Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Emergency Housing Coalition Meeting

Sunday, June 2, 2pm
WISH Hub, UMass Lowell, 150 Wilder St

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

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

Mill City Messaging

Thursday, June 13, 6-8pm
Location: Lala Books, 189 Market St

Join us at our next postcarding event, hosted by our friends at Lala Books. Come join fellow activists, as we write postcards in support of progressive causes. Bring your own refreshments, favorite pen, and good conversation!

Note: If you are able, a suggested donation of $15 to go towards supplies is appreciated, but not mandatory.

For questions or to RSVP, please email amy@solidaritylowell.com so we can be sure to have enough materials on hand.

Next Solidarity Lowell Meeting

Sunday June 23 5:30-7pm
Format: Hybrid
Topic/speaker: TBD

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online.
Meetings are held biweekly during the summer Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. Occasionally meetings are canceled due to holiday weekends. Attend in person or by using remote participation as follows: Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC.Org (Online; Live Streaming; Or Municipal Cable Channel 6).

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

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282024-3115?html=true

5. CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS
Nothing of interest to us.

6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER

6.1.Motion Responses
A) Motion Response – Syringe Exchange
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/28045?fileID=56833

I) Motion Response – Commercial To Residential Conversion
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/28045?fileID=56841

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

Lowell Alliance’s Deep Canvassing Training

Thursday, May 30, evening

Lowell Alliance will be organizing canvassing around the topic of affordable housing. If you are committed to organizing/canvassing with them on affordable housing, please contact Nancy Coan (ncoan @ ywcaoflowell.org) or Liz Anusauskas (eanusauskas @ ywcaoflowell.org) to find out more and see if you might be a candidate for training. Space is limited; serious, committed candidates only please.

Hunger And Homeless Commission Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, June 5, 12-1:30pm
Virtual
Mark your calendar and watch for link

Meetings are open to the public.

Support for our unhoused neighbors

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

Any new opportunities will be posted there as well.

Ongoing Opportunities From Activist Groups in Our Area

Swing Blue Alliance
https://swingbluealliance.org/calendar/

Turn Purple 2 Blue
https://turnpurple2blue.org/

Touchbase Tuesdays (weekly)
Tuesday, May 28, 1-2pm
Sponsor: Indivisible Acton Area
Virtual
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/activist-afternoons/event/586133/

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

Postcards for Democracy (weekly)
Thursday, May 30, 9-11am
Kimball Farm Country Store, 400 Littleton Road, Westford (upstairs)
Sponsor: Indivisible Westford
$15 per packet
https://turnpurple2blue.org/2024/02/25/postcards-for-democracy/

Join fellow activists every Thursday to write postcards over coffee and conversations.
Postcard campaigns for races for Senate & House, as well as some simple Get Out the Vote projects for Ohio and Arizona Native Americans.

Pen Power at KJ’s Caffe (weekly)
Saturday, June 1, 9:30-11am
KJs Caffe next to Trader Joe’s, Acton
$15 per packet of 25 postcards
RSVP: Linda@IndivisibleActon.org
https://turnpurple2blue.org/2024/03/25/pen-power-at-kjs-caffe/

Join fellow activists every Saturday to write postcards over coffee and conversations. Postcard campaigns for races for Senate & House, as well as some simple Get Out the Vote projects for Ohio and Arizona Native Americans.
Text for Democracy (weekly)
Monday, June 3, 12:30-1:30pm
Sponsor: Swing Blue Alliance
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible-ma/event/619754/

Working in conjunction with Field Team 6, we will text unregistered likely Democrats in key swing states to help them register to vote. (If you’re unfamiliar with FT6, they have an amazing success rate for registering voters.) We will use a method developed by FT6 that is free and flexible. It’s called BYOP, which stands for Bring Your Own Phone, even though you will use your computer and not your phone. You will have to install some basic software, but it’s not hard, and once you have installed the prerequisites, it’s as easy as hitting one button.

In addition, you will be able to send texts whenever it’s convenient for you, as long as it’s between 9AM and 9 PM in the location you are texting.

Other Events

People’s Action Deep Canvassing training

Introduction to Deep Canvassing: The Proven Method to Change Hearts and Minds
Tuesday, May 28, 6pm
Register: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/616697/

State Level Actions

Pass the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act

This week, we learned that the Location Shield Act provisions have been incorporated into an omnibus package called the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act (see https://www.aclum.org/en/press-releases/aclu-applauds-new-landmark-data-privacy-legislation for more information), which was passed favorably out of committee. Among other measures, the package would stop the sale of cellphone location data (which endangers people seeking abortion) as well as the use of sensitive, personal data for targeted advertising (such as that used by crisis pregnancy centers). Contact your legislators to pass the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act this session! You can do so at https://mobilize.aclum.org/a/pass-data-privacy-regulations
h/t Indivisible Mass Coalition

To Contact the Governor

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

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

Our State Legislators’ Info

Activism tip: put your legislators in your phone. You’ll be able to easily find them to contact as needed.

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

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

Please join Solidarity Lowell in standing with our Cambodian neighbors

Many Cambodian Americans have been advocating for legislation to promote democracy and ensure human rights in Cambodia. The bills, H.R.4659 (co-sponsored by Rep. Lori Trahan) and S.2331 (sponsored by Senator Markey) , Cambodia Democracy, and Human Rights Act of 2023, “A bill to promote free and fair elections, democracy, political freedoms, and human rights in Cambodia, and for other purposes.” have been stalled in Congress.  The success of the bills will signal to the dictatorial Hun family that authoritarian control, brutal suppression of his people, and the abuse of human rights in the Kingdom of Cambodia will not be ignored by the United States.

Sign this petition urging Congress to pass the bills:
https://civicshout.com/p/urge-congress-to-pass-the-cambodia-democracy-act

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Activism tip: put your legislators in your phone. You’ll be able to easily find them to contact as needed. Shy? Call after 5 and leave a message. They work for you and you have a right to tell them what you think!

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

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

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

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

Action of the Week

Lowell Events & Actions

Next City Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30pm, at City Hall and online

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

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

See agenda for details:
https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092024-3058?html=true

5. CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS

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

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

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

6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER

6.1. Motion Responses

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

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

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

8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER

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

11. PETITIONS

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

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

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

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

Cambodian Flag Raising Ceremony

Friday, April 12, 10am

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

Live broadcast on CMAA Facebook.

Lowell Litter Krewe

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

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

Lowell Parking Garage Art – Phase 2 – Call for Artists

Deadline: April 26

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

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

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

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

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

Hunger And Homelessness Commission Has An Opening

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

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

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

Support for our unhoused neighbors

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

Any NEW opportunities will be posted here as well.