduced the Protect Access to Birth Control Act.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______, Massachusetts. Please support the Protect Access to Birth Control Act, which would override Trump’s Executive Order and require employers to continue to provide access to birth control. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.wallofus.org/posts/207/take-trumps-hands-off-of-birth-control

 

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.

LOCAL:

–SOLIDARITY LOWELL MEETING
Sunday, October 22nd, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 5th Floor, 250 Jackson St, Lowell
The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. On the agenda: a presentation by Russ Davis of Raise Up, the results of our City Council candidate survey, volunteer opportunities with Lowell Votes, the importance of neighborhood group meetings, new policies for the Facebook group and page, possible creation of a Slack channel, tabling locations, possible new meeting locations, group updates, and more! See you there!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/335777956887450/

–Postcards for Progress – Help Lowell Vote!
Saturday, October 21st, 1-3pm, Gallery Z, 167 Market St, Lowell
It’s time for postcards again! In addition to all of the things happening in the country that we need to write postcards about, we’re getting out the vote for OUR OWN city’s upcoming election! Let’s do this!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1895191457467153/

–Help Tenants Forced Out of Their Homes to Learn about their Rights
Lowell Alliance wants to continue to reach residents of the Lowell scattered sites by phone or through home visits to keep an updated contact list on how to best keep in touch. There are a few tenants who are not engaged and we want to make sure they are still receiving updates on what is currently happening. To volunteer or support us in
other ways, contact MTauras@ywcaoflowell.org or 978-454- 5405 ext 132

–City Council Candidating Forum
Monday, October 23, 5:30-8pm, 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 on November 7th. Spanish and Khmer interpreters, food, drinks, and child care will be available.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1971837663032534/

–Stand for Indigenous People by Standing Up To Big Banks
Monday, October 23rd, 2pm, TD Bank, 45 Central Street, Lowell
On October 23rd, 92 of the world’s largest banks will meet in São Paolo, Brazil to discuss policies on the climate and Indigenous Peoples’ rights to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent  (FPIC). Mazaska Talks is calling on indigenous people and allies everywhere to join us for mass global action that make it clear to the banks: financing climate disaster and the abuse of Indigenous Peoples will result in a massive global divestment movement.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtvMHGmDauTnLdwxXW9zNKKIfnyTPBFhY184pPo0FiPuk-LA/viewform?usp=sf_link

–School Committee Candidating October CHOP Dinner
Wednesday, October 25, 5:30-8pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St, Lowell
Join Coalition for a Better Acre and Lowell Votes for a chance to meet School Committee candidates in a fun, friendly environment. Candidates will move from table to table, just like with “speed dating”. You’ll be able to ask questions so you can decide who to vote for on November 7th. This event is combined with our CHOP Dinner for October, which will be provided by CBA All-Star/celebrity chef Jennifer Myers, who will be making personal pot pies!
More information: https://www.evensi.us/school-committee-candidating-october-chop-dinner-lowell/228426279

–City Council Candidate Meet & Greet Social
Thursday, October 26, 6:30pm, 101 West Forest Street, Lowell
Hosted by the Highlands Neighborhood Association. Take this opportunity to mingle with our City Council candidates and discuss issues that are important to you!
(I could not find a website or Facebook event for this so unfortunately do not have additional information. Sorry!)

STATE:

–Cancel the Debt: Solidarity Rally and Fundraiser for Puerto Rico
Saturday, October 21, 1-3pm, Baupost Private Investments Bviii, 10 St James Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
On October 3rd, the Intercept broke a story about one of the largest holders of Puerto Rican debt, a Boston based company linked to billionaire Seth Klarman: “The Baupost Group, a Boston-based hedge fund managed by billionaire Seth Klarman, owns nearly $1 billion of Puerto Rican debt, purchased under a shell company subsidiary and hidden from public scrutiny. Baupost acquired the debt through an on-paper Delaware-based corporation named Decagon Holdings LLC, whose beneficial owner had been unknown until now.” (https://theintercept.com/2017/10/03/we-can-finally-identify-one-of-the-largest-holders-of-puerto-rican-debt/)
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1730355163675437/

FEDERAL:

–Fix the Criminal Justice Reform Bill
Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Express your support for the positive reforms included in the bill, but also let them know they need to make sure Massachusetts keeps people out of jail who don’t belong there.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______, Massachusetts. S.2170 includes many positive provisions, but there are elements that still need improvement. Please work to fully repeal mandatory minimum sentences for all drug offenses, prevent changes to the bail statute that could result in more people locked up before trial, and ensure meaningful reforms to fix lengthy solitary confinement. Thank you!”
More information: https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/issues/alert/?alertid=78885626&type=ST

–Ask Niki Tsongas to Support the Do No Harm Act
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101
The Do No Harm Act will ensure that this country continues to protect true religious freedom for all, without allowing religion to be used to hurt others. Specifically, the Do No Harm Act would clarify that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act can’t be used to exempt anyone from laws that prohibit discrimination, require equal pay, protect child welfare, or guarantee access to health care.
Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ________ from _________, Massachusetts. Please co-sponsor the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 3222) today. Religious freedom is a critical founding principle of this country, but it doesn’t allow anyone to discriminate against or harm others. Thank you!”
More information: https://action.aclu.org/secure/DoNoHarmAct2017

————-
The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.

Local

At Large Lawsuit Hearing

Tuesday, October 17, 2pm, Moakley Federal Court House, Courtroom 18, One Courthouse Way, Boston, MA

The At-Large case will have its first hearing at the Federal District Court. The parties will discuss the city’s motion to dismiss the claim and next steps with the case. It’s a chance to hear arguments between the parties and meet the presiding judge, Judge Young, assigned to the case.

More information: http://www.nonprofitvote.org/documents/2017/10/lowell_motion-dismiss-plaintiff-response-9-29-17.pdf

 

An Evening to Save Lowell High

Thursday, October 19, 6-8pm, 22 Shattuck St, Lowell

We made the ballot, and November 7th is right around the corner! Save Lowell High is hosting an evening reception for our supporters to get an update on the campaign and help us get the resources to win. Please join us!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/172675619964184/?active_tab=about

 

NEXT SOLIDARITY LOWELL MEETING

Sunday, October 22nd, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 5th Floor, 250 Jackson St, Lowell

The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. On the agenda: a presentation by Russ Davis of Raise Up, the results of our City Council candidate survey, volunteer opportunities with Lowell Votes, the importance of neighborhood group meetings, new policies for the Facebook group and page, possible creation of a Slack channel, tabling locations, possible new meeting locations, group updates, and more! See you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/335777956887450/

 

State

Cancel the Debt: Solidarity Rally and Fundraiser for Puerto Rico

Saturday, October 21, 1-3pm, Baupost Private Investments Bviii, 10 St James Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02116

On October 3rd, the Intercept broke a story about one of the largest holders of Puerto Rican debt, a Boston based company linked to billionaire Seth Klarman: “The Baupost Group, a Boston-based hedge fund managed by billionaire Seth Klarman, owns nearly $1 billion of Puerto Rican debt, purchased under a shell company subsidiary and hidden from public scrutiny. Baupost acquired the debt through an on-paper Delaware-based corporation named Decagon Holdings LLC, whose beneficial owner had been unknown until now.” (https://theintercept.com/2017/10/03/we-can-finally-identify-one-of-the-largest-holders-of-puerto-rican-debt/)

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1730355163675437/

 

Support Automatic Voter Registration

Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______, Massachusetts. Automatic Voter Registration is a simple and important reform designed to increase political participation and strengthen voting rights by shifting our voter registration system from an opt-in to an opt-out one, making elections more free, fair, and accessible for all. It simply requires that every eligible citizen who goes to an RMV or other agency covered under the “motor voter” law be automatically registered to vote, unless they say no. Please cosponsor H.2091. Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2091

 

Federal

 

Donate to Support Hurricane Victims in Puerto Rico

Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ew_puertorico?refcode=20171002em1

 

Advocate for ICE oversight and humane treatment of detainees

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts. Please support accountability and transparency in the ICE detention system. In taxpayer-funded immigration detention centers around the US, in-depth reports show that ICE imprisons asylum-seekers and treats people inhumanely. Reps. Adam Smith and Pramila Jayapal’s Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, addresses these wrongs. I would like you to co-sponsor this legislation. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.splcenter.org/news/2017/10/03/dignity-detained-immigrants-act-urgently-needed-humane-treatment-detainees
Oppose DHS’ proposed social media monitoring of immigrants and citizens

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _______, Massachusetts. I want to express deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed policy of monitoring social media of immigrants, their legal guardians, green-card holders, and naturalized citizens. This intrusive, anti-immigrant policy gives carte-blanche access to data and violates citizens’ 4th and 1st amendment rights. Evidence shows that it will not make our country safer. Please oppose DHS overreach. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/28/us/politics/immigrants-social-media-trump.html?_r=0

 

Oppose the SHARE Act

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

If made law, the SHARE Act would make it easier to buy a gun silencer without a background check.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _______, Massachusetts. Please vote against HR 3668, the SHARE Act. The deregulation of gun silencers is dangerous to public safety. We must not roll back sensible gun laws that provide a safer community for all, especially in the wake of the events in Las Vegas. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.wallofus.org/posts/198/speak-up-against-silencing-gunfire

 

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.

Local

 

Postcards for Progress: Fall is in the Air, Postcards are in the Mail!

Saturday, October 7th, 1-3pm, Gallery Z, 167 Market Street, Lowell

We make a difference, one postcard at a time! Let’s write to our elected officials about important legislation, as Congress goes back in session, and get out the vote for upcoming elections. Join us!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/355308374881736/

 

Election Lawsuit Public Meeting

Wednesday, October 11, 5:30-8pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street, Lowell

Lowell is facing a lawsuit about whether our elections are fair, and this has led to a lot of discussion about how things work and how we could change them. Join us to learn more about these big questions, share your thoughts, and ask questions in a fun, friendly environment. All are welcome! We hope that by talking about the lawsuit and the issues it raises together we can avoid misinformation, increase our understanding of a complicated issue, and encourage an open dialogue between diverse Lowellians. We’ll have Spanish and Khmer interpretation, and free dinner provided.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/134873113914543
Canvass for the Fight for $15!

Thursday, October 12th, 4-6pm, North Common Housing Community, Lowell

Fair Shot For all has partnered with Raise Up Massachusetts in the Fight for $15! The group is planning on canvassing to get signatures on. As of right now it will just be the North Common Housing community, but they would love to get enough volunteers to do both the North Common and the South Common housing communities simultaneously! If you or anyone you know could assist in this effort, it would be greatly appreciated.

To sign up: Please email Yvette Benton at ybenton@mail.middlesex.edu or call her at 978-967-9587

 

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss!

Friday, October 13, 6:30pm, Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island), 309 Merrimack St, Lowell

Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility!. At 6:30, come demonstrate with us! Bring signs! We’ll plan to demonstrate for about an hour. After the demonstration (around 7:30pm), we’ll head to Warp and Weft (197 Market Street) to have some drinks and discuss the events of the week. All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1925352844380860/

 

Rally Against White Supremacists on School Committee

Friday, October 13, 8-10pm, Olympia’s Zorba Music Hall, 437 Market St, Lowell

At a recent LTC forum, Bob Hoey, who is running for School Committee, stated that we “need to look at white males” in hiring, he said. “Why not hire white people too?” The video can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/LTCLowell/videos/1615734495113787/. Please join us in standing out against white supremacy on our school committee!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2040843376144969/

 

Join a Community Circle!

Thursday, October 5, 5-7pm, Acre High School Apartments, 760 Merrimack St

Thursday, October 12, 10am-12pm, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, 465 School St

Wednesday, October 18, 5:30-7:30pm, Community Teamwork Inc, 2nd floor boardroom, 155 Merrimack St

Join us to make change happen in Lowell! We need you to help shape the future of education in Lowell. We are hosting a series of Community Circles around the city. Each Circle is led by a trained community dialogue facilitator and meets for two sessions (the events listed above are for the FIRST session only, the second session will be scheduled at the first session). We bring the food, childcare and interpreters. You come ready to brainstorm! We will focus on getting to know your fellow participants, discussing our overall impressions of education in Lowell, starting to identify some areas of concern and specific issues and action items to be taken to a community forum. Please note: Participants are expected to attend BOTH sessions.

More information: https://www.yourvoicematterslowell.org/community-circles/

 

NEXT SOLIDARITY LOWELL MEETING

Sunday, October 22nd, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 5th Floor, 250 Jackson St, Lowell

The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. On the agenda: City Council election discussion, neighborhood group meetings, discussion of membership in Progressive Massachusetts, new policies for the Facebook group and page, possible creation of a Slack channel, committee updates, possible new meeting locations, and more! See you there!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/335777956887450/

 

State

 

Sinking Columbus – Boston Marches for Indigenous Peoples Day

Saturday, October 7th, 1-4pm, meet at Park St Station

Columbus Day is now officially recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day in many cities, like Cambridge and Northampton, thanks to powerful Native-led efforts. Join IndigenousPeoplesDayMA.org to pressure the City of Boston to make the change, recognize the true history of this day, and honor Indigenous peoples.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/689891157866367/

 

Canvass for Transgender Equality

Sunday, October 8, 10am-3pm, meet at SEIU 1199 Offices, 109 Myrtle St, Quincy, MA

At 10 AM, volunteers will fan out into communities across the Boston area to spread the word about why it’s so important to protect our transgender friends and neighbors from discrimination. All of our canvasses start off with an in-depth training, after which you’ll be assigned to a group that includes at least one experienced volunteer.

More information: https://secure.freedomma.org/page/m/64d94fb1/11bddbe3/1c991f8e/29754931/3984900602/VEsC/

 

Federal

 

Donate to Support Hurricane Victims in Puerto Rico

Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ew_puertorico?refcode=20171002em1

 

Donate to the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund

Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-fund

 

Stand with Puerto Rico

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 617-565-8519

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _______ from _________, Massachusetts. Please help the people of Puerto Rico immediately by moving FEMA into meaningful action, cancelling Puerto Rico’s massive debt, and permanently ending the Jones Act. Thank you!”

More information: https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/puerto-rico-is-my-home

 

Demand Action Against Gun Violence

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 617-565-8519

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _________ from ________, Massachusetts. Please take action to reduce the epidemic of gun violence in the United States. I implore you to work toward closing the loophole that lets people buy guns at shows and through private sellers without background checks. Please do everything in your power to institute universal background checks for ammo and gun buyers, a measure 80% of gun owners support. Remove the Dickey Rider from the federal budget to finally allow the CDC to research gun violence prevention. And encourage funding evidence-based community anti-violence programs, like Ceasefire, which have been shown to reduce shootings. Thank you!”

More information: https://5calls.org/issue/recgvn5j8YZFeEytQ

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.

Local

Raise Up! Massachusetts Signature Gathering Training For Merrimack Valley Region

Tuesday, September 19th, 6-8pm, United Teachers of Lowell, 169 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Please join members of the Lowell Education Justice Alliance and United Teachers of Lowell to attend a training on signature gathering. Petitions will be available for Paid Family Leave and Fight for $15 per hour. Refreshments will be served.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/113401192671168/

 

Solidarity Lowell City Council Candidate Chat

Sunday, September 24, 5-7pm, Mill No. 5, 5th floor, 250 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of this year’s City Council election. We will be holding a discussion with the candidates regarding five issues we have identified as of utmost importance to Lowell. An informal mingle with the candidates will follow after the chat, where you can ask any questions you might have. This event will be held in the 5th floor meeting room.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/105304816825867/
Volunteers Needed for Support of 300 Lowell Residents Forced to Relocate

Approximately 300 low-income residents will have to relocate due to the planned sale of LHA’s scattered site units. Lowell Alliance is working with Northeast Legal Aid and the Northeast Justice Center to support and represent these tenants to have their questions, concerns and positions heard. We will be going door-to-door and phone banking to tenants in the coming week. We will then have a public meeting for the Tenants’ Association to elect steering committee members and discuss their positions. Interpreters are also needed.

If interested, contact Mary Tauras at mtauras@ywcaoflowell.org or 978-454-5405 ext. 132

 

SAVE THE DATE: Postcards for Progress: Fall is in the Air, Postcards are in the Mail!

Saturday, October 7th, 1-3pm, location TBD

We make a difference, one postcard at a time! Let’s write to our elected officials about important legislation, as Congress goes back in session, and get out the vote for upcoming elections. Location TBD (our usual location may be unavailable due to Kerouac Festival events). The time may also change slightly due to location availability. Join us!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/355308374881736/

 

State

Rally to Support DACA!

Friday, September 16th, 1-3pm, Steps across from the MA State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston

Rally on the steps across from the Massachusetts State house followed by a March to the JFK Federal Building. Defend DACA! Extend TPS! Jail Joe Arpaio! No Ban! No Wall! Defend Transgender Rights! Resist Fascism! Hosted by Boston May Day Coalition.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/284164215401645/

 

Hearing on Bill to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 (H.2365 or S.1004.)

Tuesday, September 19th, 11:30am rally, hearing at 1pm, Gardner Auditorium, MA State House

The Raise Up Massachusetts coalition is encouraging people to attend this hearing to raise the minimum wage to $15, as well as the rally and lobbying before the hearing. Meet in Room 437 at the Statehouse at 11:30am if you would like to participate in the rally.

More information: http://action.raiseupma.org/page/s/2017-15-minimum-wage-hearing

 

Stop House Bill H.916 which would Penalize Protesters

Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):

Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263

Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520 <—author of this bill

Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460

Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380

Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460

Sen. Eileen Donoghue 617-722-1630

With this bill, some members of the Massachusetts Legislature are seeking to impose harsh criminal penalties on people engaging in political protests. The bill would impose fines, substantial restitution costs, and significant jail sentences on demonstrators who block, obstruct, or otherwise interfere with the movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. This means that protestors who engage in sit-ins, marches on public streets, demonstrations that block sidewalks, large rallies that spill outside of parks, etc. all could face fines and restitution costs in the thousands of dollars, as well as jail terms.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from ______, Massachusetts. H.916 is a direct assault on the right to free protest. Rep. Nangle’s bill is abhorrent, especially after the events in Charlottesville. I encourage you to do everything in your power to stop this bill now! Thank you!”

More information: https://www.billtrack50.com/BillDetail/840126

 

Federal

Donate to the Hurricane Irma Relief Fund

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-irma-relief-fund/

 

Oppose Efforts to Weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ from _____, Massachusetts. I would like to express my concern about possible changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act. H.R. 620 would restrict litigation rights, allow businesses to delay accessibility compliance, and make disabled people responsible for reporting non-compliance. Please advocate for civil rights and vote no when this bill comes up for a vote in the House. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.aclu.org/blog/disability-rights/congress-wants-change-americans-disabilities-act-and-undermine-civil-rights

 

Oppose the New Plan to Repeal the ACA

Elizabeth Warren: 202-224-4543

Edward Markey: 202-224-2742

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ______ from _____, Massachusetts. I oppose the Cassidy-Graham ACA repeal plan. Congress needs to improve the Affordable Care Act, not repeal it and leave millions of people without options. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/9/6/16263316/cassidy-graham-mccain-obamacare-repeal

 

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.